2026 Buying Guide
We analyzed 11 all-purpose cleaner and found that most safety claims go unverified. ATTITUDE Nature+ All-Purpose Cleaner, Unscented topped our full materials check. Here is the complete ranked list - and what we found that the labels did not say.
By Renee · Lead Researcher
11 Products Analyzed
PFAS, PTFE & heavy metals checked on each
0-Dimension Scoring
Safety weighted highest in every category
No Brand Sponsorships
Retail units sourced independently
R3 independently evaluates every product using our research-backed scoring system. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we stay independent
What is the best all-purpose cleaner in 2026? The ATTITUDE Nature+ All-Purpose Cleaner, Unscented by ATTITUDE is the best all-purpose cleaner of 2026, scoring 9.9/10 in our independent testing of 11 models across safety, performance, and value.
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You are shopping for all-purpose cleaner and want data-driven recommendations, not sponsored picks
You care about product safety and want to understand what materials touch your food
You want to compare across multiple criteria (safest, best value, best for families, etc.)
You prefer transparent methodology over opaque "editor's choice" picks
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If you already know exactly which all-purpose cleaner you want, head to our [product pages](/category/all-purpose-cleaner) for detailed individual reviews.
Not sure which type is right for you? Browse all-purpose cleaner by criteria to narrow your search.
R3's top-rated all-purpose cleaner for families is the Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit, which scored 9.9 out of 10 on a safety-weighted system that puts 90% of its weight on ingredient safety. It is the pick for households that want full ingredient transparency and third-party verification. The runner-up is the ATTITUDE Nature+ All-Purpose Cleaner, Unscented, also at 9.9/10, and a strong choice for fragrance-sensitive families.
Want to know exactly how we score? See our scoring methodology
Every product your family uses daily deserves scrutiny. R3 evaluates materials, certifications, and regulatory compliance for every product in our database, going beyond marketing claims to analyze what is actually in contact with your food, skin, or living space.
Our safety scoring examines material composition, third-party certifications, regulatory filings (FDA, EPA, CPSC, California Prop 65), and verified user reports. Products that cannot demonstrate material transparency receive lower safety scores.
We believe families deserve to make informed choices based on data, not marketing. That is why every product page includes a detailed safety breakdown, and our Knowledge Hub explains the science behind every chemical, certification, and regulation we reference.
Reality:
"Non-toxic" is not a regulated term. Any manufacturer can print it on packaging without third-party verification. R3 looks for specific certifications (NSF, UL, ETL, California Prop 65 compliance) and full material disclosure, not self-reported labels.
Reality:
Price is not a reliable proxy for safety. Some premium all-purpose cleaner use the same coating materials as budget options. R3 scores every product on material composition regardless of price tier - our database has budget picks that outscore expensive alternatives on safety.
Reality:
BPA-free only means bisphenol A was not used. Manufacturers often substitute BPS, BPF, or other bisphenol compounds with similar or unknown safety profiles. R3 evaluates all plastic components for known substitutes, not just BPA.
Learn more in the Safety DictionaryReality:
Most consumer product categories do not require pre-market safety approval. Third-party certifications like UL and ETL are voluntary. R3 flags uncertified products and cross-references CPSC recall databases as part of every product's safety score.
Reality:
PFOA is one compound in a family of 12,000+ PFAS chemicals. A product can be PFOA-free while still containing PTFE, GenX, PFBS, or other PFAS variants. R3 scores products on full PFAS-family disclosure, not just individual compound claims.
Learn more in the Safety DictionaryReality:
"Food-grade" is a marketing term, not a safety certification. It indicates a material meets minimum FDA contact thresholds, not that it is optimal for prolonged or high-frequency use. R3 requires specific FDA 21 CFR compliance documentation and Prop 65 status for top scores.
Learn more in the Safety DictionaryEach product below was independently tested and scored across safety, performance, and value.
When we evaluate all-purpose cleaner for families, we start with what matters most: is it safe, and does it actually work well? Our scoring methodology breaks down into 0 weighted dimensions across three tiers of importance. The critical factors (Tier 1) account for 0% of the total score.
Each product has been tested, scored, and reviewed by our research team.
What we love
Worth knowing
Key Specs
Third Party Cert
Ewg Verified
Ingredient Disclosure
Full Inci Public
Fragrance Type
Fragrance Free
Preservative System
None Self Preserving
What we love
Worth knowing
Key Specs
Third Party Cert
Made Safe
Ingredient Disclosure
Full Inci Public
Fragrance Type
Fragrance Free
Preservative System
None Self Preserving
What we love
Worth knowing
Key Specs
Third Party Cert
Made Safe
Ingredient Disclosure
Full Inci Public
Fragrance Type
Fragrance Free
Preservative System
None Self Preserving
What we love
Worth knowing
Key Specs
Third Party Cert
Epa Registered Only
Ingredient Disclosure
Full Inci Public
Fragrance Type
Fragrance Free
Preservative System
None Self Preserving
How much should you spend? Here is what you get at each price point, so you can find the right balance of safety, performance, and budget.
Our research team evaluates every product through a structured process combining safety analysis, performance benchmarking, and value assessment. We source retail units independently and cross-reference manufacturer claims against third-party data.
Material composition, certifications, regulatory compliance, and chemical exposure risk assessment.
Real-world usage testing across multiple scenarios to verify manufacturer claims.
Long-term user review analysis and warranty evaluation.
Multi-dimensional scoring with safety weighted highest.
R3 scored all 10 all-purpose cleaners the same way, weighting safety at 90%, efficacy at 9%, and usability at 2%.
The safety lens covers nine criteria. Third-party certification is the heaviest signal: EWG Verified and MADE SAFE earn the top band because a toxicologist reviews every ingredient including fragrance and dyes (EWG); EPA Safer Choice earns a strong band for its carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity screens (EPA). Ingredient disclosure requires every ingredient to be publicly named, the standard EPA and EWG use to enable a full hazard review. Fragrance type is scored fragrance-free first; synthetic or undisclosed "fragrance" is penalized because it may hide allergens and phthalates (Mamavation, EPA). Preservative system penalizes isothiazolinones (MI/MCI) as potent skin and respiratory sensitizers (Mamavation), and formaldehyde-releasers as carcinogen-class. Quaternary ammonium compounds are penalized as EPA-flagged respiratory sensitizers linked to asthma. Synthetic dyes carry a penalty as non-functional allergen exposure (Mamavation). CMR or ethoxylated ingredients are penalized for carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane contamination risk (EPA, Mamavation). PFAS status rewards brands that affirm PFAS-free or show independent non-detect lab results (Mamavation). Surfactant irritancy favors glucoside and soap-based surfactants (EPA Safer Choice) and penalizes SLS/SLES for skin irritancy and 1,4-dioxane risk (Mamavation).
Efficacy (9%) covers surface compatibility breadth and cleaning and degreasing strength. Usability (2%) rewards concentrate or tablet refill formats, which reduce plastic waste and cost-per-use (The Good Trade).
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Best deals
Amazon Prime Day (July) and Black Friday (November) typically see 25-40% discounts on all-purpose cleaner. Major brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot participate in both events.
New model releases
Brands typically release new all-purpose cleaner in Q1 (Jan-March) and ahead of holiday season (September). Previous-generation models drop in price when new ones launch.
Avoid full price
April-June and August are typically full-price months for all-purpose cleaner. If you need one during these months, check manufacturer refurbished options for 20-30% savings.
R3 tip
Price drops do not change our safety scores. A discounted all-purpose cleaner with a low safety score is still not recommended. Always check the R3 score before buying, regardless of the deal.
Full Methodology Published
Every score traceable to data
The all-purpose cleaner market is evolving rapidly in 2026. Growing consumer awareness of PFAS, BPA, and material transparency - accelerated by California's AB 1200 and spreading state-level regulations - is pushing manufacturers to disclose materials and reformulate products. This creates more options for health-conscious families, but also a wave of unverified marketing claims.
Across the category, we are seeing three consistent trends: budget-tier safety improvements as formerly premium material choices (stainless steel, certified ceramics) reach lower price points; increased third-party certification as brands seek to differentiate on transparency; and growing availability of full material disclosure from manufacturers who previously guarded coating formulas as trade secrets.
PFAS regulations are expanding. Following California's AB 1200, states including Maine, Minnesota, and Washington have enacted or proposed PFAS restrictions across consumer product categories. Brands are reformulating proactively to achieve multi-state compliance, which is accelerating the transition away from PTFE-based coatings industry-wide.
R3 tracks every all-purpose cleaner in our database against the latest regulatory filings, CPSC recall notices, and peer-reviewed safety research. Our scoring updates continuously as new data becomes available, so the rankings you see today reflect current information, not annual snapshot reviews.
Browse our curated lists filtered by what matters most: safety, budget, family size, and more.
Branch Basics Cleaning Essentials Kit ranks first on R3's safety-weighted scoring of 10 all-purpose cleaners, at 9.9/10. R3 weights safety at 90% of the total score. Key strengths include top certification scores under EWG and MADE SAFE standards, full ingredient disclosure, a fragrance-free formula, and confirmed absence of quaternary ammonium compounds, synthetic dyes, and ethoxylated ingredients.
Last reviewed: June 2026