6 Things You Should Never Immaculate With All-Purpose Cleaner

The title “all-purpose cleaner” might be a little misleading. It turns out, it’s not actually secure for all purposes after all. From electronics to fine fabrics, natural stone, and more, there are a variety of surfaces and materials that just don’t jive with this household cleaning staple. Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company based in Irving, Texas, lends her expertise to assist you determine which items are better cleaned with other formulas and why.

Before you take her recommendations and start shopping for your novel arsenal of cleaning companions, Mock says there are ingredients that should be avoided. “When choosing cleaning products, avoid harmful chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” she says. That goes for both all-purpose cleaners and any other items you might be bringing into your home, as they can have detrimental effects on both your home and the environment. “Instead, try products made with natural ingredients, such as lauramine oxide or caprylyl glucoside, which are safer for you and the earth!”

Upholstery, Leather, Lace, and Other Delicate Fabrics

“Delicate fabrics and upholstery can be easily damaged by all-purpose cleaners, causing fading or staining,” says Mock. As for leather, the ingredients in all-purpose cleaner wouldn’t provide the conditioning benefits this material needs and would, instead, strip moisture, causing dryness and cracking. There are a variety of processes and products that are better suited for lifting stains, removing odors, or providing other cleaning benefits when it comes to this category. Mock says to opt for products specific to your particular type of fabric or upholstery (for example, leather cleaner or suede cleaner) in order to keep them protected while also cleaning.  

Electronics

The problem with cleaning electronics with an all-purpose cleaner largely comes down to moisture. While it’s never a good idea to spray your electronics directly with any type of cleaner, even wetting a cloth with the formula and applying it to the items can still result in damage, including short-circuiting. “Instead, use electronic-safe cleaning wipes or sprays, applying them to a cloth before cleaning your devices,” says Mock.

Granite and Stone Surfaces

It’s tempting to reach for the all-purpose cleaner when tidying up the kitchen, but try to avoid it if you’re wiping down natural stone surfaces. Mock says the ingredients in these (nearly) do-it-all formulas might prove too harsh, compromising the sealant and damaging or discoloring the stone beneath. The cleaning pro advises opting for a formula that is specifically suited for stone care instead.

Wooden Furniture

Like suede, leather, stone, and other natural materials, wood requires the right formula to avoid harm. “Wooden surfaces can lose their finish or suffer damage from the chemicals in an all-purpose cleaner,” says Mock. “For wood, it’s best to use cleaners designed for wood furniture, which will preserve its finish.”

Non-Stick Cookware

If you’ve ever thought about taking the all-purpose cleaner to your non-stick pots and pans, just don’t do it. Mock says the abrasives used in some all-purpose cleaners can strip their coating, so it’s best to operate a cleaner or soap that is specifically geared toward this type of cookware. Whether you’re the proud owners of a novel set of nonstick cookware or you’re looking to shake up your cleaning routine, always remember to read your user manual for best practices before embarking on any novel cleaning method, as once the damage is done, it’s challenging, if not impossible, to reverse.

Mirrors and Windows

Other surfaces that aren’t well suited for your all-purpose cleaner are windows and glass. “While you might be tempted to use an all-purpose cleaner on glass surfaces, it can leave streaks or residue behind,” says Mock. She adds that the best way to avoid this scenario is to stick to a dedicated glass cleaner that will allow for a streak-free shine.