Walking down the cleaning aisle used to mean choosing between a chemical fog that lingers for hours or a “natural” spray that leaves a filmy residue behind. Most all-purpose cleaners from big brands rely on synthetic surfactants and artificial fragrances that irritate sensitive skin and leave indoor air quality compromised long after the counters look dry. The alternative — genuinely plant-based cleaning — has matured in recent years, with formulas that cut grease without the ammonia and disinfect without the bleach.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. I’ve spent the last decade researching ingredient labels, scrutinizing third-party certifications, and tracking the performance of plant-based household products to separate real formulations from marketing fluff in the natural cleaning space.
This buying guide evaluates seven contenders based on their ingredient transparency, grease-cutting power, surface safety, and scent integrity to help you find the absolute best all-natural all-purpose cleaner that genuinely replaces your chemical arsenal.
How To Choose The Best All-Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Not all “natural” cleaners are created equal. A bottle can sport green leaves on the label yet still contain synthetic preservatives, ethoxylated surfactants, or artificial dyes. The smartest buyers check three things: the surfactant source (plant vs. petroleum), the certification body (third-party, not self-declared), and the dilution ratio if buying concentrate. These three filters eliminate 90% of the shelf that is just greenwashed conventional chemistry.
Ingredient Transparency and Certifications
Look for labels that list every ingredient plainly — no trade secrets or “fragrance” loopholes that hide phthalates. Legitimate certifications like EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, MadeSafe, or USDA Biobased tell you the formula has been audited by someone other than the manufacturer. A clean ingredient deck should read like a recipe: saponified coconut oil, baking soda, essential oils, water. If you see polyethylene glycol, methylisothiazolinone, or “color added” on an “all-natural” bottle, put it back.
Concentrate vs. Ready-to-Use
Concentrate gives you control over strength and keeps plastic packaging to a minimum — one 8-ounce bottle can make over a gallon of cleaner. Ready-to-use sprays are more convenient but typically contain 90%+ water, meaning you pay for shipping and packaging water. If you clean frequently across multiple surfaces, a concentrate refill system like Branch Basics or Good Natured Brand saves money and landfill space over the long haul.
Surface Compatibility and Residue Profile
Natural cleaners vary widely in pH and surfactant aggressiveness. A formula with citrus oils can be too acidic for sealed granite or marble, while heavy soap-based cleaners leave a film on glass or stainless steel. The best all-purpose formulas are neutral pH with a balanced surfactant load that doesn’t require rinsing. Check the fine print: many natural sprays are fine for sealed stone, laminate, and ceramic tile but warn against unfinished wood or unsealed grout.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grove Co. Multipurpose Cleaner | Premium | Grease-cutting & quartz/granite | 92% plant-based, 6x 1oz refills | Amazon |
| Branch Basics Concentrate | Premium | Whole-house replacement system | 33.8 oz concentrate, MadeSafe | Amazon |
| Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface | Mid-Range | Everyday general cleaning | Lavender, 3×16 oz bottles | Amazon |
| Zum All-Purpose Cleaner | Mid-Range | Granite & bathroom surfaces | Saponified coconut oil,16 oz | Amazon |
| Good Natured Brand Concentrate | Mid-Range | Streak-free windows & counters | 16x concentrate, lemon, 8 oz | Amazon |
| REVIVEEO Immunity Boost | Mid-Range | Concentrate, stainless steel | Immunity essential oil blend | Amazon |
| Aunt Fannie’s Wood Spray | Mid-Range | Wood tables & shelves | No-wax, lemon, 16.9 oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Refill Concentrate
The Grove Co. concentrate system delivers a rare combination: it cuts through grease with noticeably more power than most natural sprays while maintaining a genuinely clean ingredient profile. The 92% plant-based formula uses essential oils and plant extracts for scent — no synthetic fragrances, no phthalates, no phosphates. The variety pack gives you three scent options (Orange & Rosemary, Lavender & Thyme, and another seasonal option), so you can rotate based on mood or room.
Each 1-ounce refill makes a full 16-ounce spray bottle, reducing ongoing plastic waste compared to ready-to-use bottles. Users consistently report that it outperforms other natural brands on stainless steel and quartz without leaving a dulling film. The glass bottle (sold separately) is infinitely recyclable, and the refills come in 100% recycled paper packaging — a meaningful shift away from the plastic-heavy cleaning aisle.
The only catch is the upfront cost of the spray bottle if you don’t already own one, and the concentrate refills are sold in a 6-pack, which may feel like a lot for someone testing a single scent. But for anyone committed to replacing conventional kitchen and bathroom sprays, the performance-to-planet ratio here is the strongest in this list.
Why it’s great
- Claims to cut 2x more grease than other natural brands
- Plastic-free refill packaging reduces waste significantly
- 100% natural fragrance from essential oils, no synthetics
- Safe on quartz and granite with no caustic ingredients
Good to know
- Requires a separate spray bottle purchase for first use
- Refills sold in 6-packs; no single-scent trial option
- Some users find the scent concentration varies by batch
2. Branch Basics Concentrate Refill (33.8 oz)
Branch Basics takes a radically different approach from the scented spray bottles lining most shelves: one single unscented concentrate that replaces every cleaner in your home — all-purpose spray, glass cleaner, bathroom spray, laundry detergent, floor cleaner, and even hand soap. The ingredient deck is unapologetically short: plant and mineral-based ingredients with zero preservatives, zero dyes, zero bleach, and zero ammonia. It’s MadeSafe Certified and Leaping Bunny Certified, two of the hardest third-party audits to pass in the cleaning category.
The 33.8-ounce bottle makes a staggering volume of usable cleaner depending on your dilution ratio — a full-strength all-purpose spray, a 1:10 ratio for glass, or a 1:20 ratio for floors. Users report that it leaves windows streak-free, floors clean without sticky residue, and cotton clothing stain-free when used as laundry detergent. The fragrance-free formulation is a blessing for households with chemical sensitivities, asthma, or anyone who finds even essential oil scents overwhelming.
There are two trade-offs to consider. First, the unscented reality: if you love walking into a room that smells like lavender or lemon, you’ll need to add your own essential oils post-dilution. Second, the upfront investment is higher than a single spray bottle, though the per-use cost quickly drops below any ready-to-use natural cleaner on the market. This is a system for someone ready to commit to a single, non-toxic cleaning protocol across every room.
Why it’s great
- One concentrate replaces all household cleaners
- MadeSafe and Leaping Bunny certified — rigorous auditing
- Fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive respiratory systems
- Extremely low per-use cost after initial purchase
Good to know
- Higher upfront cost for the starter bottle + concentrate
- No scent unless you add your own essential oils
- Requires multiple labeled bottles and ratio memorization
3. Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner (Lavender, 3-Pack)
Mrs. Meyer’s is the brand that mainstreamed natural cleaning — and the Lavender Multi-Surface spray remains the benchmark that many entries try to beat. The formula uses essential oils for scent (lavender, orange peel, cedar, and rose notes) and cleans nonporous surfaces without parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, phosphates, or artificial colors. It’s Leaping Bunny Certified and carries enough brand trust that you can find it in most grocery stores, not just specialty retailers.
Performance-wise, it strikes a strong balance: it removes everyday dirt, food spatters, and fingerprints from wood floors, sinks, countertops, and stainless steel with no waxy residue. Users consistently note that the lavender scent is authentic — grassy and floral rather than the soapy perfume of cheaper natural cleaners — and that a few spritzes go a long way on a sponge or mop. The 3-pack value format keeps the per-bottle cost low for a ready-to-use spray.
Where it falls slightly short is heavy-duty grease compared to the Grove Co. concentrate or the specialized grease-cutting sprays. It’s not the best choice for baked-on stove-top residue or greasy hood filters. It also contains fragrance (even if from essential oils), so households with extreme scent sensitivities may prefer the unscented Branch Basics route. But as a daily driver for general surface cleaning, this remains the most accessible high-quality option.
Why it’s great
- Trusted brand with Leaping Bunny certification
- Authentic lavender scent from essential oils, not synthetics
- Streak-free on stainless steel, wood floors, and sinks
- 3-pack offers great per-bottle value for ready-to-use format
Good to know
- Struggles with heavy baked-on grease compared to concentrates
- Essential oil scent may still irritate very sensitive individuals
- Not formulated for unsealed natural stone surfaces
4. Zum All-Purpose Cleaner (Frankincense & Myrrh, 16 oz)
Zum’s Frankincense & Myrrh cleaner is not trying to be all things to all surfaces — it excels in a specific niche: sealed natural stone. Customers with granite countertops report that this formula outperforms specialty stone cleaners like Dupont and Granite Gold because it cleans without citrus oils (which can etch stone) and leaves a shine without needing a separate polish. The base is simple: saponified coconut oil, alcohol, essential oils, and baking soda — no ammonia, bleach, or artificial acids.
The scent profile is the most distinctive in this lineup. Frankincense and myrrh deliver a warm, resinous, almost spa-like aroma that lingers gently rather than screaming “lemon.” Users describe it as intoxicating and unisex — the kind of scent that makes guests ask what you’re burning in a diffuser. It also cleans well on bathroom sinks, tubs, and mirrors, with reviewers noting that a little goes a long way on surface area.
The trade-off is that this is a 16-ounce ready-to-use spray at a per-ounce cost that edges higher than the Mrs. Meyer’s 3-pack. It’s also not ideal for heavy degreasing or for large-surface spray-mopping. If your priority is a stone-safe, gorgeous-smelling countertop spray that doubles as a bathroom freshener, Zum is a standout. If you need a high-volume multi-surface workhorse, one of the concentrate options will stretch further.
Why it’s great
- Specifically safe for sealed granite — no citrus etching
- Unique frankincense & myrrh scent, not the typical citrus
- Plant-based with saponified coconut oil and baking soda
- Replaces polish; leaves granite shiny with less rubbing
Good to know
- Smaller 16-oz bottle; higher per-ounce cost than multi-packs
- Not formulated for heavy grease or large surface mopping
- Scent is strong and distinctive — not for everyone
5. Good Natured Brand All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate (Lemon, 8 oz)
Good Natured Brand offers what might be the best cost-per-use ratio in this guide: one 8-ounce bottle of concentrate makes up to eight 16-ounce spray bottles of all-purpose cleaner. At a 16x concentration ratio, you’re paying mostly for the active cleaning ingredients rather than shipping water. The formula is plant-based, hypoallergenic, and free from artificial fragrances — the lemon scent comes from real lemon essential oil, and it smells bright and clean without the synthetic sharpness of conventional lemon sprays.
Performance feedback from users is notably strong for a budget-friendly concentrate. It effectively cuts through coffee stains, greasy stovetop splatters, and everyday grime on counters without leaving a sticky film. Multiple reviewers mention that it works well on windows, producing a streak-free finish comparable to dedicated glass cleaners. The formula suds up slightly when applied (unlike alcohol-based sprays), which helps you see where you’ve cleaned, but it doesn’t leave soap scum behind.
The main downsides are the lack of third-party certification (ingredients are listed but not independently audited like Branch Basics or Grove Co.) and the plastic packaging of the concentrate bottle itself. Some users also noted that the bottle arrived without a seal, raising a minor freshness concern. Still, for the price per ounce of active cleaning power, this is a compelling entry point for anyone wanting to move away from conventional chemicals without spending heavily upfront.
Why it’s great
- 16x concentrate — one bottle makes 128 oz of cleaner
- Pleasant lemon scent from real essential oil, not synthetic
- Hypoallergenic and safe around kids and pets
- Effective streak-free finish on windows and counters
Good to know
- No third-party certification like EWG or Leaping Bunny
- Bottle lacks a seal; some users report product missing
- Plastic bottle packaging rather than glass or paper refill
6. REVIVEEO Immunity Boost Cleaner Concentrate
REVIVEEO approaches the all-purpose cleaner from an aromatherapy angle, infusing their concentrate with the same Immunity Boost essential oil blend used in their wellness diffusers. The result is a cleaning spray that smells distinctly like clove, orange, and cinnamon — a warm, holiday-esque fragrance that users describe as “Christmas in a bottle.” Beyond the scent, the formula is plant-based, non-toxic, and designed to be diluted with water to make a full spray bottle’s worth of cleaner.
Performance reviews are enthusiastic, particularly on stainless steel and quartz countertops. Users report that it leaves a nice sheen without streaks, cleans effectively on stovetops, microwaves, and bathroom fixtures, and the scent lingers gently without being overpowering. Because it’s a concentrate, a single bottle can last heavy cleaners an entire year, making it surprisingly economical despite its premium positioning.
The main limitation is specificity: the Immunity Boost scent is love-it-or-leave-it, and not everyone wants their kitchen counters smelling like clove and orange. REVIVEEO sells other scent blends (like Lemon and Tea Tree), but the variety is narrower than Grove Co.’s rotating options. The brand also sells direct-to-consumer to avoid MLM markups, which keeps the price fair, but you won’t find this on grocery shelves to test the scent first. If the spice blend sounds appealing, this is a solid concentrate with stellar user loyalty.
Why it’s great
- Unique Immunity Boost essential oil blend with warm, festive scent
- Concentrate format — one bottle can last a full year
- Leaves stainless steel and quartz with a clean sheen, no streaks
- 100% from plants, no synthetic fillers or carrier oils
Good to know
- Immunity Boost scent is bold and divisive — not for everyone
- Limited scent variety compared to other concentrate brands
- Not widely available in retail; online purchase required to try
7. Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Wood Spray Cleaner (Lemon, 16.9 oz)
Aunt Fannie’s is one of the few all-natural cleaners purpose-built for wood surfaces. The no-wax formula cleans and shines wood tables, shelves, cabinets, and walls without leaving the sticky, buildup-prone residue that traditional wood polishes leave behind. It’s EWG A-rated, Leaping Bunny Certified, and formulated to be safe around kids and pets — a meaningful consideration for families whose little ones touch every surface in the house.
The lemon scent is mild and natural, derived from plant-based ingredients rather than synthetic fragrance oils. Users with asthma or chemical sensitivities report that this spray does not trigger respiratory irritation the way conventional wood dusting products (like Pledge or Method) often do. It cleans textured wood surfaces effectively — one reviewer mentioned that it pulled kid-mess residue out of crevices with just a spray-and-wipe motion, no scrubbing required. The finish is clean and non-sticky, which is rare in the wood care aisle.
The narrow use case is both the strength and the limitation. This is a wood-specific spray; while it can technically be used on other hard surfaces, it’s not optimized for general kitchen or bathroom cleaning. If your cleaning routine includes multiple surface types, you’d still need a separate all-purpose spray for non-wood areas. For households with lots of wood furniture and cabinetry, however, this is the most effective natural wood cleaner in the mid-range tier.
Why it’s great
- Specifically formulated for wood — no wax, no sticky residue
- EWG A-rated and Leaping Bunny Certified
- Mild lemon scent, no respiratory irritation for sensitive users
- Cleans textured wood crevices without scrubbing
Good to know
- Narrow use case: optimized for wood, not all-purpose cleaning
- Smaller 16.9 oz bottle; higher cost per ounce than multipurpose options
- Not intended for unsealed, unfinished, or waxed wood surfaces
FAQ
Are all-natural all-purpose cleaners safe for sealed granite countertops?
Do natural cleaners kill bacteria and viruses the same way bleach does?
Can I use essential oil-based cleaners on laminate or vinyl flooring?
How long does a concentrate bottle last compared to a ready-to-use spray?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best all-natural all-purpose cleaner winner is the Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Refill because it strikes the best balance between grease-cutting power, ingredient transparency, and plastic-free packaging — all while offering versatile scent options that actually smell natural. If you want a single unscented concentrate that replaces every bottle under your sink, grab the Branch Basics Concentrate — it’s the most versatile non-toxic cleaning system on the market. And for a ready-to-use spray that’s widely available and reliably good, nothing beats the Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Multi-Surface Cleaner.







