The Best Kitchen Cleaners for Grease, Grime, and Food Messes, Tested

Keeping the kitchen clean can be a never-ending quest, and choosing from the wide selection of kitchen cleaners on the market can make it even more challenging. But tackling even the dirtiest messes needn’t be a big chore if you have the right kitchen cleaner for the job—and a few handy time-saving tricks.

In an effort to find the best kitchen cleaners, we researched 27 highly rated products to discover which are worth the hype and which you can live without. From there, we tested 10 of the top contenders. Use this guide to learn what to look for and why the following products are considered some of the best kitchen cleaners to keep your cooking space sanitary and spotless.

1. BEST OVERALL: The Pink Stuff Miracle Multipurpose Cleaner
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner
3. BEST DEGREASER: Easy-Off Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser
4. BEST LONG-LASTING: Mistolin Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner
5. BEST DEEP-CLEANING: GP66 Green Miracle Cleaner
6. BEST NATURAL: Bon Ami Scratch-Free Powder Cleanser
7. BEST DISINFECTANT: Windex Multisurface Disinfectant Cleaner
8. BEST FOR KITCHEN FLOOR: Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner
9. BEST FOR KITCHEN SINK: Biomex All-Purpose Multisurface Cleaner and Sponge 

Before You Buy a Kitchen Cleaner

Kitchen cleaners can clean up stuck-on food, grease, dirt, and even lurking mold. Cleaning power and environmental friendliness are important factors to consider when choosing the best option for your home. If you live with children or pets, look for a kitchen surface cleaner that uses vinegar, water, or natural oils in the formulas instead of household cleaning products with harsh chemicals that are not recommended for food contact.

How We Tested the Best Kitchen Cleaners 

While a simple mixture of dish soap and water is adequate for wiping down countertops and tackling grease-smudged cabinets, dirtier jobs require heavy-duty cleaners. 

Before choosing which products to test, we researched 27 popular kitchen cleaners. We then narrowed our testing pool to 10 standout products selected for their cost, intended uses, and user ratings. Once we received the cleaners, we spent 2 weeks using them to wipe down kitchen counters, shine stainless steel, remove grease, and scrub sinks. We logged our results in a rubric survey in which we awarded each cleaner several ratings based on its cleaning ability, ease of use, value, and scent. Below are the results of our extensive tests.

Testing Stats

• Products tested: 10
• Hours spent testing: 5.5
• Tests performed: 11
• Average price: $11.48

Our Top Picks

Make your kitchen sparkle with one of these hand-tested and highly rated kitchen cleaners.

Best Overall

The Pink Stuff Miracle Multipurpose Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray
• Compatible surfaces: Most hard surfaces
• Quantity: 25.4 ounces

Pros

• Vegan and nontoxic formula is safe for many hard surfaces in the kitchen
• Cuts through dirt, grease, and grime, leaving surfaces noticeably cleaner
• Inexpensive and versatile; suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and other nonporous surfaces

Cons

• Not safe for granite, marble, or wooden surfaces that are waxed, oiled, open pore, painted, or varnished

A brand best known for its Miracle Cleaning Paste, The Pink Stuff boasts a line of other popular products, including this multipurpose cleaner spray. This cleaner features a nontoxic, vegan formula that is safe for most hard kitchen surfaces (excluding marble and granite countertops and various wood surfaces). It’s affordable and versatile, making it a handy product to have in your home.

We tested this kitchen cleaner on as many applicable surfaces as possible, starting with our laminate countertops and glass stovetop. It lifted burnt-on gunk from the stovetop in minutes and left our counters looking clean and smooth. Next, we tried it on our stainless steel appliances. It removed dirt but didn’t leave our appliances quite as shiny as dedicated stainless steel cleaners. However, it did a good job of removing food gunk inside the refrigerator.

Where this spray really stood out was in the oven. The formula is supposed to break down grease and grime, so we put it to the test. We sprayed our oven, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes, and then got to wiping. It lifted much of the gunk. There was still some old, caked-on oil left behind, but overall, we were impressed by the nontoxic formula’s cleaning power.

Get The Pink Stuff kitchen cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Best Bang For The Buck

Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray
• Compatible surfaces: Counters, sinks, stovetops, cabinets, and appliance exteriors
• Quantity: 22 ounces

Pros

• When used as directed, kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, including salmonella, Covid-19, staph, and more
• Functions as a cleaner, sanitizer, and disinfectant on most hard kitchen surfaces
• Citrus-scented formula isn’t overwhelming; we found the light scent enjoyable

Cons

• Must rinse with potable water after using on food-contact surfaces

Those concerned with kitchen germs or food-borne illnesses can turn to Lysol’s Kitchen Pro spray to clean and disinfect. Lysol claims this cleaner kills up to 99.9 percent of germs and viruses when used as directed. It’s also suitable as a sanitizer and a kitchen cleaner, cutting through grease and grime effectively.

The first thing we noticed about Lysol’s Kitchen Pro was its aroma. Unlike most other disinfectants, it lacked a chemical scent and instead filled our kitchen with a fresh citrus smell. We put it to work on our countertops, spraying it on and then wiping it off with a paper towel. A little went a long way, and we were pleased with how nice our laminate counters looked after use. 

After handling raw chicken, we also used this disinfectant spray to sanitize our countertops and kill germs in our sinks. For the cleaner to disinfect, it must remain wet on a surface for 10 minutes. We sprayed our germy surfaces, allowed the cleaner to work, and then wiped it away. Lysol advises users to rinse food-contact surfaces after applying this cleaner, so we used water to rinse the countertop area where we prepare food. Overall, this was one of our favorite cleaners, and we recommend it to those looking for a good, budget-friendly disinfectant.

Get the Lysol kitchen cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Degreaser

Easy-Off Kitchen Cleaner & Degreaser

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray
• Compatible surfaces: Backsplash, stovetop, counters, cabinets, oven, sink, and microwave
• Quantity: 16 ounces

Pros

• Suitable for many kitchen surfaces, including backsplashes, stovetops, cabinets, ovens, and microwaves
• Cuts through grease and grime within seconds and without scrubbing
• No harsh scent; pleasant lemon aroma fills the kitchen after use

Cons

• Must rinse food-contact surfaces with fresh water to wipe away lingering product
• Not suitable for use on aluminum surfaces or nonporous surfaces

Even the best multipurpose cleaners sometimes fail to remove greasy cooking messes. Those who deal with frequent oil splatters on their cooktops, counters, backsplash, oven, or microwave can benefit from a dedicated kitchen degreaser like this one from Easy-Off. This lemon-scented cleaning spray removes grease and grime in seconds and works on many kitchen surfaces—simply spritz it on, wipe it off, and rinse food-contact surfaces with water after use. 

Our kitchen backsplash is a hot spot for grease splatters and often goes uncleaned for weeks. We sprayed the Easy-Off Kitchen degreaser on our oil-covered ceramic backsplash, let it sit for a second, and then wiped it clean. The grease came off on the first wipe, and the cleaner left a pleasant lemon aroma behind.

We also used this spray on the inside of our microwave, which was marred with splatters from bubbled-over mac ‘n cheese and reheated leftovers. To test the grease-fighting power, we rubbed the microwave plate with vegetable oil and let it sit for 2 hours before spraying the interior. It took two attempts, but the Easy-Off cut through the new and old grease like a champ.

Get the Easy-Off kitchen cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Long-Lasting

Mistolin Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray bottle or bucket 
• Compatible surfaces: Most washable surfaces 
• Quantity: 1 gallon 

Pros

• Made to clean and deodorize; leaves a light lavender scent behind for hours 
• Suitable for a variety of hard surfaces; can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or on floors 
• Ample size is great for frequent use and more demanding cleaning projects 

Cons

• When undiluted, the scent may be too strong for some users’ liking 

If not-so-pleasant smells are a problem in your kitchen, this product may be the one-two punch your cooking space needs. Unlike cleansers that use citrus scents to combat odor, this 1-gallon cleaner from Mistolin boasts a clean and calming lavender scent that can keep the kitchen smelling fresh for hours. It’s a versatile cleanser suitable for a variety of surfaces, and its concentrated formula can be diluted in water to clean large surfaces.

Our first impression of the Mistolin cleaner was that the undiluted scent was quite strong. However, the smell was light and fresh once we diluted per the manufacturer’s instructions, mixing one quarter of the concentrate with 1 gallon of water. We added the mixed cleaner to a spray bottle to wash our countertops and kitchen table. It worked as expected, lifting dirt and minor food splatters. This all-purpose cleaner is gentle and suitable for floors, so we used a mop and bucket system to wash our hardwood floors. They looked clean, and they dried without streaks after use. 

The versatility and 1-gallon jug make this all-purpose concentrate a standout for whole-house cleaning.

Get the Mistolin kitchen cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Deep-Cleaning

GP66 Miracle Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent N/A; Value 3.5/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray 
• Compatible surfaces: Most washable surfaces 
• Quantity: 32 ounces 

Pros

• Biodegradable and water-based formula is safe for homes with children and pets 
• Developed for industrial use for reliability and effectiveness; cleans dirt, grease, and grime 
• Can be diluted in a 1 to 64 ratio, so it should last for a lot of cleaning tasks 

Cons

• Needs to be diluted for smaller or light-duty cleaning tasks
• Should not be used in concentrated form on water-based or varnished surfaces 
• Must rinse surfaces with potable water after use

GP66’s Miracle Cleaner, an American-made cleaner that’s strong yet biodegradable, is a useful weapon against the toughest messes in your kitchen. Initially developed for industrial use, its proprietary formula breaks the surface tension of water to mix and emulsify serious dirt, grease, and grime. The concentrated formula can be diluted with water in a 1 to 64 ratio or sprayed directly from the bottle. However, you’ll want to avoid using it in its concentrated form on varnished or water-based painted surfaces.

We tested this heavy-duty cleaner on big kitchen messes. First, we wiped pasta sauce and vegetable oil on our stovetop, counters, and stainless steel appliances, allowing each substance several hours to fully dry. We then sprayed the dried-on messes with the full-strength GP66 cleaner, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and wiped it with a sponge. The oil immediately came off all test surfaces, but it took some scrubbing to remove the pasta sauce. Once clean, we rinsed the areas with potable water per the manufacturer’s instructions.

We tried this spray undiluted on our glass stovetop and laminate counter, and it dried a little streaky. When diluted, it dried without any streaks while still lifting grime from the counters.

Get the GP66 kitchen cleaner at Amazon. 

Best Natural

Bon Ami Scratch-Free Powder Cleanser

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent N/A; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Powder 
• Compatible surfaces: Most washable surfaces 
• Quantity: 14 ounces

Pros

• Biodegradable eco-conscious formula is suitable for homes with children and pets 
• Can be used on virtually any washable surface in the home 
• Scratch-free powder formula will not scar or scuff glass surfaces 
• Unscented formula is ideal for those who want a fragrance-free space 

Cons

• Offered in a smaller size than some comparable kitchen cleaners 
• Should not be used on windows or mirrored surfaces 

Eco-conscious consumers can rely on the power of Bon Ami’s powder cleanser for their kitchen counters, glass cooktop stoves, microwaves, faucets, pots and pans, and china. Outside of the kitchen, it can also be put to use on grout, bathtubs, toilets, sinks, outdoor furniture, and even walls and floors. Biodegradable and made with no harsh chemicals, this 14-ounce scratch-free powder cleanser is great for food residue and scuff marks on hard surfaces with the help of its feldspar, calcium and sodium carbonate, and limestone formula. 

It was a favorite for cleaning our glass stovetop. The gentle abrasiveness dislodged burnt food and gunk without leaving any scratches behind. To use it, we wetted our surface, sprinkled the powder on, and then scrubbed it with a cloth. It was easy to rinse and left our cooktop streak-free. Aside from the glass cooktop, we used this cleaner on our enameled cast-iron sink, ceramic tile backsplash, grout, and laminate kitchen counters. The powder formula was ideal for penetrating nooks and crannies and lifting dirt from surfaces.

This kitchen cleaner has numerous uses, from cleaning and shining cookware to removing stains from showers and bathtubs. It’s a powerful product that can cut cleaning time in half in some instances. Since it’s gentle and scent-free, it’s an ideal choice for those who need serious scrubbing power without harsh chemicals.

Get the Bon Ami kitchen cleaner at Amazon (2-pack) or Walmart.

Best Disinfectant

Windex Multisurface Disinfectant Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray 
• Compatible surfaces: Bathroom surfaces, countertops, kitchen tables, mirrors, and glass
• Quantity: 23 ounces 

Pros

• Versatile antibacterial spray works on many surfaces, including glass, metal, tile, and more 
• Kills 99.99 percent of germs and viruses such as salmonella, strep, and E. coli when used as directed
• Sanitizes in 10 seconds and disinfects surfaces within 10 minutes  

Cons

• Unsafe for finished wood surfaces such as kitchen cabinets and wooden kitchen tables
• Not food contact–safe; must rinse countertops and food-prep surfaces with water after use

When it comes to price and versatility, Windex’s multisurface cleaner is hard to beat. It can remove dirt, grease, and grime and eliminate 99.9 percent of germs and viruses, such as salmonella, streptococcus, and E. coli, on hard, nonporous surfaces. Its effective spray formula wipes easily from tile, metal, and glass to clean and sanitize without leaving residue or unsightly streaks.

We routinely used this cleaner to disinfect our countertops after handling raw meat. It has a light citrus smell that’s less harsh than bleach-based cleaners. To disinfect, we sprayed it on our counters, let the product sit for 10 minutes, and then wiped it away with a paper towel. Since this cleaner is not safe for food contact, we went back and wiped the counters with water to remove any lingering disinfectant.

Windex is practically synonymous with glass cleaners, so we also tested this multisurface version on our grubby kitchen windows. It removed dirt and fingerprint smudges, leaving zero streaks behind. We also used this cleaner on stainless steel appliances, our trash can, and the kitchen sink. In each application, it worked as intended and proved to be a versatile product.

Get the Windex kitchen cleaner at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target (26 ounces).

Best For Kitchen Floor

Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5; 

Product Specs 

• Application type: Spray bottle, bucket, or floor-cleaning machine
• Compatible surfaces: Most floor types
• Quantity: 32 ounces 

Pros

• Works on many different flooring surfaces; lifts grime and tough dirt 
• EWG A-rated for safety; dermatologist tested, pet- and kid-friendly, and hypoallergenic
• Offered in various scents, including lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender

Cons

• Requires dilution before use and does not come with a spray bottle

Whether you’re cleaning hardwood, tile, bamboo, vinyl, laminate, concrete, stone, or linoleum flooring in your kitchen, Aunt Fannie’s vinegar floor cleaner is up to the task. This 32-ounce formula tackles tough dirt and grime and can be used in a bucket, spray bottle, or floor-cleaning machine.

We tested this cleaner using one of our favorite powered mops, the Bissell SpinWave. We followed the dilution instructions, which indicated adding ¼ cup of product per 2 gallons of water. Straight out of the bottle, this cleaner had a pleasant lemon scent, but the smell was barely noticeable once diluted. We filled our mop’s tank with the diluted solution and squirted just enough cleaner to damp mop our hardwoods. When finished, our floors were clean and streak-free. 

Since this product is kid-safe, we allowed our older kids to use it on their bathroom floors. In every instance—whether on hardwoods, ceramic tile, or linoleum—Aunt Fannie’s floor wash lifted dirt and dried without leaving a hazy residue. We used the “Bright Lemon” scent, but eucalyptus and lavender scents are also available.

Get the Aunt Fannie’s kitchen cleaner at Amazon or Walmart.

Best For Kitchen Sink

Biomex All-Purpose Multisurface Cleaner and Sponge

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4.5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Application type: Cream 
• Compatible surfaces: Metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, tile, enamel, marble, and others
• Quantity: 300 grams 

Pros

• Organic, biodegradable, and nonabrasive formula is ideal for various sink materials
• Has a light citrus scent that leaves the kitchen smelling fresh 
• Targets stuck-on grime and dirt for a clean and polished look

Cons

• Expensive; limited quantity provided compared to other kitchen cleaners available

Though this Biomex cleaner is a tough multisurface detergent product, it’s particularly effective for the kitchen sink because it’s organic, biodegradable, and nonabrasive. It comes as a cream that turns into a hard-working foam when used with a moistened sponge (sponge included). Biomex scours away the dirt and greasy grime that accumulates in metal and ceramic sinks without scratching the surface, and it rinses easily. We used it on an enameled cast-iron sink and a stainless steel sink. It effectively cleaned both. 

Our cast-iron sink often has gunk lodged around its perimeter and near the faucet’s base. This cleaner-and-paste combo was easy to work into those grooves. It eliminated all the nasty buildup and rinsed clean. The results on our stainless steel test sink were also impressive. Biomex removed the stuck-on food and grime, leaving the stainless steel shiny.

Biomex is handy in the kitchen and throughout the house; it is formulated to clean metals, including steel, aluminum, chrome, copper, and brass, as well as lacquered wood, ceramic tiles, and other surfaces. This all-natural product is also safe on many types of cutlery and bakeware, making it an excellent option for sprucing up cooking tools and accessories.

Get the Biomex kitchen cleaner at Amazon.

ALSO TESTED

Parker and Bailey’s Kitchen Cabinet Cream

We also tested Parker and Bailey’s kitchen cabinet cream, but because it removed some of the stain from our cabinets, we can’t recommend it. 

We used this product per the manufacturer’s instructions, applying it with a damp rag and buffing it with a soft towel. At first glance, it looked like the cabinet cream was cleaning well, but once it dried, our test area was splotchy, and our walnut cabinets lacked color in places. While this highly rated product likely works well on some cabinet types, it didn’t on ours. We’ll stick to a gentle all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water for cleaning kitchen cabinets.

Or, DIY Your Own Kitchen Cleaner

Buying a kitchen cleaner is a valid option, but making a DIY kitchen cleaner can be safe, easy, and effective. Plus, all you need is baking soda and vinegar! Here is our DIY recipe for an awesome spray cleaner for kitchen sinks, metal appliances, and countertops: 

1. Combine one part water with two parts baking soda in a bowl to make a paste. 
2. Scrub onto kitchen counters as well as sinks. Thoroughly rinse with water and then wipe clean. 

Next, here’s a DIY kitchen cleaner recipe for cabinetry:

1. Mix one part vinegar and one part warm water together in a spray bottle. 
2. Mist onto cabinetry and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes. 
3. Wipe all the cabinets clean with a soft cloth. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Cleaner

The kitchen is not only the center of food preparation; it’s also the place where household members meet to eat, chat, do schoolwork, and play games—in other words, live. So keeping this busy hub clean and disinfected is important to the health and comfort of all who assemble there. To choose the best products for your kitchen, consider the types of dirt and stains or surfaces that need cleaning and the various ways to apply cleanser. Also, while using the right product is immensely important, knowledge also goes a long way, so check out these unusual tips for cleaning the kitchen.

Purpose

Regularly cleaning and disinfecting all the surfaces in your kitchen is a great defense against food poisoning and contamination. According to FoodSafety.gov, there are an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually in the U.S., which is the equivalent of one in six American citizens getting sick from contaminated foods. Those, in turn, resulted in about 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Many of these hospitalizations were caused by bacteria, viruses, or contaminants. Keep in mind that while a spray-and-wipe routine may clean, it’s typically necessary to give products several minutes of dwell time to thoroughly disinfect. 

What’s more, different kitchen messes, such as grease, stains, spills, crumbs, and dirt, may each require a specific attack plan. You may also want to avoid chemical ingredients, like bleach and ammonia, instead opting for the best natural cleaning products to get the job done.

Surface Type

All kitchen surfaces may come into contact with foods that can stain, foreign materials that can contaminate, viruses that can infect, and bacteria that can multiply. On top of all that, plain old grease, grime, and dust accumulate quickly. The goal of kitchen cleaning is to effectively banish the offenders without damaging the surfaces.

A cleanser that works well on a glass tile backsplash may not be appropriate for granite or marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and wood cabinets. While there’s a large assortment of multipurpose kitchen cleansers on the market (some of which are quite effective),  multipurpose tends to mean safe for use on hard, nonporous surfaces, such as glass, metal, ceramic, and porcelain. Manufacturers have developed specialized cleaning products to target porous materials such as wood and natural stone. In fact, some porous surfaces can be permanently damaged by the wrong cleanser, especially if it’s been left on long enough to soak in and stain. 

Application

Kitchen cleaners are often packaged in spray bottles due to their ease of use: Simply pull the trigger to apply and swipe or scrub with a cloth or sponge to remove. However, concentrated solutions—either used straight from the container or diluted in water— can be effective and far more economical. Whichever application method you choose, remember that some cleaners need to sit on the soiled area for several minutes before being removed. Read package directions to understand the correct way to use any product you purchase for maximum safety and effectiveness.

FAQs 

With so many kitchen surfaces to clean and so many products on the market, you may still want more information on using cleansers effectively. Consider the answers to some commonly asked questions about kitchen cleaners below. 

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

Additional research provided by Ana Chevalier.