Choosing the right surface disinfectant and cleaner is more than just about keeping things tidy. In today’s world, it’s crucial for health, hygiene, and convenience. Whether you’re cleaning at home, in the office, or in a healthcare setting, the effectiveness of the cleaner you choose can impact your well-being.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top surface disinfectants and cleaners. Our picks are based on several important factors: cleaning power, disinfecting ability, surface compatibility, safety certifications, scent, and overall value. With this information, you’ll be able to choose the cleaner that fits your needs and provides the best results.
How We Pick Products and Services
Best Overall Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant
Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner: Best Overall
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 32 oz ready-to-use spray bottle. The refill-ready bottle option is an environmentally friendly choice, reducing waste. The single spray nozzle simplifies application.
Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner stands out due to its bleach-free, streak-free formula. EPA Safer Choice certified, this cleaner kills 99.9% of germs without harsh chemicals, making it a safe and effective option for a wide range of surfaces in various environments.
We chose this product because of its exceptional cleaning performance on glass, stainless steel, and countertops. The fragrance-free formula ensures no lingering scent, making it ideal for sensitive individuals or environments that require a neutral odor. It’s non-irritating and gentle on surfaces, which adds to its appeal for families and workplaces.
Perfect for households, offices, and healthcare settings where cleaning power, safety, and non-toxic ingredients are essential. It’s also great for anyone with sensitivities to strong scents or chemicals.
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What Our Tester Said: Our testers were impressed with how quickly it cut through grease and grime without leaving any residue. It performed exceptionally well on glass and stainless steel, providing a streak-free finish every time.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5.
Top Disinfecting Spray
Runner-Up Disinfectant: Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 32 oz spray bottle with a bleach-based formula. The cleaner requires 30 seconds of dwell time for full effectiveness.
Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach is a heavy-duty disinfectant that combines cleaning power with bleach-based disinfection. It’s an EPA List N disinfectant, proven to kill SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in just 10 seconds.
This cleaner is ideal for those needing a hospital-grade disinfectant. It works quickly to remove stains, mold, and mildew while providing broad-spectrum germ protection. The formula combines cleaning and disinfecting, making it a one-step solution for tough areas.
Best for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-risk environments. It’s perfect for businesses, healthcare facilities, and homes with high-touch surfaces or mold issues. Anyone needing a strong disinfectant that doesn’t require multiple steps will benefit from this cleaner.
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What Our Tester Said: Our testers appreciated how quickly it worked to remove mold and grime, especially in the bathroom. It was effective in killing bacteria and viruses, but its strong bleach scent may require proper ventilation during use.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaner
Best Eco Pick: Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Specs & Configurations: Comes in a 23 oz spray bottle, with options for fragrance-free or essential-oil infused scents.
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner is a top choice for eco-conscious consumers. Made with 95% USDA Certified Biobased ingredients, this cleaner is EPA Safer Choice certified and provides a safe, non-toxic cleaning option for everyday use. Its fragrance-free formula makes it a gentle yet effective solution for homes and offices alike.
This cleaner stands out for its plant-powered ingredients, offering an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on cleaning performance. It’s ideal for people who want a biodegradable product that’s safe for both the environment and family members. The non-toxic formula ensures it’s gentle enough for use around children and pets.
Best for households with children and pets, people with sensitive skin or allergies, and those who want to make a positive environmental impact without sacrificing cleaning effectiveness.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers noted that while it’s not as powerful as some bleach-based options, it still effectively cleaned surfaces, especially countertops and tables. The no-rinse formula made it convenient for quick cleanups without harsh chemicals.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
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Best Budget Surface Cleaner
Best Value: Mr. Clean 2X Concentrated Multi-Surface Cleaner
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 23 oz concentrate, with a mix ratio of ¼ cup per gallon. The no-rinse formula makes it ideal for quick and easy cleaning.
Mr. Clean 2X Concentrated Cleaner delivers excellent value by making two gallons of cleaner from just ½ cup of concentrate. This formula provides powerful cleaning performance on floors, bathrooms, and outdoor surfaces, making it ideal for large cleaning jobs.
We chose this product for its cost-effectiveness and its ability to cover large areas without the need for multiple bottles. The concentrated formula ensures that a little goes a long way, making it the best budget-friendly option. It’s great for anyone who needs to clean large spaces without breaking the bank.
Perfect for large homes, offices, or even commercial spaces that need frequent cleaning. It’s especially suited for those who want an affordable, no-rinse solution for a variety of surface types, including vinyl and tile.
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What Our Tester Said: Our testers were impressed with how well this cleaner worked on floors and vinyl surfaces. It didn’t leave streaks and had great grease-cutting power, making it ideal for the kitchen. However, the lack of disinfecting claims means it’s not suitable for areas that require extra germ-killing power.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5.
Best Fragrance-Free Disinfectant Wipes
Best Wipes: Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes
Specs & Configurations: 80 wipes per canister, available in packs of 3. These wipes are compostable when disposed of in the appropriate facilities.
Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes offer a convenient, bleach-free, and EPA List N certified solution for disinfecting surfaces on-the-go. These wipes are designed to kill 99.9% of germs, including COVID-19, while being gentle enough for everyday use. Their compostable nature adds an environmentally friendly touch to their functionality.
These wipes stand out for their portability and easy-to-use format, allowing for quick and effective disinfecting in high-traffic areas like kitchens, offices, and bathrooms. The fragrance-free formula is ideal for those with sensitivities, while the compostable material ensures a lower environmental impact.
Perfect for people looking for a quick disinfecting solution in small spaces or for on-the-go use. Great for homeowners, office workers, and anyone needing a convenient, disposable disinfectant wipe that’s both effective and eco-friendly.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers were impressed with how effective the wipes were in disinfecting countertops, doorknobs, and other high-touch surfaces. The wipes are sturdy, easy to use, and the compact size made them ideal for travel and quick cleanups.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5.
Best Vinegar-Based Cleaner
Best Vinegar Cleaner: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Vinegar Gel
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 22 oz gel bottle, with a lavender scent that provides a refreshing aroma while you clean.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Vinegar Gel combines the natural cleaning power of vinegar with a gel formula, providing a more controlled application for cleaning stubborn soap scum, grease, and grime. The product is also biodegradable and non-toxic, offering a safer, eco-friendly alternative to harsher chemicals.
We chose this vinegar gel for its plant-derived formula, which makes it an excellent option for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals in their cleaning routines. The scented gel is easy to apply, especially on vertical surfaces like glass or tubs, and it effectively tackles soap scum without the need for excessive scrubbing.
Ideal for anyone looking for a natural and effective solution for cleaning bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, and glass. It’s great for households that want to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers found the gel to be highly effective in tackling soap scum and hard water stains. The gel formula adhered well to surfaces, making it easier to clean vertical areas like shower doors. While it wasn’t as strong as bleach-based cleaners, it provided an excellent natural alternative for everyday use.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
Best Glass & Stainless Steel Spray
Best Glass & Metal: Windex Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner
Specs & Configurations: 32 oz spray bottle, available in a citrus-fresh scent. Ideal for daily use on glass and metal surfaces.
Windex Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner combines disinfection with the signature streak-free shine Windex is known for. This product is designed to clean and disinfect multiple surfaces, including glass, stainless steel, and countertops, all while offering the trusted Windex shine in just 10 minutes.
Windex has long been a trusted name in glass cleaning, and this disinfectant version builds on that legacy by adding powerful germ-killing properties. It’s ideal for people who want to clean mirrors, windows, appliances, and other shiny surfaces without worrying about streaks or residue.
Best for homeowners, office workers, and businesses that need to keep their glass and stainless steel surfaces spotless and disinfected. If you’re looking for a versatile cleaner that can handle both routine cleaning and disinfection, this is a great option.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers loved how quickly and effectively Windex cleaned glass and metal surfaces without leaving streaks. It worked well on bathroom mirrors and stainless steel kitchen appliances. The only downside was that the spray straw occasionally missed the last bit of product, making it slightly inefficient.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5.
Best Botanical Disinfectant
Best Botanical: CleanBoss Multi-Surface Botanical Disinfectant
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 24 oz spray bottle with a recyclable trigger. The formula is EPA List N approved, ensuring its effectiveness against common pathogens.
CleanBoss Multi-Surface Botanical Disinfectant uses thymol, derived from thyme oil, to kill 99.9% of germs in just 60 seconds. This botanical-powered disinfectant provides a fast, eco-friendly alternative to traditional bleach-based cleaners while still maintaining high disinfecting efficacy.
We selected CleanBoss for its unique botanical formula that is safe for pets, kids, and food-contact surfaces. It’s a great option for anyone looking to disinfect effectively without the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, it’s certified NSF no-rinse and can be used in food-prep areas, making it highly versatile.
Ideal for eco-conscious users, families with young children, and pet owners who want a disinfectant that’s both effective and safe. It’s perfect for those looking for a plant-based solution without sacrificing power.
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What Our Tester Said: Our testers appreciated the fast-acting nature of this cleaner. It quickly disinfected high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom counters without any strong chemical smells. The thyme scent was pleasant but might not appeal to everyone.
Overall Rating: 4.4/5.
Best Natural Disinfecting Cleaner
Best Natural Disinfectant: Puracy Disinfecting Surface Cleaner
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 24 oz spray bottle, with refill-pouch options available for an environmentally friendly solution. The formula works effectively within 10 minutes of application.
Puracy Disinfecting Surface Cleaner uses a 1% hydrogen peroxide formula to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, making it one of the most effective natural disinfectants on the market. It is USDA BioBased certified, non-toxic, and safe for use on food-contact surfaces, offering a plant-based solution for everyday cleaning and disinfection.
Puracy stands out for its plant-powered peroxide formula, which is hypoallergenic, making it a safe option for families with sensitive skin or allergies. It provides the power of hydrogen peroxide without any harsh chemicals, making it effective against germs while still being gentle on the environment.
This cleaner is ideal for eco-conscious consumers, families, and individuals with skin sensitivities or allergies. It’s also perfect for those who prefer natural cleaning solutions but still want high disinfecting power for everyday use.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers were impressed with how well Puracy disinfected kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and high-touch surfaces. The subtle scent was gentle and pleasant, and the cleaner left surfaces feeling fresh without any sticky residue. However, the 10-minute dwell time made it less convenient for quick touch-ups.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
Best for Electronics and Quick Disinfection
Good Value: MAXTITE Isopropyl Alcohol 70%
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 1-gallon bottle, it is easy to pour, store, and use. The 70% alcohol content ensures rapid drying, making it effective for both disinfecting and sanitizing in high-risk environments.
MAXTITE Isopropyl Alcohol 70% is a high-purity solution designed for disinfection and sanitization. With its 70% isopropyl alcohol concentration, it is highly effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Ideal for healthcare, industrial, and home use, this product offers quick evaporation and leaves no residue, making it perfect for cleaning and disinfecting hard surfaces.
We selected MAXTITE Isopropyl Alcohol 70% for its reliability and versatility. Isopropyl alcohol is widely known for its disinfecting power and is recommended by health organizations for sanitizing surfaces, medical instruments, and hands. The 1-gallon size ensures it offers great value for larger areas or for businesses and households that need a continuous supply of disinfectant.
This product is ideal for healthcare professionals, laboratories, offices, and households looking for a cost-effective disinfectant that is both fast-acting and reliable. It’s also great for anyone in need of a large supply of alcohol for general disinfecting purposes, including cleaning electronics, tools, and high-touch surfaces.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers praised the quick evaporation and cleaning power of MAXTITE Isopropyl Alcohol, particularly for cleaning electronic devices and high-touch surfaces. Its fast-drying nature means less wait time, making it convenient for regular use. However, the strong alcohol odor may be overpowering for some users.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5.
Hospital Grade EPA Registered Disinfectant Cleaner
Best Hospital-grade: Micro-Scientific Opti-Cide Max Disinfecting Wipes
Specs & Configurations: Available in a 2-pack, each containing 320 wipes. Each wipe is pre-saturated with a hospital-grade disinfectant solution, making it ready to use immediately for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. These wipes offer an effective solution for food-contact surfaces, as they do not require rinsing.
Micro-Scientific Opti-Cide Max Disinfecting Wipes are hospital-grade, EPA registered, and provide a highly effective cleaning solution for surfaces that require powerful disinfection. These wipes are proven to kill 99.9% of germs, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Ideal for medical settings, dental offices, and high-traffic public areas, they meet the highest standards for sanitization.
We selected Opti-Cide Max Wipes because of their hospital-grade efficacy and ease of use. These wipes offer a convenient and rapid way to disinfect large areas or high-touch surfaces while providing superior protection against pathogens. The 320 wipe count ensures plenty of cleaning power for extended use, whether in a medical facility or at home.
These wipes are perfect for healthcare professionals, dental offices, nurses, cleaning teams, and businesses requiring quick and efficient surface disinfection. They are also great for households looking for a high-performance disinfectant to keep their environments clean and germ-free.
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What Our Tester Said: Testers appreciated the durable nature of the wipes, as they remained moist throughout the cleaning process, ensuring consistent disinfecting power. The wipes were effective on high-touch areas and hard surfaces, providing quick disinfection. However, some testers noted that the wipes are slightly larger than expected, which may make them more difficult to handle for small tasks.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.
How to Choose the Right Surface Disinfectant & Cleaner
Match Cleaner to Surface Type
- Hard non-porous vs. soft surfaces vs. food-contact surfaces: Choose cleaners based on surface type for optimal effectiveness and safety.
Review Disinfectant Labels
- EPA Safer Choice, List N, and contact times are key factors when choosing a disinfectant. Always read product labels for safety instructions, PPE, and application methods.
Consider Scent & Sensitivities
- Fragrance-free vs. essential oils: Consider fragrance options based on allergies and preferences. Scented cleaners are great for freshening up spaces, but unscented options are best for sensitive environments.
Budget & Refill Options
- Concentrates vs. ready-to-use: Concentrates provide cost savings and environmental benefits through reduced packaging waste
Tips for Safe & Effective Use
Always Clean Before Disinfecting: For disinfectants to be most effective, surfaces should be cleaned of dirt and debris first. This ensures that the disinfectant can properly target germs and bacteria without being blocked by dirt.
Follow Dwell Times Precisely: Disinfectants require a certain amount of time (called dwell time) to be effective. For most disinfectants, this could range from a few seconds to several minutes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure complete disinfection.
Ventilate and Wear Gloves When Needed: When using strong cleaners or disinfectants, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation in the area. Wear gloves to protect your skin, especially when using bleach-based or chemical-heavy products.
Rinse Food-Contact Surfaces When Required: For food-contact surfaces, always ensure to rinse the surface after using disinfectants, especially if the product doesn’t specifically say it’s food-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use one product for all surfaces?
While some surface disinfectants are designed for all surfaces, it’s important to choose one that is safe for the type of surface you are cleaning. For instance, bleach-based cleaners can be damaging to wood surfaces, while some products might not be effective on porous materials like wooden tables or fabric.
How often should I disinfect high-touch areas?
High-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and kitchen counters should be disinfected at least once a day. In high-risk areas, such as during flu season or a pandemic, it’s advisable to disinfect these surfaces multiple times a day.
Are natural cleaners as effective as bleach?
Natural cleaners made with ingredients like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils can be effective for everyday cleaning and light disinfection. However, bleach-based disinfectants tend to offer stronger disinfection against pathogens, including viruses and mold.
How to store homemade bleach solutions?
Homemade bleach solutions should be stored in airtight containers and used within 24 hours of mixing. Over time, bleach loses its efficacy, so it’s important to make fresh solutions regularly.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve reviewed the best surface disinfectants and cleaners, considering factors like cleaning power, disinfecting efficacy, safety, and value. Whether you are looking for an all-purpose cleaner, an eco-friendly option, or a hospital-grade disinfectant, there’s a product on our list that will meet your needs.
Our top recommendation is Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, thanks to its balance of cleaning effectiveness and safety. It’s fragrance-free, effective on multiple surfaces, and gentle enough for sensitive environments. However, depending on your specific requirements—whether it’s a budget-friendly cleaner, a fast-acting disinfectant, or an eco-friendly solution—you can find the right choice in our list.
By selecting the appropriate cleaner for your needs and using it correctly, you can maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment in your home or workspace. Remember, regular cleaning and disinfecting are key to reducing the spread of harmful germs and ensuring the long-term cleanliness of your surfaces.
