Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner, Tested and Reviewed

All-purpose cleaners are hard-hitting products—they can tackle everything from the kitchen counter to the shower surround. Using an all-purpose cleaner rather than buying a bunch of specialty products also limits the number of products you need to store, saving you money and reducing household clutter. In an effort to find the best all-purpose cleaners, we tested Better Life’s version.

We tried this cleaner on numerous surfaces and rated it based on its cleaning power, scent, and cost. It’s a great choice if you’re sensitive to fragrance, as it’s plant-derived and natural. But the cleaner had its fair share of downsides, too.

Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner Review

Find out how it ranked in our Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner review.


Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner Overview

  • Scent: Clary Sage and Citrus
  • Rating: 6/10
  • Where to buy: Amazon

Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner claims to have a clary sage and citrus smell, but when I clean with it, I don’t smell anything. Occasionally, I’ll get a whiff of citrus, but it’s so faint this might as well be an unscented cleaner.

Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner Directions: Spray and wipe. It is safe for any non-porous surface or fabric marked water-safe or “W/S.”


Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner Review

I tested Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner on laminate counters, concrete counters, tile backsplash, wood, and stainless steel

My biggest gripe about the cleaner (besides the non-existent scent) is its soapy consistency. It foams up like soap in a bottle, and when you wipe it off your countertops, it seems to get even soapier.

But despite the dish soap and water consistency, it dried on most surfaces without streaks or leftover residue. 

Here’s a look at how it did on numerous surfaces.

  • Countertops – I used this product on laminate and concrete countertops. It left them clean, similar to if I had wiped them with dish soap and water.
  • Stainless Steel – I cleaned my stainless steel appliances with Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner. It removed all dirt and left minimal streaking behind. 
  • Wood – I wiped down my kitchen table with this product, and it cleaned up dirt and grime.
  • Cabinets – I have stained wood cabinets, and this cleaner was very gentle and didn’t lift any of the finish.

Who is Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner For?

If you’re looking for a cleaner that’s gentle enough to use on your stone counters or other delicate surfaces, Better Life is a top contender. It can even be used on water-safe fabric. It’s gentle, with a consistency and cleaning power similar to dish soap and water.

It’s a great choice for anyone sensitive to fragrance, and that wants a plant-derived cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner all-natural?

Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner is over 99% natural. It contains one synthetic ingredient, a preservative, less than 0.01% of its makeup.

Is Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner a disinfectant?

Better Life All Purpose Cleaner is not a disinfectant.

Is Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner Safe to use around pets?

Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner is non-toxic and safe for use around kids and pets.

Final Thoughts

After testing multiple multi-surface cleaners, I think Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner is just “okay.” It’s an excellent choice for delicate surfaces but cleans about the same as a simple mix of dish soap and water. 

Try Method if you’re looking for a more powerful (and better smelling) natural cleaner. But if you’re sensitive to fragrance, stick with Better Life.