Cleaning in a care-home setting demands efficiency, safety, and the right tools for the job. As a manager or housekeeper, you’ll often hear the terms general purpose cleaner and multipurpose (all-purpose) cleaner. They are sometimes used interchangeably—but they’re not the same. Knowing the difference helps your team handle everyday cleaning, tackle tougher soils, and protect surfaces while meeting hygiene standards.
What Is a General Purpose Cleaner?
A general purpose cleaner is the everyday workhorse for light-to-medium dirt on sealed, hard surfaces. In a care home, this typically includes:
-
Routine wipe-downs of dining tables, bedside trays, and handrails
-
Glass and mirror cleaning in communal areas
-
Quick spot-cleans after activities or snack times
Why it works:
-
Neutral or near-neutral pH
-
Gentle surfactants remove fingerprints, crumbs, and light spills
-
Safe on most sealed surfaces and usually streak-free
👉 Note: Some general purpose cleaners include a disinfectant component, which is essential in care homes for infection control. Always check whether your chosen product cleans only, disinfects only, or does both. Interested in trying a new general purpose cleaner? Why not try our Eclipse brand?
Eclipse General Purpose Cleaner
What Is a Multipurpose (All-Purpose) Cleaner?
A multipurpose cleaner offers stronger action for tougher soils such as:
-
Dried-on food in kitchen areas
-
Soap scum in bathroom showers
-
Grease and scuffs on hard flooring
Why it works:
-
Contains stronger detergents and mild alkalis to cut through grease and grime
-
Designed for deeper cleaning where general-purpose products fall short
-
Often low-rinse, but best practice is to wipe or mop with clean water afterward, especially on floors, to avoid residue buildup
⚠️ Caution: Multipurpose cleaners should not be used on unsealed stone, polished wood, or delicate surfaces, as they may cause damage. Considering a new multipurpose cleaner? Our Eclipse brand cleaner is widely used throughout care homes in the UK.
Eclipse Multipurpose Cleaner
DIY Touch-Ups
While commercial products are always recommended in care homes for compliance and safety, some prefer simple solutions for non-clinical areas:
-
Homemade general-purpose cleaner: Mix 1 tbsp mild dish soap with 2 cups water. (Optional: add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.)
-
Grease boost option: Use baking soda as a gentle scrub on kitchen tiles or sinks, applied separately—not mixed into vinegar-based solutions, as they neutralise each other.
👉 Avoid vinegar-based cleaners on natural stone (e.g., marble, limestone) as it can cause permanent etching. Homemade cleaners should only be used in non-regulated or personal areas; they are not suitable for care-home environments where CQC and IPC compliance is required.
Practical Workflow for Care-Home Teams
-
Morning rounds: Use general purpose cleaner (or disinfectant if required) on high-touch areas—doorknobs, handrails, nurse-call buttons.
-
Post-breakfast deep-clean: Use multipurpose cleaner for kitchen counters, dining-room floors, and bathrooms.
-
Spot checks: Keep a general purpose spray in portable caddies for quick spill response.
-
Weekly maintenance: Alternate between products—multipurpose for kitchens and bathrooms, general purpose for lounges and hallways.
FAQs for Care-Home Managers & Housekeepers
Q: Can I use general purpose cleaner on carpets or upholstery?
A: No. Use only products labelled for fabrics. For upholstery and carpets, choose specialist fabric-safe or extraction cleaning products.
Q: What do professional care-home cleaners use?
A: Many use industrial-grade multipurpose cleaners for deep cleans and neutral pH general-purpose or disinfectant cleaners for daily work.
Q: How do I ensure safety for residents?
A: Always follow COSHH guidance: dilute correctly, ventilate after use, and provide PPE (gloves, masks) for staff. Use disinfectants where required for infection control.
Bottom Line
-
General purpose cleaners keep daily operations smooth—fast, safe, and surface-friendly.
-
Multipurpose cleaners tackle heavier jobs like grease, soap scum, and dried-on food.
For care homes, using both products in the right way ensures surfaces stay clean, residents remain safe, and teams work efficiently. Remember: cleaning does not always mean disinfecting. Always follow your care home’s infection control policies and choose products that provide both cleaning and disinfection where required.
At Able, we provide a range of cleaning and disinfecting solutions tailored to healthcare environments across the UK. Contact us today for a free hygiene consultation.
