Our motorhome has a wide variety of materials, including plastics pretty much everywhere. When we got it, we were told to be careful of certain kinds of cleaners that can damage plastics and other materials, and the dealer recommended using only Mr. Clean. We've been using it for the past few years for the shower stall, sinks, counter tops, refrigerator, etc., and, good news, it hasn't damaged anything. Bad news -- the DW doesn't like it because it leaves a film on the surfaces. As they say, if the W ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.Anyone have any recommendations for a similar all-purpose cleaner safe for plastics, metal, fabrics, etc?Thanks muchos,Skip

We use Fantastik on almost everything except glass and vinyl. Armor-all for vinyl and Windex for glass. I've used a spray foam product called DirtEx on all surfaces, but it's hard to find.

If you want one "general purpose cleaner" I would look at Awsome from the Dollar store. I use it to clean everything on or in the MH, for glass, plastic, FG, removing bugs from the front of the MH, stains on the carpet, etc. It comes as a concentrate and you dilute it with water.

Hand your wife a sponge, dish soap, and a bucket.

Thanks everyone. It looks like all of the commonly used cleaners are OK for some surfaces, and maybe not for others.Fantastic-the website says "effective on appliance exteriors, ... sealed fiberglass, porcelain surfaces and stainless steel. For all other surfaces, spot-test in an inconspicuous area."Awesome-one of the reviews says "I do recommend you test on an inconspicuous area first though because I have had it take the paint off some surfaces."Greased Lightning-looks like a great cleaner, but it's pretty aggressive. "Not recommended for granite, marble, clear-coated or laminated surfaces." "Not recommended for pewter or brass. Remove quickly from fixture gaskets and seals." "Avoid use with aluminum and painted surfaces." Etc.pira114 wrote:Hand your wife a sponge, dish soap, and a bucket. Now that's funny. I put that in the same category as "I don't need a power mower ... my wife mows the yard."Thanks again.Skip

General Purpose Cleaner | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
Before and after every trip I wipe down everything inside except, glass surfaces with one oz. of Spick-N-Span LIQUID with about a gallon of warm water. Glossy surfaces like plastic or SS on stove I dry immediately, cabinets and other wood or laminates, I let air dry. Windows I use water and ammonia, the DW uses Glass Plus.

Stubborn things like oil or grease, I use a little SnS on a terrycloth bar towel. When I was a Navy mess cook, we used vinegar and water on all the SS. No film or odor and leaves the SS "sparkle clean".

Outside I use McGuire's car soap.
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
GON2SKI wrote:
My wife became reacquainted with an old product named Jubilee………loves it…..things sparkle and shine! She found it in the Vermont Country Store catalog. It does say not to use it on stainless steel or granite, but just about all other surfaces are OK. A tip from Mrs. Clean!

Great to know it's back in production! I used to wax my appliance surfaces with Jubilee and the dirt "flew" right off. Sorry it doesn't work on s/s appliances but but I think we call that progress, LOL.
jplante4
Explorer II
Sep 29, 2015
HoD has DirtEx

Clicky
campigloo
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
I don't think you'll find one cleaner for everything. On most hard interior surfaces we use Scrubbing Bubbles. Wood gets Murphy's, fabrics get a watchful eye before use. We also ScotchGuarded the upholstery when we first got the rig. Glass gets Windex. Vinyl gets a damp rag. Stains in the cheap plastic kitchen sink get bleach. Vinyl floor gets PineSol. Exterior fiberglass gets frequent washing with a car wash soap and wax twice a year. 4 years old and still looks new.
GON2SKI
Explorer
Sep 29, 2015
My wife became reacquainted with an old product named Jubilee………loves it…..things sparkle and shine! She found it in the Vermont Country Store catalog. It does say not to use it on stainless steel or granite, but just about all other surfaces are OK. A tip from Mrs. Clean!
YC_1
Nomad
Sep 26, 2015
Ditto on Krud Kutter. It does amazing things.
NYCgrrl
Explorer
Sep 26, 2015
Kaz wrote:
Thanks everyone. It looks like all of the commonly used cleaners are OK for some surfaces, and maybe not for others.
Fantastic-the website says "effective on appliance exteriors, ... sealed fiberglass, porcelain surfaces and stainless steel. For all other surfaces, spot-test in an inconspicuous area."
Awesome-one of the reviews says "I do recommend you test on an inconspicuous area first though because I have had it take the paint off some surfaces."
Greased Lightning-looks like a great cleaner, but it's pretty aggressive. "Not recommended for granite, marble, clear-coated or laminated surfaces." "Not recommended for pewter or brass. Remove quickly from fixture gaskets and seals." "Avoid use with aluminum and painted surfaces." Etc.

pira114 wrote:
Hand your wife a sponge, dish soap, and a bucket.
Now that's funny. I put that in the same category as "I don't need a power mower ... my wife mows the yard."

Thanks again.
Skip

I've found that Murphy's and hot water can clean just about anything when I want a proprietary product. Smells nice too.

Mostly I just use vinegar or ammonia and water to clean various surfaces.

For extra dirty and greasy surfaces, KurdKutter does a fine job.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2015
Awesome will discolor fiberglass and some plastics if not diluted. While I like and use it, it's not suitable for everything.
missourijan
Explorer
Sep 26, 2015
X2 on what xaugievike said, I'd stay away from Awesome, Simple Green or anything harsh. They are good cleaners but can etch gel coat, remove wax, etc.
RGar974417
Explorer
Sep 26, 2015
Awesome.You can buy it at any of the Dollar stores for $1.00 a bottle.You can also buy gallon refills.

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General Purpose Cleaner

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