4 Things to Know About All-Purpose Cleaner Performance

Dried-on mac and cheese is a reliable test of cleaning power because the dairy proteins bond to surfaces and the cheese hardens into a crust that requires cutting through both fat and protein.

Great Value Lemon cleaner cut through dried-on mac and cheese on the first wipe, while Mrs. Meyer’s Basil required two passes and noticeable elbow grease to get the same result.

The cheaper cleaner performed better on the hardest test, but Mrs. Meyer’s smells better, is plant-based, and leaves less chemical residue.

If you want the crust off your plate in one wipe, Great Value wins on performance alone. If you prefer natural ingredients or are cleaning delicate surfaces, the extra effort with Mrs. Meyer’s may be worth it.