Method All-Purpose Cleaner Review: 5-Year Home Kitchen Test
this product IS the unicorn On the bottle, Method boldly claims: "powerful, non-toxic cleaning is not a myth, we're still working on the unicorns." Let me tell you—this product IS the unicorn. After 5 years of daily use and 24 years in professional kitchens, I've never found a cleaner that combines serious grease-cutting power with genuinely safe, non-toxic ingredients.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Testing Period: 5 years of daily home kitchen use
- Cuts through grease effortlessly
- Non-toxic, plant-based formula
- Safe for all kitchen surfaces
Why This Cleaner Earned 4.8/5 Stars
Serious Grease-Cutting Power
Plant-Based & Non-Toxic
Effortless Application
Multi-Surface Safe
Testing Environment
- Testing Duration: 5 years of daily home kitchen use
- Primary Uses: Stovetops, countertops, microwave interiors, range hoods, stainless steel appliances
- Frequency: Daily cleaning sessions
- Context: After 24 years in professional kitchens
Performance Results
✅ Outstanding Performance
- Effortlessly cuts through grease—equal to chemical cleaners
- Non-toxic, plant-based formula safe for food prep areas
- Works in seconds—no extended dwell time needed
- Safe for wide variety of kitchen surfaces
- Pleasant, natural scent options (not overwhelming)
- No harsh chemical fumes or respiratory irritation
- Reliable spray mechanism (never clogged in 5 years)
- Available in refill bottles for sustainability
⚠️ Minor Considerations
- Not intended for heavy-duty outdoor or industrial cleaning
- Requires surface drying if used on stainless steel to avoid streaks
- Not a disinfectant (doesn't kill bacteria/viruses)
- Slightly more expensive than conventional chemical cleaners
- May require second application for extremely heavy, baked-on grime
Performance: Cuts Through Grease Like Butter
What I Clean With Method
Application Technique for Best Results
Professional Note
Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic: The Real Differentiator
After 24 years in professional kitchens, I've used every type of cleaner imaginable—from harsh industrial degreasers to weak "natural" products that barely work. Method is the first cleaner I've found that genuinely delivers on both fronts.
Biodegradable formula
Breaks down naturally without environmental harm
Plant-based ingredients
Derived from renewable sources, not petroleum
No harsh chemical fumes
Safe to breathe while cleaning
Safe around food prep
No toxic residue on surfaces
Child and pet safe
Won't harm if accidentally contacted
Cruelty-free
Never tested on animals
For anyone conscious about both performance and environmental impact, this is a rare combination of effective cleaning and safety. You get the power of professional-grade cleaning without worrying about lingering chemical residues or fumes.
Is Method Cleaner Safe? Complete Ingredient Breakdown
After 24 years using industrial degreasers in professional kitchens—the kind that require gloves, ventilation, and keeping away from food—I can confirm Method is genuinely safe. Here's what makes it different:
What Method Contains (Non-Toxic)
- Plant-based surfactants: Derived from corn and coconut, these are what actually cut the grease
- Naturally-derived solvents: Help dissolve grime without petroleum-based chemicals
- Essential oil fragrances: Natural scents like pink grapefruit, not synthetic perfumes
- Water: The base of the formula
What Method Does NOT Contain
- Ammonia (respiratory irritant)
- Bleach (corrosive, toxic fumes)
- Phosphates (environmental pollutant)
- Phthalates (hormone disruptors)
- Parabens (preservative concerns)
- Formaldehyde (carcinogen)
- Triclosan (antibacterial linked to health issues)
Bottom Line: I use Method directly on my cutting boards, countertops where I prep food, and around my kitchen without any concern. No rinsing required on food-contact surfaces. Pro tip: spray inside your microwave and wipe clean in 30 seconds to a minute—no joke. This is as safe as household cleaners get while still being effective.
How It Compares: Method vs. Traditional Cleaners
Method vs. Formula 409 or Fantastik
Traditional chemical cleaners like 409 are powerful but come with serious drawbacks: harsh fumes, chemical residue on food surfaces, environmental concerns, and potential health risks. After 5 years with Method, I can confirm it matches their cleaning power without any of those compromises. Use Method for all kitchen cleaning, especially food prep surfaces. Honestly, I don't use chemical cleaners anymore—Method handles everything.
Method vs. Other "Natural" Cleaners
Most natural cleaners are disappointingly weak. They smell nice but require extensive scrubbing and multiple applications. Method is the rare natural cleaner that actually works as well as its chemical competitors. The plant-based formula genuinely cuts grease—this isn't greenwashing, it's effective chemistry.
All-Purpose Cleaner Comparison
How Method Pink Grapefruit compares to top eco-friendly cleaners
| Feature | Method Pink Grapefruit | Seventh Generation | Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena | Blueland Tablets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle Size | 28 oz | 23 oz | 16 oz | 24 oz (mixed) |
| Grease Cutting | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Fragrance | Citrus/Grapefruit | Fragrance-free | Essential oils | Light lemon |
| Sustainability | Recycled bottle | Recycled bottle | 25% recycled | Zero plastic |
| Best For | Power cleaning | Sensitive skin | Scent lovers | Eco-warriors |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Method Pink Grapefruit
Seventh Generation
Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena
Blueland Tablets
Why Trust This Comparison?
This comparison is based on 24 years of professional kitchen experience testing equipment in high-volume restaurant settings. All recommendations are honest assessments - we earn a small commission if you purchase through our links.
Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
Check Price on AmazonPros & Cons: 5 Years of Testing
✅ Pros
- Effortlessly cuts through grease and grime—equal to chemical cleaners
- Non-toxic, plant-based formula safe for food prep areas
- Safe for wide variety of kitchen surfaces
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
❌ Cons
- Not intended for heavy-duty outdoor or industrial cleaning
- Not a disinfectant (doesn
- ,
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This Cleaner
✅ Perfect For:
- Daily kitchen surface cleaning
- Greasy stovetops and range hoods
- Anyone wanting non-toxic cleaning
- Households with kids or pets
- People conscious about environmental impact
- Those cleaning food prep surfaces daily
❌ Skip If:
- You need industrial-strength degreaser
- You prefer unscented products only
- You want multi-surface disinfectant
- You need sanitizing (kills bacteria/viruses)
Sound like the right fit for your kitchen?
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Is Method All-Purpose Cleaner really non-toxic and safe?
How does Method compare to traditional cleaners like Formula 409?
Does Method work well on greasy stovetops?
Is Method streak-free on stainless steel?
Is Method safe for all kitchen surfaces?
What scent options are available?
Get My Free Equipment Guide
Download my free guide: The 11 tools I use most after 24 years in professional kitchens
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. I'll send you my top equipment picks and maintenance tips from decades in professional kitchens.
Final Verdict: The Unicorn Is Real
After 5 years of continuous use with Method All-Purpose Cleaner, I've never encountered a product this effective, safe, and enjoyable to use. Method truly is the unicorn in the world of household cleaners—it combines serious grease-cutting power with genuinely safe, non-toxic ingredients.
Whether you're tackling a messy stovetop, spilled sauces, or just daily counter maintenance, this cleaner delivers every time. This is the only kitchen cleaner you need.
Complete Your Kitchen Cleaning Arsenal
ZUPERIA Bar Mops (Set of 12)
Professional-grade bar mops perfect for cleaning with Method. Absorbent, durable, and machine washable.
John Boos Cutting Board
The professional cutting board I clean exclusively with Method. Non-toxic formula is perfect for food contact surfaces.
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Premium enamel cookware that stays pristine with Method cleaning. Non-toxic formula won't damage delicate enamel.
About Scott Bradley
Professional Chef • 24 Years Professional Kitchen Experience
Professional chef with 24 years of restaurant experience including Pizzaiolo at Purple Café, Kitchen Manager at Mellow Mushroom, and line positions at Feierabend, Il Pizzaiolo, and Paragary's. A.A.S. Culinary Arts from Seattle Central College, B.S. Business Administration from University of Montana. Every product tested through real professional kitchen use or extensive long-term home testing.
Read more about my testing methodology →