Method All-Purpose Cleaner Review: 5-Year Home Kitchen Test
By Scott Bradley, Professional Chef | Last Updated: October 13, 2025
Real-world home testing with ongoing updates
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Testing Period: 5 years of daily home kitchen use
Key Features:
- Cuts through grease effortlessly
- Non-toxic, plant-based formula
- Safe for all kitchen surfaces
Ready to Experience the Unicorn of Kitchen Cleaners?
After 5 years of testing, this is my only kitchen cleaner. Powerful AND non-toxic.
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Professional Verdict: The Unicorn Is Real
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 21+ years managing professional kitchens, I've never found a cleaner that combines serious grease-cutting power with genuinely safe, non-toxic ingredients.
Most "natural" cleaners are weak. Most powerful cleaners are toxic. Method is the rare product that refuses to compromise on either front. It cuts through kitchen grease as effectively as harsh chemical cleaners, but it's plant-based, biodegradable, and safe around food prep surfaces.
✅ Perfect For:
- Daily kitchen surface cleaning
- Greasy stovetops and range hoods
- Anyone wanting non-toxic cleaning
- Households with kids or pets
❌ Skip If:
- You need industrial-strength degreaser
- You prefer unscented products only
- You want multi-surface disinfectant
Why This Cleaner Earned 4.8/5 Stars
Serious Grease-Cutting Power
Dissolves kitchen grease like magic. Works as well as harsh chemical cleaners without the toxicity.
Plant-Based & Non-Toxic
Biodegradable formula safe for food prep surfaces. No harsh fumes or chemical residues.
Effortless Application
Spray, wait a few seconds, wipe. No scrubbing required for most kitchen messes.
Multi-Surface Safe
Works on counters, stovetops, appliances, stainless steel, and more. One cleaner for everything.
Performance: Cuts Through Grease Like Butter
If you've ever dreaded scrubbing the inside of a microwave after a messy spaghetti explosion, Method All-Purpose Cleaner will make you a believer. After 5 years of daily testing, I can confidently say this is the most effective kitchen cleaner I've used—and I've tested dozens in professional and home settings.
It effortlessly dissolves grease, grime, and sticky residues, leaving surfaces sparkling clean. I've literally watched it lift stubborn messes with zero scrubbing, almost like a hot knife through room-temperature butter. That's not marketing hyperbole—that's 5 years of daily observation.
What I Clean With Method
- Stovetops after cooking: Dissolves splattered grease instantly
- Countertops: Perfect for daily wipe-downs and sticky spills
- Microwave interiors: Lifts dried food splatters without scrubbing
- Range hood filters: Cuts through accumulated cooking grease
- Refrigerator shelves: Safe and effective for food storage areas
- Stainless steel appliances: Cleans without streaking (when dried properly)
- Cutting boards: Safe for my John Boos cutting board between uses
From splattered stovetops to sticky countertops, this cleaner makes what used to feel like a chore completely painless—and even a little satisfying. I pair it with ZUPERIA bar mops for professional-level kitchen cleaning.
🔬 Professional Note: I've used industrial degreasers in restaurant kitchens that were incredibly effective but also harsh, toxic, and dangerous around food prep. Method matches their cleaning power with plant-based ingredients. That combination is genuinely rare.
Design and Usability
The sleek, colorful bottle fits comfortably in your hand, and the spray mechanism works smoothly without clogging or leaking. After 5 years of daily use across multiple bottles, I've never had a spray nozzle fail—a common problem with cheaper cleaners.
Unlike other cleaners, it doesn't require elbow grease to be effective. Spray it on, let it sit for a few seconds (literally 5-10 seconds for most messes), and wipe clean. The formula does the work for you.
Application Technique for Best Results
- Spray surface generously: Don't be stingy—coverage matters
- Wait 5-10 seconds: Let the formula break down grease
- Wipe with clean cloth: Use microfiber or bar mop for best results
- For stainless steel: Follow with dry cloth to prevent streaking
- For heavy grease: Let sit 30-60 seconds before wiping
It's safe to use on a wide variety of kitchen surfaces including counters, stovetops, microwaves, refrigerators, and even stainless steel appliances. Its non-toxic, plant-based formula gives you confidence that you're cleaning safely—a must for kitchens where food is prepared daily.
Experience Professional Cleaning Power at Home
The only kitchen cleaner I've used for 5 years. Powerful, safe, and effective.
Check Amazon Price →Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic: The Real Differentiator
One of the standout features of Method All-Purpose Cleaner is its non-toxic formulation. After 21+ 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.
What "Non-Toxic" Actually Means
- 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.
I use it to clean my Cuisinart nonstick pans, Le Creuset enamel, and all food prep surfaces without concern. That peace of mind is worth everything.
Pros and 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
- Easy-to-use spray bottle with reliable, smooth mechanism
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
- Pleasant, natural scent options (not overwhelming)
- No harsh chemical fumes or respiratory irritation
- Available in refill bottles for sustainability
- Works in seconds—no extended dwell time needed
❌ Cons
- 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)
- Scented versions may not appeal to everyone
- Slightly more expensive than conventional chemical cleaners
- May require second application for extremely heavy, baked-on grime
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
Use chemical cleaners for: Honestly, I don't 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Method All-Purpose Cleaner really non-toxic and safe?
Answer: Yes, genuinely non-toxic. The formula is plant-based, biodegradable, and free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, or phosphates. It's safe to use on food prep surfaces without rinsing. After 5 years of daily use in my kitchen, I've had zero concerns about safety around food, children, or pets. This is as safe as cleaners get while still being effective.
How does Method compare to traditional cleaners like Formula 409?
Answer: Method matches the cleaning power of chemical cleaners like 409 or Fantastik but without harsh fumes, chemical residue, or environmental concerns. After 5 years of testing, I can confidently say Method cuts grease just as effectively. The difference is you can breathe normally while using it, and you don't need to worry about toxic residue on food surfaces. It's the rare product that doesn't compromise power for safety.
Does Method work well on greasy stovetops?
Answer: Exceptionally well. This is where Method truly shines. Spray it on cooking grease splatters, wait 5-10 seconds, and wipe clean—no scrubbing needed. I've watched it dissolve grease that would normally require aggressive scrubbing. For very heavy, baked-on grease, let it sit for 30-60 seconds. This is the primary reason I switched to Method after years of using harsh degreasers.
Is Method streak-free on stainless steel?
Answer: Yes, but technique matters. Clean with Method, then immediately follow with a dry cloth to buff the surface. This prevents water spots and streaking. I use it on all my stainless steel appliances with excellent results. The two-step process (clean, then dry) takes seconds and produces streak-free shine every time.
Is Method safe for all kitchen surfaces?
Answer: Safe for virtually all common kitchen surfaces: countertops (granite, quartz, laminate), stovetops, appliances, glass, stainless steel, sealed wood, tile, and more. I use it on everything from my John Boos cutting board to Le Creuset enamel. Avoid using on unsealed natural stone or unfinished wood. When in doubt, test on a small inconspicuous area first.
What scent options are available?
Answer: Method offers multiple scent options including French Lavender, Pink Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Cucumber, and more. All scents are derived from natural fragrances—pleasant but not overwhelming. I personally use Pink Grapefruit, which has a fresh, clean scent that dissipates quickly. Unlike chemical cleaners with artificial perfumes, these natural scents are subtle and enjoyable.
Are refills available for Method All-Purpose Cleaner?
Answer: Yes, Method offers refill bottles that are more economical and environmentally friendly than buying new spray bottles repeatedly. The refills come in larger containers that pour into your existing spray bottle. This reduces plastic waste significantly and saves money long-term. After 5 years, I've been using the same spray bottles with refills—the spray mechanisms hold up remarkably well.
How does the cost compare to conventional cleaners?
Answer: Method costs slightly more per bottle than conventional chemical cleaners (typically a few dollars difference). However, the performance is exceptional, you use less product per cleaning (it's very concentrated), and refills reduce long-term cost. The health and environmental benefits justify the small premium. After 5 years, the cost difference is negligible compared to the value of safe, effective cleaning.
Is Method effective on baked-on, dried grime?
Answer: Yes, but let it sit longer. For normal kitchen messes, 5-10 seconds is enough. For baked-on grime (like microwave splatters or dried stovetop spills), spray generously and let sit 30-60 seconds before wiping. The formula needs time to break down dried residue. Very occasionally, extremely heavy grime may require a second application. Still easier than scrubbing with harsh chemicals.
Would Method work in a professional kitchen?
Answer: For general surface cleaning, absolutely. However, professional kitchens require sanitizers and disinfectants for health department compliance, which Method is not. It's a cleaner, not a sanitizer. In my 21+ years managing restaurant kitchens, I would have used Method for general cleaning and degreasing, then followed with approved sanitizers for food contact surfaces. For home kitchens, Method handles everything you need.
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Final Verdict: The Unicorn Is Real
Grease-Cutting Power:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Safety (Non-Toxic):
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Ease of Use:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Value:
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
Would I buy this cleaner again? I've been buying it continuously for 5 years. In all my years of cleaning kitchens professionally and at home, I've never encountered a product this effective, safe, and enjoyable to use. Method All-Purpose Cleaner truly is the unicorn in the world of household cleaners.
Whether you're tackling a messy stovetop, spilled sauces, or just daily counter maintenance, it delivers every time. This is the only kitchen cleaner you need. Part of my recommended essential kitchen bundle.
Ready to Experience Powerful, Non-Toxic Kitchen Cleaning?
After 5 years of testing, this is the only cleaner I use in my kitchen. The unicorn is real.
Check Current Price on Amazon →💡 Powerful AND safe—no compromise needed. Price updated daily.
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Complete Your Kitchen Cleaning Arsenal
Method All-Purpose Cleaner pairs perfectly with these professional-grade cleaning tools:
ZUPERIA Bar Mops (Set of 12)
Professional-grade bar mops perfect for cleaning with Method. Absorbent, durable, and machine washable. The combination I use daily for kitchen cleaning.
Why they pair: Method's powerful formula + absorbent bar mops = professional cleaning results at home.
Read Full Review →John Boos Cutting Board
The professional cutting board I clean exclusively with Method. Non-toxic formula is perfect for food contact surfaces. Safe, effective maintenance for premium wood.
Why they pair: Both are professional-grade tools that don't compromise on safety or performance.
Read Full Review →Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Premium enamel cookware that stays pristine with Method cleaning. Non-toxic formula won't damage delicate enamel surfaces. Perfect for maintaining expensive cookware.
Why they pair: Premium cookware deserves safe, effective cleaning. Method protects your investment.
Read Full Review →Building a non-toxic kitchen?
See My Complete Safe Kitchen Essentials Kit →
About Scott Bradley
Professional Chef • 40 Years Experience Since Age 15
Former Kitchen Manager at Purple Café with 21+ years of restaurant experience managing 200+ cover operations. A.A.S. Culinary Arts from Seattle Central College, B.S. Business Administration from University of Montana. Method All-Purpose Cleaner has been my only kitchen cleaner for 5 years—I test everything I recommend.
Read more about my testing methodology →📅 Last Updated: October 13, 2025
🔄 Next Review Update: April 2026 (6 months from now)
💬 Questions about non-toxic kitchen cleaning? Contact me directly and I'll help you find the safest, most effective products for your needs.