Der General Allzweckreiniger Review: The German Multi-Purpose Cleaner That Might Replace Half Your Cleaning Cabinet
06.01.2026 - 00:36:49
You know that moment when you look around your home and realize every surface seems to need a different potion? One for the floors, one for the tiles, one for the kitchen, something else for the bathroom… and somehow, your place still doesn't feel truly clean. The cabinet under your sink is packed, but your floors streak, your counters feel vaguely sticky, and those "fresh" scents quickly turn into a headache.
That's the modern cleaning problem in a nutshell: too many products, not enough real results.
Enter the German classic that keeps popping up in European households and cleaning threads: Der General Allzweckreiniger – literally "The General All-Purpose Cleaner". It's designed to be the one bottle you actually reach for, again and again, whether you're mopping floors or wiping down hard surfaces.
Why Der General Allzweckreiniger Might Be the Answer You Were Looking For
Der General Allzweckreiniger is Henkel's flagship all-purpose liquid cleaner, well-known across Germany and much of Europe. It's available in several fragrance variants (like Frische Zitrone, Bergfrühling / Alpine spring, and others), but the core promise is the same: a multi-surface cleaner that delivers strong cleaning power, good degreasing for everyday mess, and a streak-free finish on floors and washable hard surfaces.
Unlike harsh, specialized cleaning agents, Der General is positioned as your daily driver: dilute it in a bucket for mopping, or use it slightly stronger on a cloth for stubborn spots. Many users on forums and reviews describe it as their go-to for laminate, tile, vinyl, and other sealed floors – with the big selling point being that it cleans without leaving sticky residue when used correctly.
Why this specific model?
In a world overflowing with multi-surface cleaners, why pick this particular one? Here's where Der General Allzweckreiniger stands out based on user feedback and Henkel's own positioning:
- Versatility that actually holds up – It's formulated for most washable hard surfaces: floors (tile, stone, sealed wood, laminate, vinyl), kitchen surfaces, bathroom fixtures, and doors. Instead of product-hopping, you can often use this one bottle for your regular routine.
- Streak-free floors – A recurring theme in European reviews is that Der General, when properly diluted, leaves floors clean and non-greasy. That's a subtle but huge difference compared to cheaper cleaners that leave films and footprints.
- Distinct, fresh scents (without overpowering bleach vibes) – On Reddit-style discussions and review sites, many users call out the scent as a primary reason they stick with Der General. It smells "fresh and clean" rather than aggressively chemical, which matters if you're mopping an entire small apartment or house.
- Trusted brand backing – It's made by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (ISIN: DE0006048432), the same German giant behind brands like Persil and Bref. That doesn't automatically make it perfect, but it does mean a consistent formula, safety testing, and wide availability.
- Economical in daily use – A standard bottle goes a long way if you stick to the recommended dilution. Users often note that it's good value because a capful in a bucket of water is enough for routine cleaning.
From a real-world perspective, this translates into less decision fatigue. If you want something that just works for typical daily cleaning – especially floors and hard surfaces – Der General Allzweckreiniger is built for that exact use case.
At a Glance: The Facts
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| All-purpose formula for washable hard surfaces | One product for floors, tiles, kitchen and bathroom surfaces simplifies your cleaning routine. |
| Suitable for diluted bucket use and spot-cleaning | Use it for whole-room mopping or targeted messes with a cloth, so you don't need separate products. |
| Designed for streak-free results on floors | Floors look clean instead of cloudy or sticky, even in sunlight or under bright LED lighting. |
| Available in multiple fragrances | Pick a scent profile (e.g., citrus fresh or alpine/"mountain" fresh) that makes your home smell inviting, not harsh. |
| Concentrated liquid | A small amount per bucket of water is enough, making each bottle last longer and reducing waste. |
| Produced by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA | Backed by a major international manufacturer with consistent quality and safety standards. |
| Widely available in supermarkets and online in Europe | Easy to repurchase and stock, especially if you live in or order from the EU/UK market. |
What Users Are Saying
Digging through reviews and community threads (including German-speaking cleaning forums and Reddit-style discussions) reveals a fairly consistent sentiment around Der General Allzweckreiniger.
The praise tends to cluster around:
- Smell: Many users call out the fragrance as "pleasant" and "fresh" rather than synthetic or overpowering. Some specific variants like lemon or alpine fresh have small fanbases.
- Everyday performance: For routine dirt, dust, and light grease on floors and surfaces, users report that Der General does the job quickly without extra scrubbing.
- Streak-free floors: People with darker tiles or laminate often mention that it leaves fewer visible streaks compared to bargain cleaners when correctly diluted.
- Good value: The concentration means a bottle can last several weeks or months, depending on household size and cleaning frequency.
On the flip side, some recurring cons or caveats:
- Not a heavy-duty degreaser: For burnt-on stove grime, ovens, or severe bathroom scale, users commonly say they still need more specialized products.
- Fragrance is subjective: A minority find certain scents too strong or "old-school" and prefer more neutral or unscented options.
- Regional availability: While it's easy to find in Germany and across much of Europe, shoppers in the US or other regions usually have to hunt through import shops or online marketplaces.
Overall sentiment: For day-to-day floor and surface cleaning, especially in European households, Der General Allzweckreiniger is viewed as a reliable, almost "default" product – not ultra-luxury, but something people rebuy because it works and smells good.
Alternatives vs. Der General Allzweckreiniger
If you're in the market for an all-purpose cleaner, you likely have a few familiar names on your radar: Mr. Proper/Mr. Clean, Frosch, Cif/Cif Floor Cleaner, and various supermarket own brands. Here's how Der General tends to position itself in that competitive set:
- Versus budget store brands: Cheaper private-label cleaners can match Der General on price, but user reviews often mention residue, streaking, or weaker scents. Der General usually wins on overall "feel" and finish.
- Versus eco/green brands (e.g., Frosch): Eco-focused cleaners may offer plant-based formulas and milder scents but occasionally sacrifice some degreasing power or streak-free performance. If sustainability is your number-one priority, those might appeal more; if you prioritize strong, reliable cleaning with a fresh scent, Der General stays highly competitive.
- Versus US-style multipurpose sprays: In the American market, many "all-purpose cleaners" come as spray bottles aimed at countertops and spot cleaning. Der General is more of a mop-and-bucket hero – ideal for floors and large areas, while still being usable on surfaces with a cloth.
- Versus speciality floor cleaners: Dedicated parquet or stone cleaners may be better if you have delicate natural wood or sensitive stone surfaces. Der General works well on many sealed floors, but you should always check the surface care instructions and Henkel's recommendations before using it on sensitive materials.
In short: if you want a solid, everyday general cleaner that can handle most of your regular chores, Der General Allzweckreiniger is a strong and often more affordable alternative to many premium brands – but it's not intended to fully replace heavy-duty niche products.
Final Verdict
Der General Allzweckreiniger is the sort of product that doesn't try to be flashy. It doesn't promise to melt limescale from another planet or sanitize a hospital ward. Instead, it quietly focuses on what you actually need every week: clean, fresh-smelling floors and hard surfaces with minimum fuss.
If you're overwhelmed by a clutter of specialized cleaners, this German all-purpose solution offers a refreshingly simple proposition: one bottle, many uses, consistent results. It may not be the unicorn cleaner that solves every extreme mess in your life, but as a dependable everyday workhorse, it absolutely earns its place under the sink.
For households that:
- Clean floors and hard surfaces regularly,
- Care about streak-free results,
- Enjoy a noticeable but not overly chemical scent, and
- Prefer buying from an established manufacturer like Henkel AG & Co. KGaA (ISIN: DE0006048432),
Der General Allzweckreiniger is an easy recommendation. If you can get your hands on it in your region, it's very likely to become that one bottle you keep reaching for – while the rest of your crowded cleaning arsenal starts quietly gathering dust.
