Der General Allzweckreiniger Review: The German ‘General’ That Wants to Command Your Entire Cleaning Routine
29.01.2026 - 11:07:15
You know that moment when you finally sit down after a long day, only to notice the dull film on the floor, the sticky spot under the table, and that vague, not?quite?fresh smell drifting from the hallway? You cleaned last week. You mopped. You wiped. And yet, somehow, your home still looks like it's permanently stuck on “almost clean.”
So you do what most people do: you reach for a cluttered arsenal of bottles—one for the floor, one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, one for stubborn stains. You mix, you scrub, you repeat. Thirty minutes later your back hurts, your hands are dry, and your living room smells like a chemical cocktail instead of a place you actually want to relax in.
If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Modern life has made cleaning more complicated than it needs to be. Too many products. Too many steps. Too much marketing noise. What you really want is simple: something that just works—on most of the surfaces you touch every day—without drama.
Meet the Solution: Der General Allzweckreiniger
Der General Allzweckreiniger (literally: “The General All?Purpose Cleaner”) is Henkel's take on the one?bottle?to?rule?them?all concept—a multi?surface household cleaner designed to handle everyday dirt on floors and washable surfaces with minimal effort. It's a staple in many German and European homes, now slowly making waves with English?speaking users who discover it through imports, expat recommendations, and word?of?mouth threads on forums and Reddit.
Instead of forcing you to juggle four different cleaners, Der General Allzweckreiniger is built to be your daily workhorse: dilute it in a bucket for mopping, or use it more concentrated on a cloth for spot cleaning. The pitch is straightforward: one cleaner, consistent results, fresh scent, less hassle.
Why this specific model?
All?purpose cleaners are nothing new. Supermarket shelves are full of them. So why are people specifically hunting down Der General Allzweckreiniger in international stores and online marketplaces?
Based on Henkel's product information on the official Der General website (in German) and recent user discussions in forums and Reddit threads, a few themes stand out:
- It's genuinely multi?purpose. Users report using Der General on tile, sealed stone, laminate, vinyl, and other washable surfaces around the home. Many mention that it becomes their "default" cleaner for floors plus general wipe?downs.
- Streak?free impressions on floors. While "streak?free" always depends on water quality, dilution, and mop material, a recurring comment from users is that Der General leaves floors looking "shiny and clean" without a cloudy residue when used as directed.
- Signature fragrances. One of the brand's calling cards is its strong but pleasant scents—variants like "Ocean," "Lavendel" (lavender), and other region?specific fragrances. Fans specifically call out that their homes smell "hotel?clean" after mopping.
- High perceived value. The cleaner is concentrated, so a single bottle lasts through many buckets of mop water. Users often point out that, compared with pricier niche brands, a bottle of Der General stretches surprisingly far.
It's important to note that Henkel does not market Der General Allzweckreiniger as a specialist disinfectant; its core role is cleaning rather than providing medical?grade sanitization. In other words, it's meant to tackle everyday dirt, dust, and typical household grime, making your home feel fresh and visibly cleaner.
At a Glance: The Facts
Here's a simplified overview of what you can expect in practice when you bring Der General Allzweckreiniger into your routine:
| Feature | User Benefit |
|---|---|
| All?purpose liquid cleaner for floors and washable surfaces | Replaces multiple specialized cleaners in everyday use, reducing clutter and simplifying your routine. |
| Concentrated formula (dilutable in water) | A small amount goes a long way, offering strong value for money over many cleaning sessions. |
| Suitable for a wide range of household surfaces (per Henkel guidance) | Can be used across most of your home—kitchen, living room, bathroom floors, and other washable areas. |
| Multiple fragrance variants (depending on market) | Leaves a noticeable but pleasant fresh smell after cleaning, which many users describe as "hotel?like." |
| Formulated and marketed by Henkel AG & Co. KGaA | Backed by a large, established German manufacturer with long experience in household cleaning products. |
| Designed for everyday household dirt and grime | Well?suited as a daily or weekly maintenance cleaner to keep floors and surfaces looking freshly cleaned. |
Henkel provides safety and ingredient details on the official Der General website and related product documentation. If you have sensitivities, allergies, or specific environmental concerns, it's worth checking those official documents directly before use.
What Users Are Saying
Digging through recent Reddit and European forum discussions, Der General Allzweckreiniger tends to attract a loyal—even slightly evangelical—crowd of fans, especially among people who grew up with it in Germany or other parts of Europe.
Common praise includes:
- Great cleaning power for everyday messes. People highlight that it easily handles footprints, light kitchen grease on floors, pet traffic, and general dust buildup.
- Smell that actually makes cleaning feel rewarding. Several users mention that they look forward to the scent after mopping; it becomes part of their "weekend reset" ritual.
- Less residue than cheaper generics. Compared with ultra?cheap store brands, users say Der General feels "cleaner"—less tacky, less streaky.
- Good value when diluted correctly. Many people say a single bottle lasts them months.
But there are also some recurring caveats:
- Not readily available in every country. In the US and some English?speaking markets, you may need to order it online or from specialty importers.
- Fragrance can be strong. The same intense scent that fans love may be too much for people who prefer ultra?subtle or fragrance?free cleaners.
- Not a disinfectant substitute. A few users point out that they still keep a separate disinfecting product on hand for bathrooms, cutting boards, or after illness.
Overall sentiment: very positive among those who seek it out intentionally, with the major “cons” centered on availability and personal scent preferences rather than cleaning performance.
Alternatives vs. Der General Allzweckreiniger
If you've ever walked down a cleaning aisle in the US or UK, you'll know the competition is fierce. So where does Der General Allzweckreiniger fit in?
Versus typical supermarket all?purpose cleaners:
- Most mainstream cleaners in English?speaking markets offer similar "multi?surface" claims, but users often report more residue or weaker fragrance impact.
- Der General stands out for its combination of scent and perceived cleanliness—fans describe it as feeling "a bit more premium" than generic brands.
Versus eco?labeled or ultra?natural formulas:
- If your top priority is strict eco?certification or minimal fragrance, there are specialist green brands that may align better with your values.
- Der General positions itself mainly as a performance and convenience cleaner rather than a niche eco product; check Henkel's official documentation for details if sustainability is your main filter.
Versus disinfectant?first products:
- Bleach?heavy or disinfectant?focused cleaners offer strong sanitizing claims but can be harsh on surfaces, clothes, and senses.
- Der General Allzweckreiniger is better viewed as your everyday cleaning base layer, with a separate disinfectant pulled in when you really need it.
In simple terms: If you want one bottle that makes your home look and smell noticeably cleaner, without micromanaging products for every single room, Der General is an appealing alternative to the usual suspects—especially if you're drawn to that distinctly "European" cleaning aesthetic.
Behind the product sits Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, a major German consumer?goods and industrial company listed under ISIN: DE0006048432. That scale and heritage matter: it means established quality control processes, broad distribution across Europe, and a consistent brand identity that has been refined over decades.
Final Verdict
If you're tired of the mental load that comes with a cupboard full of half?used cleaners, Der General Allzweckreiniger is the kind of product that can quietly change how you feel about cleaning days.
It doesn't promise miracles. It doesn't pretend to be a medical disinfectant or a miracle eco?elixir. What it does promise—and overwhelmingly seems to deliver—is this:
- A home that looks freshly cleaned, thanks to effective grease and dirt removal on everyday surfaces.
- A space that smells unmistakably "just mopped" in a way that many users find addictive.
- A routine that feels simpler, because one bottle does the heavy lifting for most of your regular cleaning.
Is it worth tracking down if it's not in your local store yet? If you value strong cleaning performance, like a noticeable scent, and love the idea of a tried?and?true European staple in your cleaning arsenal, the answer is yes. Der General Allzweckreiniger won't just tidy your floors; it might just tidy up your entire approach to keeping your home under control.
Before your next deep?clean marathon, it's worth asking a simple question: do you really need five different bottles—or just one that does its job well, every single time?
