All-Purpose Cleaner vs Degreaser
Light daily cleaning vs cutting heavy grease and oil
Two of the most common questions are when an all-purpose cleaner is enough and when a job calls for a degreaser. All-purpose chemistry handles light, routine soil across many surfaces; degreasers are built for grease, oil, and carbon.
This internal comparison lines up the neutral soil-load and surface tradeoffs so you can avoid over- or under-specifying. Each product page lists chemistry and form; review the SDS for handling.
All-Purpose Cleaners
Versatile daily cleaning for light to moderate soil on many surfaces.
Browse janitorialDegreasers
Built to cut grease, oil, and carbon on equipment, floors, and parts.
Browse industrial degreasersThis is a neutral, factual comparison of ICD product forms and chemistries to help you choose what fits your operation — not a performance ranking. For disinfection, kill-claim, or hazard questions, follow the product label and the Safety Data Sheet for the specific SKU.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | All-Purpose Cleaners | Degreasers |
|---|---|---|
| Soil load | Light to moderate, routine | Heavy grease, oil, carbon |
| Surfaces | Broad multi-surface use | Equipment, floors, parts, shop |
| Chemistry | Often neutral / mild | Alkaline, citrus, or non-caustic |
| Product form | Concentrate or ready-to-use | Concentrate (some RTU) |
| Where used | Offices, guest areas, general | Shops, plants, fleet bays |
| SDS on file | Yes — on ICD | Yes — on ICD |
How to choose
- For routine, light soil across many surfaces, an all-purpose cleaner is usually enough.
- Reach for a degreaser when grease, oil, or carbon is the problem.
- Match degreaser chemistry to the substrate (see the degreaser chemistry comparison).
- Standardize on concentrates with listed dilution; review the SDS for handling.
All-Purpose Cleaners(36)
View all janitorial
Degreasers(105)
View all industrial degreasers
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a degreaser instead of an all-purpose cleaner?
Use an all-purpose cleaner for routine, light soil on general surfaces, and switch to a degreaser when you are dealing with grease, oil, or carbon on equipment, floors, or parts. Each product page lists the chemistry and form so you can match it to the job.
How do I order — is there a cart or retail price?
ICD is quote-first. Add MOQ-valid quantities to a quote request and our team confirms account pricing and freight before you commit — there is no cart checkout or public retail price.
Where are the Safety Data Sheets?
Every product links its Safety Data Sheet hosted on ICD, with ITD listed as the manufacturer. Review the SDS for handling, PPE, hazard, and dilution guidance before you request a quote.
Related categories
Related guides
Still deciding which option fits your operation? Build a quote with MOQ-valid quantities and our team will help you spec it, or apply for an account.