I’m not one to rave about cleaning products, but LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner has earned its spot in my home. This stuff is a game-changer—tackling grease, stains, and grime like nobody’s business.
Whether you’re scrubbing your kitchen or sprucing up your car, it’s versatile, affordable, and gets the job done.
Trust me, you’ll want this cleaner in your arsenal. In this article, I’ll share my experience, break down the pros and cons, compare it to other brands, and give you tips to make the most of it. Ready?
Let’s get cleaning!
My Experience With LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner
I first stumbled upon LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner at a dollar store, drawn in by its bold name and even bolder promises.
A cleaner that could handle everything from kitchen grease to carpet stains for under $2?
I was skeptical but intrigued.
My kitchen was a mess—grease splattered on the stovetop, coffee stains on the counter, and a mystery smudge on the floor that had been mocking me for weeks.
I decided to put this cleaner to the test.
I grabbed the 32-ounce spray bottle, followed the dilution instructions (more on that later), and went to town on my stovetop. The grease didn’t just loosen—it practically melted away with minimal scrubbing. I was floored.
Next, I tackled the coffee stains on my counter. A quick spritz and wipe, and they were gone, leaving my counter sparkling. The mystery smudge on the floor? Wiped out in seconds. I felt like a cleaning superhero, zapping messes with ease.
What surprised me most was how versatile this cleaner is. I used it on my bathroom tiles to remove soap scum, and it worked like a charm. I even tested it on an old wine stain on my couch—sprayed it, let it sit for a minute, and blotted it away.
The stain vanished, and my couch looked brand new. I’ve since used it on my car’s upholstery, my patio furniture, and even a pair of sneakers with scuff marks. Each time, it delivered results that made me wonder why I’d ever bothered with other cleaners.
The smell is strong, I’ll admit—chemical and a bit intense—but it fades quickly, especially if you ventilate the area. I learned early on to open a window or two when using it indoors. The price is another shocker.
At roughly $1.25 to $3 depending on where you shop, it’s a steal for how much mileage you get out of it. My only gripe? The spray bottle’s trigger can be finicky, but that’s a small price to pay for such a powerhouse cleaner.
What Makes LA’s Totally Awesome So Special?
Let’s talk about what sets LA’s Totally Awesome apart. This isn’t just another cleaner—it’s a concentrated, all-in-one degreaser and spot remover that’s been around since 1983.
Its proprietary blend (fancy, right?) works between the stain and the surface, lifting even the toughest messes without harsh chemicals like acid, ammonia, or bleach. It’s biodegradable, non-flammable, and safe for septic tanks, which is a big win for eco-conscious folks like me.
The versatility is unreal. From kitchen counters to car engines, this cleaner tackles grease, wine, blood, pet stains, hair dye—you name it. You can use it full strength for stubborn messes or dilute it for lighter tasks.
The bottle comes with a handy dilution guide, so you’re not left guessing how much water to add.
It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for cleaning—one product, endless possibilities.
I also love that it’s budget-friendly. I’ve spent way more on fancy cleaners that didn’t deliver half the results.
LA’s Totally Awesome is proof you don’t need to break the bank to keep your home spotless.
Plus, it’s widely available at places like Dollar Tree, Home Depot, and Amazon, so you’re never far from a bottle.
Pros of LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner
This cleaner has earned its cult following for a reason. Here’s why I’m obsessed with it:
- Versatility for Days: This stuff cleans everything—kitchens, bathrooms, carpets, upholstery, cars, even outdoor surfaces like patios. I’ve used it on grease, wine stains, and even marker scribbles from my kid’s “art phase.” It’s like a magic eraser in liquid form.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance: At $1.25 to $3 for a 32-ounce bottle or $13 for a gallon, it’s a steal. I’ve saved so much by ditching multiple specialized cleaners for this one.
- Powerful Stain Removal: From caked-on stove grease to old carpet stains, it tackles messes other cleaners can’t touch. I’ve revived white shirts and dingy laundry baskets with it.
- Easy to Use: The dilution guide makes it foolproof. Whether you need it full strength or diluted, you can customize it for the job.
- Eco-Friendly Credentials: No acid, ammonia, or bleach, and it’s biodegradable. I feel better knowing I’m not dumping harsh chemicals down the drain.
- Widely Available: You can find it at Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Walmart, or online. No hunting required.
Cons of LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner
No product is perfect, and LA’s Totally Awesome has a few quirks:
- Strong Chemical Smell: The scent is intense, especially in enclosed spaces. I learned the hard way to open windows or use a fan to avoid a headache.
- Finicky Spray Bottles: The sprayers on the smaller bottles sometimes jam or leak, which can be annoying during a cleaning spree.
- Dilution Required: For some tasks, you need to mix it with water, which can feel like extra work if you’re in a hurry.
- Not for All Surfaces: It can strip the finish off delicate surfaces like painted glass or certain stovetops. I accidentally dulled a burner on my glass cooktop, so always spot-test first.
- Potential Irritation: While it’s gentle for an all-purpose cleaner, it can irritate eyes or skin with prolonged contact. Gloves are a good idea for heavy-duty jobs.
Tips For Using LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner
To get the most out of this cleaner, you need to use it right. Here are my go-to tips to keep it working like a dream:
- Dilute Smartly: The bottle’s dilution guide is your best friend. For tough stains like grease or soap scum, I use it full strength or a 1:1 ratio with water. For general cleaning, like wiping down counters, I dilute it 1:10 or even 1:20. Always mix in a clean spray bottle or bucket to avoid contamination. I keep a dedicated spray bottle for my diluted mix—it saves time.
- Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate: That chemical smell can knock you out if you’re not careful. I always open windows or turn on a fan when using it indoors, especially in small spaces like bathrooms. If you’re sensitive to smells, consider wearing a mask for extra protection.
- Spot-Test Delicate Surfaces: I learned this the hard way after dulling my stovetop. Always test a small, hidden area on painted, sealed, or delicate surfaces. It’s safe for most washable surfaces, but better safe than sorry.
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place away from kids and pets. I store mine under the sink in a plastic bin to catch any leaks from those pesky sprayers. If you’re refilling smaller bottles, make sure they’re clean to avoid diluting the formula’s power.
- Use the Right Tools: Pair it with microfiber cloths for best results—they grab dirt and don’t leave streaks. For tough scrubbing, I use a non-scratch sponge. Avoid abrasive pads on delicate surfaces to prevent scratches.
- Maintain Your Spray Bottles: Those sprayers can clog if you don’t rinse them after use. I run warm water through mine every few weeks to keep them working smoothly. If the sprayer breaks, you can pour the concentrate into a better-quality bottle.
- Use for Laundry Boosts: For stubborn laundry stains, I spray a bit of diluted cleaner directly on the spot, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and wash as usual. It’s saved countless shirts from coffee and wine disasters.
Comparing LA’s Totally Awesome To Other Brands
I’ve put LA’s Totally Awesome through its paces alongside other cleaners, and here’s how it measures up against Force of Nature Cleaner, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day.
- LA’s Totally Awesome Vs. Force of Nature Cleaner
Force of Nature Cleaner uses electrolyzed water to create a disinfectant that’s safe for kids and pets, which is a big plus for families.
I tried it on my kitchen counters and bathroom tiles, and it did a decent job on light dirt and germs.
However, it struggled with heavy grease on my stovetop, requiring multiple passes and more elbow grease than I’d like.
Force of Nature requires a special device to mix the solution, which adds to the upfront cost—around $70 for the starter kit, plus capsules for refills.
LA’s Totally Awesome, at $1.25-$3 per bottle, is far more budget-friendly and tackles tough stains like grease and wine with ease. If you need a disinfectant for daily use, Force of Nature is great, but for versatile, heavy-duty cleaning, LA’s Totally Awesome is the clear winner.
- LA’s Totally Awesome Vs. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a heavy-duty option, especially for industrial tasks like cleaning garage floors or outdoor equipment. I used it on my patio furniture, and it handled dirt and grime well, but it wasn’t as effective on fabric stains like pet messes on my rug.
Priced at $8-$10 for a 32-ounce bottle, it’s significantly more expensive than LA’s Totally Awesome. Both have a strong scent, but Simple Green’s lingers longer, which I found off-putting. Simple Green also requires dilution for most tasks, similar to LA’s Totally Awesome, but its formula felt less intuitive to mix.
For affordability and versatility across household and fabric stains, LA’s Totally Awesome comes out on top.
- LA’s Totally Awesome Vs. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is my go-to when I want my house to smell like a garden.
Its plant-based formula and scents like lavender or lemon verbena are delightful for light cleaning tasks, like wiping down counters or refreshing furniture.
However, when I tried it on soap scum in my shower, it took several applications to make progress, unlike LA’s Totally Awesome, which blasted through in one go.
Mrs. Meyer’s costs $5-$7 for a 16-ounce bottle, making it pricier per ounce.
If you prioritize eco-friendly ingredients and a pleasant scent for daily touch-ups, Mrs. Meyer’s is lovely, but for tackling tough messes on a budget, LA’s Totally Awesome is unmatched.
Why LA’s Totally Awesome Stands Out?
After testing these competitors, I keep coming back to LA’s Totally Awesome. Its ability to tackle everything from grease to pet stains at a fraction of the cost is unmatched. Other brands might excel in specific areas—like Clorox for disinfection or Mrs.
Meyer’s for scent—but none offer the same all-in-one versatility. The fact that it’s biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals is a huge bonus. Sure, the smell and sprayer issues are annoying, but they’re minor compared to the results.
I’ve yet to find a cleaner that delivers this much bang for your buck.
Real-World Applications
Let’s get practical—where can you use this cleaner? In the kitchen, it’s a lifesaver for greasy stovetops, ovens, and microwaves. I’ve used it to clean my fridge shelves, cutting through sticky spills like nobody’s business.
In the bathroom, it obliterates soap scum and hard water stains on tiles and faucets. I’ve even used it to clean my shower curtain, which was starting to look grim.
Outside the home, it’s just as impressive. I’ve cleaned my car’s interior, from the dashboard to the seats, and it removed dirt and scuffs without damaging anything. On my patio, it tackled bird droppings and grime on my outdoor table.
I’ve even used it to clean my grill, which was caked with grease from last summer’s barbecues. The only limit is your imagination—just make sure to follow the dilution guide and spot-test.
Maximizing Value
One of the best things about LA’s Totally Awesome is how far it goes. A gallon jug can last months, especially if you’re diluting it for lighter tasks. I keep a small spray bottle filled with a 1:10 mix for daily cleaning and a stronger 1:1 mix for tough jobs.
Buying in bulk—like the 4-pack of 64-ounce bottles—saves even more. I’ve also found that combining it with a bit of dish soap or vinegar can boost its power for extra-stubborn messes, like burnt-on stove gunk. Just don’t mix it with bleach, as that can create harmful fumes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You bet it is! I’ve used it on everything from greasy stovetops to stained upholstery, and it rarely disappoints. It’s powerful, versatile, and affordable, making it a staple in my home. The only catch is the strong smell, so ventilate well, and you’re golden.
This cleaner is a jack-of-all-trades. It tackles grease, wine, blood, pet stains, soap scum, and more. Use it on kitchen surfaces, bathroom tiles, carpets, upholstery, car interiors, and even outdoor furniture. Just follow the dilution guide and spot-test delicate surfaces.
It depends on the surface. For most hard surfaces like counters or tiles, I wipe it off with a damp cloth, and no rinsing is needed. For fabrics or surfaces where residue might be an issue, a quick rinse with water is a good idea to avoid stickiness.
Avoid using it on delicate surfaces like painted glass, certain stovetops, or unsealed wood without testing first—it can strip finishes. I also steer clear of using it on electronics or screens, as the moisture and chemicals could damage them. Always spot-test to be safe.
Final Thoughts On LA’s Totally Awesome
If you’re tired of juggling multiple cleaners, LA’s Totally Awesome All-Purpose Cleaner is your answer. It’s affordable, powerful, and versatile enough to handle almost any mess you throw at it.
From greasy kitchens to stained carpets, it’s saved me time and money while delivering results that make me feel like a cleaning pro. Grab a bottle, follow my tips, and see why this cleaner lives up to its name.
Your home—and your wallet—will thank you!