Frequently Asked Questions
Which all-purpose cleaner has better cleaning power for dried-on food?
Great Value Lemon cut through dried-on Mac and cheese on the first wipe, while Mrs. Meyer’s Basil required two passes and some elbow grease.
What does Mrs. Meyer’s Basil cleaner smell like?
It smells like a farmer’s market basil plant—pleasant but lingers like a polite houseguest.
How much does each cleaner cost?
A 32-ounce bottle of Mrs. Meyer’s costs around $5, while Great Value Lemon costs about $1 or less.
Which cleaner has a stronger scent that fades faster?
Great Value Lemon has a sharp, slightly chemical lemon scent that evaporates quickly, whereas Mrs. Meyer’s Basil lingers longer.
Mrs. Meyer’s wins not because it cleans better—it doesn’t—but because it makes you feel better about cleaning. The basil scent is genuinely pleasant, the ingredients are kinder to your skin and the planet, and it doesn’t leave your kitchen smelling like a science experiment. You give up raw cleaning power and a bargain price. But if you’re the kind of person who wants to wipe down a counter and pretend you’re tending a small, ethical garden, this is your bottle. Dad will grumble. Mom will nod. The dog won’t care. That’s about as close to consensus as this house gets.
If you want to clean fast and cheap, buy the Great Value Lemon. It works, it’s loud, and it respects your wallet. If you want to clean with a little more intention and a lot more basil, buy Mrs. Meyer’s. You’ll scrub a little harder, but you’ll breathe a little easier. Neither product will change your life. Both will get the spaghetti sauce off the stove.
Trust your gut. If your gut says ‘I’m tired and I just want the counter clean,’ go Great Value. If your gut says ‘I want to feel like a responsible adult who cares about things like saponified coconut oil,’ grab the Mrs. Meyer’s. Either way, the dog will still steal socks, and Hope will still test the spray on her own face. That’s not a cleaning problem. That’s life.