You’re standing in the Target cleaning aisle. It’s overwhelming. There are the neon-colored bottles that smell like a laboratory’s version of "cool breeze," and then there’s the Everspring shelf. It’s beige. It’s mint green. It looks like it belongs in a spa, not under a sink. But here is the thing about everspring all purpose cleaner: most people buy it because the bottle looks nice on their granite counters, not because they’ve read the Material Safety Data Sheet.
Honestly? I get it.
We’ve been conditioned to think that if a cleaner doesn't make your eyes water with bleach fumes, it isn't working. Everspring, which is Target’s in-house "clean" brand launched back in 2019, tries to occupy that middle ground. It wants to be the stuff that actually kills the sticky jam residue on your kitchen table without making you worry about what your toddler is breathing in. But does it actually hold up against a greasy stovetop? Or are you just paying for a aesthetic bottle and some diluted essential oils?
What Everspring All Purpose Cleaner Really Is
If you flip the bottle around—which, let's be real, nobody does—you’ll see the "Biobased" seal. Specifically, the everspring all purpose cleaner is usually certified by the USDA as a Biobased product. This isn't just marketing fluff. It means the ingredients come from renewable biological sources rather than petroleum. Target is pretty transparent here. They list the ingredients directly on the bottle and on their website, which is a massive win for anyone with chemical sensitivities or a general distrust of "fragrance" as a catch-all term.
The heavy lifters in this formula are surfactants derived from plants, like lauramine oxide and decyl glucoside. If those sound like gibberish, just know they are basically soap molecules that grab onto dirt and pull it away from the surface.
It works. Mostly.
The lemon and mint scent is arguably the most popular, and it’s actually made with essential oils and plant extracts. It doesn't have that cloying, artificial candy smell. It smells like a kitchen in a house where someone actually eats vegetables. However, there’s a trade-off. Because it lacks those aggressive synthetic solvents, you might find yourself scrubbing a little harder on dried-on pasta sauce than you would with a bottle of Formula 409.
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The Non-Toxic Debate
Let's talk about the "non-toxic" label. It’s a bit of a Wild West out there. The FDA doesn't strictly regulate the word "natural" or "clean" in the way they do with food. When you use everspring all purpose cleaner, you’re getting a product that is formulated without parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
For some people, that’s everything.
I’ve talked to parents who switched because their kids have eczema. They noticed that when they cleaned the floors or low tables with traditional cleaners, the residue would trigger a flare-up. Everspring tends to be gentler. It’s also Leaping Bunny certified. That means no animal testing, which is a non-negotiable for a huge segment of the market today.
But don't drink it.
"Natural" doesn't mean "edible." It can still irritate your eyes. It can still be problematic if your dog licks a puddle of it. It’s a cleaner, not a smoothie. Some critics point out that while it’s better for the environment than a bottle of pure ammonia, the plastic bottle is still, well, plastic. Target has tried to mitigate this by offering concentrated refill versions. You buy the glass bottle once, then just add the little vial of concentrate and some water. It’s cheaper, and it keeps a lot of plastic out of the landfill.
Performance on Different Surfaces
Does it streak? That’s the million-dollar question.
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If you use the everspring all purpose cleaner on windows, you’re going to be annoyed. It’s an all-purpose cleaner, but it’s heavy on the surfactants. On glass, it can leave a slight film if you don't buff it out perfectly. Stick to the actual glass cleaner for your mirrors.
But for everything else?
- Sealed Granite: It’s fantastic. No dulling.
- Stainless Steel: It gets the fingerprints off, though you might need a microfiber cloth to get that high-shine finish.
- Laminate: It’s a workhorse.
- Painted Baseboards: Surprisingly good at removing scuffs without taking the paint off.
One thing people get wrong is the dwell time. Since it’s plant-based, it sometimes needs an extra 30 seconds to sit on a greasy spot. If you spray and wipe immediately, you’re not giving those plant-derived molecules time to break down the lipids in the grease. Spray it. Walk away. Check your phone. Then wipe. You’ll see a massive difference in how much effort you have to put into the "scrub" part.
The Cost Factor: Is It Actually a Deal?
Target positioned Everspring to compete with brands like Mrs. Meyer’s and Method. Price-wise, it usually sits a few cents lower. It’s the "affordable premium" tier. You can usually snag a 28-ounce bottle for under $4. When you compare that to some of the specialty eco-brands found at Whole Foods that retail for $8 or $9, Everspring looks like a steal.
Is it cheaper than white vinegar and water? No.
But most people don't want their house to smell like a pickle factory. The value in everspring all purpose cleaner isn't just the liquid inside; it’s the convenience of a ready-to-use spray that doesn't require you to be a DIY chemist.
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What the Skeptics Say
There is a segment of the "crunchy" community that thinks Everspring doesn't go far enough. They point to ingredients like methylisothiazolinone—a preservative used to prevent mold and bacteria growth in the bottle. While it’s effective, some people are allergic to it. If you’ve ever had a reaction to certain dish soaps or shampoos, you might want to spot-test this cleaner first.
Also, it isn't a disinfectant.
This is a huge distinction that gets lost. An "all-purpose cleaner" removes dirt and grime. It does not necessarily kill 99.9% of germs unless it’s specifically labeled as a "disinfectant." If you just cut up raw chicken on your counter, Everspring shouldn't be your only line of defense. You need something with an EPA registration number for disinfecting in those scenarios. Everspring makes a disinfecting version (usually with citric acid), but the standard All Purpose Cleaner is for general tidying, not sanitizing a surgical site.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
We are moving away from the era of "clean at all costs." People are tired of the chemical headaches. The everspring all purpose cleaner represents a shift in how big-box retailers handle sustainability. It’s not a niche product for the elite anymore; it’s something you grab while you’re buying socks and milk.
That accessibility matters.
If millions of Target shoppers switch from a harsh, petroleum-based cleaner to a biobased one, the cumulative impact on water systems and indoor air quality is actually measurable. It’s a "good enough" solution that fits into a real life. It’s for the person who wants to be eco-conscious but also has exactly fifteen minutes to clean the house before guests arrive.
Actionable Next Steps for Better Cleaning
If you’re ready to give it a shot or if you already have a bottle under your sink, here is how to actually get your money's worth:
- Use Microfiber, Not Paper Towels: Paper towels just move the liquid around. A high-quality microfiber cloth works with the surfactants in the cleaner to lift and trap dirt. You'll use less product and get a better finish.
- The Two-Minute Rule: For stubborn stovetop grease, spray the area liberally and let it sit for two minutes. Don't let it dry, but let it "work." The plant-based oils in the cleaner need that time to emulsify the grease.
- Switch to Refills: Once you have the plastic spray bottle, stop buying new ones. Buy the Everspring concentrates. You’ll save about 30% on the price per ounce, and you’ll significantly reduce your household plastic waste.
- Check Your Surfaces: While it's "all purpose," always test a small, hidden area on unsealed stone or antique wood. Plant-based doesn't always mean "safe for every finish."
- Ditch the Disinfectant Obsession: Use the all-purpose cleaner for 90% of your chores. Save the heavy-duty disinfectants for the bathroom and raw meat prep areas. This reduces your overall exposure to harsher chemicals while still keeping the house visibly and microscopically clean.
The reality is that everspring all purpose cleaner isn't a miracle in a bottle. It’s just a solid, well-priced, better-for-you cleaning agent that happens to look great on a shelf. It handles the daily chaos of a living, breathing home without the chemical hangover. For most of us, that’s more than enough.