Is Mrs. Meyer's Concentrate the Bona Killer for Your Floors (and Everything Else)?
I've been a loyal Bona user for years, but this two-pack of Mrs. Meyer's concentrate made me question everything about my floor cleaning routine.
This isn’t just another floor cleaner; it’s a multi-surface concentrate that promises to tackle everything from daily kitchen messes to deep floor cleaning. If you’re looking for a single, plant-derived product that smells amazing and can replace multiple bottles under your sink, this comparison is for you.
- Unbeatable Versatility Unlike Bona, which is just for floors, this concentrate can be diluted for floors, countertops, and refilling spray bottles, making it a true all-in-one.
- Incredible Value A single 32 oz bottle makes up to 16 gallons of cleaning solution, offering significantly more cleaning power for the price than a single bottle of pre-mixed Bona.
- Authentic, Lasting Scent The Lemon Verbena scent is derived from essential oils and smells genuinely bright and citrusy, not like a chemical factory. The scent lingers pleasantly after cleaning.
- Streak-Free on Hardwoods When diluted correctly (1/4 cup to a gallon of water), it leaves my sealed hardwood floors just as clean and streak-free as Bona, but with a much better scent.
Enjoy a refreshingly mild citrus scent while cleaning various home surfaces. Its cruelty-free, plant-derived formula is made without harsh chemicals like parabens or phthalates.
| Product Name | MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Multi-Surface Everyday Concentrate |
| Scent | Lemon Verbena |
| Size | 32 Fl Oz Bottle (2 Pack) |
| Form | Liquid Concentrate |
| Dilution Yield (General) | Makes up to 16 gallons per bottle |
| Spray Bottle Refill Yield | Makes 5 refills per bottle |
| Key Ingredients | Made with essential oils & plant-derived ingredients |
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified (Cruelty-Free) |
| Made Without | Parabens, phthalates, phosphates, artificial colors |
- Highly concentrated formula offers exceptional value, making up to 16 gallons per bottle.
- Pleasant and natural Lemon Verbena scent from essential oils, not artificial fragrances.
- Truly multi-surface; works on sealed floors, countertops, and other non-porous surfaces.
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified, with no parabens or phthalates.
- Leaves sealed hardwood and tile floors clean and streak-free when properly diluted.
- Requires mixing and measuring, unlike ready-to-use cleaners like Bona.
- The scent, while natural, can be strong for those with sensitivities.
- Using too much concentrate can leave a sticky residue, so proper dilution is critical.
Choosing the right Home Cleaning Supplies
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Concentration vs. Ready-to-UseHighDecide if you prefer the value and reduced packaging of a concentrate or the convenience of a pre-mixed, ready-to-use spray.Look forClear dilution instructions and high yield (e.g., gallons per bottle).AvoidOverpriced concentrates that don't offer significant savings over ready-to-use versions.
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Scent Profile & IngredientsHighCleaners can have scents ranging from non-existent to overpowering. Check if the scent is derived from essential oils or artificial fragrances, which can affect air quality and personal sensitivities.Look forProducts using essential oils and listing scent notes. 'Free & Clear' options if you're sensitive.AvoidVague 'fragrance' listings, which can hide harsh chemicals.
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Surface CompatibilityHighNot all 'multi-surface' cleaners are safe for all surfaces. It's critical to ensure the cleaner is safe for your specific floors, countertops, and finishes.Look forSpecific mentions of compatibility with sealed wood, stone, tile, and laminate. Explicit warnings for surfaces to avoid.AvoidCleaners that don't specify which surfaces they are safe for.
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Safety & CertificationsMediumConsider the product's impact on your family, pets, and the environment. Look for third-party certifications and ingredient transparency.Look forLeaping Bunny (cruelty-free), EPA Safer Choice, and plant-derived ingredient lists. Clear lists of what the product is 'made without' (e.g., parabens, phthalates).AvoidProducts with no ingredient transparency or safety certifications.
Common questions
Is this really better than Bona for hardwood floors?
From my experience, when diluted correctly, it cleans just as effectively as Bona without streaks. The main advantages are the incredible value, multi-surface versatility, and the much more pleasant, natural scent compared to Bona’s more neutral or chemical odor.
How do you dilute it for a mop bucket?
The instructions are simple: for big jobs like mopping floors, you dilute 1/4 cup of the concentrate into one gallon of warm water. This ratio works perfectly for sealed hardwood, tile, and linoleum without leaving any sticky residue.
Can I use this on natural stone like granite or marble?
Yes, Mrs. Meyer’s is generally safe for sealed, non-porous surfaces, including sealed granite. However, because stone can be sensitive to acidic ingredients like citrus, it’s always best to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Does the Lemon Verbena scent actually last?
Yes, it does. It’s not overpowering, but it leaves a light, fresh, and genuinely pleasant citrus scent in the room for a couple of hours after cleaning. It smells clean and natural, not like a heavy air freshener.
Mrs. Meyer’s Concentrate is a superb all-in-one cleaner that easily replaces specialized products like Bona for floor cleaning. Its value is unmatched, and the plant-derived scent is a huge upgrade, but you must be diligent with dilution to avoid stickiness.
- Exceptional cost-per-use, with one bottle making up to 16 gallons of cleaner.
- A single product cleans floors, counters, and more, reducing clutter and waste.
- The garden-inspired Lemon Verbena scent is a refreshing change from typical chemical cleaners.
For anyone tired of buying separate cleaners for floors and other surfaces, Mrs. Meyer’s Concentrate is a game-changer. It offers incredible value and a fantastic scent, making it the perfect choice for busy households that value both efficacy and better ingredients.
