A GOOD all-purpose cleaner is an essential tool in every home.

The best ones are good for tackling mess on a variety of surfaces including kitchen counters, painted walls, floors, kitchens and bathrooms.

We all want a cleaner that will cut through grease and grime without tough scrubbing and without leaving any residue behind.

But some branded sprays will now set you back more than £3 on your weekly shop.

We asked mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, to trial some cheaper supermarket versions to see how they fared against big brands Flash and Dettol.

Here's what happened:

Lynsey says: "I felt confident this killed bacteria on my worktops and it did a great job of cutting through stains and grease.

"It's suitable for kitchen surfaces, cooker hobs, sinks, draining boards, bins, floors, shower screens, baths, taps and toilet seats!

"I found it to be particularly effective on skins, kitchen worktops and tiles. No complaints at all. Great value for money and less than half the price of Flash per litre."

Lynsey says: "A great multi-use product if you are short on space.

"It did a great job of wiping kitchen surfaces but was also effective at removing limescale build-up in the bathroom and it even did a good job of cleaning windows and mirrors without leaving unsightly smears.

"It had a slight bleachy smell but it was subtle and not too overpowering.

"If you don't want a whole host of products clogging up your cupboard under the sink, this is a great all-rounder at a great price."

Lynsey says: "I thought this Tesco spray had a lovely, fresh scent.

"After spraying you leave it for five minutes before wiping away with a clean cloth.

"I was impressed with how well it cleaned away limescale residue and brown staining around my kitchen and bathroom taps.

"It came out as a bit of a foam. It left surfaces with a nice shine and no smear marks.

"Not as cheap as Aldi or Lidl but it did a better job. A real winner from Tesco."

Lynsey says: "I thought Flash would be much pricier than the supermarket sprays but I managed to pick up a bottle in Wilko's for £1 so not too bad at all.

"There is less in the bottle though which is a bit deceiving and means it's not the best value at £2.13 per litre.

"It cleaned really well, smelled quite strongly of lemons and left surfaces with a nice shine."

Lynsey says: "Cheaper per litre than Flash but still pricey.

"It did do a good job of cleaning and it had a nice fresh scent. Claims to kill Covid as well as cold and flu viruses.

"I used it on everything from the kitchen surfaces to chopping boards and kids' toys and felt it couldn't have done a better job.

"It doesn't contain bleach. The only downside is the price."

Lynsey says: "A great eco-choice. It smells good, with a light fragrance but a fresh and clean feel.

"The spray nozzle is effective and the bottle is a good size.

"It's better than more expensive eco brands and while more expensive than most supermarket own brands, if you want a green choice this is for you and it's still cheaper than the Flash.

"It doesn't leave any smears and does a top job."

Lynsey says: "Struggled with this one as an 'all purpose' cleaner as, because of the bleach, there are a whole host of surfaces it can't be used on including marble, natural stone, wood, aluminium and painted surfaces - most of what I'd want to use it for.

"It smelt ok and did a good job of cleaning but I'd rather buy an all purpose that can be used on everything."

Lynsey says: "This has a very strong Lemon smell but it's fresh and clean and did a great job of cutting through grease and grime and leaving surfaces with a nice shine.

"I do prefer a spray nozzle, this is just an open cap that you poor on to a cloth and it's not as easy or quick to use when you need to give a quick sides a quick once over.

"It is a great price though, the cheapest in our test and a generous 1litre bottle.

"If you are looking to shave money off your weekly shopping bill, this could be a good choice."

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