The term “all-purpose cleaner” is a bit of a misnomer—you might assume that it would be safe to use on any item or surface, but the truth is it can actually damage some things in your home.

“We actually include an all-purpose cleaner in every cleaner’s kit, but it gets used way less than people think,” says Ryan Knoll, the founder and owner of Tidy Casa.

We turned to cleaning experts to find out exactly what you should avoid when it comes to all-purpose cleaner—and safe alternatives to use instead.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Kitchens these days are full of stainless steel appliances, and it can be tempting to give your fridge, oven, or dishwasher a quick wipe while you have your all-purpose cleaner out.

But Knoll says using the wrong cleaner on stainless steel can actually make it look worse.

“All-purpose cleaner tends to leave streaks or even create a dull, cloudy finish,” Knoll says. “For a clean that actually looks clean, we always recommend a dedicated stainless steel polish. That gives you the shine and fingerprint resistance folks love.”

Taylor Riley, partner at AMR US Commercial Cleaning, agrees, and says some ingredients in all-purpose cleaner—like ammonia, bleach, and citric acid—can even begin to wear down the finish over time.

“For stainless, I always recommend using a cleaner specifically made for it, or just a mix of mild dish soap and warm water,” he says. “A microfiber cloth is key, and always wipe with the grain to avoid scratching.”

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Kitchen Grease

Kitchen grease is notoriously difficult to tackle, and you might be wasting your time if you try to clean it with an all-purpose cleaner.

“All-purpose just can’t hold its own against layers of kitchen grease buildup, like what you find on range hoods or cabinet tops,” Knoll says.

Instead, he recommends Dawn dish soap and water for cleaning greasy kitchen surfaces.

Natural Stone and Wood

Natural stone countertops, like granite and marble, may seem strong and durable, but these surfaces can be highly porous, and certain cleaners can damage them.

Knoll and Riley both warn against using all-purpose cleaners on natural stone.

“A lot of multipurpose products are either too acidic or too alkaline, which can dull the surface or eat away at the sealant,” Riley says. “Once that seal is compromised, the stone becomes more prone to staining and damage.”

Instead, clean natural stone countertops and other surfaces with stone-safe cleaners.

Knoll also cautions against using all-purpose cleaners on wood, like wood furniture, as it can “strip the finish and leave a sticky residue.” You can use wood polish or a damp microfiber cloth instead.

Electronics

The screens on your electronics—your TV, your laptop, and even your tablet and phone—can be sensitive to harsh cleaners, and an all-purpose cleaner can actually damage the screen.

Knoll says you should also be careful with overdoing it with all-purpose and other types of cleaners, since these devices are so susceptible to water damage.

Glass and Mirrors

Everybody wants a streak-free shine when it comes to mirrors, glass, and windows—which is why Knoll says you should definitely avoid cleaning these surfaces with multipurpose cleaners.

“It will 100% leave streaks and not give the nice polished clean look we want from these surfaces,” he says.