Kennel Degreaser vs All-Purpose Cleaner: Which to Use
By Quality Kennel Supplies for Your Pets | Backyard Pet Supplies | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
A kennel degreaser cuts heavy grease and grime; an all-purpose cleaner handles routine messes. Here's how to choose between them for kennel floors and pet gear.
Quick answer
Use a dedicated kennel degreaser for heavy grease, oily residue, and deep cleaning days; use an all-purpose cleaner for everyday messes and quick wipe-downs. If you want one product that covers the toughest kennel jobs, a concentrated degreaser like the 1 Gal Degreaser Mulberry Scented is the more capable choice. For routine upkeep, a milder all-purpose cleaner is usually enough and easier on surfaces.
What each cleaner actually does
A degreaser is formulated to break down grease, oils, and stubborn grime. That makes it useful for kennel floors, food prep areas, and any surface where fats or oily dirt build up. An all-purpose cleaner is designed for general dirt, dust, and light messes; it cleans quickly but may not fully cut through heavy grease without repeated scrubbing.
The practical difference shows up in how much effort you spend. With a degreaser, you often need less scrubbing because the formula does more of the work. With an all-purpose cleaner, you may need more passes or a second application on greasy spots.
When a kennel degreaser is the better tool
Choose a degreaser when grease is the main problem: oily residue on floors, buildup around feeding stations, or grime that regular cleaners leave behind. A concentrated formula also goes further per bottle, which matters if you clean multiple kennels or large areas regularly.
The 1 Gal Degreaser Mulberry Scented is a practical example. It comes in a 1-gallon size, which provides a generous supply for multiple cleaning tasks, and it is designed to help keep kennel areas and pet supplies clean and fresh. The mulberry scent leaves a pleasant fragrance after use, which can make daily cleaning less unpleasant. It is formulated as a degreaser to assist in removing tough grease and dirt, and it is suitable for use in kennel and pet areas.
When an all-purpose cleaner is enough
For light, everyday messes—dust, dirt, fresh spills, or quick wipe-downs—an all-purpose cleaner is usually sufficient and often more convenient. It may be gentler on certain surfaces and is typically easier to use for small, frequent cleaning tasks.
If you already have an all-purpose cleaner you like, you do not need to replace it. Instead, add a degreaser for the jobs that need extra power. Many kennel owners keep both on hand and match the product to the task.
How to choose without overbuying
Start by identifying your worst recurring mess. If grease and heavy grime are common, a degreaser should be your primary cleaner. If your kennels stay fairly clean and you mostly handle light dirt, an all-purpose cleaner may cover most of your needs.
Consider concentration and size. A concentrated degreaser in a larger size can be more economical for frequent deep cleaning, while a smaller all-purpose cleaner may be easier to store and use daily. There is no single best cleaner for kennel floors—it depends on your mess level and cleaning frequency.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Cleaning power vs. gentleness: A degreaser cuts heavy grease with less scrubbing but may be stronger than needed for light, daily messes. An all-purpose cleaner is gentler for routine use but may require more effort on greasy buildup. Match the product to the mess: degreaser for heavy jobs, all-purpose for light upkeep.
- Concentration vs. convenience: A concentrated degreaser like the 1 Gal Degreaser Mulberry Scented gives you more cleaning power per ounce and a larger supply, but it takes up more storage space. A smaller all-purpose cleaner is easier to grab for quick cleanups. If storage is tight, keep a small all-purpose cleaner handy and a degreaser for deep cleans.
- Scent vs. sensitivity: The mulberry scent in the degreaser leaves a pleasant fragrance, which some users enjoy. However, if you or your pets are sensitive to added scents, you may prefer an unscented all-purpose cleaner for daily use. Consider scent preferences when choosing between the two.
Product facts
- 1 Gal Degreaser Mulberry Scented: 1-gallon size provides a generous supply for multiple cleaning tasks; mulberry scent helps leave a pleasant fragrance after use; formulated as a degreaser to assist in removing tough grease and dirt; suitable for use in kennel and pet areas. A larger concentrated degreaser reduces how often you rebuy and is built for the greasy, grimy jobs that all-purpose cleaners struggle with.
- Coastal Pet Safari Complete Dog Brush: Dual-sided design with wire pins for detangling and nylon bristles for smoothing and shining; removes loose hair, dirt, and debris; distributes natural oils; ideal for all coat types. Grooming tools like this complement your cleaning routine by reducing loose hair and dirt before it spreads, which can make kennel cleaning faster.
- HandsOn Animal Gloves: Five-finger design allows for complete flexibility and control while grooming; rubber nodules remove loose hair, dirt, and dander; gentle massaging action promotes circulation; waterproof and durable for dry grooming and baths. A grooming glove can be used during bath time to help work cleaners through the coat and lift dirt, supporting overall kennel hygiene.
Which should you buy?
Best for
- Kennels with heavy grease, oily residue, or tough grime that regular cleaners leave behind
- Owners who want a concentrated, large-size cleaner for frequent deep cleaning
- Those who prefer a pleasant mulberry scent after cleaning
Not for
- Light, daily wipe-downs where a milder all-purpose cleaner is sufficient
- Users who prefer unscented cleaning products or have scent sensitivities
- Small spaces with limited storage for a 1-gallon container
