A-BEN-A-QUI All-Purpose Cleaning Paste

Important note on cleaning products

When I choose cleaners for my home, I focus on limiting exposure to harsh chemistry that can linger on surfaces or in indoor air. I avoid bleach, ammonia, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), strong solvent fumes, high-VOC formulas, undisclosed fragrance blends, and harsher preservative systems like methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone. For everyday cleaning, I prefer products that rely on basic mineral or plant-derived chemistry rather than aggressive chemicals.

What this cleaner is

This is a cleaning paste designed to be applied with a damp cloth or sponge and gently worked into the surface to lift grime, buildup, and stains. The formula relies on a mineral base and mild cleaning agents rather than bleach or solvent-heavy detergents.

Because it’s a paste, you control exactly how much you use and where it goes, which helps minimize residue.

What I like

I like that this cleaner uses straightforward mineral and carbonate-based cleaning action instead of harsh disinfectant chemistry. It’s effective for scrubbing sinks, tubs, tile, stainless steel, cookware, stovetops, and other hard surfaces without relying on fumes or aggressive cleaners.

The paste format makes it especially useful for tougher messes like soap scum, hard water marks, oxidation, and stuck-on residue, while still fitting into a lower-tox cleaning routine.

Things to keep in mind

Because this is a paste with mild abrasive properties, it’s best used with light pressure. For delicate or polished finishes, I always recommend testing in a small, inconspicuous area first.