Trib tested: Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner

I tried Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner on glass, marble and wood surfaces, and on a mirror and electronics. It definitely helped remove dirt from the windows and mirror, but spots on the mirror required repeated squirts. Also, I had to rub and rub to avoid leaving traces of the whitish cleaner on those surfaces. I had better luck with the electronics. First, I love having something to use on my TVs other than plain water; I always had worried about damaging the screen. And the cleaner handily removed smudges from the TV casing.

I used both the Multi Surface Pledge and my standby, Lemon Pledge, on a wooden railing and a marbletop table. I had expected the Lemon Pledge, which I thought was waxier, to leave more of a glow, but the end result looked the same. And the Multi Surface product seemed to remove a humbling amount of grime from the railing.

I tested the "Lavender Fresh" Multi Surface Cleaner. I wish the cleaner's scent was more soothing, like that of a lavender candle. A day later, when I put my nose to it, the wooden banister retained a note of aroma. More fun was the TV, which I turned on after cleaning, to see whether warmth would have an effect. The plastic casing definitely was giving off a lavender scent.

I will use the Multi Surface Pledge, but my closet still has room for a separate glass and mirror cleaner.

-- Catherine Artman

Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner, in theory, is the perfect product for me. Grab some cloths and a spray can, start at one end of the room and don't stop until you hit the other side. I get distracted easily while cleaning, and when I need to fetch something else to use, sometimes I don't get back to the work for a while. So, in a recent cleaning session, I started with the TV and stereo fronts, moved on to the glass on the door and finished with the woodwork: No excuses, no breaks, other than needing to change cloths.

The one thing I didn't like about it was that the "Lavender Fresh" scent lingered longer than I like. Not a problem for people who use room sprays or other scenting products, but for me, not the best.

-- Vaunda Bonnett

I'm happy to have a product from a company that recognizes the fact that fast, surface cleaning often wins out over deep cleaning. Mom would be appalled, but in our busy lives we don't have the same dedication to housecleaning. With the Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner, I can whisk through a mid-week pick-up and clean-up, just switching dust rags between bathroom, living room and kitchen. The spray cleans up the sink and shower walls. It transitions easily to the living room entertainment center, which includes dust-attracting TV and electronics, along with a frequently smudged glass door, wood top and sides, and a collection of framed family photos on top. The Rainshower scent smells clean, rather than perfumey, which I like, too.

-- Sally Quinn

Additional Information:

Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner

The claim: Americans can clean more faster with a single product. The new Pledge Multi Surface Cleaner allows busy adults to conveniently wipe away dust, fingerprints and smudges for a streak-free clean without residue. It is formulated to work on wood, glass, metal, electronics, plastics, marble and granite. The cleaner comes in two fragrances -- Rainshower and Lavender Fresh.

Cost: $4.49