Ajax and Comet have been going to toe at each other over the years. While this competition is a healthy one that favors both the cleaning industry and the consumers, people often get stuck when it comes to choosing which one to buy. Luckily, we have provided a detailed comparison of both cleaners to help you make an informed decision.
Ajax cleanser is a specially designed scratch-free formula that removes dirt and stains and freshens your areas. It is easy to rinse and has a wide home application.
Comet also is a cleanser that handles dirt and tough stains in every area of your home. It cleans and deodorizes, leaving your home fresh and clean.
The primary surfactant used by Ajax formula is Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, while that of Comet is Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. However, they both serve the same purpose of removing dirt and stains.
Related: Glass Plus vs Windex | Rejuvenate vs Bona Floor Cleaner |
Clorox vs Lysol | ECOS vs Seventh Generation |
Pine-Sol vs Pine Glo | Fabuloso vs Lysol
Comparison Table of Ajax VS Comet powder cleansers
| Features | Ajax | Comet |
| Form | Powder and liquid | Powder and liquid, Pad |
| Active Ingredients | Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate | Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid |
| Fragrance | Lemon for the powder and | Varieties of scent |
| Disinfectant | No | Only comet bathroom spray and classic antibacterial |
| Toxic | “F” rating on EWG use with caution | “F” rating on EWG use with caution |
| Specific use for product | Countertops, bathroom tiles, porcelain, pots, and pans, etc. | Can be used for all cleaning purposes |
Differences Between Ajax and Comet Cleaners
For a better comparison, there is a need to consider how Ajax and Comet cleaners differ from each other. Some of these differences can be seen in their active ingredients, types of cleaners, disinfectants, and price.
Active ingredients
Looking out for the ingredients of the cleaner you want to buy is a good place to start when deciding which cleaner to buy. From there, you will know what you are expecting from the cleaner in terms of cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfecting. And also, to know if it is a safe cleaner to use in your home and healthies. Ajax and Comet use the same basic ingredients for their powder cleaners, but they do not use the same active ingredients. The active ingredient in Ajax is Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, while the one in Comet is Alkylbenzene sulfonic acid. The basic ingredients in both cleaners are:
- Sodium Carbonate: To soften stains and hard water
- Calcium Carbonate: This is a cleaning agent
- Trichloroisocyanuric Acid: A disinfectant and bleaching agent
- Fragrance; and
- Dye
Types of cleaners
Ajax and Comet offer different types of cleaners for you to choose from so let’s check them out.
For Ajax, you will get the Ajax Powder Cleaner and the Ajax liquid Soap. These are the only products from Ajax, so making a decision here is a lot easier. The Ajax Powder Cleaner is available in only one scent and in three sizes which are 14, 21, and 28 ounces. While the Ajax Liquid Soap is available in six scents and various formulas. The formulas include Ajax Ultra Vinegar+, Triple Action, Ajax Ultra Super Degreaser, +Charcoal, and Bleach Alternative, while the scents are citrus berry splash, lime, and orange, grapefruit, lemon, and citrus.
In contrast, you will get more powder cleaners with Comet, and different types of cleaning products like Comet Bath Sprays, Comet classic, Comet Erasing Pads, and Comet Soft Cleaners.
Comet powder cleaners
The Comet Powder Cleaners are available in different scents such as pine, lemon, and lavender. And also in the Ultra, 2X, and regular Comet cleanser formulas.
Comet Bath Sprays
These are good disinfectants. You can choose between the lavender and lemon scents, and they are available in sizes 32 or 17 ounces.
Comet Classic
Under the Comet Classic, you will get the Classic multipurpose cleaner which is available in two scents, Classic Daily shower, Classic Glass Cleaner With Ammonia, Classic Foam Bath Sprayer With Bleach, Classic Kitchen Cleaner With Bleach, Classic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Classic Concentrated Bleach, and Classic Antibacterial Spray.
Comet Soft Cleansers
The Soft Cleansers are made especially for delicate surfaces. They have a way of going hard on tough stains but are gentle on the surface. They come in two formulas which are Soft Cleanser With Bleach, and Ultra Soft Cleanser With Bleach, both in 24-ounce sizes.
Comet Erasing Pads
These pads will remove tough stains on every surface in your home. You can purchase them in packs of 2 and 4.
Disinfectant
Are Ajax and Comet powder cleaners disinfectants? The answer is “No.” Ajax and Comet powder cleaners are not disinfectants. However, Comet Bath Sprays and Classic Antibacterial Spray are disinfectants approved by EPA with a 99 percent rating for killing bacteria. This gives Comet an edge over Ajax, that do not offer any disinfectants.
Price
The price of purchasing these cleaners varies with size, type, and the local store you are buying from. However, it might not be a deciding factor here because Ajax and Comet are affordable cleaners with just a slight difference between them. You can look up their prices in some online stores.
Similarities between Ajax and Comet cleaners
Ajax and Comet share some similarities that can be seen in their safety and how to use them.
Safety
Ajax and Comet both have the same safety concern. They both contain chemicals with moderate risk for asthma and respiratory problems and some concern in terms of allergies, carcinogen risk, and development/reproductive risk as rated by EWG. In general, Ajax and Comet have an “F” rating by this organization, so it is important to use them with caution. There are some safety warnings on the label of the cleaners that you can read up.
How to use
You can also find some similarities in how to use both cleaners, especially the powdered ones. How to use them involves:
- Putting on gloves first
- Wet the surface to be cleaned with water
- Apply the powder cleaner to the wet surface and leave it for about 15 seconds
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the surface clean; and
- Rinse the surface well with water.
Conclusion
Ajax and Comet are trusted brands and their cleaners hit the right notes for anyone looking for a versatile and powerful powder cleaner. If you are wondering which one is a better cleaner, well, the answer largely depends on your personal preference. However, if you want a cleaner with disinfecting ability, Comet is the sure way to look, while Ajax powder cleaners slightly outperform Comet in cleaning ability. Also, Comet offers lots of cleaning products for different uses, so they have a wider application than Ajax.