Review:
Staring at a rust-stained bathtub or a grease-caked kitchen sink can feel like an uphill battle. We’ve all been there: scrubbing until our arms ache, only to see the same stubborn grime staring back. For decades, two household titans have promised to solve this exact problem for pennies on the dollar: Comet and Ajax. These iconic canisters, with their familiar sprinkle tops, have been staples under kitchen sinks since the 1940s and 50s. But in the modern world of “green” cleaners and high-tech sprays, does the old-school powder still reign supreme? And more importantly, in the battle of Comet vs. Ajax, which one actually delivers the knockout punch to stains?
This review dives deep into the abrasive world of powder cleansers. We’ll tear apart the ingredient labels, compare the “scoured-earth” performance of both brands, and help you decide which one deserves a permanent spot in your cleaning caddy. Whether you’re a professional cleaner or a homeowner on a budget, understanding the subtle differences between these two can save you time, effort, and a whole lot of elbow grease.
Overview
Both Comet and Ajax are categorized as “abrasive powder cleansers.” Their primary purpose is to provide mechanical action (scrubbing) combined with chemical action (bleaching and degreasing) to lift stains from hard, non-porous surfaces.
Comet was introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1956 and quickly became famous for its “Chlorinol” bleach formula. Today, it is owned by KIK Custom Products in the U.S. consumer market, though P&G still handles the professional line. It is widely marketed as a “scratch-free” formula that is gentle enough for modern surfaces while being tough enough for deep disinfection.
Ajax, on the other hand, is the elder statesman, launched by Colgate-Palmolive in 1947. Its famous slogan, “Stronger than dirt!”, cemented its place in pop culture. Like Comet, it relies on a combination of abrasives and bleach. Ajax is often perceived as the more “hardcore” option, frequently favored by those who want high-visibility cleaning action.
While they look nearly identical on the shelf, they target slightly different user experiences. Comet focuses on a smoother, easier-to-rinse application, while Ajax leans into a thicker, “clingier” texture that provides visual feedback as you work. Both are incredibly affordable, usually retailing for around $1.00 to $1.50 per 21-ounce can, making them some of the most cost-effective cleaning solutions on the planet.
Features
The features of these two cleansers might seem basic, but they are engineered for specific results:
- Abrasive Foundation: Both products use Calcium Carbonate as their primary scrubbing agent. This is essentially ground limestone. The particle size is the key feature here; Comet’s particles are generally finer and more uniform, which contributes to its “scratch-free” claim. Ajax tends to have slightly larger, more jagged granules that provide a more aggressive mechanical scrub.
- Bleaching Power: Both contain a dry chlorine bleach (usually Trichloroisocyanuric Acid). This feature allows the powders to not just lift dirt, but to chemically oxidize organic stains like coffee, tea, and mildew.
- Color Tracing (The Ajax Advantage): One of Ajax’s standout features is its use of blue dyes. When Ajax powder meets water, it turns a vibrant blue. This serves a functional purpose: it shows you exactly where you have applied the product and where you have already scrubbed. Comet stays mostly white or off-white, which some users find “cleaner” looking, but provides less visual guidance.
- Scent Profiles: Comet has traditionally stuck to its “Clean Fresh” scent, though they have expanded into Lemon and Pine variations. The scent is designed to be medicinal and “hospital clean.” Ajax has a significantly stronger, more pungent chemical aroma. For many, the smell of Ajax is synonymous with deep cleaning, but for those sensitive to smells, it can be overwhelming.
- Packaging: Both use the classic composite cardboard canister with a metal or plastic sifter top. Comet often offers more variety in sizing, including larger 28-ounce cans and smaller travel sizes, whereas Ajax is most commonly found in the standard 21-ounce “Value Size.”
- Formulas: Comet has branched out more aggressively into specialized formulas, including a Comet 2X Bleach and Comet Ultra for professional-grade messes. Ajax keeps it simple with its “Powder Cleanser with Bleach” being the primary workhorse.
Benefits
The benefits of using these powders over liquid sprays are immense, particularly when dealing with “set-in” problems:
- Mechanical Advantage: The biggest benefit of both products is the “scrub factor.” A liquid spray can’t provide the friction needed to remove mineral deposits or rust. Because these are powders, you can control the “paste” consistency. Add just a drop of water to a pile of Comet, and you have a thick paste that will sit on a vertical surface (like a shower wall) and eat through soap scum.
- Cost Efficiency: You can clean an entire house—kitchen, three bathrooms, and a garage—multiple times over with a single $1 can of Ajax. Compared to $5-7 for a specialized bathroom spray that might only last a month, the value proposition is unbeatable.
- Time-Saving Visibility (Ajax): The blue-streak benefit of Ajax means you never miss a spot. If you’re cleaning a large porcelain tub, the blue tint ensures you’ve covered every square inch. This prevents the “I missed a spot” frustration once the surface dries.
- Surface Safety (Comet): The benefit of Comet’s finer granules is peace of mind on delicate surfaces. If you have an older porcelain-enamel sink that is prone to “dulling,” Comet’s smoother texture is less likely to strip the shine over time compared to more aggressive abrasives.
- Disinfection: Because they contain chlorine bleach, both products benefit the user by killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria. This makes them ideal for high-touch areas like the rim of a toilet or the basin where you wash raw chicken.
- Rust and Oxidation Removal: Both products are exceptionally good at removing light rust from chrome fixtures or stainless steel. The combination of the abrasive lifting the rust and the bleach brightening the metal is a dual-action benefit that few other cleaners offer.
Pros
Comet Pros:
- Superior Rinsing: Comet dissolves and rinses away much faster than Ajax. It doesn’t leave behind as much “chalky” residue, which is a common complaint with powder cleansers.
- Milder Fragrance: While still chemical, it is less pungent than Ajax, making it better for small, unventilated bathrooms.
- Versatile Surfaces: Generally considered safer for fiberglass and imitation marble when used with plenty of water.
- Consistency: The powder is very fine and doesn’t “clump” as easily in the can if there’s humidity.
Ajax Pros:
- Cling Factor: The thicker, clumpier texture of Ajax allows it to stick to the sides of sinks and tubs better than the “slippery” Comet.
- Visual Feedback: The blue color-change technology is a favorite among professional cleaners for ensuring total coverage.
- Aggressive Scrubbing: Often works faster on “burnt-on” grease on the bottom of pots and pans due to the slightly more abrasive granules.
- Nostalgic “Clean” Smell: For many, the strong scent is a “pro” because it signals the job is done right.
Customer Reviews
Public sentiment for these products remains incredibly high, often fueled by a “back to basics” movement in home cleaning.
- The Reddit Consensus: On subreddits like r/CleaningTips, users frequently recommend Ajax for “visual satisfaction.” One user noted, “I love seeing the blue streaks; it feels like the product is actually working, and I know exactly where I’ve scrubbed.”
- The “Old Faithful” Sentiment: Many reviewers on retail sites like Walmart and Amazon mention that they’ve used Comet for 40+ years. A common theme is: “I tried all the expensive sprays, but I always come back to Comet for my white porcelain sink. Nothing else gets it that white.”
- Professional Take: Professional house cleaners often point to Ajax as the best for “first-time” deep cleans of neglected properties because it “chews through” grime that has been sitting for months.
- Value Praise: Across the board, customers rave about the price. “It’s literally the only thing in the store that still costs a dollar and actually works,” says one 5-star reviewer.
Conclusion
After comparing every facet of these two legendary cleansers, the winner depends entirely on your specific cleaning style.
If you prioritize speed and ease of use, Comet is your winner. Its fine powder rinses away cleanly without leaving a trace of grit, and its milder scent won’t chase you out of the bathroom. It is the perfect daily or weekly maintainer for modern porcelain and stainless steel.
However, if you are tackling a heavy-duty disaster or want to ensure total coverage, Ajax takes the crown. The blue tracing dye is a genius addition that provides practical benefits, and its thicker texture allows it to “sit and work” on tough stains far better than the smoother Comet.
Ultimately, both are essential tools. For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can own both and decide for yourself. In a world of overpriced, over-marketed cleaning chemicals, Ajax and Comet remain the “Great Equalizers”—proving that sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the best.
Call to Action
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