Soft Scrub Versus Comet Cleansers

Bathtubs, vanities and kitchen counters are a few of the grittiest places in a house that need cleaning. These are areas where mystery stains and rust spots make their mark, making them a hassle to get clean. Two of my favorite products for use in these areas are Comet and Soft Scrub. While the two cleaners can be used in many similar ways, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here is what I like and dislike about both.

Comet
I like to use Comet because it is so non-toxic and safe on hands. If I don't want to take the time to find my cleaning gloves, Comet is the cleaner I grab. My favorite place to use Comet is on my bathtub. When the tub surface looks dingy and dirty even after I have wiped it out with an all purpose cleaner, Comet always brings the tub back to a clean, bright white. Another thing I like about Comet is the fresh scent it leaves behind. Even Comet that contains bleach does not leave an unpleasant odor. When I use Comet on a bathtub or sink, I first sprinkle the powder on the surface while it is dry. I then use a Scotch Brite pad with warm water to scrub at the stains. Comet removes stains very easily with an abrasive scrubber. Another cleaning job that Comet is great at is cleaning up dirt-stained linoleum floors. The product can be diluted in mop water or used full strength and I am always pleased with the results.

The only thing I don't like about Comet is that it is messy. Unlike all purpose cleaners like 409 that can be sprayed and wiped clean with a paper towel, Comet requires water and a sponge or rag. Once the product is dampened, it must be thoroughly removed or green pieces of cleaner will remain.

Soft Scrub
I was amazed the first time I discovered Soft Scrub. Whether it is a Kool-aid or juice stain on my kitchen counter, or make up stains on my bathroom vanity, Soft Scrub will always remove it. I used to worry when I stained a counter that it would be so permanently, but Soft Scrub has relieved my anxiety about stains on porcelain surfaces. It removes stains instantly while scrubbing with a Scotch Brite pad or even a paper towel. Another thing I like about Soft Scrub is that, like Comet, it is fairly non-toxic and smells extremely mild.

I have only two complaints about Soft Scrub. First of all, after cleaning with the product, a dry, gritty film remains on surfaces. Water and a cloth easily remove this, but it is another step in the cleaning process to do so. Secondly, the new bottles open toward the bottom, which is supposed to be convenient, but I find it annoying. The bottle requires much pressure to release the cleaner, and then when it finally does, it comes out in large spurts. Much of the product is wasted this way, and it is also more likely that you will get it on your clothes. Since Soft Scrub contains bleach, getting it on your clothes will ruin them. I suggest purchasing the upright bottles and wearing work clothes or covering your regular clothes before you use it. One note about Soft Scrub: Since the product is abrasive and contains bleach, it will stain and discolor some surfaces, as well as remove varnish and wax. Read the bottle carefully prior to using it.

Both Soft Scrub and Comet are extremely efficient, reasonably priced surface cleaners. Comet is great for tough stains in bathtubs, sinks and linoleum floors, while Soft Scrub also works in these same areas. I prefer to use Soft Scrub for smaller jobs and Comet for bigger jobs.