Cleaning the bathroom is one of those chores that no one really looks forward to, but it’s essential for keeping our homes fresh and sanitary. When it comes to selecting the right cleaner, you want something that works effectively and efficiently. That’s where Kaboom and OxiClean come in.
Both are popular choices, but which one is better for your needs?
Let’s break it down and see which cleaner takes the crown.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kaboom Bathroom Cleaner | OxiClean Bathroom Cleaner |
| Main Ingredient | Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) | Sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective on tough stains | Very effective on organic stains |
| Ease of Use | Spray and wipe, minimal scrubbing | Requires some scrubbing for best results |
| Scent | Strong, bleach-like scent | Mild, fresh scent |
| Safety | Can be harsh on skin and eyes | Generally safer, but still needs caution |
| Environmental Impact | Contains bleach, less eco-friendly | More eco-friendly, biodegradable |
| Price | Generally affordable | Slightly more expensive |
| Versatility | Best for bathrooms, tough on grime | Multi-purpose, good for various surfaces |
Kaboom Bathroom Cleaner
Kaboom has made a name for itself with its powerful stain-fighting capabilities, thanks to its active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, better known as bleach.
It’s designed to tackle the toughest of bathroom stains, from soap scum to mold and mildew.
Here’s what I found when I used Kaboom in my own bathroom.
Pros
- Powerful Cleaning: Kaboom excels at removing stubborn stains. If you have soap scum build-up, mold, or mildew, Kaboom will make quick work of it.
- Ease of Use: It’s straightforward to use. Just spray it on, let it sit for a bit, and then wipe away. For most stains, you won’t need to scrub much.
- Visible Results: The changes are often immediate. You can see the grime being lifted off right before your eyes.
- Availability: Kaboom is widely available and easy to find in most stores.
Cons
- Strong Scent: The bleach smell is very strong and can be overpowering. It’s best to use it in a well-ventilated area.
- Harsh on Skin: Because it contains bleach, it can be harsh on your skin and eyes. You need to wear gloves and be careful not to get it in your eyes.
- Environmental Concerns: Products containing bleach are generally not the most environmentally friendly, so if eco-friendliness is a concern, Kaboom might not be your first choice.
OxiClean Bathroom Cleaner
OxiClean, on the other hand, uses the power of oxygen to clean.
Its active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water.
This makes it a great choice for tackling organic stains and general cleaning.
Pros
- Effective on Organic Stains: OxiClean works wonders on stains from organic matter, like soap scum and mildew.
- Mild Scent: It has a much milder, fresher scent compared to Kaboom, making it more pleasant to use.
- Safer for Skin: It’s generally safer to use and less harsh on your skin, though you should still avoid direct contact and wear gloves.
- Eco-Friendly: OxiClean is more environmentally friendly. It’s biodegradable and breaks down into harmless substances.
- Versatile: It’s not just for the bathroom. You can use OxiClean on various surfaces around your home, making it a versatile cleaning product.
Cons
- Requires Scrubbing: For the best results, you often need to scrub a bit more compared to Kaboom.
- Price: It tends to be slightly more expensive than Kaboom.
- Availability: While still widely available, it might not be as easy to find as Kaboom in some stores.
My Experience With Kaboom And OxiClean
Using Kaboom in my bathroom was like unleashing a cleaning beast. I sprayed it on my shower tiles and could almost immediately see the soap scum dissolving. It was especially effective on mold and mildew, making my grout lines look almost new.
However, the strong bleach smell was quite overwhelming, and I had to open all the windows and turn on the fan to air out the bathroom.
I also made sure to wear gloves because the one time I didn’t, my skin felt irritated.
OxiClean was a more pleasant experience overall.
The scent was mild and fresh, which made the cleaning process much more bearable. I sprayed it on the same shower tiles and let it sit for a few minutes.
While it required a bit more scrubbing than Kaboom, it still did a fantastic job of removing soap scum and mildew. The fact that it’s more eco-friendly was a big plus for me, and I felt better using it knowing it wasn’t as harsh on the environment.
Detailed Comparison of Kaboom And OxiClean Bathroom Cleaners
- Effectiveness
Both cleaners are highly effective, but in different ways. Kaboom’s bleach-based formula excels at quickly breaking down tough grime, mold, and mildew. It’s a powerhouse for those stubborn, hard-to-remove stains that seem impossible to clean with regular soap and water.
OxiClean, using the power of oxygen, is fantastic for organic stains and overall cleaning, though it might require a bit more elbow grease for the toughest spots.
- Ease of Use
Kaboom is definitely easier to use if you’re looking for a quick clean. Spray, wait, wipe – that’s it. OxiClean, while not difficult to use, often needs a bit more scrubbing to achieve the best results.
If you’re in a hurry or dealing with really tough stains, Kaboom might save you some time and effort.
- Scent
Here’s where OxiClean shines. Its scent is mild and fresh, making your bathroom smell clean without the harsh chemical odor. Kaboom’s strong bleach scent, on the other hand, can be overpowering and requires good ventilation during and after use.
- Safety
Safety is a significant consideration. Kaboom’s bleach content means you have to be careful with it. It can be harsh on the skin and eyes, and it’s not something you want to be inhaling too much of. OxiClean is generally safer, though it’s always a good idea to wear gloves and avoid direct contact with any cleaner.
- Environmental Impact
If being eco-friendly is important to you, OxiClean is the better choice. It’s biodegradable and breaks down into harmless substances, making it a more environmentally responsible option.
Kaboom’s bleach content makes it less eco-friendly, which is something to consider if you’re trying to reduce your environmental footprint.
- Price
Kaboom is generally more affordable, which might be a deciding factor if you’re on a budget. OxiClean is a bit pricier but considering its benefits, the extra cost might be worth it.
- Versatility
OxiClean takes the lead in versatility. You can use it not just in your bathroom, but also on various surfaces around your home. It’s a multi-purpose cleaner that delivers good results in different cleaning scenarios. Kaboom, while highly effective in the bathroom, isn’t as versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Kaboom is not being discontinued. It remains a popular choice for bathroom cleaning due to its effectiveness against tough stains.
The answer to this depends on what you’re looking for in a cleaner. If you need a strong cleaner for tough stains, Kaboom might be better. However, for a milder scent and eco-friendliness, OxiClean is hard to beat.
Professionals often use a variety of products depending on the specific needs of the job. They might use bleach-based cleaners like Kaboom for tough stains or oxygen-based cleaners like OxiClean for a more general clean. They also rely on tools like scrub brushes and steam cleaners.
Wrapping Up
So, which bathroom cleaner should you choose?
It depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains and need a powerful, quick solution, Kaboom is an excellent choice. Just be prepared for the strong bleach smell and take necessary safety precautions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a milder scent, a safer product, and are looking for something more environmentally friendly, OxiClean is the way to go. It might require a bit more scrubbing, but the results are worth it.
Ultimately, both Kaboom and OxiClean are effective cleaners that can help you keep your bathroom sparkling clean. Your choice will depend on what factors are most important to you – whether it’s the strength of the cleaner, the scent, safety, environmental impact, or price.
Happy cleaning!