When most of us think about scrubbing sinks, bathtubs, or kitchen counters, Ajax is usually one of the first cleaners that comes to mind. It has been around forever and it’s the kind of product a lot of people grew up seeing under the kitchen sink.

But these days, more and more people are looking for alternatives that are gentler, more eco-friendly, or just better suited for specific surfaces.

The good news is there are plenty of great options out there that clean just as well, and in some cases, even better.

In this post, I’ll show you some of the best Ajax alternatives out there.

#1 Comet

Comet is probably the closest Ajax alternative in terms of look, feel, and how you use it. It is that classic powder-in-a-can style cleaner that you shake onto a wet sponge or surface, then scrub it out.

If you’re already comfortable with Ajax, this will feel exactly the same.

The cool part is that Comet comes in different scents and slightly different formulas, including some that are labeled scratch-free. It works really well on sinks, tubs, stove grates, and tile backsplashes.

People who like a super “deep clean” feel usually go for Comet because it cuts through grime fast. It is also pretty budget-friendly and easy to find at any grocery or hardware store.

One thing to note is that, like Ajax, it is still an abrasive powder, so you want to be a bit gentle on surfaces like marble or fancy brushed stainless steel.

For everyday scrubbing though, it handles soap scum like a champ.

#2 Bon Ami

Bon Ami is another great Ajax substitute. It has been around for ages too but it is considered a more natural and surface-safe option.

The brand’s whole message is basically “doesn’t scratch,” which is a huge win for people who want to clean things like glass stovetops, enameled cookware, farmhouse sinks, and other sensitive finishes.

It uses a more mild formula compared to old-school powder cleaners, which means you get a solid scrub without that gritty sandpaper effect.

Lots of people use Bon Ami in places where harsher cleaners are too risky.

You also don’t get that chemical cloud when you shake it out, so it feels better to breathe around.

If you have pets or kids and you want something less harsh but still powerful, Bon Ami is one of the safest swaps on this whole list.

#3 Soft Scrub

Soft Scrub is a cream-style cleaner instead of a powder. So if the sandy texture of Ajax annoys you or leaves residue, this one feels smoother and easier to rinse.

It still has some scrubbing strength, just in a paste form.

People love using it in showers, tubs, and bathroom sinks because it coats the surface evenly. You can spread it around and let it sit for a minute before wiping.

That gives the product time to break up gunk without needing harsh scrubbing.

It is also a little less messy than powders. No dust clouds, no grains splashing all over the counter. Just squeeze, scrub, rinse, done!

It's one of my favorite alternatives to Ajax cleaner.

#3 Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is one of those cleaners that you’ve probably seen but might not have tried yet.

It cuts through rust stains, mineral buildup, metal discoloration, and burned-on food that refuses to budge from pans. Ajax is good for everyday grime, but Bar Keepers Friend crushes the more stubborn stuff.

It also works wonders on stainless steel sinks, outdoor grills, and even ceramic cookware that started turning dull or brown from high heat.

You don’t need a lot of scrubbing pressure to get results either. The active formula does most of the lifting for you, which saves your arms and your sponge.

This is the cleaner people swear by when they want that “like-new” look, not just “wiped down.”

If you’ve ever polished a sink with it, you already know the magic.

#5 Seventh Generation

Seventh Generation is a popular pick if you want something more eco-conscious and plant-based. It does not have the harsh industrial smell that usual cleansers come with.

It is more of a gentle, green alternative for everyday wipe-downs and freshening up surfaces.

It won’t sand away grime like a heavy-duty powder cleanser, but it does great for maintenance cleaning and regular pick-ups in the bathroom or kitchen.

If you don’t like scrubbing until your elbow freezes, this is more of a “spray, wipe, repeat regularly” kind of product.

It is also safe for most sealed surfaces, so you don’t have to stress about scratching or dulling finishes.

If you’re moving toward less chemical-heavy brands, this one makes an easy transition.

#6 Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda paste is one of the simplest DIY swaps possible.

You just mix a little water with regular baking soda until it forms a thick spreadable texture. That’s literally it. But it still works like a micro-scrub to lift stains and buildup.

This is great for people who want control over how abrasive their cleaner is. You can make it more watery and mild, or thick and gritty for tougher spots.

It also doesn’t have the strong industrial smell that comes along with store powders.

Baking soda is safe for stovetops, sinks, cutting boards, inside fridges, tiles, grout lines, and a ton of other surfaces.

If you are someone who likes natural cleaning hacks or pantry-based solutions, this is a classic go-to.

#7 Vinegar + Salt Scrub

This one is another easy household natural DIY Ajax alternative and it packs a surprising punch.

Vinegar on its own already helps break down gunk, stains, and hard water film. When you pair it with salt, you get a grittier scrub that can handle more stubborn residue.

It works really well in bathrooms, inside toilets, on fixtures, and around faucets that collect mineral deposits.

The salt adds texture, and the vinegar loosens buildup. Just don’t use it on natural stone because acidic ingredients can dull the finish.

A fun bonus is that vinegar also kills odor, so after scrubbing something that smells musty or stale, you’re left with a fresher surface.

#8 The Pink Stuff

The Pink Stuff is a newer favorite that blew up online because so many people shared crazy before-and-after videos with it. It has a creamy paste texture that works on everything from oven doors to bathroom sinks to stained cookware.

People love it because it feels gentle but scrubs like a heavyweight product.

You spread a small amount, rub it in, then wipe off the residue and watch the shine pop out.

It is also less messy than powders since it stays put where you apply it. And hey, the pink color is just fun, right?

If you hate chalky cleaners or you just want something that feels newer and fresher than old-school powder scrubbers, this one is a fun upgrade.

Bottom Line

Ajax is a solid classic, but you have a ton of great options today that work just as well or even better depending on the surface you’re cleaning.

If you’re looking to switch things up, give one of these a try. You might find your new favorite cleaner hiding in this list!

Each of these alternatives does a great job of keeping your home clean, and most of them are way more versatile than you might think.

Plus, they’re easy to find and reasonably priced, so you won’t break the bank trying something new.

8 Great Ajax Alternatives