If you've ever found yourself staring at the dish soap aisle wondering whether to grab Dawn or Ajax, you're not alone.

Both are top contenders in the world of cleaning products, but they each have their own strengths and quirks. One might be perfect for heavy-duty grease, while the other is better for gentle cleaning.

In this Ajax Vs Dawn post, I’ll compare them side by side so you can make an informed choice without the headache.

#1. Main Ingredients

Both Ajax and Dawn use cleaning agents designed to break down grease, dirt, and food particles.

Dawn contains surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and some enzymes that help lift off grease. It’s also known for being used in wildlife rescue operations because it’s gentle enough to clean animals without harming their skin.

Ajax, on the other hand, relies more on its strong surfactants and bleach to fight grease.

Its formula is more heavy-duty, so it’s great for tougher, messier dishes.

#2. Cleaning Power

So, which one actually cleans better? Well, that depends on what kind of cleaning you need.

Dawn is often the go-to for greasy pans, greasy dishes, or tough kitchen messes.

If you’ve ever used Dawn, you know it cuts through grease like a hot knife through butter. You can use just a tiny bit, and it lathers up beautifully. That’s why it’s often the soap of choice for people who need to wash dishes that have seen some serious grease or food buildup.

Ajax is still a strong contender in the cleaning game. It’s also great for those heavy-duty messes, but it leans more into scrubbing power because of its bleach content.

It’s got a little extra muscle behind it, but some people find it can be a bit harsh on softer dishes or more delicate glassware.

#3. Versatility

Dawn is more versatile than Ajax.

Dawn is kind of a jack-of-all-trades. It works for washing dishes, cleaning greasy spots on clothes, and even cleaning greasy stains around the house.

It’s also pretty famous for being a go-to for cleaning pets if they’ve had a run-in with oil or something similar.

You can even use it to clean your car or shower!

Ajax is mostly for cleaning dishes, but it can be used in the kitchen for other tasks too, like cleaning countertops or bathroom surfaces.

It’s a bit less flexible than Dawn, but if you need a good scrub down, it won’t disappoint.

#4. Prices

Price is definitely a deciding factor for many.

If you’re on a budget, you’ll appreciate that Ajax tends to be cheaper. You can usually find it for a few dollars less than Dawn.

Plus, the bottle often lasts a bit longer since you’re using more soap per dish.

Dawn, while slightly pricier, offers more in terms of concentrated cleaning power. A little goes a long way, so in the end, you’re still getting good value for your money, especially if you find it on sale.

If you want to use less soap and get just as effective cleaning, Dawn might save you in the long run.

#5. Smell

No one wants to be left with that weird “chemical” smell on their dishes, right?

Dawn has a pretty mild, pleasant scent. It’s not overpowering, and it doesn’t leave that strong soapy after-smell on your hands or your dishes.

Ajax, on the other hand, often comes in a variety of scents, from lemon to fresh breeze. Some people love that fresh scent, but it’s definitely stronger than Dawn’s.

If you’re sensitive to fragrances, you might find Ajax a little too much.

Also Read: Can You Mix Ammonia And Dish Soap?

#6. Product Range

Both brands have a wide range of products to suit different needs.

Dawn has some unique offerings like Dawn Platinum, which is specifically for heavy-duty grease, and Dawn Free & Clear for those who prefer fragrance-free options.

You can also find dish soap with built-in antibacterial properties, which can be handy if you’re extra cautious about germs in the kitchen.

Ajax offers a variety of scents and strengths too, and they also have some options with bleach for extra cleaning power.

While their range might not be as extensive as Dawn’s, you’ll still find different versions to meet your needs, like the Ajax with bleach gel or a more eco-friendly option.

#7. Gentleness On Hands

If you have sensitive skin or wash dishes regularly, you want a soap that won’t dry out your hands.

Dawn is generally considered the gentler of the two. It’s known for being a little softer on the skin. That’s why it’s even used to clean animals in emergency situations.

It doesn’t leave your hands feeling super dry, which is a nice touch if you do a lot of dishwashing.

Ajax, due to its stronger formula, tends to dry out the skin more. The bleach and harsher ingredients can strip away oils from your hands, which could lead to irritation if you’re using it a lot.

If you’re constantly doing the dishes, Dawn might be more forgiving.

#8. Environmental Impact

Dawn has made strides in being more environmentally conscious.

Also Read: Can You Put Dawn In The Washing Machine?

The company has initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, and they even donate to wildlife rescue efforts. However, like most cleaning products, it still uses chemicals, and you should be cautious with overuse in sensitive ecosystems.

Ajax, on the other hand, is less vocal about its environmental efforts.

Now it does have some more eco-friendly options, but they’re not as prominent in their product line.

Ajax is still primarily a traditional cleaning product, so if sustainability is a big concern for you, Dawn may be the better option.

Should I Get Dawn or Ajax?

At the end of the day, choosing between Dawn and Ajax really depends on your needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a soap that’s gentle on hands, highly versatile, and doesn’t leave a strong scent, Dawn is probably your best bet. But, if you need something that’s strong on grease, doesn’t cost as much, and you don’t mind a stronger scent, Ajax might be the better option.

Both are effective, but your choice depends on what matters most to you.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Dawn and Ajax is that Dawn is better for gentle cleaning, versatility, and being easy on your hands. It’s also great for tackling grease and comes in eco-friendly options.

Ajax, on the other hand, is more affordable, stronger on grease, and better for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, but it can be harsher on your skin and leave a stronger scent.

Ajax Vs Dawn (What Should I Get?)