If you’ve ever wandered down the cleaning aisle and spotted both Simple Green and Purple Power, you’ve probably wondered which one’s actually better.

They look kind of similar and both promise to “cut through grease and grime”.

But under the label, they’re two totally different products.

In this post, we’ll compare Simple Green vs Purple Power against a ton of different factors so that you have everything you need to know before picking your winner.

#1 Main Ingredients

Simple Green’s formulas are mostly water plus surfactants and mild supporting agents.

For example, in its all-purpose cleaner, water is over 85%, and surfactants plus things like sodium bicarbonate, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, and some fragrance/preservatives fill out the rest.

Purple Power leans heavily alkaline. Its SDS shows a pH in the ballpark of 12–13.

It contains sodium metasilicate, glycol ethers (like diethylene glycol monobutyl ether), and other strong alkali components.

So in short: Simple Green is mild and balanced. Purple Power is aggressive and high-alkaline.

#2 Cleaning Power

Simple Green handles light to medium cleaning like a pro.

Think kitchen counters, floors, car interiors, or tools with a bit of grime - it cuts through everyday dirt without stripping surfaces or making your hands feel like sandpaper.

It’s not meant for baked-on gunk or layers of oil, but for typical household messes, it’s fantastic.

Purple Power, on the other hand, is a beast. It’s made for the heavy-duty stuff like engines, greasy machinery, and oil-soaked garage floors. When you spray it on, you can literally see it start to break down grime.

But because it’s so powerful, it’s easy to overdo it. Leave it too long or use it full strength on the wrong surface, and you might regret it.

So, cleaning-wise, Purple Power is way more powerful than Simple Green.

#3 Prices

Purple Power is cheaper than Simple Green.

After checking prices at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Amazon, Purple Power generally comes out ahead.

A 32-ounce bottle of Purple Power costs about $3.88, compared to $4.82 for Simple Green, which is a nice 20 percent savings right there.

For a one-gallon size, they are very close at around $10 each, but when you go big with five gallons, Purple Power drops to just $35 while Simple Green is nearly $101 - that is a huge 65 percent difference for bulk buys.

Plus, because Purple Power is strong, you might use less of it on tough jobs (i.e., heavier dilution or less scrubbing).

#4 Smell

Simple Green’s scent is pretty mild, fresh, slightly citrusy, and not overpowering. You can clean a whole kitchen or garage without needing to crack every window.

It doesn’t linger too long, either, which is nice if you’re sensitive to strong smells.

Purple Power, meanwhile, smells… industrial.

It’s got that classic chemical punch that hits you as soon as you open the bottle. If you’re working outside or in a well-ventilated area, it’s manageable. But indoors? It can feel like you’re deep-cleaning a factory.

You might want to wear a mask or keep the fan running just to keep things comfortable.

It’s strong because it’s strong and that’s kind of the tradeoff.

#5 Surface Safety

This is where Simple Green really shines.

It’s safe on painted surfaces, plastics, rubber, tile, vinyl, stainless steel, and even fabric in diluted form. You can spray it on almost anything without panicking that it’s going to strip paint or cloud finishes.

That makes it great for cars, bikes, and around-the-house projects.

Purple Power is highly alkaline, and that means it can dull paint, corrode aluminum, or discolor coated surfaces if it’s left on too long or used at full strength.

It’s great for steel tools, concrete, or super greasy parts, but not so much for shiny things.

Simple Green is forgiving; Purple Power is not.

Should I Get Purple Power Or Simple Green

#6 Versatility

Simple Green is the definition of “one bottle, many uses.” You can use it in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or even on your car’s upholstery.

It’s gentle enough for indoor cleaning and strong enough for outdoor grime, making it the kind of product you reach for without thinking twice.

Purple Power is more of a specialist. It excels in garages, workshops, and places where engines, tools, or grills collect serious grime. It’s perfect for mechanical cleaning but not something you’d grab to clean your countertops or windows.

You could dilute it for lighter tasks, but honestly, it’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut - powerful, just not always practical.

#7 Ease Of Use

Using Simple Green couldn’t be simpler. Spray it on, wipe it off, rinse if needed, and you’re done.

It’s gentle on hands, safe around most surfaces, and doesn’t require heavy protection. You don’t have to measure or worry about ruining what you’re cleaning.

It’s very beginner-friendly, even if you’re not exactly a cleaning expert.

Purple Power takes a bit more care. You’ll probably want gloves and eye protection because it can irritate skin or eyes. It also needs proper dilution based on the job as too strong, and you could damage the surface; too weak, and it won’t work well.

It’s effective, but it’s not as “grab-and-go” as Simple Green. It’s more of a serious cleaner for serious jobs.

#8 Eco-Friendliness

Simple Green has built a reputation on being biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for the environment when used as directed.

It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, and it’s septic-safe.

That makes it an easy choice for people who care about what goes down the drain. It’s one of those rare cleaners that actually balances effectiveness with eco-consciousness.

Purple Power claims to be biodegradable too, and it’s phosphate-free, which is good. But because it’s so high in alkalinity and strength, it’s still harsher overall. You definitely don’t want it running off into soil or waterways in large amounts.

It’s great for getting grease off metal, but it’s not something you’d call “green”.

Should I Get Purple Power Or Simple Green?

It depends what you want most. Here’s what we recommend:

Choose Simple Green if:

Your cleaning jobs aren’t extremely greasy or oily.
You want something safe and easy to use indoors or around sensitive materials.
You care about lower odor, gentler chemistry, and less risk of damage.

Choose Purple Power if:

You’re tackling heavy grime, engines, workshop tools, industrial surfaces.
You’re okay with protective gear, careful use, and strong cleaners.
You need real degreasing muscle rather than gentle cleaning.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Simple Green and Purple Power is that Simple Green is better for everyday cleaning, lighter grease, and delicate surfaces. It’s safer, smells better, eco-friendlier, and easier to use on a wide range of materials.

Purple Power, on the other hand, is stronger and more effective for heavy-duty degreasing jobs like engines, tools, and industrial equipment, but it’s harsher on surfaces, has a stronger odor, and requires more care during use.

Simple Green Vs Purple Power (Compared)