When it comes to green cleaning, choosing the right products isn’t just about effectiveness—it’s about health, sustainability, and long-term value. At Enovana Green Cleaning, we’re committed to using safe, eco-friendly products that get the job done without exposing families, pets, or the planet to unnecessary toxins.
In this post, we’re diving deep into three of the most commonly used abrasive cleaners: Baking Soda, Bon Ami, and Comet. We’ll explore how they stack up in terms of sustainability, effectiveness, versatility, and cost, all from a green cleaning perspective. You’ll also get insight into why Enovana made the switch from Bon Ami to Baking Soda.
Baking Soda: Simplicity and Power in One Ingredient
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly cleaners available. It’s mined or chemically derived from trona ore, then refined into the white powder we know and love.
Sustainability
- Biodegradable and breaks down into harmless compounds.
- No toxic chemicals, fragrances, or phosphates.
- Available in bulk packaging, which significantly reduces packaging waste. At Enovana, switching to bulk baking soda helped us cut down on both cost and waste.
- Recognized by organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for its non-toxic profile.
Effectiveness
- A mild abrasive that’s safe on most surfaces: tile, ceramic, stainless steel, fiberglass.
- Works well for everyday scrubbing of sinks, toilets, tubs, and countertops.
- Can be boosted with other natural ingredients (like vinegar or lemon juice) for tougher cleaning jobs.
- Doesn’t scratch delicate surfaces (always test first) and is gentle enough for cookware and even silverware.
Versatility
- Doubles as a deodorizer for carpets, refrigerators, shoes, and more.
- Can be used to unclog drains, clean ovens, or even soften laundry water.
- Safe for pet areas and food surfaces.
Cost
- Incredibly affordable: often less than $0.05 per ounce.
- Buying in bulk (e.g., Arm & Hammer’s 13.5 lb bag) saves even more.
Bon Ami: A Traditional Yet Trusted Option
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser has been a go-to for over 130 years. It’s made from natural mineral abrasives, baking soda, and soda ash.
Sustainability
- No bleach, dye, fragrance, or phosphates.
- EWG gives it an “A” rating.
- Packaged in recyclable cardboard canisters made from post-consumer recycled materials.
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
Effectiveness
- Stronger abrasive action than baking soda—great for soap scum, rust, and stubborn stains.
- Safe for most hard surfaces including porcelain, stainless steel, and enameled cookware.
- Slightly more effort-saving than baking soda for heavy-duty cleaning.
Versatility
- Best for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
- Can be used with natural boosters like vinegar or dish soap.
- Not for use on glass, mirrors, or delicate plastics.
- Comes in ready to dispense sprinkle containers.
Cost
- Affordable: typically $0.09–$0.10 per ounce.
- Comparable to Comet in price, but without the chemical baggage. Double the cost of Baking Soda.
- Less economical for commercial-scale cleaning, which is why Enovana eventually switched to baking soda.
Comet: The Conventional Cleaner With Hidden Costs
Comet Cleanser is a widely recognized household name, but it’s also one of the more controversial choices when it comes to environmental and health concerns.
Sustainability
- Contains chlorine bleach and anionic surfactants that may release toxic compounds.
- Independent tests detected up to 146 chemicals released during use, including formaldehyde, benzene, and chloroform.
- Packaging contains recycled content, but that doesn’t offset the product’s chemical footprint.
Effectiveness
- Extremely effective at disinfecting, bleaching, and removing stubborn stains.
- Often requires less scrubbing due to added surfactants and bleach.
- Can damage surfaces like aluminum, silver, non-stick cookware, and marble.
Health & Safety
- Rated “F” by the EWG due to toxic emissions.
- Can release hazardous fumes, especially if mixed with other products (e.g. vinegar or ammonia).
- Requires gloves and ventilation for safe use.
Cost
- Roughly the same cost per ounce as Bon Ami (~$0.10/oz).
- Hidden costs include potential health risks and environmental impact.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Features | Baking Soda | Bon Ami | Comet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | Excellent | Very Good | Poor |
| EWG Rating | A | A | F |
| Effectiveness | Good (mild jobs) | Excellent (Tougher) | Excellent (harsh jobs) |
| Surface Safety | Very High | High | Moderate |
| Cost (per oz) | ~$0.05 | ~$0.09-$0.10 | ~0.10 |
| Package Waste | Minimal (bulk) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Potential Health Impact | Very Low | Very Low | High |
Why Enovana Uses Baking Soda
When Enovana Green Cleaning first started, we used Bon Ami because it offered a safe and effective cleaning option without toxic chemicals. But over time, we transitioned to baking soda for several key reasons:
- Lower packaging waste: Bulk bags = fewer discarded containers.
- Lower cost: A critical factor when cleaning multiple homes daily.
- Versatility: Baking soda works across more cleaning tasks
By switching to baking soda, we’ve maintained our standards of cleanliness while becoming even more sustainable.
Final Thoughts: Clean Doesn’t Have to Be Chemical
If you’re looking for safe, effective, and eco-friendly ways to keep your home clean, Baking Soda and Bon Ami are excellent choices. For everyday scrubbing and deodorizing, baking soda is the ultimate green workhorse. For tougher jobs, Bon Ami offers just enough extra power without compromising safety.
Comet, while effective, brings risks we believe most homes can do without.
For green cleaning that’s better for your family and the planet, simple ingredients can go a long way.
Want to learn more?
- Environmental Working Group: Cleaning Product Ratings
- Women’s Voices for the Earth: Deep Clean Report
- Bon Ami Official Website
- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Uses
Need your home cleaned the green way? Contact us at Enovana Green Cleaning and experience the difference safe, effective products make.