Looking for an affordable, effective dish soap that cuts through grease without breaking the bank? Ajax dish soap has been a household staple for decades, offering powerful cleaning at budget-friendly prices. But is it the right choice for your kitchen?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine Ajax’s cleaning power, ingredients, and how it compares to other popular brands. Check out these Ajax options on Amazon: Ajax Ultra Liquid Dish Soap and Ajax Dishwashing Liquid. For more dish soap comparisons, see our guides on the best dish soaps and Seventh Generation vs. Mrs. Meyer’s.
Why Consider ?
Ajax stands out for several reasons:
✅ Powerful grease-cutting – Tackles tough food residues
✅ Budget-friendly – Typically costs less than premium brands
✅ Widely available – Found in most grocery stores
✅ Variety of scents – Includes lemon, orange, and apple options
Product Lineup
1. Ajax Ultra Liquid Dish Soap
- Concentrated formula
- Available in multiple fresh scents
- Claims to cut through 2x more grease
2. Ajax Dishwashing Liquid (Original)
- Traditional formula
- Lemon-fresh scent
- Non-concentrated
3. Ajax Professional Strength
- Heavy-duty formula
- Designed for commercial kitchens
- Extra grease-fighting power
Ajax Dish Soap: Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Affordable price point – Often 30-50% cheaper than premium brands
✔ Effective grease removal – Works well on baked-on foods
✔ Pleasant scents – Lemon and citrus options leave dishes smelling fresh
✔ Widely available – Easy to find at most retailers
Cons:
✖ Contains sulfates – May irritate sensitive skin
✖ Not eco-friendly – Lacks plant-based certifications
✖ Thinner consistency – Some users report it’s less concentrated than competitors
Key Ingredients in Ajax Dish Soap
Typical ingredients in Ajax Ultra:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Primary cleaning agent
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Secondary surfactant
- Fragrance: Synthetic scent compounds
- Colorants: Artificial dyes (in some varieties)
- Preservatives: Methylisothiazolinone
What’s NOT in it:
- Phosphate-free
- No parabens (in most varieties)
How Ajax Compares to Other Brands
| Feature | Ajax | Dawn | Seventh Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $ | $$ | $$ |
| Grease Cutting | 8/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Eco-Friendly | No | No | Yes |
| Skin Safety | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Scent Options | 4+ | 3+ | 2 |
Personal Experience: 30-Day Test
After using Ajax Ultra for a month:
What I Loved:
- Removed spaghetti sauce and grease effortlessly
- Lemon scent left dishes smelling fresh
- Price couldn’t be beat ($2.50 for 28oz)
What I Didn’t Love:
- Dried out my hands more than premium brands
- Required more product than concentrated formulas
- Bottle design made pouring messy
Buying Guide: Which Ajax is Right for You?
Choose Ajax Ultra If:
✔ You want maximum grease-fighting power
✔ You prefer fresh citrus scents
✔ Budget is your primary concern
Choose Original Ajax If:
✔ You want the classic formula
✔ You’re not dealing with heavy grease
✔ You prefer simpler ingredients
Consider Professional Strength If:
➡ You run a home bakery or cook greasy foods daily
➡ You don’t mind stronger chemical formulas
FAQs
1. Is Ajax soap safe for hands?
While effective, Ajax contains SLS which may dry skin. Use gloves if you have sensitivities.
2. Can Ajax be used in dishwashers?
No! Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
3. Is Ajax biodegradable?
Partially, but it doesn’t meet strict eco-friendly standards like plant-based brands.
4. Why is Ajax so cheap?
It uses cost-effective synthetic surfactants rather than pricier plant-derived ingredients.
5. Does Ajax work in cold water?
Yes, though warm water improves its grease-cutting performance.
The Verdict: Who Should Buy Ajax?
✔ Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize cleaning power over eco-friendliness
✔ Skip if: You have sensitive skin or want plant-based ingredients
While not the most advanced formula, Ajax delivers reliable cleaning at a price that’s hard to beat. For occasional use or as a backup soap, it’s an excellent value.
For those wanting greener options, check our guide to the best dish soaps. If you’re curious about plant-based comparisons, see our Seventh Generation vs Mrs. Meyer’s breakdown.
Have you used Ajax dish soap? Share your experience in the comments!
