OdoBan Vs. Simple Green: In-Depth Differences

I’m a 35-year-old dog owner who’s battled pet messes, kitchen grease, and musty odors.

This article shares my head-to-head experience with OdoBan and Simple Green, two cleaning powerhouses.

You’ll learn their strengths, weaknesses, and which wins for your home.

With pros, cons, a comparison table, and FAQs, I’ll help you pick the perfect cleaner.

Comparison Table of OdoBan Vs. Simple Green

My Experience with OdoBan and Simple Green

As a pet parent to two rambunctious labs in Denver, I’m no stranger to muddy paw prints, pet odors, and kitchen spills.

In May 2025, I grabbed OdoBan ($12.99, 1 gallon, eucalyptus scent) and Simple Green ($16.99, 1 gallon, original) from Home Depot to tackle my cleaning chaos.

First up, OdoBan: I mixed 4 oz with a gallon of water per the label and mopped my hardwood floors.

The eucalyptus scent was crisp, not overpowering, and my living room smelled like a spa.

A week-old dog pee stain on my basement concrete vanished after a 10-minute soak, and the odor was gone—no lingering wet dog funk.

I sprayed it on my couch after a muddy paw incident, and it refreshed the fabric without fading.

However, the scent clung to my hands, even after rinsing.

Next, Simple Green: I used a 1:10 mix for my greasy stovetop.

The gunk melted away with one wipe, no elbow grease needed, unlike my usual dish soap struggle.

I cleaned my patio furniture, and the grime from winter storage disappeared, leaving a faint lemony whiff.

But when I tried it on my bathroom tiles, it left streaks, and my aluminum sink showed faint etching after I forgot to rinse quickly.

Both cleaners impressed, but OdoBan’s odor-zapping and Simple Green’s grease-cutting stood out.

My labs stayed happy, no sneezing from either product.

After a month, I’m hooked on both, but for different messes!

About OdoBan and Simple Green

OdoBan, made by Clean Control Corp. since 1980, is a USA-crafted disinfectant, odor eliminator, and cleaner.

Its active ingredient, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (0.14%), kills 99.9% of germs, targeting pet odors, smoke, and mold.

Available in scents like eucalyptus and lavender, a $12.99 gallon concentrate dilutes to 32 gallons of solution.

Use it on floors, fabrics, and hard surfaces, but test fabrics first.

Simple Green, launched in 1975, is a biodegradable all-purpose cleaner with 2-butoxyethanol for grease-cutting.

A $16.99 gallon yields 10–20 gallons, depending on dilution.

It’s marketed as eco-friendly, safe for most surfaces except aluminum and painted finishes.

Scents include original and lavender.

Neither is a miracle cure, but both shine in specific scenarios.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Reshoevn8r Laundry Detergent Alternatives

Additional Insights and Use Cases

OdoBan was my go-to for a musty Airbnb I rented—sprayed the curtains, and the stale smell vanished.

I used it in my gym bag, and my sneakers stopped reeking.

For a kid’s spilled milk on carpet, OdoBan neutralized the sour odor overnight.

Simple Green, meanwhile, tackled my BBQ grill’s grease splatter, leaving it shiny.

I cleaned my bike chain with it, and the grime slid off effortlessly.

During a garage cleanup, Simple Green revived my oil-stained workbench.

OdoBan’s best for odors and germs, Simple Green for grease and grime.

I shared a hack on a cleaning forum: mix OdoBan with water for a car interior refresh, and users loved it.

Simple Green’s 1:20 mix worked wonders on my vinyl siding, no pressure washer needed.

Both are lifesavers, but pick based on your mess.

Cost and Value Analysis

OdoBan’s $12.99 gallon (Home Depot) dilutes to 32 gallons at 4 oz per gallon, costing $0.40 per usable gallon.

Simple Green’s $16.99 gallon yields 10 gallons at 1:10 for heavy cleaning, or $1.70 per gallon.

OdoBan’s cheaper for frequent use, like pet owners disinfecting daily.

Simple Green’s pricier but excels for tough grime, saving on specialty degreasers ($5–$10).

Home Depot’s free shipping over $45 or OdoBan’s $10-off coupons (ODOSAVE) sweeten deals.

My yearly spend: $25.98 for two OdoBan gallons vs. $33.98 for two Simple Green.

OdoBan’s value shines for odors, Simple Green for grease.

User Comfort and Experience

OdoBan’s concentrate was easy to mix, but I used a measuring cup for precision.

The eucalyptus scent felt spa-like, though it clung to my sprayer.

Simple Green’s ready-to-dilute bottle was fuss-free, and the lemon scent was subtle, not chemical-y.

OdoBan’s spray left no residue on my counters, but Simple Green’s needed a quick rinse on glass.

Both bottles were ergonomic, but Simple Green’s cap leaked slightly in storage.

OdoBan felt safer for my dogs’ crates, knowing it disinfects.

Simple Green’s grease-cutting made kitchen cleanups a joy, no scrubbing sore arms.

Real-World Performance in Different Scenarios

OdoBan saved my guest room after a cat sprayed the rug—no odor lingered post-cleaning.

I used it on gym mats, killing sweat smells.

During flu season, I disinfected doorknobs, trusting its germ-killing claim.

Simple Green revived my oil-stained driveway, impressing my neighbors.

Post-BBQ, it cleaned my grill grates in minutes.

For a kid’s marker scribbles on my table, Simple Green wiped them off, no trace.

OdoBan’s odor and germ focus suits pet homes, Simple Green’s grease power fits kitchens and garages.

Maintenance Tips for OdoBan and Simple Green

• Store Cool: Keep both in dry, room-temp areas, not garages.
• Dilute Fresh: Mix solutions daily to maintain potency.
• Clean Sprayers: Rinse nozzles to prevent clogs.
• Label Bottles: Mark dilution ratios to avoid confusion.
• Test Surfaces: Try small areas to check for damage.
• Wear Gloves: Protect skin with full-strength Simple Green.
• Rinse Well: Remove Simple Green from aluminum, paint.
• Cap Tightly: Prevent OdoBan scent evaporation.
• Check Expiry: Use within 2–3 years for best results.
• Ventilate Area: Open windows when using either cleaner.

Pros of OdoBan

• Odor Elimination: Neutralizes pet and smoke smells.
• Disinfectant Power: Kills germs on contact.
• Versatile Scents: Eucalyptus, lavender options.
• High Dilution: 1:32 makes it budget-friendly.
• Fabric-Safe: Refreshes upholstery, carpets.
• Mold Control: Prevents mildew in damp areas.
• Easy Mixing: Clear dilution instructions.
• Pet-Friendly: Safe when diluted properly.
• Multi-Surface: Works on floors, counters.
• Long Shelf Life: Stable for years unopened.

OdoBan’s odor-killing magic saved my basement from dog pee stench.

I sprayed it on my car’s upholstery after a wet dog ride, and the eucalyptus scent lingered refreshingly.

Its disinfectant claim gave me peace of mind in my kids’ playroom, where germs lurk.

At $0.40 per diluted gallon, it’s a steal compared to $3-per-bottle sprays.

I used it in my laundry for musty towels, and they came out fresh.

The mold control kept my bathroom grout clean, no black spots.

Mixing was a breeze, and my labs showed no irritation.

It’s a staple for pet owners like me.

Cons of OdoBan

• Strong Scent: Can linger on hands, fabrics.
• Dilution Required: Concentrate needs mixing.
• Not Grease-Focused: Struggles with heavy oil.
• Fabric Risk: May fade sensitive textiles.
• No Eco-Claim: Lacks green credentials.
• Residue Possible: Needs rinsing on glass.
• Pet Caution: Undiluted, it’s harmful.
• Limited Scents: Fewer options than rivals.
• Foam Buildup: Can clog sprayers if overused.
• Store Availability: Mostly big-box or online.

The eucalyptus scent stuck to my hands, requiring soap to remove.

Mixing the concentrate felt tedious when I was in a rush.

OdoBan flopped on my greasy oven racks, barely cutting through.

I tested it on an old curtain, and it slightly dulled the color—always test first!

Its lack of eco-claims bugged my green-minded sister.

On mirrors, it left a film unless I rinsed well.

I kept it away from my dogs until dry, as the label warned.

With only three scents, I craved more variety.

Overuse in my sprayer caused foaming issues.

Pros of Simple Green

• Grease-Cutting: Melts kitchen and garage gunk.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, low VOCs.
• Flexible Dilution: 1:10 to 1:30 ratios.
• Surface Variety: Cleans tile, wood, plastic.
• No Residue: Wipes clean on most surfaces.
• Pleasant Scent: Lemon, lavender options.
• Cost-Effective: $16.99 yields 10+ gallons.
• Safe When Diluted: Pet and kid-friendly.
• Outdoor Use: Great for patios, grills.
• Trusted Brand: 50 years of reliability.

Simple Green was my hero for a spaghetti-splattered stovetop—grease vanished with one swipe.

Its biodegradable claim won my eco-conscious heart, and the lemon scent was a mood-lifter.

I used a 1:30 mix for my hardwood floors, and they sparkled, no stickiness.

My patio chairs looked new after a quick scrub.

At $1.70 per diluted gallon, it’s cheaper than $5 specialty cleaners.

My kids and dogs roamed safely post-cleaning.

I even used it on my car’s engine bay, and it handled oil like a pro.

Simple Green’s versatility is unmatched for grime.

Cons of Simple Green

• Not Disinfectant: Lacks germ-killing power.
• Surface Damage: Etches aluminum, paint.
• Streaking Risk: Films on glass, tiles.
• Skin Irritation: Gloves needed for full strength.
• Scent Fade: Lemon doesn’t linger long.
• No Odor Control: Weak on pet smells.
• Dilution Fussy: Ratios vary by task.
• Pricey Upfront: $16.99 gallon costs more.
• Not Fabric-Safe: Avoids upholstery, carpets.
• Toxic Claims: 2-butoxyethanol concerns.

Simple Green’s lack of disinfection meant I needed Lysol for germy surfaces.

I regretted using it on my aluminum sink—faint pitting appeared after a soak.

My bathroom mirror streaked, needing a second wipe.

Full-strength irritated my hands, so I grabbed gloves.

The lemon scent faded fast, unlike OdoBan’s lasting eucalyptus.

It barely touched my dog’s crate odor, forcing me to switch cleaners.

Dilution ratios confused me—1:10 for grease, 1:30 for floors?

The $16.99 price stung compared to OdoBan’s $12.99.

I steered clear of fabrics, fearing stains.

Also Read: Comparison of Purex 2 Vs. Clorox 2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

My OdoBan vs. Simple Green showdown revealed two cleaning champs for different battles.

OdoBan’s odor-zapping and disinfecting powers are perfect for pet owners like me, while Simple Green’s grease-cutting shines in kitchens.

You should grab both to tackle any mess.

With pros, cons, and tips, I’ve shown how they fit your home.

Pick your cleaner and conquer grime!