I’m standing in the cleaning aisle, staring at a rainbow of bottles promising sparkling surfaces and fresh scents. Two stand out: Fabuloso, with its vibrant purple allure, and Simple Green, a no-nonsense green jug. Which one’s the real deal for my home? In this article, I’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and key features to help you choose the best all-purpose cleaner for your needs. From greasy stoves to bathroom tiles, I’ve tested these products to uncover what makes them tick.

Comparison Table: Fabuloso Vs. Simple Green

My Journey With Fabuloso And Simple Green

Also Read: My Thought on Suds Lab Wheel Cleaner Reviews

Growing up, my mom swore by Fabuloso. The lavender scent filled our house every Saturday, a signal that cleaning day had arrived. It was like a ritual—pour a capful into a bucket, dip the mop, and let that purple magic work. Fast forward to today, and I’m curious if Fabuloso still holds up or if Simple Green, a cleaner I discovered in my friend’s garage, is the better choice. I decided to put them to the test in my own home, tackling everything from kitchen grease to bathroom grime.

What Is Fabuloso?

Fabuloso, made by Colgate-Palmolive, is a household staple in many homes, especially in Latino communities. Its bright colors and bold scents—like lavender, ocean paradise, and tropical spring—make it instantly recognizable. It’s marketed as an all-purpose cleaner and degreaser, perfect for floors, walls, bathrooms, and kitchens. The brand also offers an antibacterial version and disinfecting wipes, though the classic liquid cleaner is what most people grab.

I love how Fabuloso doesn’t just clean—it transforms the vibe of a room. After mopping my kitchen floor, the lavender scent lingers for hours, making the space feel fresh and inviting. It’s also budget-friendly, often costing less than $4 for a 32-ounce bottle. But is it all about the scent, or does it pack a real cleaning punch?

Pros Of Fabuloso

• Amazing Scents: The variety of fragrances, from floral to fruity, makes cleaning feel like aromatherapy. Lavender is my go-to, but the ocean scent is a close second.
• Affordable: At around $3–$4 for a 32-ounce bottle, it’s one of the cheapest all-purpose cleaners out there.
• No-Rinse Floors: For floor cleaning, you don’t need to rinse, saving time and effort.
• Antibacterial Option: The antibacterial formula kills 99.99% of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, ideal for bathrooms.
• Cultural Appeal: For many, like me, it’s nostalgic, evoking memories of childhood cleaning days.

Cons Of Fabuloso

• Limited Degreasing Power: It struggles with heavy grease, like on my stove after frying bacon.
• Not a Full Disinfectant: Only the antibacterial version disinfects; regular Fabuloso just cleans.
• Strong Scent: The fragrance can be overwhelming for sensitive noses or pet owners.
• Non-Biodegradable Ingredients: Some components, like BHT, aren’t eco-friendly.
• Not for All Surfaces: It’s not recommended for unsealed wood or delicate fabrics.

What Is Simple Green?

Also Read: My Thought on Suds Lab Wheel Cleaner Reviews

Simple Green, created by Sunshine Makers, Inc., is a versatile cleaner known for its eco-friendly formula. It’s a concentrated solution you dilute with water, making it suitable for everything from kitchen counters to outdoor patio furniture. With a sassafras scent (think root beer with a twist), it’s less about fragrance and more about getting the job done. It’s also non-toxic and biodegradable, appealing to environmentally conscious folks like my neighbor, who uses it to clean her garden tools.

I first used Simple Green to tackle a greasy bike chain in my garage, and it worked like a charm. Since then, I’ve tried it on carpets, tiles, and even laundry stains. Its versatility is impressive, but does it outshine Fabuloso in everyday cleaning?

Pros Of Simple Green

• Heavy-Duty Degreasing: It cuts through tough grease and oil, perfect for stoves or garage floors.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and non-toxic, it’s safer for the environment and pets.
• Versatile Dilution: You can adjust the strength—full power for tough stains or diluted for light cleaning.
• Wide Surface Compatibility: Safe for most washable surfaces, from concrete to carpets.
• Long-Lasting: A 32-ounce bottle lasts ages since you dilute it.

Cons Of Simple Green

• Rinse Required: You need to rinse surfaces, which adds an extra step.
• No Disinfecting: It doesn’t kill bacteria or viruses, so it’s not a sanitizer.
• Higher Price: At $5–$7 for 32 ounces, it’s pricier than Fabuloso.
• Scent Isn’t for Everyone: The sassafras smell is unique but not as pleasant as Fabuloso’s fragrances.
• Dilution Hassle: Mixing it correctly takes a bit of effort, especially for new users.

Testing Fabuloso And Simple Green In My Home

To get a real sense of how these cleaners stack up, I put them through a series of tests in my house. Here’s what happened:

Kitchen Counter Grease

My kitchen counters get greasy fast, thanks to my love for cooking stir-fries. I sprayed Fabuloso on one side and Simple Green (diluted 1:10) on the other. Fabuloso cleaned the surface well but left some oily residue after one pass. I had to scrub a bit harder for a streak-free finish. Simple Green, on the other hand, melted the grease with minimal effort, though I had to rinse the counter afterward to avoid stickiness. Winner: Simple Green.

Bathroom Tiles

Bathroom tiles are my nemesis—soap scum and hard water stains are relentless. I used Fabuloso’s antibacterial formula, hoping for a disinfecting boost. It cleaned the tiles decently and left a lovely lavender scent, but the stains needed extra elbow grease. Simple Green, used full-strength, tackled the stains better but required rinsing, which was a hassle in a small bathroom. Winner: Tie, depending on whether you prioritize scent or stain removal.

Floor Mopping

Mopping my hardwood floors is a weekly chore. Fabuloso (1/4 cup per gallon of water) made the process enjoyable with its scent, and I didn’t need to rinse. The floors looked clean, though not spotless. Simple Green (1:30 dilution) left the floors streak-free but required rinsing, which doubled my work. For ease, Fabuloso won, but Simple Green’s deeper clean was noticeable. Winner: Fabuloso for convenience.

Carpet Stains

A coffee spill on my living room carpet was the final test. I diluted Simple Green (1:10) and dabbed it on the stain—it lifted most of it but left a faint mark. Fabuloso wasn’t designed for carpets, but I tried it anyway. It cleaned the surface but didn’t penetrate the stain. Simple Green was the clear winner here. Winner: Simple Green.

Ingredients Breakdown

I’m no chemist, but I wanted to know what’s in these bottles. Fabuloso’s regular formula includes water, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (a surfactant), and fragrance. Fabuloso Complete adds hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting and xanthan gum for thickness, but it also has non-biodegradable BHT. Simple Green contains water, ethoxylated alcohol, sodium citrate, and citric acid, all biodegradable. Both have surfactants and fragrances, but Simple Green’s formula is simpler and greener.

Fabuloso Complete’s hydrogen peroxide makes it a mild disinfectant, but it’s not as eco-friendly as Simple Green. If you’re sensitive to chemicals, Simple Green’s non-toxic profile is a safer bet, though both are generally safe when used as directed.

Environmental Impact

As someone trying to reduce my environmental footprint, I looked into how these cleaners affect the planet. Simple Green’s biodegradable, non-toxic formula is a standout. It’s EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it meets strict environmental and health standards. Fabuloso is moderately biodegradable but contains ingredients like BHT and styrene/acrylates copolymer, which aren’t as kind to the environment. If going green is your priority, Simple Green is the better choice.

Price and Value

Money matters, so I compared costs. A 32-ounce bottle of Fabuloso costs about $3–$4 at most stores, while Simple Green runs $5–$7. However, Simple Green’s concentrated formula means you use less per cleaning session. For example, a 1:10 dilution stretches a 32-ounce bottle to clean multiple rooms. Fabuloso’s ready-to-use nature means you go through it faster. For budget shoppers, Fabuloso wins, but Simple Green offers better long-term value.

Scent and Experience

Cleaning isn’t just about results—it’s about the experience. Fabuloso’s scents are a mood-lifter. The lavender makes me feel like I’m in a spa, and the tropical spring scent is like a mini-vacation. Simple Green’s sassafras is quirky but not as inviting. If you love a lingering fragrance, Fabuloso’s your pick. If you prefer a neutral smell, Simple Green’s unscented option is ideal.

When To Choose Fabuloso

Fabuloso shines in homes where scent and affordability are key. It’s perfect for:

• Daily floor mopping (no rinse needed).
• Bathrooms and kitchens needing a fresh fragrance.
• Budget-conscious households.
• Nostalgic cleaners who love its cultural vibe.

I’d grab Fabuloso for quick cleanups or when I want my home to smell amazing without breaking the bank.

When To Choose Simple Green

Simple Green is the go-to for heavy-duty cleaning and eco-conscious homes. It’s ideal for:

• Greasy kitchens or garage messes.
• Outdoor surfaces like patios or tools.
• Environmentally aware households.
• Versatile cleaning needs (from carpets to concrete).

I reach for Simple Green when I’m tackling tough stains or want a greener option.

My Verdict

After weeks of testing, I’m torn. Fabuloso’s scent and ease make it my pick for daily cleaning, especially floors. Its affordability and nostalgic charm are hard to beat. But Simple Green’s degreasing power and eco-friendly formula win for deep cleans or greasy messes. If I had to choose one, I’d lean toward Simple Green for its versatility and environmental edge, but I’m keeping a bottle of Fabuloso for those lavender-scented mopping days.

You’ll need to weigh your priorities. Love a fragrant, budget-friendly clean? Go with Fabuloso. Need a heavy-duty, green cleaner? Simple Green’s your match. Either way, both are solid choices for keeping your home spotless.

Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)

Conclusion

Also Read: My Thought on Suds Lab Wheel Cleaner Reviews

After scrubbing, mopping, and sniffing my way through Fabuloso and Simple Green, I’ve learned they both bring something unique to the table. Fabuloso’s vibrant scents and wallet-friendly price make it my go-to for quick, fragrant cleanups, especially on floors. Simple Green, with its eco-friendly muscle and grease-busting power, is my pick for tougher messes and greener living. You can’t go wrong with either, but your choice depends on what you value—scent and savings or versatility and sustainability. Grab the one that fits your vibe, and let’s keep our homes sparkling together!