Odoban vs Zep: Which 1 Neutral pH Cleaner Works Better?
If you’ve ever struggled with dull floors, sticky residues, or cleaning products that leave streaks, you’ve probably been told to “switch to a neutral pH cleaner.” Two names that frequently appear on cleaning forums and professional janitorial groups are OdoBan Neutral pH Floor Cleaner vs Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner.
Odoban vs Zep: Which Neutral pH Cleaner Works Better? I’ve used both in residential and commercial settings, and I’ve spent years reading reviews from other professional cleaners who swear by one or the other. Here’s the honest breakdown.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Why Neutral pH Cleaners Matter
Neutral pH cleaners (typically between 6.5 and 8 on the pH scale) are designed to clean without damaging finishes. Harsh alkaline or acidic cleaners can strip sealants, cloud shiny floors, and even degrade grout or vinyl over time.
When cleaning sealed hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, or polished concrete, a neutral cleaner is essential for long-term protection and a streak-free finish.
Round 1: Odoban Neutral pH Floor Cleaner
Best suited for: Homes, small offices, and individuals who appreciate a fresh scent.
Available scents: Lavender, Citrus, and Eucalyptus.
What I Like
- Smells amazing. The Lavender scent is surprisingly pleasant—clean but not overpowering.
- Concentrated formula. One gallon makes up to 128 gallons of cleaning solution, so it’s a great value.
- Leaves no sticky residue. When properly diluted (½ ounce per gallon of water), it leaves tile and vinyl floors clean and streak-free.
- Multi-surface friendly. Works well on laminate, sealed wood, tile, and even walls or countertops.
What Professionals Say
On janitorial Reddit threads and Facebook cleaner groups, Odoban fans often highlight its residual deodorizing effect—the scent lingers lightly for hours, which clients notice and love. It’s also considered gentler on waxed floors than Zep.
What Could Be Better
- Slightly less powerful on heavy grease. For restaurant or garage floors, you may need a stronger product.
- Scent-sensitive areas beware. In hospitals or fragrance-restricted environments, that signature Lavender might be too much.
👉 Check Odoban Neutral pH Floor Cleaner on Amazon (affiliate link)
Round 2: Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner
Best for: Large areas, commercial facilities, or high-traffic floors.
Available sizes: 1-gallon and 5-gallon concentrates.
What I Like
- Stronger cleaning punch. Zep tends to cut through grime faster, especially in entryways or hallways.
- No rinse formula. Like Odoban, it’s streak-free when diluted correctly (1 ounce per gallon).
- Budget-friendly in bulk. The 5-gallon pail is a top pick for commercial cleaners and building maintenance teams.
- Fragrance-free option. Ideal for schools, healthcare facilities, and scent-sensitive environments.
What Professionals Say
On forums like CleanTalk and ISSA discussions, Zep’s neutral cleaner gets praise for consistency and cost efficiency. Many janitors use it in auto-scrubbers daily without residue buildup.
What Could Be Better
- Slight haze on glossy floors. When used on high-shine vinyl or marble, it may sometimes leave a faint film if overmixed.
- Less pleasant scent. “Clean” but a bit chemical-smelling compared to Odoban.
👉 Check Zep Neutral pH Floor Cleaner on Amazon (affiliate link)
Odoban vs Zep: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | OdoBan Neutral pH | Zep Neutral pH |
|---|---|---|
| Scent | Light lavender or citrus | Mild chemical, unscented options |
| Residue | None when diluted | May haze if over-mixed |
| Grease Cutting | Moderate | Stronger |
| Best Use | Homes, small offices | Schools, gyms, commercial floors |
| Finish Safety | Excellent for waxed or sealed floors | Excellent, but test on high-gloss surfaces |
| Value | Great (128 gallons per jug) | Excellent in bulk (5-gallon options) |
My Professional Verdict – Odoban vs Zep
If you’re maintaining residential floors or smaller commercial spaces, go with OdoBan Neutral pH Cleaner. The scent, finish, safety, and price per use make it a solid everyday choice.
If you manage large areas or tough traffic zones, Zep Neutral pH Cleaner is your best friend. It’s reliable, economical, and handles grime without stripping wax or sealant.
For many pros (myself included), the best setup is using OdoBan for routine maintenance and Zep for deep cleans or heavily trafficked zones.
Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Dilute correctly. Over-concentration causes streaks or haze. Always measure.
- Use microfiber mops. They lift dirt without pushing residue around.
- Switch mop heads often. Dirty water spreads grime and dulls finishes.
- Let it dry naturally. Both formulas are designed to dry streak-free without buffing.
Final Thoughts
Both Odoban vs Zep have earned their loyal followings for good reason—they’re effective, affordable, and safe for sealed floors.
For homeowners and professionals alike, you can’t go wrong with either—it just depends on your space, scent preference, and how much cleaning muscle you need.
👉 View Odoban Neutral pH Cleaner on Amazon
👉 View Zep Neutral pH Cleaner on Amazon
Also check out: Odoban – is it pet safe?
As an Amazon Associate, BestFloorCleaners.com earns from qualifying purchases. Your support helps keep this site running and supports real product testing and honest reviews.
One Comment
Comments are closed.