What’s Really in Those Outdoor Cleaners? A Real Look From the Aisle at Home Hardware

What’s Actually in Those Bottles?

The other day I was walking through Home Hardware, and as usual, the seasonal aisle was stacked high with outdoor cleaners. Bright bottles promising “professional results”, “eco-friendly shine”, and “safe for all surfaces.”

Monty Miracle

I couldn’t help but stop and take a closer look—after all, I’ve spent years in the exterior cleaning business and it peaked my interest! And here’s the truth: what’s inside those bottles isn’t nearly as impressive as the labels make it sound or advertise.

What’s Actually in Those Bottles?-Outdoor Cleaners

Flip the label or better yet, check the safety data sheet, and you’ll see the same handful of ingredients over and over again:

• Bleach-based formulas (Sodium Hypochlorite): Same active ingredient as pool chlorine, just repackaged and watered down. It works, but it’s tough on plants, fabrics, and anything metal or wood. Definitely not the “eco-friendly”

• Oxygen-based cleaners (Sodium Percarbonate): Marketed as green and safe. They can help with lighter staining, but they won’t tackle serious algae or moss without paired with the use of a pressure washer or soft wash application.

  
  

So that $59 bottle they’re selling you is the exact same chemical as pool chlorine, which costs just $6.99. The only difference? A fancy label and a 744% markup. You’re not paying for a better product—you’re paying for clever marketing.”

The Cost Comparison

On the shelf, $35- $50 a bottle doesn’t sound bad. But most homes need multiple bottles to get the job done. Add in a pump sprayer, ladder, protective gloves, and your time, and you’re suddenly into the $250–$500 range pretty easily.

Hiring a professional usually runs $500–$1000 depending on the size of your home and what you need done. At first glance that looks more expensive—but here’s the key difference: we use professional-grade equipment and commercial cleaning detergents mixed safely and applied correctly. The results last longer, and you don’t spend your weekend climbing ladders or scrubbing siding with a brush.

Time and Safety: The Hidden Costs of DIY

Here’s the part most people don’t think about when they grab that bottle at the store:

• Time: Applying with a pump sprayer isn’t fast. You’ll need to mix, spray, wait, rinse, and probably repeat. For a full-size home, you’re looking at hours—maybe even a full weekend or longer.

  
  

• Safety: The instructions assume you’ll climb a ladder with a pump sprayer in hand to reach your second story. That’s a recipe for disaster. Falls from ladders are one of the most common home accidents, and adding slippery surfaces and chemicals into the mix just makes it riskier.

  
  

Honestly, that $35 bottle can turn into the most expensive “bargain” you ever brought home if something goes wrong.

So, Are They Worth It?

If you’ve got a small patch of siding or a couple of patio chairs you want to freshen up, sure—grab a bottle. But if you’re looking at your whole home, driveway, or roof, those store-bought cleaners won’t cut it. I mean, you can try, but let me save you the disappointment and time.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re walking through Home Hardware or Home Depot and see those shiny bottles of Monty’s Cleaner, or 30 Seconds Gone! Remember what’s actually inside. You’re mostly paying for pretty packaging and marketing. Just buy a bottle of pool chlorine instead for $5.99, not $59.00 you will save a pile of money!

Or…..

If you’d rather have your home cleaned safely, effectively, and without losing your weekend, give us a call. We’ll take care of the hard work, and you’ll be left with a home that looks great and stays that way longer.