I’ve been gradually switching over to non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products for my home, so when I stumbled across Clean Boss Botanical Disinfectant, I was intrigued. It had all the right buzzwords: kills 99.9% of germs, powered by plants, bleach-free, safe around pets and kids. Honestly, it seemed like a dream come true until I actually used it.
Here’s my honest, firsthand experience using Clean Boss in my real, messy, pet-and-kid-filled home.
What Is Clean Boss?
Clean Boss is a plant-powered disinfectant spray created by Joy Mangano, who’s known for inventing household products like the Miracle Mop. This disinfectant claims to kill 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses using Thymol, a botanical ingredient derived from thyme oil. It’s marketed as hospital-grade, EPA-registered, and safe to use on a wide range of surfaces, from countertops to electronics.
It’s also heavily promoted as an eco-friendly, non-toxic alternative to harsh chemical cleaners like bleach and ammonia-based sprays. With all that in mind, I thought I had found the perfect cleaning solution. Unfortunately, that wasn’t quite the case.
Sharing My Personal Experience Using Clean Boss
One of the first things you notice with any cleaning product is the smell and let me tell you, Clean Boss has a very strong one. While I was expecting a light, herbal aroma (you know, like fresh thyme or eucalyptus), what I got was a medicinal, overpowering scent that lingered long after cleaning. I honestly had to air out the room every time I used it.
If you or anyone in your household is sensitive to fragrance, or you’re just not into heavy, herbal smells, this might be a dealbreaker.
I used Clean Boss Botanical Disinfectant on all the usual suspects: kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, door handles, my kid’s high chair, and even the inside of my car. While it does spray evenly and covers surfaces well, it left behind a sticky residue on most of the shiny surfaces like stainless steel and mirrors.
I had to wipe everything down with a second cloth to avoid that tacky feeling, which kind of defeats the purpose of a “spray and go” disinfectant. I also tried letting it sit for a few minutes as instructed, but it didn’t seem to lift grime or stains the way I’d hoped. For a product calling itself “hospital-grade,” it felt more like a fancy air freshener with minimal cleaning impact.
Shipping was relatively fast, and the bottles were packaged well. But that’s where the positives end. I ordered a discounted bundle during one of their “limited-time offers,” which felt a little gimmicky in hindsight. Once the product arrived, there was no follow-up email with usage tips or customer service info. Just a bottle and a hope that you’d figure it out yourself.
I also noticed they really push bulk orders, which made me skeptical. If the product was that good, wouldn’t I come back for more on my own?
Is Clean Boss Worth It?
In my opinion, Clean Boss Botanical Disinfectant is more hype than help. While I love the idea of a non-toxic, plant-based disinfectant, the execution just doesn’t live up to the claims. Between the overpowering scent, sticky residue, and underwhelming cleaning performance, I honestly don’t see myself using it again.
There are other eco-friendly disinfectants out there like Seventh Generation, Method, or Force of Nature that clean more effectively, smell better, and don’t leave a film behind. Plus, most of them are easier to find and more affordable.
How Much Is Clean Boss
The Clean Boss is sold for $19.99 on the cleanboss.co website.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternatives to Clean Boss, several other cleaning products have received positive reviews for their effectiveness. Here are some popular options:
- Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray (Lemongrass Citrus)
- Force of Nature Disinfecting Starter Kit
- Cleanwell Botanical Disinfectant Spray
- Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar Spray
- Lysol Smart Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Eco-Friendly Refill Kit)
Conclusion
I really wanted to like Clean Boss. I tried to convince myself it was just a “different” kind of clean, that I’d get used to the smell, or that the sticky feel meant it was working. But in the end, I went back to my old natural cleaner and haven’t looked back.
If you’re still curious, maybe try a single bottle before committing to the multi-pack they aggressively promote. But for me, Clean Boss didn’t earn a spot in my cleaning routine.
Check out Horsepower Scrubber I reviewed earlier.