Endust vs. Pledge: Which Cleaning Sprays Are Better?

Are you looking for a dusting spray for home use but not sure which one to choose?

Endust and Pledge are known for their multi-surface cleaning and dusting sprays. They both have strong reputations, but how do they differ, and which is better?

In this comparison of Endust vs. Pledge, you’ll learn how they stack up in terms of performance, product offerings, ingredients, safety, and more.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• Endust vs. Pledge: Key Takeaways
• Performance
• Product Offerings
• Ingredients
• How to Use
• Price
• FAQs About Endust and Pledge
• Bottom Line: Should You Use Endust or Pledge?

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Performance

Let’s get right to the top question on your mind:

Which works better, Endust or Pledge?

To find out, I conducted a simple test using each brand’s most popular product: Pledge Enhancing Polish and Endust Multi-Surface Dusting Spray.

I sprayed both products on three different surfaces: a wood coffee table, cherry wood cabinets, and a wood door. After a few moments, I wiped each surface with microfiber cloths. I used two separate cloths, so the residue of one product wouldn’t carry over as I wiped the other product.

Below is a photo of the coffee table before using Pledge and Endust.

And here is a picture after using both products. I used Pledge on the left side and Endust on the right.

Here’s a closer look at the coffee table before using Pledge:

And after using Pledge:

Below is an up-close picture before using Endust:

And after using Endust:

Below are before and after pictures of the cabinets cleaned during this test. I used Pledge on the left cabinet door and Endust on the right.

Overall, there was almost no difference between the two. Both products sprayed evenly, emitted a pleasant lemon smell, and cleaned the dust completely. They both left the surface clean and shiny.

The one noticeable difference between Pledge and Endust was that Pledge left behind a slightly slippery residue, and Endust did not.

Pledge contains Dimethicone, a silicone film former (sometimes called a silicone oil). Essentially, it coats the surface and moisturizes and protects it.

After a month, I examined the surfaces to see how well Pledge and Endust prevented dust. On the cabinets and door, there was noticeably less dust where I cleaned compared to where I didn’t clean.

Dust on the coffee table was evenly dispersed where I used both products and didn’t, but that’s not a surprise since particles land on the flat horizontal surface (rather than sliding off a vertical surface).

So, if you’re looking for a product to clean and dust hard surfaces and furniture and debating between Pledge and Enust, performance shouldn’t be a factor — both get the job done.

That said, there are several other differences to consider. Let’s start with the types of products each brand offers.

Product Offerings

One of the most significant differences between Endust and Pledge is their variety of products. Endust is solely focused on dusting sprays and cleaners, while Pledge’s product lineup includes multi-surface cleaners, polish, stainless steel cleaner, floor gloss, and more.

Let’s quickly review the options you have with each brand.

In addition to its regular, lemon-scented multi-surface dusting spray, Endust offers a few other sprays. These include:

• Endust Hypo-Allergenic Dusting and Cleaning Spray: This is a hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free version of Endust’s classic dusting spray, designed to reduce air-born and surface allergens in your home.
• Endust Stainless Steel Cleaner: A non-abrasive cleaner designed to eliminate smudges, dust, fingerprints, and dirt from stainless steel appliances, leaving them shiny and streak-free.
• Endust Plant-Based Dusting and Cleaning Spray: This is Endust’s attempt at a more eco-friendly dusting spray, and it is marketed as a healthier alternative to chemical-based cleaners.

Pledge, made by SC Johnson, offers a more robust array of products. These options include:

• Pledge Enhancing Polish: This product cleans and dusts but can be used to polish and protect leather, stone, stainless steel, laminate, and more. It comes in two fragrances, lemon or zesty orange, and can be purchased as a spray or disposable wipes.
• Pledge Dust & Allergen Multisurface Cleaner: A lemon-scented formula that removes dust, allergens in dust, and pet dander from wood, furniture, and sealed stone.
• Pledge Multisurface Cleaner: An all-purpose cleaner that comes in a continuous spray, trigger spray format, aerosol spray, and wet-wipe. It currently comes in either a classic lemon or lavender scent.
• Pledge Stainless Steel Cleaner: This streak-free cleaner is designed to remove fingerprints, smears, and other dirt from your stainless steel appliances.
• Pledge Granite and Marble Cleaner: This spray, designed for porous stone countertops, breaks down dust and dirt without damaging the stone’s natural surface.
• Pledge Antibacterial Multisurface Cleaner: This cleaning spray can be used on any finished, sealed surface and kills common household bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella. It comes in a fresh citrus scent and can be purchased as a spray or disposable wipes.
• Pledge Multisurface Floor Cleaner: This formula can be purchased as a ready-to-use liquid or as a concentrate. It cleans all sealed, non-wood floors and comes in a fresh rainshower scent.
• Pledge Moisturizing Oil: This spray, made with mineral oils and other natural ingredients, restores and enhances the appearance of furniture (or even leather shoes).
• Pledge Restoring Oil: Formulated with natural conditioners and orange oil as its main ingredients, this spray polishes and enhances any wood surface.
• Pledge Floor Gloss: This liquid cleaner removes scuffs and scratches from finished wood floors and adds a layer of protection, polish, and shine.

Ingredients

The ingredients in Endust and Pledge vary by product, and both companies are transparent about what’s inside. You can explore Pledge’s ingredients on WhatsInsideSCJohnson.com and view Endust ingredients on Endust.com (scroll to the bottom and click “Safety Data Sheets”).

Pledge has a well-structured ingredient philosophy emphasizing transparency, environmental stewardship, and a careful ingredient selection process that relies on the Greenlist™ program guidelines.

One of the most significant differences between Endust and Pledge’s ingredients is that Pledge polish contains a silicone oil called Dimethicone. This ingredient creates the protective film you’ll notice when you use Pledge. Pledge multisurface cleaners don’t include this ingredient, but the polishes do.

Endust’s regular multi-surface dusting spray is silicone-free, which sets it apart from other sprays on the market. It also sells a fragrance- and dye-free spray for those with allergies.

Unlike Endust, Pledge makes an antibacterial dusting spray with two types of ammonium chloride as its active ingredient. Otherwise, the formula is similar to Pledge’s regular dusting spray.

Endust’s plant-based spray is a unique, eco-friendly option with no toxic or hazardous ingredients. So while Endust doesn’t have a specific ingredient philosophy, its formulas are relatively simple.

Safety

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit with a mission to protect public health by changing industry standards. EWG creates and maintains a guide to healthy cleaning and rates various household products, including cleaning and dusting sprays.

The ratings range from A to F, with F being the most hazardous to human health and the environment.

Scores for Pledge products range from C to F, with their most popular cleaners and polishes rated between D and F. The only Endust product in EWG’s database is the Multi-Surface Dusting and Cleaning Spray, which earned an F rating. You can learn more about the safety of all Endust products by reading their safety data sheets.

Except for Endust Plant-Based Dusting and Cleaning Spray, all products from both brands contain harsh chemicals and are toxic if you ingest them or they make contact with your skin or eyes.

Use caution and review the safety instructions on each product before using it.

If you’re looking for more eco-friendly and healthy cleaning products, consider brands like Seventh Generation, ECOS, and Method.

How to Use

Using either Endust or Pledge dusting spray is pretty straightforward. Here are some general instructions you can follow for both.

For Furniture:

1. Hold the can about 3 inches away and spray evenly.
2. Run a soft cloth across the furniture’s surface, reapplying spray as needed.

Or:

1. Hold can 6 inches from furniture and spray liberally.
2. Wipe the surface down with a soft, absorbent cloth.

For Floors:

1. Evenly spray your mop for 2-4 seconds
2. Wait a few moments, then dust the floor thoroughly to avoid a slippery surface.

Remember that neither of these sprays should be used on unsealed surfaces. It’s good practice to test the spray on a small, hidden area before using it on more visible surfaces.

Price

Pledge products are slightly more expensive than Endust –– but the pricing is comparable. It also varies depending on which product you buy and the quantity. For example, you can save by purchasing sprays in packs of two or three instead of individually.

When looking at prices, do so based on the price per ounce to get a more accurate comparison. The chart below shows the current prices of both brands’ most popular products on Amazon. Click the prices to learn more about each product.

FAQs About Endust and Pledge

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Pledge and Endust.

Can Endust or Pledge be used on leather? Classic Pledge or Endust can damage leather and create buildup. However, Pledge Enhancing Polish and Moisturizing Oil are safe on leather. I recommend only using leather-specific products on leather furniture. Weiman is one of the most popular leather cleaning brands.

Can Endust or Pledge be used on glass? No. It will make the glass dirtier and is hard to remove once dry.

Can Endust or Pledge be used on plastic? Yes, but wipe the surface down quickly, so it doesn’t become sticky.

Can Endust or Pledge be used on unfinished wood? No. These products are only meant to be used on sealed wood or stone as they can damage unsealed surfaces.

Will Endust or Pledge damage paint? Yes. Endust and Pledge can stain paint because painted surfaces are porous, and these products are for sealed surfaces only.

Can you use Endust or Pledge on car interiors? Some car owners swear by Pledge or Endust, while others would advise you to use car-specific products to avoid damage. Endust doesn’t contain silicone, so this is likely the safer option of the two. The safest choice is not to use either and stick with an automotive cleaner instead.

Will Endust or Pledge remove water stains? Although it’s not designed for this task, homeowners have reported that Pledge successfully removed water stains from their furniture. No evidence shows Endust effectively removes water stains.

Will Endust or Pledge kill mold? Their classic cleaning and dusting sprays won’t, but Pledge’s antibacterial spray will.

Can you recycle Endust or Pledge cans? Yes, but make sure the cans are empty.

Is Endust and Pledge toxic? Yes. You should always ensure proper ventilation and storage when using these products. Avoid storing them anywhere that pets or kids can access.

Bottom Line: Should You Use Endust or Pledge?

My tests show Pledge and Endust are equally effective at cleaning and dusting. The most significant difference between the two is that Pledge Enhancing Polish contains silicone oil that leaves behind a slippery protective film. 

Besides that, Pledge offers a wider variety of products, including cleaners, polish, and restoring oil. If you need to polish and restore hard surfaces, go with Pledge.

Endust is a simple cleaning formula that removes dust, allergens, fingerprints, and smudges from hard surfaces. So if you just need a spray to dust and wipe surfaces, either brand will do.

Learn more and read other reviews of both brands at the links below:

• Pledge on Amazon and HomeDepot.com
• Endust on Amazon and Walmart.com