Old Dutch Cleanser – Cleaning Kitchen And Bath For 120 Years

Old Dutch Cleanser is a household cleaning product that has been around in history for over a century. The product was first introduced by the Old Dutch Company in 1903. It became popular among consumers due to its effectiveness in removing tough stains and dirt.

Background

The origins of Old Dutch Cleanser can be traced back to the late 1800s when a German chemist named Otto Rohm developed a cleaning powder that used oxalic acid as its primary ingredient. The cleaning powder was known as “Old Dutch Cleanser” and was marketed as a safe and effective way to clean and polish metal surfaces. The “Old Dutch” name stems from the cleanliness-obsessed Dutch. In advertising, a Dutch lady with a stick is driving away dust and dirt.

United States Distribution

In 1903, the Old Dutch Company acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute Old Dutch Cleanser in the United States. The company began producing the product in a small factory in Brooklyn, New York. Later it expanded its distribution to other parts of the country. The product was sold in grocery stores.

Over the years, Old Dutch Cleanser became a household name in the United States, known for its ability to clean and polish a variety of surfaces. These include porcelain, glass, and metal. The product’s popularity was boosted by its distinctive packaging, which featured a cartoon image of a Dutch maid holding a stick and wearing traditional Dutch clothing.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Old Dutch Cleanser faced increased competition from other cleaning products, including liquid cleaners and detergents. To stay competitive, the company introduced new formulations and packaging for Old Dutch Cleanser, including a liquid version of the product.

Ingredients

One of the key ingredients that sets Old Dutch Cleanser apart from some of its competitors is oxalic acid.

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants, including rhubarb, spinach, and beets. It is also commonly used in cleaning products as a mild abrasive and a bleaching agent. The use of oxalic acid in Old Dutch Cleanser gives it the ability to remove tough stains and dirt from a variety of surfaces, including metal, porcelain, and glass.

Another ingredient that is commonly found in Old Dutch Cleanser is sodium carbonate, which is also known as washing soda. Sodium carbonate is a water-soluble salt that is often used in cleaning products as a water softener and a pH adjuster. It helps to remove dirt and stains by breaking down and emulsifying oils and grease.

Compared to some of its competitors, Old Dutch Cleanser may have a slightly different balance of ingredients, which can affect its cleaning power and overall effectiveness. However, the specific differences can vary depending on the product and brand being compared.

It’s worth noting that many modern cleaning products have shifted towards using more environmentally friendly and biodegradable ingredients. Some of these alternatives may not contain oxalic acid or sodium carbonate, but instead, rely on other natural or synthetic compounds to provide cleaning power while being more eco-friendly.

Timeline

1903-1930: The Old Dutch Cleanser Company was the original manufacturer and distributor of the product. The company was based in Brooklyn, New York, and was founded by a group of investors led by J. S. Zamecnik.

1930-1949: In 1930, the American Home Products Corporation (AHP) acquired the Old Dutch Cleanser Company. AHP was a leading consumer products company that owned several well-known brands, including Anacin, Preparation H, and Woolite. AHP continued to manufacture and distribute Old Dutch Cleanser under the Old Dutch Cleanser Company name.

1949-1974: In 1949, the Continental Can Company purchased the Old Dutch Cleanser brand from AHP. Continental Can was a leading packaging company that manufactured cans and other packaging materials for food and consumer products. The company continued to produce Old Dutch Cleanser under the Old Dutch Cleanser Company name.

1974-1980s: In 1974, the Purex Corporation acquired the Old Dutch Cleanser brand from Continental Can. Purex was a leading manufacturer of laundry detergents and cleaning products, and it continued to produce Old Dutch Cleanser under the Old Dutch Cleanser Company name. In the 1980s, Purex was acquired by the Dial Corporation, which continued to manufacture Old Dutch Cleanser.

1980s and Beyond: Lavo, a Canadian Company in Montreal, has manufactured and distributed Old Dutch Cleanser.