The Once-Popular Household Cleaner Practically No One Uses Anymore

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Every era has its signature cleaning product. You can go back to ancient Greece to witness the dawn of vinegar as a cleaning solution, and right now we're seeing people embrace sustainable cleaning products that keep your home smelling fresh. A few decades ago, though? One brand reigned supreme. It wasn't just a household cleaning product — it was a household name. It was known for being a workhorse of an all-purpose cleaner that could tackle the tough stuff. But then it all but disappeared from shelves.

That cleaner was Spic and Span. Developed by two Michigan housewives in the 1930s and later popularized after a sale to Proctor & Gamble, you may remember it as a staple item in your home's cleaning cabinet (or from the commercials during popular soap operas). But in more recent decades, it has fallen out of favor. Like many trendy products, it has endured ownership and formula changes throughout the years, plus tons of worthy competitors and a customer base interested in solutions without harsh ingredients. While the cleaner is still available in a more modern form, it doesn't enjoy anywhere near the popularity it once had.

So how does the most popular all-purpose household cleaner have such a fall from grace? It's a question that plagues message boards and Facebook groups, where people wonder where the once-favorite went. And while you may want to blame it on a nefarious competitor takeover or a juicy scandal, the real tale isn't quite so sensational.

One big reason for its popularity decrease is a formula change that made less of a cleaning heavy hitter. The original Spic and Span contained trisodium phosphate (TSP), an odorless powder that is extremely tough on stubborn grime. But TSP can also harm vegetation during environmental runoff, and can cause eye or skin irritation when not handled properly – enough to make some states ban or limit its use. Spic and Span doesn't contain TSP anymore, but it does still contain some harsh ingredients that don't get the thumbs up from places like the Environmental Working Group. In fact, the powder version that was so popular in the '50s, gets an "F" rating from the EWG, even in its current state (the liquid version fares only slightly better). As many customers prioritize eco-friendly solutions, they're turning towards more natural cleaning ingredients.

Additionally, market competition is generally tougher than it was during Spic and Span's heyday. Customers have tons of buying options — like being able to order almost any product right from their phone. And without a major advertising push, it's tough for an outdated product to maintain its top spot. It's not completely gone, though. You can buy Spic and Span from retailers like Amazon today, and play a role in launching its comeback.