15 Vintage Cleaning Products That Were in Every Cabinet in the 1960s
Back in the 1960s, a spotless home meant stocking up on an impressive lineup of cleaning products. From ultra-strong disinfectants to polishes promising a “miracle shine,” these household staples were everywhere, despite some having less-than-ideal ingredients.
This list takes a nostalgic look at 15 cleaning products that could be found in just about every cabinet during the ’60s. While some are still around, others have vanished for safety reasons.
Yet, all of them offer a glimpse into a very different era of housekeeping!
1. Ajax Powder Cleanser
Ajax Powder Cleanser was a staple in 1960s households, known for its powerful scouring ability. With its iconic tagline, “Stronger Than Dirt!”, Ajax made cleaning sinks, tubs, and tiles a quick task. Advertisements often depicted sparkling surfaces, promising impressive results. The bold packaging caught the eye and sparked a sense of trust and reliability.
Its granular texture worked wonders on tough stains, contrasting with today’s gel-based products. Ajax’s effectiveness and catchy ads made it a household name. Though modern alternatives are gentler, the nostalgia of Ajax remains unmatched, evoking memories of sparkling kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Mr. Clean All-Purpose Cleaner
Few household names evoke the 1960s like Mr. Clean. With his muscular arms, bald head, and signature white t-shirt, Mr. Clean became the reassuring symbol of a sparkling home. Families loved this all-purpose cleaner because it could tackle nearly any mess, from greasy kitchen counters to grimy floors.
What set Mr. Clean apart was its versatility—rather than reaching for multiple products, homeowners could rely on just one. Backed by catchy jingles and memorable commercials, Mr. Clean earned its place as a household staple.
Today, while countless new cleaners fill store shelves, the image of Mr. Clean remains a timeless icon of domestic care.
3. Lestoil Heavy Duty Cleaner
Lestoil Heavy Duty Cleaner was the go-to for tackling stubborn stains, especially on laundry. Its powerful formula made it a favorite for removing oil and grease, essential in 1960s kitchens and garages. Bold yellow packaging made it easily recognizable.
Unlike today’s eco-friendly options, Lestoil was unapologetically robust. Advertisements emphasized its strength, depicting spotless clothes and surfaces. The rich aroma lingered, reminding users of its potent capabilities.
Though not as commonly seen today, Lestoil holds a special place in history, remembered for its effectiveness in heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
4. Spic and Span Powder
Spic and Span Powder made keeping a spotless home much simpler. Favored for its ability to tackle tough dirt and stains, this powder was a go-to for scrubbing kitchen floors, bathroom tiles, and even walls.
Unlike liquid cleaners of today, Spic and Span was poured and mixed, creating a powerful solution that made hard work a little easier. Its bold packaging was a familiar sight under kitchen sinks, and many homemakers swore by its deep-cleaning abilities.
Even now, Spic and Span holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of those who remember its sparkling results.
5. Windex Glass Cleaner
Windex, the blue-tinted glass cleaner, revolutionized how windows sparkled in the 60s. The simple spray bottle promised streak-free brilliance. With a quick wipe, Windex left glass surfaces gleaming, a remarkable improvement over previous methods.
Advertising campaigns highlighted its ease of use, making it a preferred choice. Despite the advent of new formulas, Windex’s original appeal endures. Today’s versions might offer varied scents, but the classic blue bottle is a nostalgic reminder of the past.
Known for its efficiency, Windex remains synonymous with crystal-clear windows.
6. Comet Cleanser
Comet Cleanser became a fixture in homes thanks to its tough but gentle formula. Brightly packaged in its recognizable green can, Comet was trusted to leave sinks, tubs, and counters spotless without damaging surfaces.
What made Comet a favorite was how well it worked on stubborn stains that other products couldn’t handle. The lingering fresh scent was a bonus, making bathrooms and kitchens smell as clean as they looked.
Although newer options offer softer scents and gentler abrasives, Comet’s reputation as a no-nonsense cleaner endures to this day, remembered fondly by generations of homemakers.
7. Lysol Disinfectant
Lysol Disinfectant was a trusted guardian against germs in the 60s. Its unmistakable scent signaled cleanliness and safety, essential qualities for households. Effective in getting rid of bacteria, Lysol was often seen in bathrooms and kitchens.
The brand’s promise of hygiene resonated with families. Compared to today’s wide range of disinfectants, Lysol’s straightforward approach was reassuring. Its role in promoting health and wellness made it a staple.
Though modern products offer varied formulations, the classic Lysol bottle evokes memories of diligent cleaning and care.
8. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser earned its place in American homes by promising a scratch-free clean with its famous motto, “Hasn’t Scratched Yet!” Unlike harsher scouring powders, Bon Ami was safe for delicate surfaces while still tackling dirt and grime effectively.
Known for its gentle nature, Bon Ami became a favorite for those wanting to protect sinks, stovetops, and porcelain. Its soft yellow can was a familiar sight in kitchens, offering peace of mind and reliable performance.
While modern products have evolved, Bon Ami remains beloved by those who appreciate simple, time-tested cleaning solutions.
9. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda was more than a baking ingredient; it was a cleaning powerhouse. Known for its deodorizing properties, it graced many homes. From fridges to carpets, its versatility was unmatched.
The iconic yellow box became synonymous with freshness. Advertisements emphasized its natural appeal, contrasting with chemical cleaners. Today, it remains a favorite, proving its enduring utility.
Though the packaging evolved, its core function as a cleaner persists. Arm & Hammer’s nostalgic charm is a reminder of simpler, effective cleaning solutions.
10. Endust Dusting Aid
Endust made dusting less of a chore for busy families during the 1960s. Unlike regular cloth dusting, Endust’s special formula helped trap dust instead of just spreading it around. Its bright-colored bottle was instantly recognizable, often found on bookshelves and coffee tables for quick touch-ups.
Praised for leaving surfaces gleaming and fingerprint-free, Endust added a polished finish to furniture while filling rooms with a pleasant scent. Although microfiber cloths are now the modern standard, many still remember Endust as the go-to product that kept homes guest-ready in an instant.
11. Brillo Soap Pads
Brillo Soap Pads are synonymous with the sparkle and shine of a well-scrubbed kitchen. In the 1960s, these pads were a staple in almost every household. The convenience of combining soap with steel wool made them popular for cleaning tough stains on pots and pans.
These pads were not just about functionality; they represented the optimism of the era. Housewives could tackle stubborn grease with confidence, knowing that Brillo was a trusted brand. The cheerful packaging often displayed a smiling homemaker, reinforcing the idea that cleaning could be a source of pride.
While today’s options have expanded, the significance of Brillo in the ’60s remains a nostalgic memory for many. For those looking to emulate a retro cleaning method, these pads are still available and effective.
12. Tide Laundry Detergent
Tide revolutionized laundry day in the ’60s, becoming synonymous with bright, clean clothes. Its eye-catching orange packaging and powerful cleaning ability made it a staple in homes everywhere.
What set Tide apart was its ability to tackle even the toughest stains, promising a superior clean that other detergents couldn’t match. The brand’s catchy jingles and colorful commercials made Tide a household name.
Even as new “green” and hypoallergenic detergents emerged, many families stayed loyal to Tide, trusting it to keep their laundry looking its best. The brand’s iconic status lives on, a reminder of simpler times in home care.
13. Fels-Naptha Soap
Fels-Naptha Soap was an essential item for tackling laundry day in the 1960s. This heavy-duty, yellow bar soap was known for its ability to remove even the toughest stains from fabrics. Whether it was grass stains or grease, Fels-Naptha was up to the task.
This soap was more than just a stain remover; it was a multi-purpose marvel. Many households found creative uses for it, from cleaning floors to treating poison ivy. The soap’s distinctive scent and effective formula made it a beloved cleaning agent.
Despite the advent of modern detergents, Fels-Naptha still holds a place in the hearts of those who appreciate tried-and-true cleaning products. Its vintage charm continues to appeal to those seeking reliable solutions.
14. S.O.S Steel Wool Soap Pads
Scrubbing away tough grime was no problem with S.O.S Steel Wool Soap Pads. These handy pads combined soap and steel wool, making them ideal for tackling the most stubborn messes on pots, pans, and stovetops.
Home cooks relied on S.O.S pads to make quick work of burnt-on grease, and the blue-and-white box was a familiar sight near kitchen sinks.
While modern non-scratch scrubbers have since been introduced, S.O.S remains a trusted name for those who still prefer old-fashioned elbow grease when it comes to serious cleaning jobs.
15. Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser
Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser was a powerhouse in tackling bathroom grime. This abrasive cleaner was a favorite for its ability to remove rust, mineral deposits, and stubborn stains with minimal effort. In the ’60s, maintaining a pristine bathroom was made easier with Zud on hand.
The cleanser’s gritty texture was perfect for scrubbing away the toughest stains, while its formulation ensured surfaces were left gleaming. Homemakers appreciated its effectiveness, often turning to Zud for their most challenging cleaning tasks.
Although cleaning products have evolved, Zud’s reputation for strength and reliability continues to attract those who demand high performance from their cleansers. Its presence in the ’60s was undeniable, marking it as a go-to solution for many households.