This Cleaning Powder Was Invented in the 1880s. It Still Keeps My Kitchen Gear Looking New. | Reviews by Wirecutter

The Pink Stuff, a bubblegum-pink, all-purpose cleaner from UK-based Star Brands, has gained immense popularity, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok, despite having been around since 1938. The product is notable for being 99 percent natural and vegan, and it's available in various forms such as paste, cream, foam, gel, and even a laundry additive. Its primary ingredients include quartz, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, and sodium bicarbonate. This article focuses on the paste version of The Pink Stuff, highlighting its simple application: apply a scoop to the surface, rub gently with a cloth or sponge, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. The cleaner's effectiveness and versatility have led to it being considered a "miracle" product by many users. Nine specific applications for The Pink Stuff are detailed. Firstly, it is effective for renewing tile and grout, easily removing dirt, stains, and mold in bathrooms, which are areas often prone to cleanliness challenges. Secondly, its composition, which includes baking soda, quartz, sodium silicate, and soap, enables it to dissolve stubborn grease in kitchens and other areas where grease accumulates. Thirdly, The Pink Stuff is safe for cleaning oven interiors and racks due to its non-toxic ingredients. Users can apply the paste inside the oven and on racks, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then rinse. It is also effective on oven door glass. Fourthly, it can be used to clean cars, tackling grime on rusty metal wheels, tires, and other areas that require detailed attention. It is advised to test the product on a small patch first, and while it reportedly buffs out scratches, a Magic Eraser might be more suitable for that purpose. Fifthly, the cleaner is particularly effective at restoring the appearance of old sneakers, making grubby, discolored soles shine like new in just a few minutes. Sixthly, despite common assumptions that outdoor cleaning requires heavy-duty products, The Pink Stuff is capable of cleaning outdoor items. It can remove mold from outdoor furniture, soot from barbecue grills, discolorations from house exteriors, and rust from garden tools and outdoor water spigots. Seventhly, it revives discolored pots and pans, especially their bottoms, which often accumulate grime during cooking. Applying a dollop of the paste, letting it sit, and wiping it away can make pans sparkly clean. Eighthly, it is suitable for shining kitchen sinks, which are often overlooked in cleaning routines despite being one of the dirtiest areas in a home. Being non-toxic, it can be safely used to clean and remove rust and watermarks from stainless steel sinks after washing dishes. Finally, The Pink Stuff is presented as a versatile touch-up cleaner for various household surfaces. It can remove limescale and soap scum from bathrooms, dried-on paint from ceramic or metal, rings from toilet bowls, and marks from walls and glass, making it an all-encompassing solution for routine cleaning tasks. The product's widespread online popularity, evidenced by over 190 million TikTok views and more than 23,000 five-star reviews, has solidified its position as a bestselling all-purpose cleaner on platforms like Amazon. #CleaningProducts #ThePinkStuff #HomeCleaning #TikTokTrends #HouseholdHacks #AllPurposeCleaner #NaturalCleaning #CleaningTips #HomeImprovement

This article from Wirecutter offers a comprehensive guide to essential cleaning supplies, emphasizing that one does not need every viral product, but rather a curated selection of effective items. The recommendations are based on rigorous testing by Wirecutter staff, who have put various products through demanding scenarios, such as staining T-shirts with pig blood for laundry detergent tests, scorching cheese onto stainless steel pans for sponge evaluations, and spilling New York City gutter water to assess wet mops. The goal is to help readers, regardless of their living space size, efficiently manage almost any mess. The guide is divided into two main categories: Solutions, sprays, and detergents, and Tools. Under the first category, the top recommendation for an all-purpose cleaner is Clorox Free & Clear Multi-Surface Spray Cleaner, praised for its streak-free, fragrance-free performance and EPA Safer Choice certification. For windows and mirrors, a simple and affordable solution of one part vinegar to one part water, specifically using HDX All-Purpose Cleaning Vinegar, is suggested over commercial glass cleaners. For occasional sanitizing and disinfecting, Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach is recommended for its quick pathogen-killing action, with a warning about never mixing bleach with other cleaners. As a budget alternative for disinfection, Clorox Disinfecting Bleach is advised for DIY solutions, with proper dilution instructions provided by the CDC. Bar Keepers Friend All-Purpose Cleaner and Polish is highlighted for its versatility in shining and scouring, particularly for cookware and fixtures, though users are cautioned against using it on delicate surfaces. Seventh Generation Dish Soap is presented as a multi-purpose cleaner beyond dishes, effective for tasks like removing grease stains and cleaning makeup brushes, due to its strong oil-removing capabilities and EPA Safer Choice certification. For bathroom grime and soap scum, Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter is recommended for its foaming action on fiberglass, porcelain, and ceramic surfaces. For natural stone showers and tubs, Stonetech Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is advised due to its effectiveness without damaging porous materials. Laundry detergents include Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent for heavy-duty stain and odor removal, and Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent for those sensitive to fragrances and dyes, both having undergone stringent testing. Amodex Ink & Stain Remover is featured as a non-toxic, highly effective stain remover for tough marks like ink and makeup. Lastly, Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs are chosen as the top dishwasher detergent for their ability to tackle even baked-on food particles. The Tools section begins with a strong recommendation for Glam-Gloves Dishwashing Gloves (or Clorox Ultra Comfort Gloves for a latex-free option) to protect hands from harsh cleaning agents. Fixsmith Microfiber Cleaning Cloths are presented as durable and affordable reusable alternatives to paper towels for various cleaning tasks. Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges are a versatile and affordable option for general scrubbing, while Scrub Daddy sponges are noted for their longevity and odor resistance. For targeted cleaning of nooks and crannies, the OXO Good Grips Grout Brush is highlighted for its comfortable grip and stiff bristles. The OXO Good Grips Compact Toilet Brush and Canister is selected for its effective cleaning, discreet storage, and replaceable brush heads. The Dyson V12 Detect Slim is recommended as a powerful, lightweight, and versatile cordless vacuum for both hard and soft flooring, with other vacuum options also mentioned. For quick sweeps, the Casabella Wayclean Wide Angle Broom is praised for its dense bristles and ergonomic design, complemented by the Libman 2125 Step-On Dust Pan for its back-friendly design and flush-to-floor seal. The O-Cedar Microfiber Cloth Mop and its corresponding Quick Wring Bucket are endorsed for soiled floors, being sturdy, lightweight, and machine-washable. Finally, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable sponges are recommended for effectively removing scuffs and smudges from surfaces like baseboards and shower floors. The article concludes by reiterating that these carefully selected products and tools can help maintain a clean home efficiently. #CleaningSupplies #HomeMaintenance #ProductReviews #LaundryCare #BathroomCleaning #KitchenCleaning #FloorCare #StainRemoval #MicrofiberCloths

The question of whether laundry detergent expires is a common one, and the answer is yes, it does. According to Sacha Dunn, who runs the natural cleaning company Common Good, laundry detergent, especially liquid variants, has a shelf life. This is primarily due to its plant-based composition, which includes vegetable oils. Much like cooking oil, these vegetable oils can spoil over time, typically within 12 months. Liquid detergents rely on surfactants, which are often oil-based (either vegetable or crude oil/petroleum), to effectively clean clothes by attaching soil to water, allowing dirt to be suspended and washed away. When these oils expire, the cleaning efficacy of the detergent diminishes. Beyond the oil content, other ingredients in liquid detergents, such as enzymes, also lose their effectiveness over time. To combat this degradation and prevent bacterial growth, manufacturers incorporate preservatives. These preservatives help maintain the detergent's freshness and efficacy for at least a year, and often longer. This expiration concern applies to a wide range of liquid detergents, including popular mainstream brands like Tide and Gain, as well as convenient laundry detergent pods. While expired liquid detergent won't pose a health risk similar to consuming spoiled food, its ability to thoroughly clean clothes will be compromised. Many detergent products come with a "Best Used By" date, which serves as a valuable guide for consumers. In contrast to liquid detergents, powdered detergents do not expire. This distinction can be a deciding factor for consumers contemplating their purchase in the laundry aisle. To maximize the lifespan and effectiveness of liquid laundry detergent, proper storage is crucial. It should be stored in a cool, dry environment with stable temperatures. Once a bottle of liquid detergent has been opened, it is recommended to use it within six months to achieve optimal cleaning results. If liquid detergent does exceed its recommended shelf life and its cleaning power is reduced, it can still be repurposed for other household tasks, such as mopping floors or cleaning toys, rather than being discarded. This information helps consumers make informed decisions about purchasing, storing, and using laundry detergent, ensuring they get the most out of their products while maintaining effective laundry practices. The key takeaway is understanding the different characteristics of liquid versus powdered detergents and adhering to storage and usage recommendations to maintain cleaning efficiency. #LaundryDetergent #ProductExpiration #CleaningTips #HouseholdMaintenance #LiquidDetergent #PowderedDetergent #ShelfLife #StorageTips

The author shares their experience with a difficult cleaning situation in their London rental flat. Despite its appealing qualities like a bay window and large closet, the windowless bathroom presented a significant challenge due to its small size and years of accumulated mold, limescale, and hard-water stains. Traditional cleaning methods, including hours of scrubbing with bleach and a toothbrush, proved ineffective in truly cleaning the bathroom to a satisfactory standard. Upon encountering the Sonic Scrubber online, the author was intrigued by its portrayal on CleanTok, where users demonstrated its effectiveness against bathroom grime. This led to the discovery that the device is a compact electric brush equipped with four interchangeable nylon heads. The set includes two small, round heads, one small tapered head, and one larger head, each designed for specific cleaning tasks. The small round heads, noted for their thorough fanning action, were found particularly effective for cleaning taps, sinks, and shower trays. The tapered head, with its thin edge, proved ideal for intricate areas such as between tiles, while the larger head was suitable for broader cleaning needs like refrigerator clear-outs or kitchen backsplash splatters. The author compares the Sonic Scrubber to a drill-brush attachment used by another editor, but highlights its advantage in accessing narrower spaces without requiring power tools. The effectiveness of the Sonic Scrubber was demonstrated when paired with cleaning products. Specifically, a black-mold spray combined with one of the small round brush heads drastically reduced the time needed to remove mold from shower doors and basin rims, cutting down an hour of manual labor to approximately ten minutes. Similarly, bleach applied with the same bristly brush head successfully eradicated the yellowing base around the sink’s tap. Further experimentation revealed the brush’s versatility, as the author used the round brush heads for cleaning washing machine trays and hobs, and the tapered head for refreshing grout. A notable downside identified was the need for frequent battery replacement to maintain motor function. To mitigate this, the author recommends using rechargeable batteries. Post-cleaning, the brush heads are bleached and scrubbed, and while durable, replacement heads are anticipated once the bristles show wear, similar to an electric toothbrush. As a result of incorporating the Sonic Scrubber into a weekly cleaning routine, the bathroom now appears significantly cleaner than when the author first moved in. The article concludes with a humorous observation about potential rent increases from landlords, given the improved condition of the property. #HomeCleaning #BathroomCleaning #ElectricBrush #MoldRemoval #CleaningTools #RentalApartment #ProductReview #HouseholdMaintenance #CleaningHacks