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Spic 'n Span: What Happened?

When I was a kid, "Spic 'n Span" was a synonym for clean. I wonder what the origins of that phrase might be.

And, if I recall correctly, there was a cleaner by the same name. Whatever happened to it?

Feel free to share any information you might have with others.

Comments

Ask and ye shall receive: The Word Detective (http://www.word-detective.com/030201.html#spicandspan) says it comes from an old (16th century) phrase, "spick and span new", which refered to every nail and piece of wood being new on a ship.

Posted by: Kevin Murphy on January 24, 2003 02:09 PM

I've noticed many folks looking for soilex. I believe the problem is the spelling of the word. Try soilax--it is a soapless cleaner. If you do a search on google, it should show up where it may be purchased on-line.

Posted by: Maryann on February 22, 2004 03:56 PM

WHERE CAN I BAY SPIC&SPAN

Posted by: on March 1, 2004 02:23 PM

I can find Cinch in any Safeway I have been in. I am in Washington State. Also found it in Oklahoma. Check your local Safeway.I can find the liquid Spic n Span at our local Dollar Tree (dollar store). Happy hunting.

Posted by: SandiStreit on May 23, 2004 05:26 AM

check your local Safeway for the spic n span powder....that is where I used to buy it.

Posted by: on May 23, 2004 05:28 AM

i recall about 10 years ago or so (Around 1993) spic and span commercials had this very soothing music. i can't quite describe it but it was i guess synth-instrumental, strangely, like 'Seinfeld' music but without the punchiness i remember a similar sounding theme (obviously same artist )on a Bank commercial a few years later, i know its a long shot, but does anyone else recall the theme? very mellowing

Posted by: on June 10, 2004 02:37 AM

I have seen Spic-n-Span and Cinch at Jewel Food Stores in Chicago. I am looking for Soilax in the Chicagoland area, but cannot find it. Has anyone else found it in Chicago?

Posted by: on August 8, 2004 11:07 AM

Hey all you SPIC N SPAN & CINCH FANS! Check out this website: prestigebrandsinc.com and you'll be VERY HAPPY!!!There's even a store locator by ZIP CODE!!!

Posted by: Judy Attitudy on August 12, 2004 11:49 PM

Thanks,Judy Attudy, the www.prestigebrandsinc.com
website is awesome. Thanks.

Posted by: Michele on October 26, 2004 08:17 AM

BTW, for people out there looking for Spic & Span or Cinch cleaners try www.cleanfreak.com , http//doitbest.com and www.hardwarestore.com

Posted by: GARY on February 1, 2005 01:05 PM

After searching for quite awhile and visiting this web page, I WAS ABLE TO FIND The old SPIC AND SPAN powder (by procter and gamble pofessional line) at Ace hardware. The box looks different, but I think it's still the same. And I went to a Do It Best hardware store. They didn't have CINCH in stock, but they ordered it in for me, with no shipping fees. While hunting for these I also found the OLD SPIC AND SPAN LIQUID PINE at Do it Best also--they will order if they don't have it. And I found SOILAX eventhough I wasn't looking- at a True Value hardware store. Do it best has a web site so you can order: http://doitbest.com/shop/default.asp?mbrid=0233
Good luck!

Posted by: jj on February 8, 2005 05:03 PM

I feel Spic 'n Span is losing out - most every other cleanser has cleaning cloths, i.e., 409; Windex, etc. On your website, it is indicated that Spic 'n Span does have them; however, no where in CA are they sold - or Nevada. Where can these be purchased?

Posted by: on February 9, 2005 01:52 AM

Too bad all the products mentioned on this website are not available at a regular store like Target or Walmart! Try this web site for Soilax: http://store.jensco.com/soilax.html

Posted by: on February 9, 2005 10:54 AM

The Jensco store is sold out of Soilax, but try this one.

Posted by: on February 9, 2005 11:16 AM

Call 1-800-801-1767 & they will find a store near you They gave me, three within 25 miles of where I live!

Posted by: c on May 18, 2005 09:02 AM

SPIC N SPAN WAS A GREAT FLOOR CLEANER; I PHONED THE COMPANY TODAY & WAS TOLD THAT THE PRODUCT NOW SOLD HAS A CHANGED FORMULA. I THINK THAT IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EVER GET THE OLD FORMULA, WHICH WAS SO GREAT; AND THE REASON IS SIMPLY THAT NOW THAT FORMULA IS ILLEGAL, AS IT PROBABLY CONTAINED PHOSPHATES ( TRANSLATE, "REAL CLEANER" ) WHICH HAVE BEEN BANNED AS BLAIMED FOR MAKING SEWAGE TOO STIMULATING ( FERTILZING ) FOR PLANTS, THUS CLOGGING UP BODIES OF WATER WITH PLANT GROWTH.

HOWEVER, THERE IS A SNEAKY WAY TO GET AT THE OLD FORMULA, PROBABLY. PAINT STORES ( & DEPTS ) SELL TRI-SODIUM PHOSPHATE!!! JUST BUY YOU SOME GOOD 'OL TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE AND ADD IT TO YOUR DETERGENT OR SPIC AND SPAN TO PUT SOME UMPHT IN THE DETERGENT.

IN DALLAS, THE ONLY PLACES LISTED BY THE COMPANY AS OUTLETS FOR SPIC AND SPAN ARE THE TOM THUMB GROCERIES, WHICH SEEM TO BE DYING FROM COMPETITION. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY'S WEB SITE GIVES A TOLL FREE NUMBER WHICH YOU CAN USE TO ORDER SPIC AND SPAN BY TELEPHONE, WHICH REQUIRES A SHIPPING CHARGE ( NOT SO BAD NOW SINCE GASOLINE IS SO EXPENSIVE ANYWAY ). THE WEB SITE HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED ABOVE BY SOMEONE.

Posted by: ENOCH on November 8, 2005 10:35 PM

I just ordered SOILAX from a representative of Ecolab. It is available in 44 oz boxes by the case 11 boxes to a case. After searching as all of you have been, my husband found the Ecolab web site and we called 800-352-5326 and left a message. The representative called us back within 2 days--he lives in our town. The company sells industrial cleaners to restaurants etc. so they are not well known to the public. Check their website http://www.ecolabs.com. They are located in St. Paul, MN

Posted by: ms on November 12, 2005 08:10 AM

STOP - Spic and Span is NOT TSP.

The the risk of being flamed, I will point out the error in assuming that Spic and Span is TSP. The MSDS sheet for the original powder lists the ingredients and there is no TSP in it.

This is worth noting, because if you are like me and determined to find this product, or a close relative, the ingredients are important.

I have recently recieved some large silver hierlooms that are badly tarnished. I want to clean them up in the friendliest manner possible. I've heard several people say that the best method they have ever used that will not remove silver is to line the bathtub with aluminum foil, pour in a box of Spic and Span, and dip the silver in. I don't want to kill my silver. TSP would very likely do just that.

The key ingredients to Spic and Span are:
Anionic Surfactants
Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
Sodium Sulfate
Sodium Silicates

Tri Sodium - yes. Phosphate - NO.

Posted by: Dave on January 9, 2006 09:28 PM

Amazon.com has cinch.

Posted by: GARY on January 12, 2006 11:09 AM

I thought they were a couple of Hispanic comedians, kinda like Cheech and Chong...

Posted by: Jimbo2K2 on January 25, 2006 01:01 PM

why can't i buy CINCH. ?????????//

Live in the riverhead, NY area. help! where can i buy CINCH

ILYWOW@AOL.COM

Posted by: on February 25, 2006 10:10 AM

SPIC N SPAN WAS A GREAT FLOOR CLEANER; I PHONED THE COMPANY TODAY & WAS TOLD THAT THE PRODUCT NOW SOLD HAS A CHANGED FORMULA. I THINK THAT IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO EVER GET THE OLD FORMULA, WHICH WAS SO GREAT; AND THE REASON IS SIMPLY THAT NOW THAT FORMULA IS ILLEGAL, AS IT PROBABLY CONTAINED PHOSPHATES ( TRANSLATE, "REAL CLEANER" ) WHICH HAVE BEEN BANNED AS BLAIMED FOR MAKING SEWAGE TOO STIMULATING ( FERTILZING ) FOR PLANTS, THUS CLOGGING UP BODIES OF WATER WITH PLANT GROWTH.

HOWEVER, THERE IS A SNEAKY WAY TO GET AT THE OLD FORMULA, PROBABLY. PAINT STORES ( & DEPTS ) SELL TRI-SODIUM PHOSPHATE!!! JUST BUY YOU SOME GOOD 'OL TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE AND ADD IT TO YOUR DETERGENT OR SPIC AND SPAN TO PUT SOME UMPHT IN THE DETERGENT.

IN DALLAS, THE ONLY PLACES LISTED BY THE COMPANY AS OUTLETS FOR SPIC AND SPAN ARE THE TOM THUMB GROCERIES, WHICH SEEM TO BE DYING FROM COMPETITION. HOWEVER, THE COMPANY'S WEB SITE GIVES A TOLL FREE NUMBER WHICH YOU CAN USE TO ORDER SPIC AND SPAN BY TELEPHONE, WHICH REQUIRES A SHIPPING CHARGE ( NOT SO BAD NOW SINCE GASOLINE IS SO EXPENSIVE ANYWAY ). THE WEB SITE HAS ALREADY BEEN POSTED ABOVE BY SOMEONE.

Posted by: spicn spac on June 1, 2006 09:57 PM

fags

Posted by: dmfnr on June 30, 2006 02:55 AM

www.spicnspan.com or try eBay. Lots of listings on eBay for Spic N Span

Posted by: Lynn on June 30, 2006 08:33 PM

I am looking for Spic and Span Everday Floor Touch Up Spray Cleaner. Please let me know whwre I can buy this product . What would be the best place to buy this product at. I Love this for quick clean ups .Please answer this request! Thank You ! Debbie

Posted by: Debbie on July 14, 2006 01:16 PM

Posted by: Diana on August 12, 2004 07:49 PM

Hey all you SPIC N SPAN & CINCH FANS! Check out this website: prestigebrandsinc.com and you'll be VERY HAPPY!!!There's even a store locator by ZIP CODE!!!

Posted by: Judy Attitudy on August 12, 2004 11:49 PM

Posted by: on November 18, 2006 12:32 PM

I can find Cinch in any Safeway I have been in. I am in Washington State. Also found it in Oklahoma. Check your local Safeway.I can find the liquid Spic n Span at our local Dollar Tree (dollar store). Happy hunting.

Posted by: forum on April 4, 2007 04:02 PM

Very nice article. I really liked it a lot and it gave me a few good pointers. Thanks!

Posted by: forum on April 4, 2007 04:03 PM

Soilax-- Reckitt Benckiser Inc.
1655 Valley Road
Wayne,NJ 07474
This is the manufacturer, as to why they discontinued said item is beyond me, Contained No caustics,Lye or abrasives,No soap,No phosphates, And It was biodegradeable (see any MSDS sheet) Besides the fact that it was the best product ever. As for Spic-n-span powder or liquid, go to tecprod.com

Posted by: devotee on April 22, 2007 06:15 AM

RE: finding Spic and Span!

Thanks to Ray Williams' post, above, I was able to find Spic and Span The Extra Strength Powder at my local Ace Hardware store in the San Francisco east bay area. I have been looking for it for a couple of years.

My old box and new box look identical, with the product being distributed, by The Spic and Span Co. Irvington, NY 10533, with one exception:

- the old 2003 box carries the name, The Spic and Span Company, as being the owner company, whereas,

- the new 2005 box carries the name, a Prestige Brands Company, as being the owner company.

Both boxes have the same web address for questions or comments: www.spicnspan.com.

By the way, my new box from Ace was only $5.99.

Yesterday, my friend saw a liquid type of Spic and Span at Safeway supermarket.

Have fun cleaning! Ha!

Jennifer

Posted by: Jennifer on February 6, 2008 11:14 AM

WALMART RETARDS

Posted by: on May 12, 2008 04:35 PM

ACE Hardware carries spic-n-span. If the store doesn't carry it they can order it from the wharehouse and you don't have to pay shipping and handling fees.

Posted by: on May 14, 2008 07:00 PM

after perusing this list of comments until my brain was turning to jello, i got smart and started at the bottom of the list which is current.

i just called my local ACE HARDWARE and...
drum roll, please...

THEY HAVE POWDERED SPIC AND SPAN! i am on my way.
bucks county, pa. june 08

incidentally, when motor oil dripped on our macadam driveway, we sprinkled spic and span on the spot, rubbed it in and poured hot water on it while using a stiff brush. we kept it alive for over 35 years while the neighbors' all developed erosion.

kmc

Posted by: on June 14, 2008 10:15 AM

this is a great product but i cant find it. holiday tip: best silver polishing ever! line your sink with aluminum foil (shiny side up) add 1/3 cup spick n span powder only(liquid does not work)add approximately 1/2 sink of warm water. dip any tarnished silver into solution and it will be cleaned in seconds.

Posted by: on December 14, 2009 09:03 PM

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