Evolution of Home Cleaning Products (1920s–2020s)

For the past century, household cleaning has shifted from simple natural mixes to advanced chemical formulas. In the 1920s, families typically cleaned with plain soap bars, baking soda, vinegar or lye and a lot of elbow grease.

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By mid-century, factory-made detergents largely replaced traditional soaps , for example, the OMO laundry brand (introduced in South Africa in the 1950s) helped consumers switch from homemade lye mixtures to pre-made powders. Industry histories note that by the 1980s cold-water detergents emerged and by the 2000s concentrated, biodegradable “green” cleaners were on the marketenvirospec.com.

In other words, what once required hours of hard scrubbing can now often be done faster with powerful surfactants, enzymes and targeted formulas. Today’s innovations emphasize safety, efficiency and sustainability.

Many modern cleaners use plant-derived or enzyme boosters to tackle tough stains and grease with less harmful chemistry than older formulas. For example, Sunlight dish soap now includes natural bio-enzymes to cut through food residue up to ten times faster.

Cleaning devices and tools have also evolved , steam mops, high-efficiency vacuums and robotic cleaners are common. In South Africa (and in Potchefstroom specifically) there is a clear trend toward “green” products. Experts note that eco-friendly cleaners reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and help protect our health and the environment.

Market reports also show shoppers favor biodegradable, cruelty-free labels: one local supermarket even sells a private-label detergent line marketed as vegan and eco-friendly.

This article will trace those developments from past to present and explain what they mean for local households today. We will look at how South African homes cleaned in the 1920s versus now, from homemade soaps and scrubbing boards, through the rise of brands like OMO and Sunlight and highlight the latest products and DIY alternatives available in Potchefstroom.

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How Cleaning Products have changed through the Centuries

• 1920s–1930s – Soap Bars, Powdered Cleaners, and the Dawn of Detergents In the early 20th century, most South African homes used traditional soap bars and abrasive powders. For example, Unilever’s Sunlight soap bar (launched in SA in 1891) was a household staple for laundry and general cleaning. Abrasive scouring powders like Lever Brothers’ Vim (introduced in 1904) helped scrub floors and pots. These were effective but hard work. Chemical advances began to change this: by the 1930s companies introduced synthetic laundry detergents (e.g. P&G’s Dreft in 1933 and the heavy-duty Tide in 1946) that used surfactants to lift dirt. At the same time household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) became common. Clorox, originally sold to institutions, was marketed for home use by 1932, making strong disinfection (e.g. for whites and mould) widely available.
  

• 1940s–1950s – Postwar Boom and New Convenience Cleaners After World War II, electric washing machines spread across South Africa, and so did laundry detergents and bleaches. In the 1950s both powder and liquid detergents grew in popularity, often with built-in bleaching agents or “water-softener” additives to brighten clothes. Fabric conditioners and stain removers also appeared on shelves. New household cleaners emerged: for instance, Sunlight (the laundry brand) launched a dishwashing liquid in 1957, reflecting the move toward purpose-made cleaners (instead of washing dishes with soap). By the late 1950s many homes also kept bottles of disinfectant antiseptics. British Reckitt’s Dettol (invented 1933) became a leading antiseptic/cleanser worldwide; by the mid-20th century it was sold for home use to kill germs on surfaces.
  

• 1960s–1970s – Specialized Formulas and Growing Safety Awareness In the 1960s cleaning became more specialized. New products like Unilever’s Cif scouring cream (launched in 1965) allowed scrubbing sinks and stoves without scratching. Laundry detergents added enzymes to break down grass and food stains (so-called “biological” detergents), and stain-pre-treats/tablets showed up in stores. At the same time, household bleach brands expanded (Glaxo’s Domestos bleach was introduced in the late 1920s overseas and brought to SA by Unilever in the 1960s). Consumer awareness of safety also started to rise: products gradually gained clearer warning labels (“keep out of reach of children”), though harsh chemical cleaners (acids, ammonia, phenolics) were still common.
  

• 1980s–1990s – Environmental Concerns and “Green” Beginnings During the 1980s and 1990s, regulators and consumers began to push for safer, more eco-friendly formulas. Laundry products shifted to specialized formulas (e.g. cold-water detergents and concentrated powders). Importantly, the use of phosphate “builders” in detergents became controversial due to water pollution. By the late 1980s, South African companies (like Lever Brothers/Unilever) were researching zero-phosphate alternatives. Many new products touted “biodegradable” surfactants and color-safe bleaches. In South Africa, this era also saw the rise of cheaper private-label cleaners in supermarkets as value offerings, since many households still prioritized affordability over green branding. (Nonetheless, terms like “non-toxic” and “eco-friendly” started to appear on labels by the 1990s.)
  

• 2000s – Green Trends and Natural Ingredients In the 2000s ecological awareness became mainstream. Manufacturers launched genuinely eco-friendly household cleaners featuring plant-derived or food-grade ingredients. South African companies and retailers responded: for example, Pick n Pay introduced a “PNP Green” cleaning range certified vegan, cruelty-free and biodegradable. Many products began to specify that they were free of phosphates, chlorine, phthalates and artificial fragrances. Family- and pet-friendly formulas also appeared. For instance, South African green brand Green Bee markets a concentrated degreaser “safe to use around children and pets, with no harmful residues or vapours”. Refillable and bulk formats grew (to cut plastic waste and cost), and online sales made niche brands easier to find. Eco-labels like Africa’s Eco-Choice (launched 2001) helped consumers identify truly low-impact products.
  

• 2010s–2020s – Disinfection and Safety in Focus By the 2010s home cleaning emphasised both health and sustainability. Products marketed themselves as “non-toxic, biodegradable and child-safe”. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–) massively increased demand for disinfectants (bleach, alcohol and antibacterial surface sprays), underlining the importance of hygiene. At the same time, consumers read labels more carefully. Many modern cleaners explicitly advertise pet- and child-safety, and fragrance-free or gentle formulas (suitable for allergy-prone families) became available. Recycling and refill initiatives grew: concentrated cleaners (laundry and dishwashing liquids in smaller packages to dilute at home) help reduce plastic waste. However, economic reality still matters: even in 2025 most SA shoppers look for value. Budget private-label cleaners (like Woolworths’ or Checkers’ house brands) remain popular alternatives to big-name green .

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Cleaning Products Today Potchefstroom residents now have a century’s worth of innovation at their disposal. For tough jobs, traditional bleach-based or alkaline cleaners still work effectively (brands like JIK or Domestos remain widely sold).

But modern shoppers can choose gentler options: look for Eco-Choice or similar ecolabels, and labels claiming “biodegradable” or “no harmful chemicals”. Products certified by retailers (e.g. Pick n Pay Green) or by independent bodies ensure genuine eco-friendly performance. Green home brands (often sold in refill stations) use natural enzymes and safe solvents, minimising risks to children, pets, and the environment.

At the same time, remember that basics can be inexpensive: simple soap-based or vinegar-and-bicarbonate mixtures still clean many surfaces without health hazards. By understanding how formulations have changed and by reading labels, Potchefstroom families can choose effective cleaners that balance cost, convenience, and safetyEvolution of Home Cleaning Products (1920s–2020s)