Vintage Calgon

[labboy]

I know the old vintage Calgon formula was a blend of STPP and sodium hexametaphosphate? Anyone know the ratio? I am willing to bet Launderess would know the answer.

I searched the AW archives as well as various MSDS sites and could not find the ratio. I know SHMP is more expensive but was considering a blend of the two the next time I purchased. I know the old Calgon worked great and wanted to see if I could approximate it for curiosity sake.

 

[launderess]

Sorry, But No

I don't know the ratio, only the fact Calgon in it's original phosphate laden form contained both sodium hexametaphosphate and STPP.

 

[laundromat]

Calgon

I used to use it in my final rinse and add it to many different cleaning solutions. I even used it in my hot tub when having a few guys over for "water sports".I remember their commercial where they had a Chinese laundry owner using it and calling it an "ancient Chinese secret".His wife was helping a client that her husband told the cleanliness of her laundry was an ancient Chinese secret and his wife said " Here's his ancient Chinese secret,Calgon." Then said "We need more Calgon." as the client looked over and said " Ancient Chinese secret ha?!"I'm sure those here who loved watching any laundry connected commercials, like myself, remember this one as well as the one for Stapuff that had a beautiful Frigidaire Jet Action washer in it.

 

[westie2]

Here it is.

 

[franksdad]

I remember!

The Calgon commercial...but I don't remember the StaPuff commercial. Mama would pick up a bottle of StaPuff from time to time and we would use it. She switched between Texize Laundry Fluff and StaPuff and when Downy was on sale she would pick up a bottle of Downy for "special items".

 

[laundromat]

The Stapuff commercial was based on a circus in a small town and the Frigidaire washer was in a trailer they used I guess to sleep in and change outfits.

 

[yogitunes]

Ancient Chinese Secret!

Do you know why Calgon works so well?

IT ISN'T MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!!

well, back then it wasn't....today, who knows?

 

[labboy]

I did some research and found the original, vintage Calgon has a huge following among people who do hobby fabric dyeing as well as those who work with ceramic pottery. Review of a number of websites seem to indicate the old product was all SHMP. There is a product called Calgon T which is 100% SHMP.

I found an interesting link which reviews the attributes of each of the various complex phosphates in detergents. SHMP has the benefit of being the least alkaline of the four listed and the best for complexing calcium. It wasn't that much more at The Chemistry Store so I may give SHMP a try the next time and do a 50%/50% blend of STPP and SHMP.

http://www.chemistry.co.nz/deterg_inorganic.htm#phosphate

 

[supersuds]

Maybe SHMP is less used because, according to the article, it is hygroscopic? I.e., it would have a shorter shelf life?

 

[dirtybuck]

Same Calgon Commercial

But this time using a GE washer. THIS is the one I'm used to and was the first to debut. They showed it daily on NBC Nightly News back in the late '60's and '70's. The switch to the Whirlpool came a bit later.

 

[jimmyb]

I find it very interesting...

that they make it so the water flow for the filter pan was turned off for the commercial as well how they remove the lid on the machine so you can see the controls while she adds the detergent and Calgon. I really like that kind of detail in the older commercials.

 

[yogitunes]

GE had something to do with that, mainly for promoting their machine.....with the lid up and in place it would block who's machine it is....I think the filter flo was turned off for a matter of noise, without the splashing of the water, these machines are very quiet.....otherwise her voice would have to be dubbed over to block out the machines noise...

Many TV shows/sitcoms either block or change the name of a product on who is a sponsor for the show.......I was watching Reba the other day, her first episodes, would occassionaly pan to the garage and you catch a glimpse of a washer/dryer.....since she is now part of Habitat for Humanity and Whirlpool....you now get a good background view of her DUETS on pedestals....I believe her dishwasher and fridge were also changed out for Whirlpools, although her stove is along the lines of Viking or Wolf......

also funny how we look for actual names of products, like Dawn dishwashing liquid, or drinking Pepsi....other times its just COLA written on the can....

I remember Calgon in a silver wrapping that you had to cut out the little spout to use, and close when done to keep it dry and fresh....

there used to be another commercial for this, which I cannot find, other than the Chinese secret ones.....

 

[dirtybuck]

TRIVIA!

Without actually hunting up an episode, who remembers the brand of dish soap sitting on either the counter next to the sink or the window sill in "Golden Girls"?

 

[mrcleanjeans]

Sunlight

 

[dirtybuck]

DING DING DING!! You're a grand prize winner, David!