America's original natural home cleaner
Powder cleanser
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser hasn’t scratched yet®, but it has changed – for the better. The old name, Polishing Cleanser, did not seem to fit the way today’s homemaker was using it. Loyal fans don’t save Bon Ami for grandmother’s silver; they use it every day in the kitchen and bath.
Bon Ami still uses the trademark feldspar and limestone as gentle, effective abrasives, but now combines them with even more sustainable cleaning agents from renewable corn and coconut oils. Plus we’ve added a touch of baking soda to help absorb odors.
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser’s new label is bold interpretation of the classic red banner and Bon Ami’s famous just-hatched chick. The paper and steel package is one of the most eco-friendly on store shelves. It’s made from recycled paper and can be recycled again.
What’s the Difference?
Bon Ami offers powder cleansers in two distinct formulas. To get at the difference between them let’s go back almost 5000 years to the first recorded recipe for soap. The first soaps were made from discarded animal fat (which is acidic) and a little soda ash from a wood fire (which is basic) to make a new solid that bubbled and cleaned. For millennium, that basic recipe didn’t change. But in the 16th century, people in the Castile region of Spain started blending plant fats like olive oil with ash to produce what came to be known as Castile soap. This was more expensive and generally reserved for cosmetic use, not general cleaning.
Original 1886 Formula
When Bon Ami Original 1886 Formula was created it was state-of-the art, crafted to care for homes and kitchens with a gentle effectiveness that was unlike anything else on the market. The recipe was simple: tallow soap and feldspar. Bon Ami’s innovation was adding the more gentle abrasive powder feldspar to make a soap that was effective at cleaning but gentle on surfaces. We still make the 1886 Formula Cleaning Powder the same way. We find that many customers prefer this formula for specialty uses.
Bon Ami 1886 Original Formula now wears a red label to help customers identify it right away. Being more of a specialty product, it’s a little harder to find. Look for it at your local Ace Hardware store, or on-line at BonAmi.net or Alice.com.
Powder Cleanser
But kitchens and bathrooms have changed, and need an updated cleaner. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is the answer. This formula starts with vegan, plant-based cleaning agents made from coconut and corn oils, then adds feldspar and the even softer abrasive, limestone. We add a little bit of soda ash and a touch of baking soda. The result is a natural, effective cleaner for modern surfaces.
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is our most popular, general use powder. It sports an updated yellow label, and can be found in most grocery stores, as well as online at BonAmi.net, Alice.com, and EcoMom.com.
Favorite Uses for the 1886 Formula
People write in all the time with interesting uses for the 1886 Formula Cleaning Powder. One of the most common is cleaning glass. The original formula is safe to use on most glass because the tallow soap means that slurry of the powder and a little water will glide over the glass surface, cleaning away dirt but not scratching. This formula leaves behind a slight, invisible film that protects the glass from salt spray making it a favorite for boats and seaside homes. This film keeps mirrors from fogging up in the bathroom too.
If you have a favorite use for the 1886 Formula Cleaning Powder, write us and tell us what it is.
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Reviews
I love this product! It cleans my bathtub,sinks, pots and pans, stove top and MORE. I had cleaned my stove top with Comet and couldn't get all the crud off, but when I received this powder cleanser I decided to give it a try, and it totally cleaned my stove top, INCLUDING the crud comet couldn't get up! It doesn't hurt your hands, and it rinses much easier than bar keepers friend or comet. This stuff has changed my life! I love it!
- Teresa, August 2011
I love this stuff. I have eczema on my hands and am allergic to latex so I cant wear gloves. I use this stuff and my hands do not break out. It is great that it is natural and still works. Thank you!!
- Lindsey, July 2011
I used this in the '80's when I was bartending through school, and have always compared any other products to it for the results they should have been able to give. Thanks for providing a solid and useful product that doesn't harm the world.
- Lisa, July 2011
I used to use various acidulated cleansers to take care of hard water stains on my stainless sink and other stainless fixtures around the house. Not only do they smell awful, they're never quite up the the task. The light abrasive in this cleansing powder is exactly what I needed. Amazing results, thank you.
- Herf, July 2011
- , April 2011
I liked the old formula because a little went a long way. This one seems to dissolve into nothing instantly. I'm going to look for a different cleaner
- elaine 2011, March 2011
I love it Love it
- Dana Rogers, February 2011
Remember the old adage, don't fix it if it ain't broke...the original formula was far superior to this new one. I used to buy 4 or 5 cans at a time, now I'm looking for a new brand to replace it. Why? The original could be used for many applications but for me it was used to polish up my kitchen tile and clean the grout. I was able to see my reflection and the grout was white again. Now it is so much harder to achieve a shine and the grout won't come clean. It's sad to say goodbye to my kitchen helper of many years. Good luck to you.
- Nann, January 2011
I love this product, I've used it for several years now. I use it to scrub pots and pans and I also use it to scrub my bathtub. It's very important to me that the cleansers I use aren't causing chemical harm to the environment so thank you for not letting me down.
- Denise Milfort, January 2011
Not bad
- Dwaynne Villiers, November 2010
I have used Bon Ami for cleaning automotive windshields ever since BMW recommended your product in response to customer complaints about road grime making it hard to see out in the rain. We use a vinegar and water solution to neutralize acid rain spots then follow up with Bon Ami and the glass looks like new!
- Steve, October 2010
I have used this product for many years and started using it to polish my stainless steel fridge, dishwasher, and wall oven. In addition, I used it to totally clean my s/s outdoor grill. Everything always looks so beautiful, clean, and polished when I am finished using this product. Thank you.
- Jolyn Barrow, August 2010
...thanks bon ami for making a good product even better...i appreciate the easier rinsing on the bon ami powdered cleaser...it reallie cuts some time in the cleaning process...i have used & loved bon ami for years...it gets a work out in the bathroom, kitchen & our jewelry making studio, scrubbing oxidation off metal!
- cintra, August 2010
I like to use a little bit each time I am finished doing the dishes, it keeps my stainless sink sparkling and clean!!
- jennifer, July 2010
Great Product, I don't even bother putting it away. I use it to clean just about everything. Does not leave behind a grity residue.
- Brenda Hine, June 2010
All products performed well but I especially liked the liquid cleanser (I do miss the solid Bon-Ami bar). My stove top looks like new.
- Jane, January 2010
I love Bon Ami Powder and want to be able to continue using it. However I really liked the new products and would but them as well. I especially liked the liquid cleanser in my bathroom sink which is mounted in an antique chest of drawers. The small bottle is just right for putting in the drawer and I liked that feature.
- Mike, January 2010
