BAB-O
A NEW ERA OF HOUSEHOLD CLEANING
Bab-O Cleanser was released in 1925 by B.T. Babbitt, Inc. of New York City. Benjamin Talbot Babbitt founded the company in 1839, originally producing engines and various pumps before shifting production to baking soda, soap powder, yeast powder, and lye. In 1851, Babbitt revolutionized soap marketing by becoming the first manufacturer to produce individually packaged bars of soap with quality guarantees, helping establish a new standard for the industry. He continued to expand the company's product line, introducing Bab-O Cleanser in 1925, where it sold for about 13 cents per can.
CLEANING UP THE COMPETITION
Bab-O is a scouring powder that combines detergent, chlorine bleach, and mild abrasives to remove stubborn stains, grease, soap residue, and mineral buildup from household surfaces without damaging the finish beneath. Babbitt heavily promoted Bab-O through radio soap operas, promotional giveaways, newspaper campaigns, colorful advertisements in housekeeping magazines, and even animated television commercials. This extensive advertising helped make Bab-O a well-known and trusted household product throughout the twentieth century. By the 1940s, Bab-O ranked among the leading household cleansers in the United States, competing with other well-known scouring powders of the era. Following several ownership changes, Bab-O became part of Fitzpatrick Brothers, Inc., where production of its classic and effective formula continued. Today, Bab-O is remembered as one of America's longest-running household cleanser brands and continues to be produced.
