You Scrub Up Well! (Vim Extra Whitening Classic Scourer Powder)

Member Name: Sarahjh

Product:	Vim Extra Whitening Classic Scourer Powder
Date:	26/11/08 (253 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A good all round cleaner, bleach based for whitening

Disadvantages: Has abrasive qualities

Many of you may look at this review and wonder what `Vim` is!
Vim scouring powder was one of the first cleaning products created by William Lever and was introduced to the market in 1940.


Vim is made using a domestically produced ash and is a tough abrasive multipurpose cleaning powder that offers hygienic and effective cleansing.
Used for cleaning very dirty surfaces, ovens, barbecues, practically anything that you want to give a good clean, but bear in mind it has abrasive qualities!


Vim powder is a product that needs to be hunted down these days, it is classed as outdated and old fashioned.
The scouring powder is stocked by the odd supermarket, but I have more often than not been able to buy a couple of tubs in the discount stores or the £1 shops.


I have just read this snippet of information on Wikipedia, Francis Bacon the painter is reputed to have used Vim as a substitute for toothpaste! The abrasive element of Vim must have stripped the enamel from the surface of his teeth. Please do not do this at home!


Many of the cream cleansers on the market are much less abrasive so are obviously far more popular than Vim.


If you decide to clean using Vim it would be advisable to wear rubber gloves, the powder is definitely harsh on your skin.
When you first shake the Vim powder into a sink it undergoes a change in colour as it reacts with the water. A chemically perfumed smell is created, combined with a strong smell of bleach.
Take the scouring pad or cloth, whichever you prefer and gently work the Vim powder into the stained surface you are trying to clean and whiten. You will notice that as you rub the powder in you feel as though there is grit on the cloth, but this is the abrasive ingredient that you can feel.
Once you are sure that you have cleaned the stained surface as best as you can then the Vim powder needs to be well rinsed off, if you leave any behind the surface will not only feel gritty but it will leave a white film behind.


Vim certainly wont suit many modern kitchen units and work surfaces as it may take the surface off of them. Likewise with stainless steel sinks. Vim is a cleaning agent that many wouldn't choose to use because of the abrasive agent, but there are many household tasks that it excels at, cleaning outdoor sinks and barbecues and its also marvellous for scrubbing dustbins out.


As with most household cleaning agents always remember to store the product well out of the way of children.

Summary: Vim has good abrasive cleaning power