The History of Persil
Just recently I discovered a new (to me) laundry detergent brand: Persil. After having some trouble with a tough stain, it was recommended to me as an all in one detergent that would get rid of nearly any stains without having to mess with bleaches or pre treaters. I was a little skeptical at first, but after doing some research, I've found this stuff really does work! After seeing some amazing results, I decided to try to find out just what makes Persil laundry detergent so effective.
Everything started in 1907, when chemists working for the Henkel company (the makers of Persil, along with Unilever) in Germany found that the right combination of sodium perborate and sodium silicate, when mixed with boiling water, created a fine dispersion of bubbles which oxidated fibers and lifted stains out; creating a near odorless bleaching effect without the need for harmful chemicals. This breakthrough formula kept Persil as one of the most sought after laundry detergents for decades.
After a great many years as a top consumer detergent, a pause came in the form of World War II. However, shortly after the war, Persil was re-launched in 1950 to much fanfare, and a slight formula change; incorporating "optical brighteners" now helped Persil produce more vibrant whites.
In the coming 2 decades Persil would produce 3 noteworthy updates to their already fantastic detergents: Persil 59: Germany's first synthetic heavy duty detergent with foam intensifiers and freshening fragrances. Persil 65: enhanced wit foam inhibitors for use with more modern washers and fabric materials of the era. Persil 70: further updates to the formula ensured Persil detergents removed even the most persistent stains of the day.
During 1973, Henkel decided to update the Persil formula once again, this time adding an ingredient not to keep your clothes in top shape, but one to keep your washing machine so; via a corrosion inhibitor which protected your shiny new washer from rusting prematurely. Henkel also decided at this time to drop the numerical designations, in it's place creating a new slogan describing the newest Persil as: "Something to rely on."
14 years later the Persil brand was still going strong, and was about to get stronger with the introduction of Persil liquid to complement the already awesome powder detergent! During the next 20 some odd years Henkel would expand the Persil laundry detergent line up with concentrates, tablets, pre-portioned liquids, and gels. All the while further improving performance in the areas of stain fighting and fade resistance. Not to mention many advances in environmentally and people friendly products for sensitive skin.
Wow, that's quite a history for a simple laundry detergent!
Thanks again to Renee for the fantastic history wrap up. If you want to know more or just want to say thanks, you can reach her via the comments box below or e-mail her at: rcalis1@aol.com