Jubilee kitchen wax — is back. I received the news this morning. (Doesn’t this bottle look so pretty at the top of our homepage?) Here’s the scoop, so far:
The consumer sales representative for Malco, Products, Inc. wrote me:
We just licensed Jubilee® Kitchen Wax from SC Johnson and have it available on our website. I was hoping that you might be able to write about the product relaunch so consumers know they can find it now. As of know, it is only available on our website but we plan to have larger distribution soon.
I know that this was a very popular wax back in the day. I think that readers have brought it up before as a product they’d like to see back on the market. Here’s what Malco’s website say Jubilee can be used for:
Jubilee is an easy-to-use liquid furniture wax made especially for protecting while cleaning appliances, Formica laminated plastic, ceramic tile, enamel and wood.Jubilee cannot scratch, never dulls, is stain resistant and puts down a tough, hard shine that protects surfaces while making spills easier to wipe clean. Jubilee removes: grease spots, soot, lipstick, food stains, crayon, fingerprints and yellow cooking films.
I asked the Malco rep right away, “Is it the same formulation as in the way-back-time-machine days?” and, when it might be available as single bottles — right now the only way you can buy it is by the case on the Malco website. She quickly replied:
As of now it is only available in a case of 12. We just had our first run last Thursday and have not gotten samples out to reps yet for distribution. I am guessing it will be available at Hardware stores and online specialty stores but cannot say who will pick up this re launch.
As far as the formula goes, it is the original formula but we did have to change one raw material that was no longer available and made the product VOC complaint. We also re launched the product Grease Relief last year just FYI! It is available on our website, Amazon and other online stores.
If you send me your address I am happy to send you a sample of Jubilee® to try for yourself!
Heck to the yeah, I said! Send me a sample.
Can Jubilee really be used to brighten up laminate counter tops?
Grace Jeffers has told me “no” – that plastic doesn’t like wax, it likes polymers, because it’s a polymer. On the other hand, didn’t our moms and grannies etc. use Jubilee a lot a lot?
And look closely at the label in the lead photo on this story: “Fatal if swallowed.” READERS, NOTE!
| Disclaimer: Here on the blog, as homeowners ourselves, we may try new cleaning products aimed at solving our own cleaning problems; if we think we’ve found something promising to consider, we may write about it. But, we are not professional chemists or engineers or home economists. So, please: Do your own research into these products and their suitability for your projects before trying them. More info in Terms of Use. |
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Jubilee kitchen wax video from back the 1960s (?)
Thanks reader Chad for spotting this!
Again, the linky link: Jubilee kitchen wax from Malco Products, Inc.
Readers, do you have memories of using Jubilee? What do you think of this announcement?
I don’t remember my mother using Jubilee but we used to sell some products that were similar, such as Magi-Care, made in Winthrop, Mass. I even have a bottle frome them for stainless steel, to use on toasters and waffle irons, etc. My mother DID use glass wax, which I don’t think is made any more either. I actually have an almost full glass bottle of the original Jubilee which I got out of a house we were renting. I was thrilled to find it left behind!
I just received the new Jubilee Wax. excitedly, I opened up the box and grabbed a bottle so I could use it on my tired 1960 Formica countertops.
The countertops look absolutely terrific, but I don’t remember the fragrance being quite so strong in a weird chemical kind of way. I’m thinking that I will need to use it when I have the windows open! I’d love to hear from others who try the new Jubilee—-let me know if it has changed or if my memory is faulty!
I haven’t smelled the new version but I have strong memories of the strong smell of the original. My father loved the stuff and used it everywhere. No matter where I was in our homes, I could always smell the wax as soon as he opened it. Given that they have had to make some changes in the ingredients, the smell may just be different but, believe me, the original smell was strong, although not unpleasant.
Happy to have it back. I used up my last can a while back. I liked it in the liquid (vs. spray) bottle best. We always used it on our enamel appliances when I was a kid and I like to use it on my sewing machines. I also like it to clean and shine my Tech-line office furniture.
Love to see the old products coming back! The representative mentions that it VOC law compliant. I wonder if they can also tell us if it’s nontoxic for pet paws? Have they tested it for toxin levels? Would love to know. Thanks!
Interesting! I remember this product from childhood. Vermont Country Store currently offers a similar item, 16 oz for $10. Today, I think everyone is accustomed to spray bottles and aerosol cans for cleaning products.
Pam, can you clarify the last part of the post about Jubilee and laminate, yes it likes or no, it doesn’t.
Ceraic tile? Does this mean there’s a product I can use in the shower to help keep soap scum off of my tile and out of my grout? Sign me up for a case…or two!
I agee with you Nate. I would buy a whole case if it keeps my ceramic tile and grout spiffy clean!
You can use it on the surround, but I’d be careful on floors. It is a wax, you know!
If anyone is seriously interested in trying it out, I’m really considering buying a couple of cases. I could post it on the classifieds (or blog) and sell by the bottle (with no mark-up for my RetroReno friends, of course). Anyone think that’s a good/legitamate idea?
Forum as the word I was looking for. Not classified or blog. Forum.
I would certainly buy a couple bottles from you. It’ll take a couple bottles to redo my house
I waould like to purchase some Jubilee wax. Anyone have extra they can sell me?
See comments – some folks are saying they can find single bottles at Wal-Mart.
Awesome! Just been talking to my mother about how much I missed Jubilee — nothing beats it in the kitchen for keeping those laminate countertops clean and shiny. Yea! Thanks for the good news.
Suzi
I would love a couple bottles if you do this. I’ve been whining about not being able to get Jubilee for ten years now. I hope it works like the original, I used it on everything!
I would love to buy 2 bottles. I’ll pay shipping if you are not in MA.
Wow….I soooo remember using Jubilee on everything! My Mom would give me a rag and the bottle and I’d clean everything with it. The SMELL was delicious!!
Of course. Now they bring it back after I bought two “remake” bottles from Vermont Country store. Le sigh…
Oh, and you can buy Glass Wax from VCstore too.
Welcome back Jubilee! My mother and I used it on our kitchen cabinets …. I missed having it. Hopefully it will be in a store before too long. Thanks for telling us about it Pam.
It also worked great on the banana seat of my Stingray bicycle! I was able to slide much better after waxing and that enhanced the cool factor while performing wheelies!
ahhhh, i had a schwinn with a PURPLE GLITTER banana seat. good times!
I had a Schwinn with a blue glitter banana seat AND matching blue glitter handle bar grips. The gears were bigger than the ones on my older brother’s bike, so I used to beat him at races and he would get so mad! You gotta love torque.
When I worked in the auto industry, I was the darlin’ of all the cocktail parties I went to — cuz I could talk torque.
I love spelling torque in Scrabble. It’s one of the few ways you can use the Q without starting a word with it.
hehe. arabesque. now you have me thinquing.
Lots of people suq at Scrabble and don’t know their ‘Q’ words.
I did too, but I bet I got teased alot more than you did riding yours.
Did yours have the sparkly purple Zodiac vinyl seat too?
Silver glitter banana seat on my blue Stingray…thanks for remembering the coordinating (ridged) handlebar grips! After a good seat waxing, I used a shoeshine brush or old toothbrush to remove any dried wax residue lurking in the stitching. Guess I had WAY too much time on my hands!
I had streamers. And we put playing cards on our spokes, attached with laundry pins, as I recall, to make noise. *Has turned into old fart, it’s official now.* These are all just priceless memories to me — I swear I spent YEARS of my childhood riding my bike. Seriously. I would leave the house and come back hours later.
Green glitter banana seat over here, also with the cards attached to the spokes with clothespins. And the big plastic basket on the front with three big plastic flowers on it.
ooooh, I had that basket, too!
I remember it but can’t say I remember cleaning with it. When did it disappear from shelves? I do remember as a kid always polishing (lemony Pledge) our rare & sleek Hi-Fi …something that I wish I had now but some %^#$ family member gave it away.
Years ago I used to clean with Bon Ami…is that even still around?
Yep, Bon Ami is still around! I’ve gotten it at Target.
Just be careful about all the cleaners that have acid in them…
I get my Bon Ami from estate sales!
I didn’t know it was scarce! I see it in stores everywhere. I use it on stainless pots. It’s motto “hasn’t scratched yet”
Well, all I can say is Hallelujah!
It’s an iconic label, that’s for sure. I’m glad they stuck with the same style bottle and logo. Here’s a great old illustration from a Jubilee ad (a couple pagefuls down): http://artskooldamage.blogspot.com/2010/03/non-sequiturs-1950s-1960s-fun.html
I just told my mother and she was ecstatic. She said you can use it on everything and loves the smell. I guess my grandmother even told her that if we ever find this cleaning product to try it. I’ll definitely give it a whirl.
My mom swore by Jubilee. It really seemed to work perfectly on laminate and naugahyde (of which we had plenty!) I may need to see if it can help my old laminate bathroom counters.
Great scoop, Pam!!
I remember using it to stencil snowflakes on our picture window at Christmas time!
Does it need to be stripped after multiple use (like floor wax)?
Here’s to hoping Menards picks this up, I would love to try it. My house looks….tired.
I’m confused, works on laminate, or not?
I’m confused, too.
My guitar teacher told me to use this on my guitar! Mom always had it in the house. My brother found some at his cabin after he bought it, and gave it to me. Glad it’s back!
Love the old Jubilee commercial you linked Pam. I was staring at the kitchen the whole time, memorizing details.
I too was sent about the house with a rag and a bottle of Jubilee as a kid.
That stuff is AWESOME. I thought I was weird for liking the smell.
I sure used it on Mom’s gold fleck laminate and it still looks great.
I’d LOVE to use this on our big enamel stove.
I seem to remember shining up the front kick plate of the bathtub nicely with it, and yes to the toaster, etc.
Not sure what it will do to my slightly nubby refrigerator surface, but I’m willing to try!
BTW- that Jubilee ad and many other old faves are watched regularly at our house on Roku. The Pub D Hub channel (free!) has lots of prelinger and other archived public domain stuff plus drive in intermissions, old tv and my fave, the dreaded educational films. We watch something there almost every night.
Thanks for the good news. I had almost bought some from VCS, but I’d rather have the real thing.
Chutti, thanks for the tip on Pub D Hub channel, looks awesome. I had no idea this even existed. Wow.
Scott-
Don’t say I didn’t warn ya of the dangers of having real vintage TV streaming. There is waaaay too much good stuff on there.
I’ll be game to try this once it becomes available for single bottle purchase.
Love the vintage commercial and the happy yellow kitchen too!
So glad Jubilee is back! I used it about 10 years ago on bathroom sinks and it really kept water spots from forming. And yes, I loved the smell, too! Would be ironic if the smell came from the very ingredient they had to remove – yikes!
My mom used Jubilee just about every day on our white-painted kitchen cabinets. She rubbed it on with either cheesecloth or maybe they were old diapers!
I still remember what it smelled like—wonderful. Can’t remember her using it on Formica countertops but she well may have. She swore by her Jubilee, and I can’t wait to buy some for MY white-painted cabinets!
Great news. Hope their product re-launch is succesful and that we can soon buy Jubilee locally.
Typo: “Grace Jeffers has told me “no” – that plastic does like wax, it likes polymers, because it’s a polymer.” I think you meant “doesn’t.”
drats! both kate and i re-read this to check for errors, as i rushed it to press. thanks!!!
We have vintage flecked laminate. It is quite worn and picks up stains terribly. I’ve been tempted to change it, but have decided I’d rather have worn vintage laminate than new laminate. I’m wondering if Jubilee would make it look nicer again, but I’m quite concerned about the toxicity.
My grandma is a huge fan of Jubilee. She used it all over her kitchen, and when she got a new set of copper tone appliances, she used Jubilee on them regularly. Eventually they had to be replaced, but they looked good as new!
Jubilee, yay! And it’s great to hear about Glass Wax, too! Now all we need is Pride Furniture Polish. (dark amber, ribbed bottle with yellow screw cap. First it dried to a haze, kind of like Glass Wax. The fun part was buffing it to a sheen with a clean dust cloth. And the smell? Ahhhh. I have a feeling the EPA would not like it.
My neighbor, who was in her late 50s at the time, told me about Jubilee when we first met 10 years ago. I bought and have used the aerosol spray from Vermont Country Store ever since. It works fine on my Formica cabinets, great on smooth appliances like my stove & Kitchenaid mixer, but it is best for waxing painted wood windowsills and sashes so the outside dust & dirt wipes off easily. Clean it well first, then spray Jubilee, then wipe off w/ a smooth (not terry) cloth. Seriously, much nicer windows if you live someplace dry & dusty, like Southern California.
I used to be able to find this in a local hardware store long after it was a popular product — maybe 20 years ago? I know my mother used it, and I found it great for appliances and countertops (laminate, of course). I’ll definitely buy it again if I find it in single bottles.
Can you use this on stovetops too? My stove is a mess.
I got so excited when I read this… I’ve been reading about and wanting to try Jubilee for years. The truth is, I’m obsessed with cleaning products (and have quite a collection) but hate to and rarely clean. I think subconsciously I’m searching for a cleaning product that will do the work for me. Ha.
What’s in it? Is it safe? What is the odor/ Is it strong? Does the company test on animals? Is there a natural alternative?
These are the questions that inform ALL of my cleaning purchases. Would love to know about these things. I can see a warning label on it, it may not be safe.
Pam and Kate, this reminiscing is so much fun to read! Some day perhaps do a special on products we remember from our past that are no longer in existence. There are some products my mother used that I also love that are getting hard to find, like 20 Mule Team Borax, and Fels Naphtha soap. I never had a banana seat bike (you guys must all be younger than me), but I did have a turquoise bike with whitewall tires, a headlight, and a seat on the back. I still have mine out in the garage. And yep, did the playing cards with clothes pins thing and lived on my bike all summer long. But then, we didn’t have a TV so we found other things to do, like pea shooter fights and climbing the apple trees. Life was so different then.
I can find both at Walmart – you have to look on the bottom shelf.
I remember my mother using Jubilee wax, and also Johnson floor wax that came in a big round metal can. I would then ice skate in my socks over the freshly waxed and shiny kitchen floor.
Also, I was the proud owner of a purple bike with purple glitter banana seat, no streamers, and also did the playing cards in the spokes thing. Good times!
Although we Stingray owners had banana seats and handlebar grips with different colors of metallic flecks, didn’t all Stingrays have the signature round black gearshift knobs?
Thankfully, somebody finally didn’t call it “glitter”.
In the hot rod world (which included cool bikes), it’s known as metalflake.
ahhh!
That’s good news. I don’t clean like the lady with the flip but I always liked having it in the house. I actually just bought the Vermont Country Store version. http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/store/jump/productDetail/For_The_Home/For_The_Home/Old-Fashioned_Kitchen_Wax/49758
I wonder how much alike they are? I waxed my newly painted sewing machine table with it and it helps fabric move easily on the table.
My mom also used Jubilee to polish her patent leather.
That’s my memory too. My mom would give me a rag and some Jubilee to get all the scuff marks off my white patent leather shoes.
Momma would be so excited…well, if she hadn’t been dead for 26 years. She used this stuff on EVERYTHING, and there was never a time that there was not a bottle of it in the pantry.
Hmmm….LIGHTBULB… Laminate is a polymer, yes? So it seems it would make sense that using varathane (which is used to glaze polymer clay AND is foodsafe; I did use it on my painted kitchen island surface and the shine is befitting a new car) be a good choice for ‘re-glazing’ our old, dull gold fleck countertops???
I think I am going to try it on a small space that is not visible. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I’ve tried, even the countertop magic, to no avail. I think if there were still a gloss coating it would have worked but since it has long since been scrubbed away. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before!
Note — I “think” you’d call it a polymer. You better do some research of your own first!
Good point! I did check now. It is definitely a polymer! My wonderful hubby pointed out that we have a little cutting board that was made out of our countertop leftovers that I can test on. I’m going to go spray it on in just a few minutes. It’s a whole lot less nerve wracking having a piece that is disposable to try it on!
Apparently the polymer in formica is made from melamine and formaldehyde. I was thinking that perhaps that is how the name Formica came about (form-aldehyde). It is. Formica was the name of the polymer and the company Formica was started by and named after the polymer by the inventors! Pretty fun.
I am not an expert but — there is Kraft paper that is Laminated. Different substances in each. The top laminated coat is, I’d guess, what you want to identify.
Simply rejoicing over this news! Just the other day, I was lamenting to a friend “how I miss Jubilee Kitchen Wax.”
As a kid in the 1960s, I recall my mother using it throughout the kitchen, and she was a cleaning fanatic. Always used it on Formica, both the counters and the table and the appliances.
A unique use was on my mother’s white leather shoes that she had to wear as part of her uniform as assistant deli manager at a local supermarket.
In the early 1970s, I was in the high school band. Our uniform consisted of white shoes (white on a muddy football field???), and I used Jubilee on my shoes before every game and parade. Shoes always gleamed and shed water, too.
I used the wax in my first house, a 1920s bungalow, which had tired Formica counters – really perked them up, and helped to prevent staining.
Have been pining for the product’s return, as I now live in an old, 100 year old farmhouse. Cast iron kitchen sink could use an application, as would the brown Tappan range. I have my parents’ 1954 Formica-topped table, and because of the years, the surface is so dull. I’d use it there, too. Oh, and on the shower surround in the bathroom, as well as the bathroom sink and toilet tank. On and on, I sure would be able to find uses for Jubilee.
The news made my week!
I grew up in the 50′s and my mother used jubilee all the time on the formica countertops and the appliances. Like most housewifes of that time “cleanliness was next to godliness”. Jubilee did indeed remove stains from the countertops and left a beautiful protective sheen. When I got my first home I also used Jubilee all the time. I am thrilled to hear that it will be back and will buy it by the case so I don’t ever have to go without again!
Hooray! When I was young, one of my chores was to clean all of the counter tops in our kitchen in addition to drying the dishes (my sister washed). I had hoped I would never again see another bottle of Jubilee Kitchen Wax. 45 years later – I am thrilled to see that it will be available again soon! My, ….. how times (and myself) have changed.
One of my favorite old radio programs is Fibber McGee and Molly, sponsored for many years by SC Johnson & Son. The product most often pitched during the show was Johnson’s Self Polishing Glo-Coat with attributes that sound very similar to the Jubilee product. “It cleans and polishes with a single application. No rubbing or buffing, just apply and let dry. Keeps your floors, furniture, linoleum, counters looking fresh and new”.
It always sounded like a good product to try even for today but I’ve never looked for a similar product, relying on Pledge for woodwork and not bothering with waxing floors since most of my floors have been “no-wax”.
This sounds like a good product to try, at least on all my chrome appliances.
-DonnR
Well, I ordered a case a bit prematurely. Perhaps I am over-sensitive from using mostly “natural” and non-toxic cleaners, but the chemical smell of this just about knocked me over. Also, no ingredients are listed on the bottle. How toxic is this stuff? It did make my counters shiny, but this stuff is listed as fatal if swallowed, and food normally touched my counters…. so a fat lot of good that did me.
I’m going to recheck the manufacturer site, and possibly return it.
YUP: Check with manufacturer regarding these issues!
I’m glad you found that out, but I’m sorry it was the hard way. I’ve been waiting for an answer to my question about this very issue. Maybe everyone thought I was being rhetorical.
Great news. It was a fabulous product. I always used it on my formica counters ,toaster, refrigerator as well as wood cabinets. It worked so well on everything. I was able to buy a case of the spray cans from Johnson and Johnson a couple years ago. I prefer the cream to the spray but they both work well.
We ALWAYS had a bottle of Jubilee on hand in our house. It always did a great job of keeping everything clean and shiny. Its distinctive aroma is something you never forget. I remember that the sale of this product really took off when Florence Henderson (of The Brady Bunch) began endorsing it in commercials.
My co-worker and I just got in the case we split the cost of. I tried it out on my vent-hood and a couple of other things in my kitchen last night. I have to say wow!!! It is some good stuff! When these bottles are gone I will definitely be buying more.
OMG! This makes my day! I’ve been hoarding my last can of aerosol Jubilee and use it sparingly. I call J&J about once a year to see if they are going to offer it again. Haven’t tried the Vermont Countrty version, but would have bought it once my Jubilee was gone. It is fabulous on formica counters. I once had a glossy finish counter and the only thing that would make it beautiful again was Jubilee and I tried all the formica cleaners/polishes. Love the smell too!
Oh WOW – this MAKES my day. I too am hoarding the absolute last can of the spray I got about 10 years ago. If someone were to buy a case, I’d go for a bottle or two, since a case would be nearly a lifetime supply for me, difficult to store in the 600 sq. ft. shoebox co-op I live in. Didn’t know it could be used on kitchen cabinets. I had only used it on applilances, and it really does make them more stain resistant.
THANKS – Mark.
Where can I order this product on the internet. I have tried to find it in stores, but I am not able to find it. Thank you!
Janet, see the story — the link is there.
Back in the day, NO self-respecting homeowner would be caught dead without a bottle of Jubilee under the sink! It was a staple in every home. I’m thinking it’s not really “wax” in the sense of Johnson’s Paste Wax (which is still available). I think it’s OK for Formica. Genuine wax would make a mess if used on appliances or, especially, chrome, but in the commercial, she’s using the Jubille on chrome items. I will buy some if it become available in local stores. I’d like to try it on my laminate floor and cabinets. We used to wax hardwood floors, too. Remember? But NEVER put wax on a hardwood floor that is finished with urethane or polyurethane, unless you plan on using the floor as a skating rink. Some people use Pledge on hardwood floors, which is also a no-no. I once went sliding right down some stairs that had been cleaned with Pledge, and, while probably hysterical to those watching, did not sit well with me! (Pun intended.)
A couple of other items that Johnson’s used to make back in the ’60s & ’70s: Big Wally and Keen-N-Shine. Big Wally was great for wiping down painted walls without taking off the paint, and Keen-N-Shine was the bomb for appliances, counter tops and anything else that was looking dingy and dull.
Jubilee! I collect (and use) 1960s and 70s Western Electric Bell System telephones (rotary and early touch tone). I’ve used Jubilee as part of my restoration process for these telephones. Polishes them to their original luster and removes grime and light scratches. I have a few original bottles of Jubilee from the 1970s and the label states that it contained Petroleum Naptha which is pretty harmful if swallowed so I have never used it on my kitchen countertop or on any food area surfaces. And never on the floor unless you want to go sliding on your fanny! I can’t imagine that this is a safe product to use on floors if you have pets because getting it on their paws could certainly be harmful. I had a 1968 Schwinn Stingray green bike with green metallic sparkle banana seat. I also did the cards in the spokes and I had a set of green metallic dice as the tire valve caps. That was one cool bike!
Do you think the modern version could still have Naptha? Would that make it non-VOC complaint? Thanks for the heads-up, though. I will check before using it in areas where it could be accidently ingested by any of the 4 babies (i.e., kitties). Yet and still, floor-cleaning products contain anti-freeze. (Propylene glycol, while better than ethelyne glycol, is not good for animals.) My vet said as long as the cats don’t walk on the floor while it’s wet, there shouldn’t be any problem. Maybe someone (you, John?) know of a safer product to clean & shine hardwood and laminate.
I always wondered about the silica in cat litter, but apparently that doesn’t affect cats in the same way it does humans. My vet says she has never seen a case of silicosis in a cat, and only one case of lung cancer. I’m sure that one cat was a smoker. LOL Seriously, though, I wonder if it would have been possible to get cancer from second-hand smoke. I do know that cats do not like cigarette smoke, and even avoid contact with clothing that smells of smoke. Another case in which animals are smarter than we. They know what’s good for them.
Steam mop works great on hardwood. No chemicals needed. It leaves hardwood streak-free, cleans, disinfects, no kitty poisons. Cleans up poop, hardened spit up, stains. I clean up after my special needs kitties efficiently.
I have been using a newer product that works like Kitchen Jubilee but I can’t remember the name , it’s something-Shield. It works great.
I also have an original, almost full, bottle of Kitchen Jubilee (in the glass bottle of course) that I bought at an estate sale. I have it displayed in my laundry area amongst a bunch of other vintage cleaning items. I opened it up and it does have a strong smell, just like I remember. If you want a picture of it, or any information from the label, let me know!
Joe…I don’t know if the new version contains Petroleum Naptha. For pet moms and dads (I am one..I live with a Scottish Terrier) I think it’s our responsibility to call companies and ask them to email a list of ingredients. As much as I love vintage everything there are some products that I no longer use in food prep areas or on my floors if they contain chemicals of questionable health risks. My dog lives on the hardwood floors in our house (he doesn’t like carpeting) so I mop the hardwood floors with hot water only. I wouldn’t want to walk around on chemicals in my bare feet and I wouldn’t want my dog to have chemicals absorb into his foot pads either. Outside on my lawn I also use only organic based lawn products because the classic Scotts lawn products contain too many cancer causing chemicals and can be easily absorbed into our feet and our pets foot pads. There are good alternative products for paint, lawns, floors, countertops etc that are less harmful than chemical ridden products. You just have to do the research and decide what best suits your health concerns.
Good points, all. Thanks. I have been going online and pulling up the manufacturer’s safety data sheets for many products. That’s how I found out what was in the floor cleaner. I personally think manufacturers should have to list the ingredients on the can or bottle, like they do for food. I love Kaboom, but when I found out what was in it, it was pretty much banished from my home. I have been making my own cleaner–equal parts white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water. I understand it disinfects, and it cleans very well. For extra cleaning power, I’m told you can add baking soda. I use it on everything, and it really works good on carpet and upholstery spots. But then I read that vinegar is too acidic for hardwood floors, although I recall that, for years, we were told to use vinegar & water for hardwoods. Apparently, anti-freeze is better. (???)
So we come down to what Pam said in the blog: We must make informed decisions based on investigation, and not rely, necessarily, on manufacturers’ claims. It helps, too, for us to be able to exchange information on this forum.
It blows my mind that anyone would poison themselves and their loved ones with these harsh chemicals. My house is “clean enough”. I use Bon Ami and vinegar.
I remember using it on my white shoes in the mid 70s!
Up until recently I have “nursed” a spray can of Jubilee. It was one of two that was found in my parents house while renovating. Nothing has performed better in the kitchen and bath! I would save this for special occasions, like Christmas. I am so happy to know that it is back! And as for the smell – yes, it is strong. Ah the clean chemical scents of my youth; a Jubilee polished kitchen and Johnson’s paste wax. Not to mention a bathroom scrubbed clean with Janitor In A Drum.
Oh, I remember my Mother always having the jubilee bottle sitting right back in the corner of the kitchen counter. let me tell you, all of our Formica counter tops and appliances were always like mirrors! My Grandma had white enamel kitchen cabinets, a huge wall of them, upper and lower. She’d get her bottle of Jubilee out and work those cabinets over! I’m overjoyed that I will soon have my own bottle of Jubilee and go to work on my Formica counter top in the kitchen and my lovely Formica boomerang vanity tops in my pink bathroom downstairs and the sky blue bath upstairs. Just remembered, my 1950′s double oven and push button cook top will really shine as well. I know, I’m crazy…but it takes a little bit of crazy to love me some Jubilee!
I just bought a case – and it does work as well as the old stuff.
I have been trying to find Jubilee for years! I’d do an internet search and always be routed to VCS for their brand. I hadn’t looked for a while because, to be honest, I had just given up. Today, after spending hours cleaning the inside of my refrigerator and freezer I thought I’d give it another look-see. OMG! I am so happy to see Jubilee is back!! I will be looking around to see if I can purchase a bottle or two (REALLY don’t want a case!!). This is wonderful news! I can’t wait to use it on my black appliances!!
I used this product for years and I loved it! I am thrilled to death to have it back. I hope this new company kept the same fresh smell that the original had.
My sister and I are updating and spring cleaning our Dad’s house. As I was cleaning his appliances with soft scrub and Mr Clean erasers, I had a flashback of my Mom and I using Jubilee when we spring cleaned in the 1960′s. It brought back such fond memories of the beauty of the appliances after applying it. The wonderful smell of the product oozed a clean kitchen. I asked my Dad just last night if he could remember what the name of the product was, and he said no, but I remember coming home from work and when I walked through the back door, I knew immediately your Mom had cleaned the kitchen, because it smelled so good and the refrigerator, washer, dryer and stove looked brand new. I have been trying so hard this last week to remember the name. I googled 1960′s cleaners just a few minutes ago and after a few searches I saw this site about Jubilee making a comeback. I am so happy to hear this. I hope we can soon by just one bottle of it. I can’t wait to spread the word that this old favorite of mine is coming back on the market. Thank you for bringing an oldie but goodie back.
NOW AVAILABLE BY THE BOTTLE.
As much as I had been wanting Jubilee, I wasn’t able to commit to a whole case of it (hard to do when you live in a 600 sq. ft. co-op apt.) without trying it out first. I kept checking, but didn’t find it available anywhere by the bottle…….. until this morning that is……
It is now available on the “Gracious Home” website. The “by the bottle” price is a little more expensive than by the case from Malco, but at least one can get a small quantity first. Here’s the link:
http://www.gracioushome.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10001_10051_123453_-1___GS?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=google&utm_term=123453&gclid=CK7U177wzLYCFUJa4AodajQAng
I’m getting a bottle or two today. Note to small home owners: if it’s as good as original Jubilee, it will displace at least 3-4 other products, and buying a case isn’t such a bad buy.
Planning to order a bottle today, and will post after receipt on how I like it.
It’s great that a company actually went to the trouble to buy out a formula, and re-introduce a beloved product that the major companies would no longer bother with.
Enjoy – Mark.
I ordered two bottles from Gracious Home last week and received them yesterday. It does work as well as the original (I still have about 1/3 of a bottle from the 70′s). The smell is not quite the same but is still reminiscent of the original. I’ve been using it on everything. Investing in a case might not be such a bad idea…
Mine came in last week also, and I put it right to use on my counters and chrome appliances. I experienced the same results, and will probably be getting a case also. The smell is very similar to what I remember (pleasant though), and it works every bit as well. Jubilee can take the place of several other items, so investing in a case may not be a bad idea, and worth coming up with storage space for.
Haven’t tried it on glass yet. It really improved the looks of my cheap, particle-board cabinets, and a painted wood shelf unit. Not sure if I’d use it on unfinished wood though.
I have to correct my earlier post. According to the bottle, Malco has “licensed” the product from S.C. Johnson, and did not buy it out like I reported earlier. At any rate, it IS back, and it IS as good as we remember it to be, what’s not to like about that?
The bottle also states in CAPITAL LETTERS that it is NOT for stainless or granite/marble surfaces, so use accordingly.
Got my two bottles yesterday. I’m so happy, it works like it used to! I see a couple of weeks of happy happy polishing in my future.
There is nothing like . I never understood why it was taken off the market. There isn’t any product that does what JUBILEE does. I am very happy to have it again.
OMG! I had even written J&J several years back begging for Jubilee. I miss it so much! This is good news indeed! My best use was actually as protectant for my oak dining room table top. It survived 20 years of raising two boys but when my last bottle of Jubilee was gone is when my table really started showing it’s age. Gotta get me some!
Jubilee is the very best wax for all sewing machines, from the old black ones with the Japan finish to our modern composition plastic ones. I am so happy about this. Just hope I do not have to buy a case of 12 as it lasts forever.
What I liked best about Kitchen Jubilee was, once you used it, dirt just wipes off. If you keep this wax on your appliances nothing sticks ,you never have to use harsh cleaners.
I found a bottle of Johnson Jubilee Wax under my kitchen cabinet. It had to be a least 40 years old or more. I told my husband I would love to find it in the stores, but couldn’t find it. Low and behold find some after all in my own kitchen. Love the smell of it. My sister said if it was a big bottle she would like some of it. So I’m going to share it with her. Wished I knew where I could buy some.