Definition of the word sugar soap

The origin of the term "sugar soap" can be traced back to the 19th century. At that time, there was a widespread belief that sugar was a natural cleaning agent and could effectively remove dirt and grime from surfaces. This misconception likely stemmed from the fact that sugar is slightly abrasive and can dissolve in water, making it an ideal ingredient for a cleaning solution. A British company called Lea and Perrins (now known as Reckitt Benckiser) created a cleaning powder in the 1860s that contained a small amount of sugar, along with borax and soap. They named the product "Sweet B stores Sugar Soap," likely playing off the popularity of sugar as a cleaning ingredient. The name Sugar Soap quickly caught on, likely due to its marketing appeal, as sugar was a common household item at the time. The name also differentiated the product from traditional soap, which did not contain sugar and was typically used for personal hygiene rather than cleaning. Today, sugar soap is still used as a general-purpose cleaner, particularly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. Its use as a cleaning product has outlasted the myth that sugar is an effective cleaning agent, and it is now primarily used for its mild abrasive properties and pleasant smell.