Ask Me Anything: Why is Dip-It No Longer Available, Laminate Floors, Unscented Dawn

Want to get more out of ask anything why dip without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• Growing up in Boise, Ida. (shout out to all my Gem State readers) my parents had a percolator.
• I can still hear that coffee pot perking away in the mornings.
• I purchased a vintage electric coffee percolator several years ago.
• Worth noting: it’s still working fine but now I’m having a problem purchasing Dip-It by Reckitt Benckiser to clean it.

Is Ask Anything Why Dip Worth It?

My mom used something called Dip-It powder to keep the aspect clean. That’s a memory that sent me into research mode, prompted by right now’s first reader inquiry. I understand they’ve stopped making it.

• Why is Dip-It no longer available?
• I have tried applying vinegar and it did not work highly well.
• More importantly, do you have any concepts on how I can make a Dip-It like product myself?
• Vickie   Dear Vickie: Yes, but first a little history.

Where the Real Savings Hide

Dip-It Coffee Food and Beverage Stain Remover for Percolators and Cookware by Rickitt Benckiser was acquired by the Lime-A-Method company, which continued manufacturing the powdery product for a while until it changed it to Lime-A-Method Dip-It Coffeemaker Cleaner liquid (7-ounce bottle) with a completely different formulation designed for modern drip coffeemakers. All that to say, I too wondered why is Dip-It no longer available?

• Remember that well, not to worry.
• I have a process that reasonably duplicates the venerable Dip-It results for keeping your coffee percolator beautifully clean, provided you do this in steps rather than combining cleaning ingredients: Step 1: Pour 1 tablespoon citric acid (the active ingredient in all descaling products) into the pot.
• Add water to the maximum fill line.
• Step 2: Position the vertical tube, basket, and lid just as if you were making a pot of coffee.

A Closer Look at Ask Anything Why Dip

As a rule, plug it in and let it perk away for a complete cycle. Unplug the machine, pour the water out and scrub away any coffee stains that remain.

• You’ll be surprised by how dirty that water appears.
• I have laminate floors and would like to know of a solid cleaner.
• In short, at the moment I am applying vinegar and water and after mopping, I have to get on my hands and knees and dry the floors or they streak.
• Thank you and I love your column!

What to Know About Ask Anything Why Dip

Amy   Dear Amy: The best cleaner for both laminate and hardwood floors that I know of is the one you can make yourself. And you can make it in any quantity you wish to have on hand or that you require at the moment.

• Worth noting: but first an explanation: Vinegar is acidic.
• Used on flooring that has a finish, as both hardwood and laminate flooring do, it will dull that finish over time and in some cases even make it sticky.
• Tap water contains minerals that when allowed to dry on these types of flooring can cause streaks and eventually a haze-like buildup.
• That means no vinegar and no tap water in your cleaner.

How Ask Anything Why Dip Really Works

More importantly, the solution is alcohol since it cleans genuinely well, is not acidic, and evaporates fast together with distilled water since it is mineral-free. Here’s the recipe: 1 part alcohol (rubbing alcohol, vodka, or gin) 4 parts distilled water Few drops Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid Mix this in a spray bottle each time you clean the floors.

• Or if you make it up ahead, be sure to label it well and keep it out of the reach of children.
• To apply, simply spray a small area of the floor then scrub well with a mop or sponge and immediately wipe the area dry with a microfiber cloth.
• Remember that i’ve written more extensively about this recipe and how to apply it well in How to Clean and Care for Wood and Laminate Floors.
• You recommend Blue Dawn quite frequently.

Getting the Most From Ask Anything Why Dip

Does Dawn make an unscented cleaner that works as well? Ann   Dear Ann: I do recommend Blue Dawn since I have found that it is a remarkable cleaner near the house and in the laundry.

• As a rule, procter & Gamble, which owns and manufactures the Dawn products, does not have any version of Dawn in any color that states clearly “unscented.” P&G does, though, manufacture Dawn Free & Gentle Dishwashing Liquid, which is Hypoallergenic and Dye-Free.
• This version of Dawn seems to enjoy highly rated reviews, though, I don’t find that it is as surfactant-rich as Blue Dawn.
• I have researched to discover why Blue Dawn is different than any other color of liquid Dawn product, and the answer is surfactants.
• Blue Dawn has more powerful heavy-duty surfactants (that’s what makes any cleaner remove grease, soil, and dirt) than any of its competitors.

Tips That Make a Difference

In short, and Blue Dawn has more than the other colors and fragranced Dawn products. Though, Blue Dawn cuts grease like none other, Original Blue Dawn , Ultra, Platinum, and any other version of Blue Dawn.

• Notice that some Blue Dawn versions are also highly concentrated like 4X or even 5X.
• That means you can dilute it to get the same job done.
• Worth noting: i go for the highest concentration and then for daily apply, I dilute Blue Dawn Ultra Platinum 5 parts water to 1 part Blue Dawn.
• First published on Everyday Cheapskate  5-10-22;  Revised & Updated 1-27-24 EverydayCheapskate™ is reader supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on ask anything why dip?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. I understand they’ve stopped making it.

Is it worth shopping around for ask anything why dip?

Usually yes. Why is Dip-It no longer available?.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. I have tried applying vinegar and it did not work highly well.

Smart Ways to Save More on Ask Anything Why Dip

• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on ask anything why dip: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at everydaycheapskate.com.