Spring Cleaning Tip: After the Toughest Winter in 10 Years, Home and Business Owners Should Focus on Carpets

After the harshest winter in 10 years, Americas carpets need a thorough spring cleaning. The makers of Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner offer valuable do-it-yourself tips.

Wall, New Jersey -- April 3, 2003 - After the coldest, snow-driven winter in 10 years, Americas carpets are in desperate need of a thorough cleaning. Home and business owners need to take action as soon as the weather breaks to protect their investments." says Peter Chicarielli, president of InstaGone Consumer Products, the makers of Quick-10 ® Multi-Purpose Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. No matter how carefully you wiped your feet, your carpets have become loaded with embedded dirt, dust and allergens." Here are Chicariellis Top Winter Carpet Culprits:

•   Sand, rock salt and calcium chloride ice melting products are easily tracked onto carpets. Even if you wipe your feet, liquefied salt and calcium chloride gets tracked in and solid particles remain lodged in the soles of shoes only to be re-deposited into the carpet.

•   The surfaces of tar and asphalt driveways break down slightly as they freeze and thaw. Rock salt and other ice melting products accelerate this process. The result is a black residue that when wet, tracks easily onto carpets and gives them a dingy appearance.

•   Pets spend more time indoors. Therefore, shedding, accidents and odors are more prevalent. Multiple pets increase the problem.

•   Cold weather causes people to lock down" their homes, which locks in musty air and odors. Carpets can absorb these odors and emit them back into the air.

•    Even the best ventilated wood burning fireplaces add tiny creosote particles to the air which eventually settle onto carpets and upholstery to give them a grimy appearance.

•   Some people compensate for winter mustiness by using powder deodorizers. I dont recommend them, says Chicarielli, The powder works its way into the carpet and doesnt get totally removed by vacuuming. It then gets kicked up into the air every time you vacuum. This can be very problematic for people with allergies"

•   Holiday parties may have left spots and stains that have not been properly cleaned.

With all the abuse that Americas carpets have taken this winter, Chicarielli says theyll need special attention during spring cleaning. In recent years, spring cleaning for many people consisted of reorganization, decorating and minor home improvements - very Martha Stewart. This year we need to roll up our sleeves like Mr. Clean to thoroughly clean our carpets!" Chicarielli offers 5 Quick-Tips for spring carpet cleaning:

1.   If your vacuum leaves a lot of dirt behind, it may be time to buy a new one. Check out product reviews and buy the best one you can afford. A thorough cleaning requires an agitating brush feature and strong suction.

2.   Vacuum the same area several times and from different directions to ensure that you capture as much trapped dirt, dust and allergens as possible.

3.   Pre-treat all visible spots and stains with a proven spot remover such as Quick-10. Repeat the process on stubborn or set stains.

4.   Shampoo your entire carpet with an extraction-type home carpet cleaning appliance or a rental carpet cleaning machine. Quick-10 can be used in these machines with superior results and for a fraction of the cost of other carpet cleaning products.

5.   Dont forget your cars and SUVs! Your vehicles carpets and floor mats are loaded with dirt because you werent able to wipe your feet thoroughly after walking through your supermarkets slushy parking lot. Keep in mind that time is of the essence. Youll want to remove all winter dirt and grime from your vehicles carpet and upholstery before the weather gets warm and the stains are baked in.

If you dont get satisfactory results from following these 5 Quick Tips, Chicarielli recommends calling a professional carpet cleaning service. They use industrial grade shampooing and water extraction equipment that is vastly superior to anything the consumer can buy or rent. However, many cleaning contractors are using Quick-10 in their machines because it works so well. Well be listing these professionals on our Web site in the near future."

Spring Cleaning Special

For a limited time, InstaGone Consumer Products is offering a special discount on its Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner. Until May 31st, 2003, receive two 33.8-oz bottles plus a free refill for $26.95 including shipping(additional shipping fees apply outside the continental U.S.). Order by calling 888-425-0125 or by visiting www.quick10.com.

About InstaGone Consumer Products:

InstaGone Consumer Products is the manufacturer and distributor of innovative cleaning solutions for home and industy. The companys flagship products are Quick-10 Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover and InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover for mold, mildew, soot and water stains. For more information, call 1-888-425-0125 or visit www.quick10.com and www.instagoneproducts.com. Dealer and distributor inquiries welcome.

Note to editors and journalists: InstaGone Consumer Products welcomes product reviews. To request evaluation product samples, contact Peter Chicarielli at 732-681-1990.

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