Freestyle PR, Nottingham

White Vinegar to the rescue for Car Carpets and Upholstery!

2010-03-01T17:11:00.002Z

Keeping your car clean is always a chore, especially in winter when removing snow and grit from your car is a constant battle. The carpeting in your car is inevitably the hardest hit area, as every piece of dirt, salt or grit picked up by your shoes during the day is trodden in and embedded into the fibres.

Chemical based upholstery and carpet cleaners are available, but these can often be costly and give off hazardous fumes, especially if confined within a car interior. For an easy, safe and cost effective way to have your carpets and upholstery looking as good as new, why not try traditional cleaning favourite, White Vinegar!

To get your car interior sparkling again, start by vacuuming mats, carpets and upholstery to remove any loose dirt or debris. In a clean trigger spray bottle, mix a solution of equal parts White Vinegar and warm water and shake well. Spray the vinegar solution onto affected areas and rub with a soft, clean cloth. Repeat the process until the stain has disappeared. To remove lingering odours, sprinkle the affected area with Bicarbonate of Soda and leave for 4 to 6 hours before vacuuming away.

White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda are part of the Clean & Natural cleaning range by Dri-Pak, and are available from independent hardware stores and supermarkets. White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda both have a recommended retail price of 99p. For further information and cleaning tips, visit www.dri-pak.co.uk.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

New Battery from Exide Technologies

2010-02-18T15:51:00.001Z

Exide Technologies has launched a new range of monobloc batteries featuring spiral wound AGM technologies. The drysafe RECUP (short for recuperation) batteries require no maintenance (including topping up) as the electrolyte is suspended in an Absorbed Glass Mat. The main benefit is that they offer superior high power performance (such as large power draws over short durations) and are well suited for fast and/or opportunity charging as they can accept a high charge.

They are ideal for a range of applications including:

·electric pallet trucks

·automated guided vehicles

·hybrid and electric cars (especially those that use regenerative braking)

·electric boats

·go-karts

·cleaning machines.

The spiral-wound design gives a greater surface area of positive and negative plate within the cell and is the most efficient way of liberating the stored energy from a lead acid battery. As well as being maintenance free, they are vibration resistant, can operate effectively in low temperatures and have minimal health & safety implications – due to the electrolyte being suspended in a glass microfibre mat; no electrolyte is spilt even if the battery case is damaged. They can also offer 450 charging cycles.

The drysafe RECUP batteries are best used in conjunction with high efficiency chargers such as Exide’s compact 2100 range of chargers (also available in on-board versions).

The technology has already been used successfully in record-breaking electric cars and boats as well as the ground-breaking Project ULTra personal rapid transit system at London Heathrow.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Boiler scrappage scheme – a breath of fresh air?

2010-02-15T15:38:00.003Z

Dr Daniel Stefanini, Technical Director of Hydropath Holdings comments on the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme.

“Heating engineers and boiler manufacturers may be delighted with the announcement of the Government’s boiler scrappage scheme. Yet it is not all quite as rosy as the spin doctors would have us believe. Although the allowance proposals are on the surface well intentioned, most acknowledge that it will have only a small positive impact on domestic CO2 emissions in practice because only G rated boilers are covered”.

“The boiler scrappage scheme allowance is £400, but that still leaves potentially well over £2,000 for the house holder to find. The reality will probably be that the total installation bill is likely to be much higher, because additional work may be needed to conform with Building Regulations”.

“Of course, a cynic may say that anything the government ‘gives’ in terms of an allowance will be more than recouped in terms of VAT revenue. The reality is that it is likely to be only certain sections of society that are still using these boilers, so Alistair Darling's strategy for using the tax system to get house holders to help combat global warming is likely to have little impact, particularly if the allowance is not easily accessible".

Dr Stefanini continues, “Although any person concerned about CO2 emission levels will agree that inefficient boilers should be replaced with an HE boiler, to be able to maintain that efficiency one of the major issues that should be addressed is limescale build up”

“A large proportion of the British Isles is affected by layers of corrosive hard limescale and a consequence is energy being wasted heating up the scale (which is an insulator) before it can heat up the water. 1mm of scale will decrease the efficiency of the boiler by 10%. The problem is compounded by the design of condensing boilers because they have two heat exchangers. The water is heated through two stages and scale will be precipitated in both stages”.

“When replacing these old G rated boilers we would encourage heating engineers to be clear about the need for protection against limescale and resulting corrosion that can affect boilers. We would strongly recommend a physical water conditioner - like the Hydroflow HS38. Approved by British Gas, this patented technology benefits the householder by helping to maintain the efficiency of the boiler, resulting in fuel bill savings, as well as prolonging the life of other appliances. Alastair Darling’s vision to combat some of the global warming through a house holder’s efficient boiler may achieve some resonance after all”.

PR from Freestyle, part of Freestyle Marketing Communications Nottingham.

‘Oryx’ Delivers a Perfect Finish

2010-02-03T11:23:00.003Z

Floor finish manufacturer Granwax has announced the re-launch of their product range under their new ‘Total’ brand. Since 1912, Derbyshire-based Granwax has been manufacturing the highest quality floor seals, finishes and cleaning and maintenance materials, and the new ‘Total’ range is no exception, offering a variety of finishes for diverse applications.

With today’s new technology, water based wood floor finishes are an increasingly popular choice, as they not only protect against dirt and moisture, but also require a minimal amount of maintenance, and give wood an attractive sheen and colour.

A key product re-launched under Granwax’s ‘Total’ brand is ‘Oryx’, which comprises of a one component, water bourne polyurethane finish, offering resilience as well as an attractive appearance for domestic, retail and commercial applications.

With its ease of application and rapid hardness development, Granwax ‘Oryx’ delivers excellent results every time. ‘Oryx’ also has a low solvent content, meaning fumes are kept to a minimum during application and drying. The ‘Oryx’ finish is also extremely hardwearing, ensuring stain resistance and durability, even in heavily used areas.

Carl Blythe, Granwax Director commented: “ We have launched the ‘Oryx’ finish as part of our ‘Total’ range to provide our customers with a product that is not only durable and low maintenance, but also does not compromise the appearance of the wood. Not only does the new product meet these needs, but it is also versatile enough to be used in a range of applications, making ‘Oryx’ the ideal choice of wood floor finish for Specifiers, Architects and home owners.”

Leading wood floor specialist Ray Gilligan commented “Wooden floors represent a considerable investment for our customers, so we use the best quality finishes to ensure we provide our customers with impressive, long lasting results every time. For this reason, we have been specifying Granwax finishes for the past six years, as they provide a high-class, hard-wearing finish in any application.”

Granwax ‘Oryx’ floor finish is available in Full Gloss, Silk (mid sheen) Satin (low sheen) and Ultra Matt. ‘Oryx’ is available in 5ltr bottle from selected hardware stores and distributors. For further information visit www.granwax.com.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Eliminate Pet Odours with Dri-Pak.

2010-01-29T13:19:00.003Z

Britain is indisputably a nation of animal lovers; however, as much as we love our pets, there are inevitably certain aspects of owning a pet that are less than desirable. Bad odours and stains caused by your beloved pet are not always easy to get rid of, but help is at hand from Dri-Pak in the form of White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda!

If you own a dog or a cat, you know that sometimes ‘little accidents’ can happen, resulting in unsightly and odorous stains on carpets and soft furnishings. When cleaning up these ‘accidents’ it is important to remove the odour as well as the stain, as the smell will encourage your pets to return to the same place.

White Vinegar is a tried and proven ingredient that aids in removing both urine stains and the odour for good. Always test White Vinegar on a small, inconspicuous patch of fabric before use on large areas to prevent damage.

To remove stains and odours, simply make up a vinegar solution by combining one part white vinegar to two parts warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and dab affected area. When the solution has dried, wipe away the solution and the stain with a clean cloth and warm water. After the area has been cleaned, cover with Bicarbonate of Soda and leave overnight before vacuuming.

Keeping your cat off certain surfaces in your home can also be a problem, as cats tend to favour high areas such as tabletops, kitchen counters, bookshelves, window sills, and even fireplace mantles. Discourage your cat from perching in such places by spraying surfaces with White Vinegar.

If pesky neighbourhood cats in your garden are a nuisance, soak a sponge or cloth in White Vinegar and place it in the garden. This will discourage feline attention as cats hate the smell of White Vinegar.

White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda are part of the Clean & Natural cleaning range by Dri-Pak, and are available from independent hardware stores and supermarkets. White Vinegar and Bicarbonate of Soda both have a recommended retail price of 99p. For further information and cleaning tips, visit www.dri-pak.co.uk.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Revolutionary way to clean the car – without water!

2010-01-28T15:27:00.004Z

Permaclear, a UK company with an innovative approach to surface coatings and preparation, has launched a new automotive care product that could revolutionize the way many people clean their car – Pro”Dry”Clean Waterless Car Wash & Wax System. Many people like the convenience of an automatic car wash but worry about the effect on the paintwork and dirt left on the hard to reach areas. For most, a hand-wash is ideal – but is far from quick or convenient.

Unlike other more traditional car wash detergents, Permaclear’s Pro”Dry” Clean cleans and polishes cars, vans or lorries in one step regardless of how dirty the vehicle is, without the use of water! More importantly it does this quickly and easily and is guaranteed not to scratch or damage the paintwork. Permaclear’s Pro”Dry” Clean technology makes it possible to clean and polish an average sized car in under 15minutes from wheels to roof.

Pro “Dry”Clean makes light work of cleaning a car, as it cleans, shines and protects all areas, including glass, chrome, wheels and trim, eliminating the need to buy specialist cleaners and saving time and mess. As a result of not using any water, it is suitable for use anywhere and at any time, making it ideal for use in a variety of situations, including in a garage, during a hose pipe ban or for people living in terraces, flats or apartments when access to running water may be difficult or restricted. Not only is it versatile and easy to use, but Pro”Dry”Clean is suitable for all vehicles, and is particularly good for dark coloured ones that are tough to clean well without streaks and generally show up dirt easily.

Not only does Pro Dry Clean abolish the need for car wash accessories such as buckets, sponges, car shampoo and wax, so it saves time and water too. It is also better for the environment, as there is no detergent residue or dirt to run into the drain that will ultimately end up in the water system.

Richard Barker, of Permaclear commented, “Pro”Dry”Clean is an innovative new product as it removes the hassle and effort from cleaning a vehicle. The fact that Pro “Dry” Clean combines a wash and wax system means it is able to deliver first class results in record time with greater ease than a bucket and sponge – or even a pressure washer. The first reaction from people is that they are sceptical and believe it will scratch the paintwork, but the special components lubricate, encapsulate and lift the heaviest of dirt away from the surface then it is simply and safely lifted away by the micro fibre cloth.”

Permaclear Pro”Dry”Clean Waterless Car Wash & Wax System is available in a 500ml trigger spray with an RRP of £9.99; which will clean a mid-sized family car approximately 5 to 7 times.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Securing an acid spill

2010-01-25T17:17:00.004Z

Every company knows that when dealing with substances hazardous to health, it is essential to have control measures in place to deal with every eventuality. This is no more essential than in the case of companies’ dealing with battery acid, and as such, many companies have traditionally held a stock pile of Soda Ash in case of a spill. However, Soda Crystals, also know as Washing Soda, are fast becoming a favoured choice of neutralizing acid for companies dealing with small amounts of acid, as they are readily available, cost effective and safe to store.

Soda Crystals, produced in the UK by Dri-Pak Ltd, have long been utilised for their cleaning and laundry purposes, but are now considered as extremely useful as an acid neutralizer due to their PH.

“Soda Crystals have an alkaline PH, and as such are ideal for neutralizing acid. Smaller companies are reaping the benefits of replacing Soda Ash with Soda Crystals. As well as being readily available from hardware stores and wholesalers, they are extremely cost effective and easy to use,” says Bruce Maxwell, Managing Director of Dri-Pak. “Unlike Soda Ash, Soda Crystals are soluble in cold water, meaning they are easy to clear away after a spill without leaving a residue.”

In the case of a spill involving battery acid, generously cover the infected area with Soda Crystals and allow to absorb. Once the acid has been neutralized, safely dispose of the waste and rinse the area with cold water.

For larger spills, it is recommended by the Health and Safety Executive that acid be contained using a non-combustible, absorbent material such as sand or earth to prevent the hazardous acid spreading to other areas before treating.

Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Turn Bath Time into Play Time with Whipped Bath Paints

2010-01-13T11:38:00.001Z

For many families, bath time can become an all out war between parent and child, with kids doing everything possible to avoid having a wash. But the key to getting kids into the bath voluntarily is simple, make bath time fun with whipped bath paints! Homemade bath paints are not only easy and cheap to make, but kids will love the colours and foamy texture, and they’ll be washing at the same time because the paints are made from Soap Flakes!

To make bath paints, simply add 100ml of water to 50g of Soap Flakes, and whisk until the mixture has the consistency of beaten egg whites. Spoon the mixture into plastic cups and add food colouring as desired. Then let your little angels get to work on the side of the bath tub!

Note:

After using bath paints it is recommended to clean your bath with White Vinegar to remove any colour residue. Any acidic cleaners should be used with caution on vitreous enamel surfaces.

New ‘easy to use’ Windscreen Coating System

2010-01-08T09:42:00.002Z

Permaclear has launched a new automotive product that improves driving visibility by applying a coating to the windscreen which actively repels water and dirt. Unlike other coating products that rely on the driver manually applying them by spraying the product onto the windscreen and buffing with a cloth and then having to constantly re-apply to maintain the coating, ‘Windscreen StayClean’ is simply added to the washer bottle instead of traditional washer bottle additives. Not only does it clean the windscreen every time the vehicle’s wash-wipe system is activated, it automatically applies and maintains a special polymer coating that repels water. The effect is immediately visible as water simply beads off the windscreen as you drive.

The surface of glass is not actually smooth; the microscopic pits and troughs act as a trap for water and dirt. Permaclear smoothes out these undulations so that water is repelled. Apart from improved visibility, it also means that wipers can be used less; they make less noise and last longer. It also makes it easier to remove dead insects and bird lime. StayClean is ideal for cold weather and makes ice easier to remove.

Sandra Pennyfather, MD of Driving Ambition Ltd, Somerset comments, ”We train professional drivers in good driving practice and in our opinion when asked what are the three most important things in safer driving, the response is always the same vision, vision, vision. Windscreen StayClean from Permaclear is our chosen product to achieve this.”

Permaclear Windscreen StayClean is available in 750ml bottles with an RRP of £6.99; which for an average sized vehicle in normal driving conditions will last for up to 9months. There are also single shot 115 ml sachets available for £1.99 which is sufficient for washer bottles up to 3 litres.

Hydropath launches New Range for Commercial Market

2010-01-07T15:04:00.001Z

Hydropath, manufacturers of water conditioners for removing and preventing the build-up of limescale in pipes, has launched a new extended range of products aimed at the UK commercial sector. The Nottingham-based firm has taken the decision to revise its Hydroflow ‘C’ range and extend it from five to seven models in a bid to raise its profile and make it more compatible in the commercial market.

As well as revising and rebranding its existing models, C32, C40, C80, and the C100, the range now features three new units, the C50, C65 and C125, which means that the comprehensive range now covers pipe sizes ranging from 32mm up to 125mm DN.

The Hydroflow range of water conditioning products has been proven around the world for the removal and prevention of limescale build up in pipes. Hydropath’s products feature patented electronic technology to tackle encrusting limescale in pipes. Hydropath first launched its commercial range of water conditioners in 1992.

Dr Daniel Stefanini comments “After reviewing our existing product range, we realised that there was an area of the pipe sizing that could be covered more effectively and the changes will make the measurements more accurate.”

Dr. Stefanini added “We have listened to what specifiers have been saying and by producing a complete range to cover all pipes, along with the revisions, will make it a lot easier to identify the model that is needed.”

Hydropath’s patented electronic water treatment system is unique in removing and preventing scale formation, allowing it to send a continuous powerful signal throughout an entire plumbing system, treating the water 24 hours a day.

Easy to install, the ‘C’ units are effective on all types of pipework and because they require no plumbing, chemicals or wrap-around wires, are maintenance-free.

Cutting down on heating costs and conserving energy, the range is also completely environmentally-friendly and Hydropath’s products are the only ones to be recommended by British Gas.

Hydropath offers a complete solution for the commercial sector with on-site surveys, commissioning and a full advisory service also available - in addition to its products in the AquaKlear, Agriflow and ‘C’ and ‘S’ Hydroflow ranges. Custom units are available for larger pipe sizes.

For more information about the new ‘C’ range and a full list of Hydropath Holdings’ other products, visit www.hydropath.com

What good is an advert if customers don’t remember it?

2010-01-05T15:52:00.000Z

At Freestyle, we were pleased to get the results of two independent surveys, recently carried out on behalf of two leading industry magazines that prove what we’ve always suspected – our ads are memorable!

Farmers Weekly is the leading publication for the agricultural sector and ‘Caterer & Hotelkeeper’ is... you’ll not be surprised to hear...the leading title for the Catering market.

Freestyle’s advert for Amazone came out top for recall and our advert for Lincat came a highly respectable 3rd with 87% recall.

“We don’t do ‘Ad man’s ads’ at Freestyle” comments MD Ed Watson, “It’s worth remembering that ads do need to stand out...but they have to be memorable for the right reason. We can all remember zany ads that make us laugh or shock us, but it’s the client that’s footing the bill and it’s no good if customers remember the ad but not the message or client! We know that our ads contribute to clients’ business effectiveness and we’ll continue to make our ads unexpected, yet relevant.”

Call us and we’ll weave our magic for you.

Operation Christmas Cleanup

2009-12-07T16:55:00.001Z

Christmas Day is the one day a year when you know everyone plans to eat, drink and be merry! The one part of the day that everyone dreads is inevitably the clean up operation, but help is at hand, as traditional cleaning product manufacturer Dri-Pak has a few top tips to help make light work of the daunting task ahead!

Evidently, the most dreaded tasks on Christmas day is cleaning the turkey tin. After enjoying lunch with all the trimmings, the last thing you want to do is spend the rest of the afternoon scrubbing the grease from the pan. Simply sprinkle some Soda Crystals in the turkey tin followed by hot water. Leave it to soak for an-hour while the Soda Crystals dissolve the grease naturally. Pour away the water and then wash with washing up liquid or put it in the dishwasher.

No doubt when the Christmas dinner was being prepared, the cooker top suffered more than a few spillages. This can have your hobs looking a bit of a state by the end of the day, not a pretty sight to wake up to on Boxing Day! Give the cooker top a quick spruce by spraying with Liquid Soda Crystals and wiping away dirt and grease with a damp cloth.

As Soda Crystals dissolve grease, they can also be used to unblock the build up of food and gunk that has accumulated as a result of the Christmas day feast. To unclog drains, pour a generous amount of Soda Crystals down the plughole followed by boiling water.

The Christmas season is expensive enough as it is, so having a bag of Soda Crystals handy means there is no need to splash out on expensive, specialist cleaners. Soda crystals are biodegradable, contain no bleach and are phosphate- free, so besides saving money and reducing packaging waste, they’re helping you do your bit for the environment.

Hydropath offer free training to All Companies

2009-11-17T16:01:00.001Z

Hydropath Holdings announced a free new educational service to all companies at this year’s Plumbing and Heating Exhibition in Chelsea. Following a successful series of regional training events with British Gas, the water treatment product manufacturer is rolling out its training programme to other energy suppliers, water companies and Specifiers within the Plumbing and Heating industry

Hydropath's Technical Director Dr Daniel Stefanini comments, “Our Hydroflow range of water conditioning products is exceptionally easy to install – for both domestic and commercial applications. Hydroflow simply clips onto water pipes without the need for drilling or cutting into the pipework – it merely requires a standard 240V three phase power supply. However, the technology employed in its operation is far from straight-forward and that is why it is patented and works unlike any other product. Although plumbers and gas engineers do not need to know the detailed mechanics of the system, to achieve the optimum performance from a Hydroflow there are some very important aspects to consider when siting the product”.

Dr Stefanini continues “Hydroflow works by transmitting randomly varying electric fields throughout the water system and the signal must be allowed to propagate thoroughly throughout the system. One of the reasons for weak performance with this technology is that the Hydroflow unit is sited between earth bonding, this creates a closed loop and therefore does not allow the signal to propagate”.

Hydropath believes that by demonstrating the system and advising on good installation practices, engineers have found the training to be informative and beneficial, this is reassuring feedback as unfortunately there are a number of physical water conditioning products available that, due to their inherent limitations, will have a very limited effect at best. Some customers then make the mistake of assuming that all physical water conditioners are ineffective. Hydroflow has been proven in thousands of applications in the UK and around the world.

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Soap gets a make-over

2009-11-02T14:22:00.001Z

One of the world’s oldest and most trusted cleaning products has now become easier to use, as Soap Flakes are now available in Liquid form! Dri-Pak, the country’s only manufacturer of Soap Flakes recently launched the ‘New’ Liquid Soap Flakes to satisfy the increase in demand for gentle and effective

Soap Flakes have always been a popular choice in a variety of laundry tasks as they have a gentle but effective cleaning power that is ideal for delicates fabrics, such as wool, silk and outdoor materials. The gentle cleaning power of Liquid Soap Flakes also means it is suitable for people with sensitive skin, as unlike most washing powders it does not contain enzymes, perfumes or bleaches which can leave a trace amount on fabrics and cause a reaction for sensitive skin.

Liquid Soap Flakes is instantly soluble, without the need for first dissolving any flakes. The liquid is made purely from soap of vegetable origin so is suitable for use by vegetarians and vegans.

Many people who rely on Soap Flakes for cleaning purposes will also find the new product beneficial. The internet is littered with ‘tips’ from the public who use soap flakes – or even grate bars of soap – to use for all manner of cleaning tasks such as wooden floor cleaning and washing the coat of pets. This new product will save them a lot of time and energy!

Dri-Pak Liquid Soap Flakes are available from selected supermarkets, independent retailers or direct from Dri-Pak on (0115) 9325165 or visit www.dri-pak.co.uk

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Re-fluff your towels with a little help from Dri-Pak

2009-11-02T12:51:00.001Z

When you step out of a nice warm shower, everybody likes to dry off with a warm, fluffy towel. But the reality is however fluffy a towel may have been when you bought it, over time they can gradually lose fluffiness and absorbency and begin to take on a hard, stiff texture.

Hard water in the wash and left over washing powder residue are often the culprits of this change in texture, which can make towels and other textiles feel more worn than the actually are. But fear not, as there is a simple and environmentally friendly to ‘re-fluff’ your towels and make them feel like new again, White Vinegar and Soda Crystals from Dri-Pak!

To regain that fluffy feeling, start by soaking your towels in warm medium solution of Soda Crystals, and allow to soak for 10minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Once rinsed, wash the towels in the machine as normal, ensuring you use the amount of detergent as recommended. Add half a cup of White Vinegar to the fabric conditioner section department in the drawer, when the machine is filling up with water.) Finally, rinse and spin towels well, and allow to dry thoroughly on a washing line or in a tumble drier on a medium heat.

Not only are Soda Crystals and White Vinegar environmentally friendly, as they do not contain any optical brighteners, enzymes or perfumes, but they are also extremely cost effective, so when we say they don’t cost the earth, we really do mean it!

Further information on Soda Crystals, White Vinegar or any of the products in the ‘Clean and Natural’ range, please visit www.dri-pak.co.uk or contact Dri-Pak directly on (0115) 9325165.

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Give Your Fireplace a Facelift for Winter!

2009-11-02T12:49:00.001Z

The central feature of any lounge or living room is inevitably the fireplace, and as the winter month start to loom, there is nothing more comforting than retreating to a cosy living room with a roaring fire. But over the course of the year fireplaces often become dull and dirty, which is often the result of soot and grime from the previous years use.

The quick and easy way to give your fireplace a facelift is to use a traditional Soap Flakes solution, as it will easily wash away soot and dirt that has become ingrained within the fireplace and mantle. Soap Flakes are especially versatile as they can be used on delicate surfaces such as marble, limestone and sandstone, which cannot be cleaned using normal cleaners as the materials are porous and are eroded by acid based products.

To clean your fireplace, simply make up a Soap Flake solution by adding one cup of Soap Flakes to a bucket of warm water and mix until the flakes are dissolved. Using a soft cloth and the Soap Flakes solution, scrub the surfaces well to remove any dirt and grime, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Finish by polishing with a dry cloth.

Fireplaces generally do not require a high level of maintenance, but cleaning them once or twice a year with Soap Flakes will ensure they will stay beautiful and functional for years to come.

Soap Flakes are produced by Dri-Pak and are widely available from supermarkets and independent hardware stores. For further information and cleaning tips around the home visit www.dri-pak.co.uk

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Do they do long service awards for batteries?

2009-11-02T12:48:00.001Z

Exide Technologies’ supply motive power batteries to customers around the globe and it’s not unusual for satisfied customers to request a replacement battery at the end of its service life. But Exide staff were recently surprised to get a request from a Mauritius engineering company wanting a price for a replacement battery on behalf of a customer’s Toyota forklift truck – whose original battery was 15 years old! Unsurprisingly, the customer was keen to replace the battery with one of the same type from the same manufacturer.

Jean-Marie Nuteau of Ray & Lenferna, Mauritius comments, “The customer has stuck to a regular maintenance schedule and operated the truck, battery and charger within good-practice guidelines which goes to show what can be achieved with the right product. Fifteen years service is a remarkable achievement, especially when you consider the battery has been operated in a tropical climate.”

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Battery power saves the day!

2009-11-02T12:46:00.001Z

It isn’t often that a random customer enquiry results in a whole change of sales strategy for a company, but that is exactly what happened at JTT Equipment Services Ltd of Grantham. JTT is the sole distributor of Bitimec Speedy Wash equipment in the UK and Eire. They have been selling mobile brush wash equipment to bus, coach and haulage companies since 1982 and until recently, the majority of systems were diesel powered, although battery powered versions were available. In 2009, a customer asked how much it actually cost to recharge the 4 onboard batteries over the 9 hour recharge period. Richard Benson, JTT’s Sales Director contacted Andrew Helan, Sales Manager at Exide Technologies and was staggered to find that it was just 49p with a modern high frequency charger – offering a run time of around 4.5 hours. This compares with an equivalent £4.50 for diesel.

“The benefits don’t stop with fuel costs alone” comments Richard. “Diesel has associated implications for storage and safety. Diesel engines require maintenance every 150 hours – involving changes of air, oil and fuel filters costing £70 alone. Some of our bus and coach customers have depots in built up areas and need to clean vehicles overnight. Diesel engines throbbing away overnight doesn’t do much for a company’s local relations. The battery powered units are so quiet that you can actually have a conversation with the operator. It also means that they can be used indoors.”

Richard has chosen Exide Technologies’ maintenance free Sonnenschein monobloc gel batteries and high frequency SP chargers. “The chargers are smaller than a shoebox and can be plugged into a standard single phase socket. They are a truly ‘fit & forget’ power source. The chargers come with a 5 year warranty and although the batteries have a standard 1 year warranty, we have not had one single battery need replacing in the four years we have been using them. In contrast, users of the diesel variety need a service contract in order to meet warranty conditions. The battery versions simply need a quick annual safety inspection. Because of our partnership with Exide, we can provide customers with the peace of mind that no matter where they are situated, Exide’s nationwide coverage means that an engineer is never far away should a problem occur with the battery OR charger. The fact that we’ve not had one call out is testament to the quality of the products. All batteries are certainly not created equal.”

Richard continues,” In 2007, battery powered units accounted for 10% of total sales, in 2010 that figure will have risen to 60%. Some customers have a misguided opinion that battery powered units will not be as powerful or reliable as their diesel counterparts, but nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is that these units may actually be more suitable for some fleets than a ‘Drive-Through’ which are quite expensive to run, have more stringent regulations imposed upon them and may be susceptible to Legionnaire’s disease. One of our customers was finding the maintenance cost of his drive-through prohibitive so swapped it for one of our ride on units.”

For further information on Exide’s range of products, contact Elaine McLeod on 01204 661212 or email elaine.mcleod@eu.exide.com.

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Don’t Let the Rain Ruin Your Ride!

2009-11-02T12:43:00.003Z

Whether you’re a keen amateur or a professional cyclist, it always pays to be prepared for any weather condition, as an unexpected downpour can turn an enjoyable ride into a wet and unpleasant experience. Over time, cycling jerseys and waterproofs can become dirty and worn and start to lose their water repellence, meaning the will not be as effective as they once were at keeping you warm and dry.

Thankfully, there is now a new way of cleaning and water protecting your outerwear– Dri-Pak’s Soap Flakes and Liquid Soap Flakes for gentle cleaning power and Garment Guard Fabric Protector for water resistance protection.

Simply hand wash jackets and cycling jerseys using Soap Flakes or Liquid Soap Flakes diluted with hot water, rinse and allow to dry naturally. Hand washing outerwear using Soap Flakes or Liquid Soap Flakes provides effective cleaning power without the use of a washing machine which may cause damage. Once dry, simply spray the Garment Guard liberally onto the item of clothing or outerwear, and activate by ironing on the appropriate setting. If the fabric cannot be ironed, the formula can be activated by using a tumble dryer or heating on a radiator and the garment will then be protected until the next wash. Water will simply ‘bead’ off fabric without leaving a residue or tarnish or altering the look or texture of the fabric. With repeated use Garment Guard will increase its protection performance.

Soap Flakes and Garment Guard are available from selected supermarkets, hardware and independent stores, or from Dri-Pak directly. For further information on Garment Guard or Soap Flakes, please visit www.garment-guard.co.uk and www.dri-pak.co.uk.

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Battery management for ALL materials handling fleets

2009-10-12T16:27:00.003+01:00

Following the success of Exide Technologies’ 2100.Net battery management system, the battery and charger manufacturer has launched two additional systems, one of which is suitable for smaller fleets – iBOS Basic and iBOS Pro. iBOS stands for Intelligent Battery Organising System. The Basic version is designed for small to medium fleets of up to 31 chargers in the same group. iBOS Pro is ideal for medium to large fleets with over 31 chargers. iBOS maximises the life of a battery fleet by ensuring optimum use.

The beauty of Exide’s iBOS system is that it can be retrofitted to any fleet; there are no limitations on the make of chargers it is suitable for use with. The main function of iBOS is to ensure correct rotation and charging of batteries. It does this by monitoring charging regimes, advising operators of the next battery available and giving warnings if an incorrect battery is taken. It will also highlight faulty equipment.

iBOS Pro can manage an unlimited number of batteries and provides in-depth analysis reports – including remote access from anywhere in the world as long as an internet connection is available. Although the system collects huge amounts of data, it is capable of disseminating it into compact and user-friendly reports.

Jon Wells, Technical Projects Manager of Exide Technologies comments, “Incorrect battery charging and incorrect usage are the two main reasons for a short service life of a traction battery. Previously, the benefits of a battery charging management system were only within the reach of large organisations; now Exide brings these benefits to all users.”

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Fresh new look for Amazone entry-level trailed sprayers

2009-10-12T16:08:00.008+01:00

Amazone’s entry level ‘UG’ trailed sprayers are to receive a fresh new look for 2010 incorporating improved technological advances from their UX range of sprayers.

It will be available in two versions – the UG Special with 250 l/min piston diaphragm pump and the UG Super with 370 l/min twin-pump system with both available in 2400 and 3200 litre variants.

The all new operator station makes filling, mixing and cleaning quick and simple and now comes with the addition of the 60 litre induction hopper, with internal rinse ring and can wash, from the big brother UX range. New injector technology will improve filling rates (up to 500 l/min) with a new 3-inch suction port for rapid filling

The new operator station consists of an intake valve and suction filter that is manufactured entirely in-house by AMAZONE and until now was used exclusively in the UX. The exclusive 2” tappet valve technology, with its light operation and highly effective sealing, is now employed for the first time in the UG series. Also now as standard are easy-to-open suction and pressure filters that use a quick-release bayonet locking system which means cleaning can be carried out without spray liquid loss even though the suction filter is horizontal

The fill level indicator is now in a clearly visible location above the left mudguard; in addition, the fill level can be monitored electronically via the AMASPRAY+ or AMATRON+ operator control terminals.

In booms widths up to 28m, the UG trailed sprayer is light and equipped with either mechanical tracking or electro-hydraulic drawbar steering and can be comprehensively equipped with all the options found on Amazone sprayers such as automatic boom height ‘Distance Control .

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham

Sparkling Surfaces with a Little Help from Dri-Pak!

2009-10-09T14:59:00.011+01:00

With such a variety of cleaning products available on the market today, choosing the right one can be a confusing task, as many products claim to be ‘ideal’ for specific surfaces or cleaning tasks. To make your decision that little bit easier, there is now an all in one solution for surface cleaning, new ‘Clean and Natural Multisurface Cleaner’ from Dri-Pak!

New ‘Multisurface cleaner’ is suitable for use on all types of hard surfaces around the house, and can even be used on delicate areas such as wood, marble and natural limestone! To remove dirt and grime from a surface, simply spray multisurface cleaner directly onto the surface and wipe with a damp cloth. For more resilient food and dirt residue, spray directly onto the problem area and allow to soak for a few minutes before attempting to wipe away.

‘Multisurface Cleaner’ is not only versatile and cost effective cleaner, but it is also made from natural plant extracts, so you can rest assured when you are cleaning your home, surfaces will be clean and free from harmful chemical build-up.

‘Multisurface Cleaner’ is part of the ‘Clean & Natural’ range by Dri-Pak, and is available in 500ml trigger spray bottles from hardware stores and supermarkets with a recommended retail price of £1.99. The Clean & Natural range also includes Borax Substitute, Bicarbonate of Soda, White Vinegar, Oxygen Bleach, Citric Acid and Limescale Remover. For further information and cleaning tips, visit www.dri-pak.co.uk.

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Public Relations by Freestyle PR - part of Freestyle Marketing Nottingham