September 5, 2008
4 handy products for home
By Mary Beth Breckenridge
A new self-cleaning drain promises to eliminate the need for plungers, snakes and chemical drain cleaners.
The PermaFlow trap replaces a standard P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under
a sink. It's designed to increase water turbulence to keep the trap
clean, and it has a paddle inside that can be rotated with an external
knob to remove buildup.
The trap is clear, so you can see drainage problems more easily.
PermaFlow traps can be ordered at shop.pfwaterworks.net/main.sc or 877-265-9777.
Cost: $39.95 to $46.55.
Details: permaflow.com
Enzymes clean concrete
A new cleaner removes stains from concrete using enzymes instead of caustic ingredients.Rejuvenate Stain Stealer contains microbes that eat away oil, tar, tire marks, grease, fuel and other dark stains, the manufacturer says. The product has two parts: a foam that's sprayed onto the stain and allowed to sit for about 15 minutes, and a granular formula that's sprinkled on next to soak up the stain and the foam. The product can then be swept up, eliminating the use of water and the potential for contaminated runoff.
The product is available at Home Depot.
Cost: Direct order price is $19.99 plus shipping
Details: forlifeproducts.com
Ultraviolet light fights odors and allergens
A new type of plug-in product uses light instead of fragrances to counteract odors in the air.The Germ Guardian UV-C Pluggable Air Sanitizer uses ultraviolet-C light to kill germs, odors and other airborne nasties, such as mold spores and other allergens. A fan circulates air through the unit, where the UV-C light kills 99 percent of the bad stuff, according to the company.
The sanitizer is intended for a small room such as a bathroom or bedroom.
It is available at retailers including some Lowe's, Ace Hardware, True Value, Babies "R" Us and Bed Bath and Beyond stores.
Cost: Direct-order price is $69.99 plus shipping
Details: germguardian.com or 866-603-5900
Recycled oak barrels
This is sustainable gardening with class.TerraCycle Inc. is recycling Kendall-Jackson wine barrels into composters and rain barrels. The oak barrels are clean and safe for outdoor household use, the winemaker says.
The rotary composter holds grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste while they decompose into nutrient-rich compost. A roller system makes it easy to load and rotate the barrel, speeding up the composting process.
The TerraCycle rain barrel captures roof runoff from a downspout for use in the garden.
Cost: $99.
Details: Sold at some Sam's Clubs and garden centers.
Akron Beacon Journal
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