Quickie Manufacturing Corp., among the nation's largest makers of cleaning tools, has redefined home cleaning with the Home-Pro with Microban. Engineered with Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection, the full line of mops and scrub brushes is designed specifically to combat stain and odor causing bacteria throughout the life of the product.

"Any conscientious consumer in today's marketplace recognizes the need for effective cleaning tools, and the new Home-Pro line with Microban protection revolutionizes products that were once a breeding ground for odor and stain-causing bacteria and mold," said Vince Cella, chief marketing officer for Quickie.

"Microban protection provides consumers with peace of mind and protection by adding a lifetime of cleanliness to these products."

Because bacteria counts can double every 20 minutes when left untreated, this technology provides unmatched antimicrobial protection allowing the tools to stay cleaner and fresher longer than ever before.

Included in the Microban line are several types of mops, a variety of scrub brushes, brooms and a plunger and caddy. Prices range from $4 to $17.

Consumers can easily identify Quickie cleaning tools with Microban antimicrobial protection thanks to a new blue marbleizing effect that has been engineered into both the fiber and sponge of the products.

For more information, call 800-257-5751 or visit www.quickie.com.

Caulk Singles clean up, simplify messy task

Beautifying your home just became an effortless, quick fix instead of a weekend long, messy task with the introduction of GE Caulk Singles, single-use disposable packages of caulk.

The specially engineered package effortlessly dispenses with just one hand, eliminating the need for caulk guns and hard-to-squeeze tubes. No tools are required.

Plus, there's essentially no waste in the package. Just grab a pack of Caulk Singles from the kitchen drawer or nearby toolbox, tear, squeeze and toss. It is finally that simple.

"Caulk Singles will do for caulk what the bleach pen and disposable razor did for busy people on the go," said Rodney Hawkins, general manager of Momentive Performance Materials, an exclusive licensee of General Electric. "Homeowners can now squeeze a little beauty into their day between running errands, running to work and picking up the kids."

With no instruction or experience, homeowners can now get a professionally painted look or refreshed feel in any room of their home. The package size also makes it easier to reach smaller and awkward locations.

Packaged for a one-time use, the manufacturer estimates it will take one pack for small jobs such as sinks, fixtures and touch-ups; two packs for medium jobs such as bathtubs and windows; and three packs for large jobs such as a large window or door.

Available at Lowe's Home Improvement stores, Ace Hardware and True Value, the Caulk Singles are offered in white paintable acrylic or white or clear waterproof silicone. They have a suggested retail price of $1.99 to $2.99 per pack.

Smelly Washer keeps washers smelling clean

It's hard to believe that a machine meant to keep you clean can harbor more fungi than any other place in the home. It's your washing machine. And just one tablespoon of Smelly Washer powder can bring a washer back to a healthy state.

The problem: Fungus spores often collect on residue left behind from detergents and fabric softeners, resulting in a moldy, mildew smell that is transferred to fabrics.

The solution: Smelly Washer, an inexpensive, nontoxic, environmentally friendly powder.

Smelly Washer not only cleans out your washer, it can be used to remove mildew odor from towels and other clothing. It also can be used for multiple cleanings to continually remove odors, not just cover them up.

Paul Flynn, the inventor and president, is a veteran residential appliance repairman. For years he noticed that almost every washer he worked on had a scummy buildup of fungus covering the inside. Bleach, washing machine cleaners and other home remedies just didn't work.

He recalled a cleaner he learned to make in the Navy from organic ingredients, came up with his own concoction and Smelly Washer was born.

Smelly Washer sells for $16 and one order can last as long as one year. For more information, call 952-465-6444 or visit www.smellywasher.com