Tips from the Do it Best Show
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
I have just returned from the Do It Best show in Indianapolis. And if you haven’t heard, Do It Best just purchased two hardware co-ops in the last two years. One co-op you probably don’t know about, but the other hardware co-op is True Value, which everyone knows of. The show was very exciting and emotional. It was great to get to meet new business owners and discuss the challenges for them and the new excitement of a new warehouse. Since True Value was included in this show, there were so many new vendors. And so many opportunities. Hopefully I can show you a few in the next few months to get you excited about working around your home. I don’t know about you, but there is something so satisfying about repairing maintenance issues in your own home. Small or large – so let me tell you about one.
When I was in Indie, I stayed a hotel connected to the convention center. And each morning when getting ready the mirror fogged up while I was trying to get ready. I would try and wipe it down, but you know it really doesn’t dry quickly, and I was forced to try and put on makeup in a small 4-inch area. So, when I went to market, I went by the Zep booth and asked about new products. I like Zep because their products are a commercial grade formula but are really inexpensive. So, you get quality at an affordable price. And while talking to the rep in the booth he showed me Zep Glass and Mirror Foaming Cleaner. This is a product in their Zep Plus line.
Zep Glass and Mirror is not just any glass cleaner. It’s really targeted for the mirrors in your bathroom. How many of you have a small bathroom that has no ventilation? Maybe you're in an apartment or condo and the close quarters leave the bathroom all steamy. While that might keep the bathroom all warm and cozy, it does hinder trying to see in your mirror. And that’s where Zep comes in. This mirror cleaner comes in a foam which I like because it clings to the vertical surface. This cleaner is a two in one cleaning solution with a cleaning solution you expect and an added benefit after application. The formula is ammonia free and starts cleaning on contact. You just spray it on let it work and then wipe off with a dry cloth. (I’m gonna bring in a great new cleaning cloth that I will tell you about in later articles) The invisible barrier that the formula leaves behind helps prevent water spots, so you spend less time cleaning. They suggest cleaning weekly to build up protection. It has a nice light “rain” fragrance to give your bathroom a great clean smell. It’s going to be my cleaning choice for my mirror.
I’m going to give you a little teaser in a new flashlight that is not in warehouse yet…. but soon to come. You know when you are walking outside, and you are moving your flashlight side to side to see completely. Well, there is coming a flashlight where that won’t be necessary. You won’t trip over something unseen. And the best part, its family owned and made in the USA. Just wait you're going to love it! And it will make a great gift idea for Christmas.
Since I am in San Antonio and my readers are in Houston, I try and write about products that you can get in your local hardware store. And I want to suggest shopping there. These stores are what make your town or city special. They are willing to find the product for you, give you information on how to clean or repair with ease. The owners are your neighbors. And they appreciate your patronage. Most small hardware stores whether they are Do It Best like us or True Value, if they don’t have it in stock, they can order it for you and have it in store in a few days. And there will be no freight charge. You can return it with no problems. So, if it comes down to “big box” or online.... walk into your local hardware store, make new friends and get treated like the wonderful customer you are.