Everyday Cheapskate

Years ago, I became the proud owner of one of the best inventions known to womankind: a Singer Featherweight portable sewing machine, circa 1948. I found the perfect specimen on eBay. My Featherweight arrived, complete with original carrying case, manual, foot pedal and power cord. It looked and operated as if it had been brand-new! There was just one problem: Its odor knocked me out. Think of the worst stench you can imagine, and then multiply that by a thousand. I took the entire outfit and spread it out in the hot California sun, sure that would take care of it. Wrong.

I tried getting rid of that smell using every possible remedy, from vinegar to charcoal to baking soda to pine oil. I bought OdoBan, Febreze and SCOE 10X. I spent a lot of time and money trying to kill that smell, but nothing touched it. Heartbroken, I double-bagged the mess and hid it in the back of my garden shed. I'd been had.

Years later — and quite by accident — I learned about Nok-Out, a product that promises to eliminate odors. I was skeptical. After all, my stinky situation wasn't exactly ordinary. Willing to give it one last try, I plugged my nose and headed for the shed. I sprayed my little machine and all its parts with Nok-Out, inside and out. Instantly, that foul odor was gone. Vanished. Without a trace! My little Featherweight was reborn, and now it sits proudly in my craft studio.

Since then, I have recommended Nok-Out to thousands of readers who have smelly issues, such as pet smells; carpet, cigarette and cigar odors; mildew; sickrooms; smelly shoes; stinky microwaves and refrigerators; putrid garbage disposers; and icky air conditioners.

You name it; if it smells, I've been asked about how to get rid of it. My response is simple: If it's worth keeping, it's worth Nok-Out.

Odors are not all that Nok-Out knocks out. It is a disinfectant and germicide, too. It kills viruses, bacteria, germs and mold, and it is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency to be nontoxic. It has no fumes, no color and no fragrance. Used as directed, Nok-Out is harmless to humans and pets.

I have just learned from owner Lou Osburn that Nok-Out has been certified as effective against the H1N1 virus. Now you know why I carry a 4-ounce spray bottle of Nok-Out in my handbag. I also am making my own Nok-Out handy wipes. I cut paper towels in half and fold, stack and place them in small freezer bags, adding enough Nok-Out to saturate the wipes. I use them to wipe down the grocery cart handle, to do a quick cleanup after visiting any public place and to wipe service trays, armrests and every other surface I touch while flying.

Nok-Out is available online at http://www.NokOut.com or by calling 866-551-1927.

Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including her latest, "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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