Do you remember the outrage when the Hanks brothers started selling to the public?

[Mikey P]

I wonder what the origin of this product is...

119K views · 1.7K reactions | I created Grout-eez after spending 25+ years in the grout cleaning business, because the options were awful. It was either: ✅ hydrochloric acid (too harsh) or ✅ “cleaners” so weak you need multiple steps and a full Satu

I created Grout-eez after spending 25+ years in the grout cleaning business, because the options were awful. It was either: ✅ hydrochloric acid (too harsh) or ✅ “cleaners” so weak you need multiple...

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[Jim Pemberton]

It has always been thus.

In 197...something...maybe 1977 Steamex decided to quit making machines for carpet cleaners only, and made machines that could be rented out.


The carpet cleaning world was aghast. Trade shows were full of cries to sue Steamex for damage to the cleaning trade. Cleaners vowed to boycott them. Steamex didn't care, because they sold so many units into dry cleaning plants, carpet stores, hardware stores etc.

I think it really "hit the fan" when Johnny Carson endorsed renting them.

What it did, of course, was put carpet cleaning in people's minds, and as with Rug Doctor and any other rental system, it built the market far more than it damaged it.

 

[frank fratto]

I wonder what the origin of this product is...

119K views · 1.7K reactions | I created Grout-eez after spending 25+ years in the grout cleaning business, because the options were awful. It was either: ✅ hydrochloric acid (too harsh) or ✅ “cleaners” so weak you need multiple steps and a full Satu

I created Grout-eez after spending 25+ years in the grout cleaning business, because the options were awful. It was either: ✅ hydrochloric acid (too harsh) or ✅ “cleaners” so weak you need multiple...

www.facebook.com

Looking back ? Rob, Gordon and Dave.

Treated me with the upmost Respect !

I like those guys!

They were good for my Business!

 

[FredBoyle]

It has always been thus.

In 197...something...maybe 1977 Steamex decided to quit making machines for carpet cleaners only, and made machines that could be rented out.


The carpet cleaning world was aghast. Trade shows were full of cries to sue Steamex for damage to the cleaning trade. Cleaners vowed to boycott them. Steamex didn't care, because they sold so many units into dry cleaning plants, carpet stores, hardware stores etc.

I think it really "hit the fan" when Johnny Carson endorsed renting them.

What it did, of course, was put carpet cleaning in people's minds, and as with Rug Doctor and any other rental system, it built the market far more than it damaged it.

Absolutely Jim

Social proof is a powerful marketing tool


Every time Stanley Steemer or Kennedy Carpet ( largest independent carpet cleaner in our area) we benefit


Carpet cleaning became less of a luxury and more accessible to everyone when machine rental gained traction


I’m sure all cleaners benefit from those rug doctor ads and machines at grocery and hardware stores


Keeps our profession on the minds of consumers