Back to School Cleaning Tips: Cleaning Backpacks and Lunch Bags

Find out how KIDS 'N' PETS can clean up your old lunch bags and backpacks, making them as good as new!

Do you purchase new backpacks and lunch bags each school year? A great way to save money and live a little greener is to repurpose your kids' bags from last year. Unfortunately, lunch bags filled with last month's lunch, and backpack pockets that have been stashing sweet treats from last Valentine's day, can leave your children's Jansport looking (and smelling!) a little funky.

Lunch bags and backpacks. Photo: somegeekintn

Here are some quick tips on how to use KIDS 'N' PETS Stain & Odor Remover to spiff up last year's school bags:

For stains:

1. Pre-soak any visible stains with KIDS 'N' PETS
2. Wait 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes for old, tough to remove stains)
3. Launder as usual in washing machine

For overall dirty and stained bags and backpacks:

1. Pre-soak the entire bag/backpack in KIDS 'N' PETS
2. Wait 30 minutes
3. Launder as usual in washing machine

Lunch bags can harbor mold and bacteria, be sure to get these thoroughly clean before reusing!

In addition, tears can be covered with fun iron-on or sew-on patches which allow kids to personalize their bags.

What are your tips and tricks for reusing and saving money on back to school supplies? Tell us on Facebook!

Elderly Cat Care with KIDS 'N' PETS

What a surprise we had in the office this morning as we received this wonderful letter from a VERY sweet customer. Thank you Cathy for sharing your story, we were moved and wanted to share it with our blog readers. Cheers and thank you for your kind words!

"I never do this...but this is, hands down, THE best product I have EVER found.  I decided to try it solely based on the number of people raving about Kids n Pets online.  Well, add me to the list!!  I am a customer for life.  

I have a sweet elderly cat who has been my friend for 14 of her 15 years.  She now suffers with diabetes and does things outside her litter box she never used to do, simply because her kidneys are no longer functioning properly.  I do not have the heart to put her outside to live now that she is going through the hardest part of her life.  (I'm in Texas and it is104* right now.)  I also refuse to put her down just to get her out of MY misery.  So - I had a major dilemma on my hands.  Although I still try to work with her to use her litter box, Kids n Pets makes the effort I put into cleaning up her mistakes pay off.  She has plenty of mistakes..  Thanks to your product, my house does not give that fact away.  I want to say thank you for making it possible for my baby to live to the fullest where she is comfortable and loved.  Kids n Pets is AWESOME!!!"

                  -Cathy J., Robert Lee, Texas

Adopting a Greyhound: Tips from Homeward Bound Greyhound Association

Learn more about our July Pet Partner of the Month and the special work they do to provide forever homes for retired racing Greyhounds.

Homeward Bound Greyhound Association (HBGA) is a volunteer  managed, IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The organization’s mission is:

• to find responsible loving homes for retired racing Greyhounds,
• to educate the public about the desirability of Greyhounds as pets,
• to inform the public of the availability of retired racing Greyhounds for adoption,
• to build a community of individuals with an appreciation of the Greyhound breed, and
• to work toward the continued well-being of racing Greyhounds.

HBGA volunteers work with track personnel in Birmingham, AL to bring these retired racers to the local tri-state area (Cincinnati, OH). Once they arrive, they are placed in foster homes where they learn to navigate things like stairs and shiny floors, are taught that windows are solid even though they are clear, learn to play and are exposed to a life full of exciting and sometimes scary new experiences.

While the  greyhounds are learning about a new kind of everyday life, HBGA volunteers are actively working to find them the most loving, compatible, “forever” homes  possible. This involves attending many “meet and greets” and taking advantage of every opportunity to educate the public about the joys of sharing your life with these gentle companions.

Photo: Marianne Perdemo

One critical  part of educating the public is clearing up the many misconceptions about greyhounds. Below are some greyhound “truths.”

• Greyhounds  do not actually need lots of room to run and exercise. While a fenced yard is best (and more convenient for owners), daily walks and an occasional visit to a dog park are sufficient for most. Greyhounds have been successfully placed in apartments and condominiums.
• Greyhounds  are typically not “high strung.” Most are naturally laid back, well mannered and sensitive. They tend to be compliant with a personality that helps them adapt quickly to a new lifestyle.
• Most  greyhounds do quite well with children who have been taught how to be respectful and gentle with dogs.

These  magnificent animals spend their lives from birth to retirement as the cornerstone of an industry that provides entertainment and employment for many. The generosity of our volunteers, donors and managers of our “meet and greet” locations make it possible to give these “couch potatoes” the retirement they deserve.

To learn more about this amazing breed and how you can help, please visit our website at www.hbgatristate.org. For additional  information, contact Mary Beth DeSalvo at (513) 886-2520.

Win a Year's Supply of KIDS 'N' PETS Cleaning Products

Right now, all KIDS ‘N’ PETS Facebook fans are invited to compete in the interactive KIDS ‘N’ PETS Ultimate Mess Tug of War contest and earn a chance to win a year’s supply of KIDS ‘N’ PETS Stain & Odor Remover! 

Four messy contenders are battling it out through Tuesday, July 10^th at noon PDT to be named the KIDS ‘N’ PETS Ultimate Mess. Each day, vote for your favorite in our weekly tug of war matches, leave a comment about your ultimate mess experience, and be entered to win a year’s supply of KIDS ‘N’ PETS! Ultimate messes will be a past problem for one lucky fan. Good luck and get voting on Facebook here: http://bit.ly/MmQSk5 

An Interview with KIDS 'N' PETS founder John Latta

In honor of Father’s Day, we interviewed dad and KIDS ‘N’ PETS founder, John Latta. Learn more about him, his family, and how he was inspired to create the KIDS ‘N’ PETS line.

And Happy Father’s Day to Dads Everywhere! 

1.       Tell us a little bit about your background/story and what inspired you to create KIDS 'N' PETS?

WHEN MY TWO CHILDREN WERE VERY YOUNG WE GOT TWO KITTENS WHO HAD STARTED URINATING UNDERNEATH THE DINING ROOM TABLE. WE WERE LIVING IN A VERY SMALL HOUSE AND WHEN THE MORNING SUN CAME UP AND SHONE ON THE SPOT, THE ENTIRE HOUSE WREAKED OF CAT URINE. WE TRIED SPRAYING EVERYTHING ON THE SPOT BUT THE KITTENS JUST KEPT GOING THERE. SO WITH THE HELP OF MY BROTHER (A CHEMICAL ENGINEER) AND SOME OTHERS WE SET OUT TO INVENT A PRODUCT THAT WOULD ELIMINATE URINE ODORS. AT THE TIME MY KIDS WERE ALSO MAKING ALL SORTS OF MESSES WITH FOOD, DRINKS, DIAPER BLOWOUTS, POTTY TRAINING, ETC. SO WE DECIDED THE PRODUCT WOULD BE SORT OF AN ALL PURPOSE PRODUCT THAT CLEANED UP AFTER ALL THE TYPICAL MESSES THAT CHILDREN AND PETS MAKE AROUND THE HOME. AND SINCE THE KIDS WERE STILL CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR, WE WANTED A VERY SAFE, NON-TOXIC PRODUCT. SO WE SET OUT TO INVENT THE FORMULA WITH THOSE GOALS IN MIND.

2. What did you want to be when you were a kid?

 I WANTED TO TRAVEL ALL OVER THE WORLD. I HAD A REAL SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE – A YOUNG INDIANA JONES – WHO WAS SEARCHING FOR THE HOLY GRAIL IN…FISHING. THAT’S IT. I JUST WANTED TO GO FISHING ALL OVER THE WORLD!

3. What's a question you get all the time when you tell people about your products?

DO KIDS ‘N’ PETS PRODUCTS REALLY WORK? PET URINE ODORS AND URINE ODORS FROM POTTY TRAINING AND BEDWETTING WITH KIDS IS SOMETHING MOST FOLKS ARE VERY ANXIOUS TO GET RID OF – PERMANENTLY!

4. Who are the top 3 people that influence you the most?

ABRAHAM LINCOLN (HONEST ABE WASN’T AFRAID TO BE TRUTHFUL), GANDHI (HE UNDERSTOOD THAT “RIGHT MAKES MIGHT” AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND) AND ECKHART TOLLE (HE’S NOT FAKING THE INCREDIBLE PEACE THAT EMANATES FROM HIM).

5. If you could live in any place of the world, where would it be?

RIGHT HERE. I LOVE THE LUSHNESS HERE IN THE GREATER SEATTLE AREA. OF COURSE, A SECOND HOME IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS WOULD BE NICE TOO!

6. Describe a typical day in your life.

TAKE MY STEP DAUGHTERS TO SCHOOL. GO TO WORK. GET EXCITED WHEN SALES ARE UP AND CUSTOMERS ARE HAPPY. DISMAYED IF A CUSTOMER IS NOT HAPPY. SPEND TIME DREAMING ABOUT AND INVENTING SAFER, MORE EFFECTIVE NEW PRODUCTS. ANSWER LOTS OF E-MAIL. PICK UP STEP DAUGHTERS AT SCHOOL. TAKE STEP DAUGHTERS TO SOCCER OR MUSIC LESSONS. TALK TO MY WIFE AND KIDS ABOUT THEIR DAY. HAVE DINNER. HELP MY YOUNGEST STEP DAUGHTER WITH HER MATH HOMEWORK. READ A BOOK. GO TO BED. 

7. If you had to choose... wine or chocolate?

CHOCOLATE

8. What's the biggest lesson you learned while making/building your product?  

I DISCOVERED THINGS TOOK CARE OF THEMSELVES IF WE COULD JUST PUT SAMPLES OF OUR KIDS ‘N’ PETS PRODUCTS IN CUSTOMER’S HANDS. IF THEY HAD KIDS OR PETS, THEY HAD MESSES AND SMELLS! GUARANTEED. SO WE FOUND THE KEY WAS SIMPLY GETTING CUSTOMERS TO TRY OUR PRODUCTS. THEY WERE OFTEN SO HAPPY AND SURPRISED BY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR PRODUCTS THAT WE OFTEN HAD CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE!

9. What's a natural/non-toxic product you could never live without?

THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT NATURAL, NON-TOXIC PRODUCTS NOW THAT IT’S HARD TO CHOOSE JUST ONE. I WOULD SAY THAT I CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT MY LOCAL P.C.C. NATURAL MARKETS – A SMALL LOCAL GROCERY CHAIN THAT WORKS HARDER THAN ANY OTHER RETAILER TO SUPPLY ONLY THE SAFEST, MOST NATURAL PRODUCTS AROUND. THEY REALLY MAKE IT EASY FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS.

10. If there is one thing/thought/idea that you could pass on to the next generation, what would it be? 

TREAT EVERYONE WITH COMPASSIONATE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING. FROM THIS PLACE THE WORLD AUTOMATICALLY STARTS TO CHANGE IN WONDROUS AND POSITIVE WAYS. IN OTHER WORDS, I FEEL THAT HOW WE TREAT EACH OTHER IS PRIMARY. EVERYTHING ELSE IS SECONDARY.

Tips for Adopting Pets - Humane Society of Dover-Stewart County

Adoption Insights from Kristi Moyer,

Humane Society of Dover-Stewart County

The HumaneSociety of Dover-Stewart County is this month’s KIDS ‘N’ PETS featured Pet Partner of the Month.  Thanks go out to Kristi Moyer for sharing her insight on pet adoption and care. 

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  What is the most popular pet adopted at the Humane Society of Dover?

KRISTI:  We are a large dog rescue and deal a lot with Pitbulls.

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  Before adopting a pet, what do you think is the most important thing to consider?

KRISTI:  The most important thing to consider when adopting a pet is to ask yourself:  Will this pet fit in my lifestyle or will I change my lifestyle to accommodate a pet? If you are not an outdoors type of person who does not like to go on walks, a toy breed dog or a cat is your best option. Do some research on the type of care and attention your new pet will require.

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  What have you used KIDS ‘N’ PETS for?

KRISTI:  KIDS ‘N’ PETS is used to clean carpets, tile floors, my couch and the dog bed. 

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  Any additional tips for people who are looking to adopt but also have kids?

KRISTI:  Teach your kids how to treat your pets and show them how to interact with pets correctly and not to pull tails and ears. 

KIDS 'N' PETS Coupon - Save on Cleaning Products

Save $1 on KIDS ‘N’ PETS!

Hey friends, for a limited time now through May 31^st, you can save $1 on an in-store purchase of any KIDS ‘N’ PETS cleaning product! To claim your coupon:

1. Visit us on Facebook and like our page
2. Print off your coupon for $1 OFF
3. Head to the cleaning aisle of your local Walmart or nearest retailer and choose your favorite product (Find a store here: http://kidsnpetsbrand.com/wheretobuy.html)

It’s that easy! Enjoy your new KIDS ‘N’ PETS product and stay tuned to our Facebook page for more special offers!

Top Ten Reasons Why We Love our KIDS and PETS

In honor of National Kids and Pets Day April 26^th, we polled our staff and Facebook friends and came up with the top reasons why we love our little tots and furry friends. Read on and share your top reasons with us on Facebook!

1. Kids really do say the darndest things
2. I love my kitties even when they pick my floral arrangements to catnap in - Jenny W. on Facebook

Jenny Waldon

3. Puppy to full grown pup, you're always our loyal best friend

4. Even when they're messy, they're just so darn cute

5. They can be mean and moody one minute, but then give you the look that just melts your heart the next - Wendy H.L. on Facebook

6. Kitty cuddles and puppy licks in the morning are the best wake-up call of all

Findavet

7. Because they love me at my best and even more when I'm at my worst - Misty R. on Facebook

8. When we're down they always manage to make us smile
9. Because kids and pets teach adults unconditional love - Corine K. on Facebook

And what's our favorite reason we love our kids and pets???

10. Because a home without kids or pets is like P&B without the J!

Blogs.citypages.com

Happy National KIDS and PETS Day everyone!

Pet Partner of the Month: Ferret Dreams

Ferret Dreams Rescue & Adoption is this month’s KIDS ‘N’ PETS featured Pet Partner of the Month.  Thanks go out to Director, Matthew Jaramillo for sharing his insight on owning ferrets. 

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  Before adopting a ferret, what is the most important thing to consider?

MATTHEW:  Before adopting a ferret, a lot of research needs to be done.  Ferrets are very high maintenance and curious animals.  They demand a lot of attention and supervision.  They aren't recommended for young children.  Ferrets need to be fed a special high protein and fat diet.  Their medical needs can vary but since they are considered exotics, they will require a veterinarian who has experience with ferrets.

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  What fun facts can you offer to people who are unfamiliar with ferrets?

MATTHEW:  Ferrets are fun, curious and very social animals.  They love to play with both humans and other ferrets.  It is always best to have at least 2 ferrets so they have another ferret to play and sleep with.  Ferrets love to dance and play, run through tubes and dig in rice boxes.  They will keep you smiling with their antics.

KIDS ‘N’ PETS:  What have you used KIDS ‘N’ PETS for?

MATTHEW:  We use KIDS ‘N’ PETS every day at our rescue.  We use it to clean cages, tile floors and carpet.  It cleans up all accidents and even blood.  All the stains come out easily and it leaves a fresh smell behind.

Ferret Dreams Rescue & Adoption is a 501©(3) non-profit organization. They are the only no-kill ferret rescue in the state of Colorado. Ferret Dreams started in 2005 and has rescued close to 500 ferrets. (Read more at www.kidsnpetsbrand.com/partnership.htm or visit www.ferretdreams.org.)

How to remove skunk odor, clean stinky dog fur, and eliminate pet odors

From carpets to clothing to car seats and beyond, KIDS ‘N’ PETS tackles an enormous amount of household stains and odors. Yet, what many customers don’t realize is that KIDS ‘N’ PETS can be used directly on stinky pet fur to clean them up after a particularly nasty romp.

Photo: Shannon Pifko

Recently, a customer, Dana, came to us with this question:

“I LOVE KnP for cleaning carpets, couches, bathrooms.... I am hoping someone can tell me if I can use it on our dog.... he decided to "make himself smell pretty" by rolling in something awful. We bathed him with dog shampoo and baking soda last night and he still stinks... not as bad... but ugh.... so can we use KnP on his body??” 

Photo: Torli Roberts

The answer: Absolutely! Whether your pet is sprayed by a skunk, rolls in manure, swims in a particularly dirty pond, or is indescribably just plain smelly, KIDS ‘N’ PETS can help eliminate the odor.







Here are 5 quick steps to clean up stinky pet fur and help your furry family members smell their best!

1. Place your dog (or cat, if they’ll stand for it) in the bathtub 
2. Pour KIDS ‘N’ PETS All Purpose Stain and Odor Remover directly onto his/her coat. Wet thoroughly and massage into dog’s coat. **Watch out for sensitive areas, KIDS ‘N’ PETS has a small percentage of alcohol in it 
3. Let the KIDS ‘N’ PETS enzymes work their magic until coat is completely dry 
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Enjoy Sparky (or Fluffy’s) sparkling fresh and odor-free coat! 

Have you used KIDS ‘N’ PETS to clean up your pet? Tell us your story on Facebook!

Choosing Safe Cleaners for Kids and Pets

Nothing shows dust like a little sunshine, and as spring emerges we’ve got fantastic tips on how you can shop for and select safe and green cleaning products from our founder and resident green cleaning expert John Latta.

This spring, remember these 4 tips when you are out shopping for green cleaning products:

Look at the ingredients! Choose products that fully disclose their product ingredients.

1. Think Chem 101. Unless you have a degree in chemistry it is difficult to discern safe and green chemicals from the ones that are toxic and/or harmful. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis and Potassium Cocoate sound pretty scary until you find out they are the names for Almond Oil and Coconut Oil! Avoid ingredients like Sodium Hypochlorite (corrosive to skin and found in some spot removers), Formaldehyde (toxic to ingest and found in some air fresheners) and Petroleum Distillates (flammable and found in some furniture polishes).
2. Read the warning label. Read the cautions and warnings on the label. What will happen if the cleaner comes in contact with your skin or your eyes? What happens if you swallow any of it? 
3. Can you safely breathe it? Avoid aerosols with aerosol propellants which are typically flammable and not safe to inhale. There are many effective cleaning products available that are safer than ever to use. Look for products that are non-toxic and that are safe to breathe and/or get on your skin.
4. Choose bio-degradable. Biodegradable ingredients are capable of being broken down by Mother Nature and dissolving into the earth. There are so many effective biodegradable cleaners today that it makes no sense any longer to use products with ingredients that don’t biodegrade.

With households full of kids and pets, toxins in cleaning products can be life threatening. Choosing green cleaning products is simple, safe and so important. Look, think, read, choose!

Have more questions? Contact KIDS ‘N’ PETS or reach out to us on Facebook and share your spring cleaning tips!

Safely and Effectively Cleaning Cloth Diapers

You know KIDS ‘N’ PETS is safe to use on carpet, clothes and any other water-safe surface.  Did you also know that it’s safe AND a great solution to cleaning cloth diapers?

KIDS ‘N’ PETS will help take out the odor and the stain.  Just pre-treat the diaper with KIDS ‘N’ PETS All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover and then throw it into the wash when you are ready.

To show the effectiveness of KIDS ‘N’ PETS, we actually stained a diaper with some strained carrot baby food.

Clean cloth diaper to start

Here is the diaper with carrot flavored baby food stain  

Using KIDS ‘N’ PETS All-Purpose Stain & Odor Remover

After letting it sit for 5 mins we wiped up the mess

Once it went through the wash, the mess is gone!

KIDS ‘N’ PETS safely removed the stain and the odor.  The non-toxic, biodegradable product makes it a great choice when removing the unwanted stains and odors from cloth diapers.

Cleaning Grout, No Elbow Grease Needed!

This week we received a call from a customer that was so thankful for KIDS N PETS!  Her home had a section of tile flooring where the linen grout had become discolored.  She was told by a professional tile cleaner, it could only be cleaned professionally.  Before paying for a professional cleaner she decided to give KIDS N PETS a try. 

She poured the KIDS N PETS All Purpose Stain & Odor Remover, full strength, on a small area of tile and covered it with plastic (to keep the cat away).  After 6 hours, she removed the plastic and mopped up the solution. To her surprise the grout looked like it had just been installed!  The professional tile cleaner was also shocked!  In his shock he actually accused her husband of making her scrub the grout by hand! 

Nope not a drop of elbow grease was used, just KIDS ‘N’ PETS!  

Have you used KIDS ‘N’ PETS instead of elbow grease before?  Tell us your story on Facebook.

Win $5,000 in 5 minutes

Want to pay off some bills or really want to go on that family vacation but don’t have the means? You’re in luck! KIDS ‘N’ PETS is offering you a chance to win $5,000 and it only takes 5 minutes!

Fill out the Pass It On Rebate Form with your name, email and phone number
a) Download the editable word document and send on: KNP-$5000-Pass-It-On-Contest
b) OR Email the rebate link: http://kidsnpetsbrand.com/Pass-it-on-rebate.html

Here is a letter you can include with the rebate (just replace the red):

---

Hi!
Thought of you when I saw this offer for a FREE Bottle of KIDS ‘N’ PETS, it’s an awesome very effective stain and odor remover! You can purchase KIDS ‘N’ PETS at any Walmart in the cleaning section or find another location on their where to buy page: http://kidsnpetsbrand.com/wheretobuy.html. Just fill in my Name, Email (email@email.com), Phone Number (XXX-XXX-XXXX) and follow the rest of the rebate directions to be refunded for your purchase. 

All the best,
YOUR NAME

---

As your friends, family or acquaintances send in the rebate and are reimbursed for any KIDS ‘N’ PETS Brand product, you are entered into the contest! The person with the most referrals wins!


So do you have 5 minutes?


Visit kidsnpetsbrand.com/passiton to learn more!

Welcoming Home a New Pet - Tips from Eastlake Pet Orphanage

Over the holidays many people were lucky enough to receive a new pet.  To help with your new pets transition to a new home we asked KIDS 'N' PETS' January Pet Partner, Eastlake Pet Orphanage, to offer some suggestions on how to make the animals new home more welcoming.

They suggest putting an old shirt you have worn into the crate or on the pet bed when the pet goes to bed at night.  This gives them something that smells like you for a comfort so they don’t feel alone.  

Another suggestion is when going to sleep at night, the pet can be crated in the room with you while you sleep to help them adjust.  They recommend crating at night particularly with dogs during the adjustment period as it gives them someplace they feel comfortable and safe they can retreat to when they are feeling insecure. 

To learn more about  Eastlake Pet Orphanage and see what pets they have available for adoption visit http://www.elpo.org/.  They are an animal adoption group located in Dallas, TX. 

KIDS 'N' PETS Pass It On Contest!

You rely on KIDS 'N' PETS to remove all your unwanted stains and odors. Do you love the product so much you would recommend it to your friends and family?

Well, now you can be rewarded for telling others about KIDS 'N' PETS in our first ever KIDS 'N' PETS…Pass it On! Contest. All you have to do is refer a friend to KIDS 'N' PETS to help them tackle their toughest stains and odors and you'll be entered to win up to $5,000.

Here's how it works:

1. Refer your friends and family to KIDS 'N' PETS! 
2. Provide your friends and family the rebate form for a Free Bottle. On the rebate form be sure to include your name, phone number and email address.
3. When your friend or family member submits the rebate form correctly they will be reimbursed for their purchase and you are entered into the contest! The more referrals and rebates you pass on the greater your chances of winning! The person with the most referrals wins!

The contest runs from October 21, 2011 until April 26, 2012

We also have monthly drawings of a random $100 winner, we have already named two winners you could be next! 

Good Luck and may the loudest customer win! 

Rebate to hand out to all your friends and family:

If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us.