more on cillit bang

well, the campaign seems to be working -- see http://www.geocities.com/rogue_bodyshaker/faq.htm

cillit bang

in retrospect, my critique of cillit bang may be unfounded, and john and i are thinking it may be a very sophisticated 'spoof' marketing ploy. check out the cillit bang website, and i draw your attention to the last FAQ:

Q: Is Barry Scott real?
A: Barry is a fictional character created to demonstrate the benefits of the Cillit Bang range.

CILLIT BANG POWER GRIME & LIME CLEANER: Q: What is Cillit Bang Grime & Lime?
A: It is a highly effective, low pH cleaner that delivers superior cleaning performance on tough household stains such as limescale and rust. Q: When did Reckitt Benckiser launch Cillit Bang Grime & Lime?
A: Cillit Bang was first launched in the UK in October 2004. Q: Which surfaces can I use it on?
A: Cillit Bang Grime & Lime can be used on glass, acrylic plastic, ceramics (wash basins, toilet bowls etc), wall and floor tiles, pvc floor coating, chrome, kitchen sinks. Test on an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility. If in doubt, check the usage information on the pack label. Q: Which surfaces can't I use it on?
A: Cillit Bang Grime & Lime should not be used on any acid sensitive material, such as marble or enamel, aluminium, copper, stone, zinc-plated metals, kitchen worktops, linoleum, varnished, waxed or oiled wood floors, rubber, textiles or carpets. If in doubt, check the usage information on the pack label. Q: Can I use Cillit Bang Grime & Lime on brass?
A: No - the pack information clearly states that this product is not suitable for brass. However, we would recommend Brasso. Q: Is it true that it is very effective on rust stains?
A: Yes, Cillit Bang Grime & Lime is highly effective against tough dirt, grime and limescale, and it also works well on rust stains. Q: Can I use Cillit Bang Grime & Lime on my outside drain?
A: No - it is not designed for that. We recommend that you use a specialist product for this job. Q: What happens if I use the product on surfaces that it is not meant to be used on?
A: It is important to check the label to make sure that you are using Cillit Bang Grime & Lime in the right way. Use on for example, acid sensitive surfaces may cause a variety of temporary/permanent damage dependent on the surface, for example, discolouration or surface pitting. Check the label and only use on those surfaces for recommended use. Q: Due to the low pH formulation could it lead to material damage over a long period of time?
A: If used according to directions - on the appropriate surfaces - the product should cause no damage even if used regularly. However if the formula is misused it may cause damage to certain surfaces - but these are clearly outlined on the pack. Q: Do I have to wash every surface with water after I have used Cillit Bang Grime & Lime? If so, why - and what happens if I don't?
A: Cillit Bang Grime & Lime continues to work for up to 24 hours after application and it is not designed for use over such an extended period on any surface - it is therefore recommended that you rinse thoroughly after use to avoid surface damage. Q: The instructions appear to be quite frightening and imply that this is a very harsh product. Is it suitable for use as a household cleaner?
A: Cillit Bang Grime & Lime is a powerful cleaner designed to tackle tough staining - like grime and limescale. Cillit Bang Grime & Lime is suitable for use as a household cleaner when the directions and precautions are followed. Q: What do I do if my child does get hold of it?
A: Like all household products Cillit Bang Lime & Grime should be kept out of reach of children. Q: What is in Cillit Bang Grime & Lime? What does each component do?
A: Cillit Bang is a mix of acids effective in removing lime scale or rust, surfactants which attack greasy soil and soap scum. Q: Do I need to wear gloves when using the product?
A: Since the product is classified as irritating to skin, the wearing of gloves is recommended for those people who may have sensitive skin. In case of contact with skin, rinse immediately with clean water. Q: Is Cillit Bang Grime & Lime safe around children or animals?
A: All household cleaning materials should be safely stored and kept well away from children and animals Cillit Bang Grime & Lime has a powerful formula which needs to be treated with respect and used according to the instructions on the pack Q: What should I do if I get Cillit Bang Grime & Lime in my eyes?
A: Wash with plenty of clean water - with the lids open. If any irritation persists consult your GP immediately. Q: If the product is used on unprotected hands and the skin is broken � what would the symptoms be?
A: The skin may become irritated - if this is severe consult your GP. Q: I have had poor results when using Cillit Bang Grime & Lime, what can you recommend?
A: Some stubborn stains may require further applications.

CILLIT BANG UNIVERSAL POWER CLEANING CRYSTALS: Q: How do the Cillit Bang Universal Power Cleaning Crystals work?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Power Cleaning Crystals has a formula that releases active oxygen with the surfactants when mixed with water. This active oxygen removes even tough dirt, grime, scuffmarks, grease and soap scum. Q: Can I store it if I make it up? If 'yes' for how long/how?
A: No, you cannot store as a liquid or paste. Keep the crystals dry during storage. For optimum performance, solutions of Universal Power Cleaning Crystals should be made up fresh each time the product is used. Q: How does this product differ from Grime & Lime? When should I use this/when Grime & Lime?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Power Cleaning Crystals work by releasing active oxygen when mixed with water. The Cleaning Crystals are suitable for use on a wide range of surfaces including floors and work surfaces to clean grease, scuffmarks, etc. Cillit Bang Grime & Lime has a powerful low pH formula which is very effective for targeting tough problems such as limescale and rust removal. Q: What are 'oxygen-based bleaching agents'?
A: Oxygen-based bleaching agents are non-chlorine cleaning agents, which as part of the total formulation are tough on tough dirt, grime, scuffmarks, and grease and soap scum. Oxygen bleach is effective, safe, and non-toxic; it is also, biodegradable, and leaves no harmful residues to harm the environment. Q: What else is in it?
A: In addition to the oxygen-based bleaching agents, Cillit Bang Universal Power Cleaning Crystals include surfactants. Q: Why can't I use the product on marble, enamel etc. What will happen if I do?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Power Cleaning Crystals are an effective universal tough dirt cleaner recommended for use on surfaces such as floors, countertops, work surfaces, ceramics and glass. It is not recommended for surfaces such as marble, enamel, copper or textiles where use could result in discolouration to the surface.

CILLIT BANG UNIVERSAL DEGREASER: Q: What's the difference between Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser and Grime & Lime? When should I use this/when Grime & Lime?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser is designed to tackle tough burnt on grease, as well as dirt on work tops, oven hobs, kitchen tiles and sinks. It is formulated to work specifically on these kinds of cleaning problems. Cillit Bang Grime & Lime is very effective for targeting tough problems such as limescale and rust removal - a different sort of cleaning challenge. Q: Is it as 'powerful' as Grime & Lime?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser is a powerful and effective cleaning product which has been designed to tackle tough burnt on grease, as well as dirt on work tops, oven hobs, kitchen tiles and sinks. It is formulated to work efficiently on these kinds of cleaning problems. Together the range of Cillit Bang products provides effective cleaning solutions to a very wide spectrum of dirt and grime. Q: What is the active ingredient in the Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser?
A: It is the surfactants that are the grease cutting element of Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser. Q: Can I use it inside my microwave? If not, why not?
A: Always use according to the directions on the label and check to see the range of surfaces recommended as suitable. Q: Can I use it on my oven?
A: Yes. While it is not specifically an oven cleaner, Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser can be used safely and effectively on grease in ovens and on a wide variety of surfaces where tough grease is a problem. Q: Would it clear grease in sinks/drains?
A: Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser is designed for use on floors and work surfaces and other areas in the home. It is not designed for use as a drain cleaner and we would recommend that a specific product is purchased for that problem. Q: Can I use it to get stubborn grease off pans, etc?
A: Check the label for suitable surfaces and avoid using Cillit Bang Universal Degreaser on materials such as copper. For dishes, post and pans and other non-porous surfaces that come into direct contact with food:

1. Allow surfaces to cool.
   
2. Spray onto food soil without adding water and let product soak no longer than 30 minutes.
   
3. Thoroughly wash with soap and water, or rinse well and place in the dishwasher with detergent, rinse thoroughly with water before re-use.
   

CILLIT BANG STAIN & DRAIN: Q: I have used Cillit Bang Stain & Drain Cleaner onto unblock my bath, which is clogged with hair, but it has not worked. What should I do?
A: If the blockage has not shifted after 15 minutes, we recommend that you leave it for up to two hours and then flush with hot water. Q: Can I use Cillit Bang Stain & Drain cleaner on my bath?
A: Cillit Bang Stain & Drain cleaner is a powerful cleaner designed to tackle tough stains in for example, toilets, and simple blockages. Check the pack label for recommend usage and always follow the directions carefully. Q: How is Cillit Bang Stain & Drain Cleaner different from other Cillit Bang products?
A: The Cillit Bang range is designed to tackle a broad spectrum of different cleaning challenges. Stain & Drain is a bleach-based product developed for use on areas such as toilets and blockages. It is not a general purpose power cleaner.

adverts that please, adverts that pain

I'm not normally one to complain, but i must air my views on the state of television advertsing at the moment. now, i'm all for adverts if they entertain me in some way... the opposite is true for those adverts that irritate. Examples:

1) Cillit 'Bang'. Yes Barry, your product looks like it could do a great job on my blocked toilet, but don't shout at me about it. Also why are you dubbed? Your advert leaves me with no doubts of the chemical power of the product, but it also leaves me with more questions than answers -- mainly: 'what IS Cillit Bang?'

2) Picture Loans. A common theme in adverts -- the 'follow on story'. Previously we saw some guy who would be devastated if they cancelled football due to the impending thunder storm suggested by the guy on the other end of the phone, and also didn't know exactly how much money he wanted to borrow ('£25000' his wife reminds him... 'oh yeah'). The next stage in this campaign is his next door neighbour, who also needs some cash. What bugs me about this advert is when the bloke from the previous advert meets him on the garden path, mobile phone in hand (already dialled to Picture Loans) and informs his mate he needs to talk to picture.

There are plenty more adverts that annoy me, and I'll share them with you when I have time.

highs and lows

well, i was looking forward to catching up with Sir Alan last night, as I missed last weeks Apprentice. sadly, it was scheduled way past my bedtime, so i missed it. damn. john tells me it was a good one too. it's all about tonight. i can watch it while tidying the house in preparation for the first whisky club meeting.

the good news is that i came in this morning to find that my wfcam pipeline had completed cleanly, and i now have some lovely flat frames. nice. only problem -- there seems to be a slight astrometry problem with the NB data... there's always something.

back to work.