Blast out the bad stuff with the new Tide Buzz from Procter & Gamble and Black & Decker. Using ultrasonic technology this device is designed to zap out even the toughest stains. The ultrasonic unit comes with a container filled with Tide solution, a cleaning wand and “stain catching” pads.

 

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How it works: 

The device comes loaded with 10 ounces of Tide solution. You place one of the “stain catching” pads underneath the garment you are trying to clean, apply some solution and then “buzz” the stain with the wand. The stain is then pulled out onto the “stain catching” pad. The “buzz” sounds that the wand makes are actually ultrasonic vibrations that loosen the dirt, and while not loud, some of the family pets did take notice.

Tough stains test:

To test the device, we tried Buzzing all the usual tough stains like chocolate, coffee, ink and grape juice, with good results. All stains came out easily with the exception of the ink. That took repeated attempts and washings but eventually came out. 

We also enlisted several 10-year-old soccer players who provided us with ground in dirt, blood, grass and snacks. Their uniforms were both cotton and polyester. We found that the stains came out better on the cotton shirts than on the polyester shorts; however, after several attempts on the polyester those stains came out as well.

We also tried putting a white towel underneath the garments to see if it would work as well as the “stain catching” pads. We found that although the white towel worked on some of the stains the pads were more absorbent and drew the stains better than the towel.

Our spin on the “Buzz”

The Tide Buzz device costs about $50 with replacement pads (15) and solution, sold at $5 each. Not a bad deal if it can save just one designer outfit from being tossed out but probably more than you need if jeans and t-shirts are all that you wear.

Suggested Retail Price:

• $ 49.99 – Starter kit includes Buzz™ Stain Remover, 10 oz. Tide™ Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluid and five Stain Catcher™ Pads.
• $ 4.99 – Single replacement 10 oz. Tide™ Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluid and five Stain Catcher™ Pads.
• $ 4.99 – 15 Stain Catcher™ Pads.

 

About Gadget Grrl

Diana Forbes, a.k.a. Gadget Grrl™, loves sharing the latest and greatest technology with consumers. Her "Gadget Grrl" column runs both online and in print with a circulation of 3 million readers. She appears on national and local television shows featuring live demos of the latest trends in consumer products. For more information, visit Gadget Grrl.