TUF-ENUF ALL PURPOSE CLEANER AND DEGREASER

THE JACKSONVILLE FISHERMAN

After about six months of research and design work, Wallace and Sons has put the finishing touches on a new label for its Tuf-Enuf All Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser.

The private company redesigned the Tuf-Enuf label in hopes of reaching a broader consumer market. The company used feedback it had collected over a five-year period from Tuf-Enuf users to take the bold step to expand from its core base of marine and boating users.

"Our product is well-known in Florida and parts of the East Coast in the marine industry, but we've found it has been used for many non-marine cleaning jobs," said Toni Main, president. "We redesigned the bottle in hopes of luring more distributors to our growing network. But, the overall goal was to make the product jump off the shelf."

Over the years, Tuf-Enuf has been used to clean grease, oil and diesel stains in the marine industry. But, as the product grew in popularity, customers began using it around the home for cleaning kitchens, garages and barbecue grills.

Tuf-Enuf's new label, which is bright blue and yellow, maintains part if its marine flair by using a knotted rope encircling the words Tuf-Enuf.

Jim Scharfschwerdt, general manager of All About Boats in St. Augustine, has used Tuf-Enuf since 1993. "It truly is the best degreasing agent on the market," Scharfschwerdt said. "We use it diligently to degrease engines. The shop uses it all the time."

Scharfschwerdt also says Tuf-Enuf is great for getting tough grease off upholstery and scuff marks on boat decks.

"We use it straight up," Scharfschwerdt said, "but it can be diluted and still be very effective." Tuf-Enuf works best when water is added to its non-caustic, biodegradable formula. "Soap softens water 10 times and that's the cleaning action of Tuf-Enuf," said Wallace and Sons Vice President Edward S. Main.

"It's a high-end product," Ms. Main said. "A lot of our distributors use it in ways I never dreamed of."

Tuf-Enuf does not contain any types of acids. It can be used to clean fabrics such as clothing, boat sails, cushions and even carpet. Tuf-Enuf is also great for cleaning teak and dripping rust stains on metal fixtures.

"We are very proud of the way Tuf-Enuf has performed in the marine industry and we are sure it will become more and more known as a great household cleaner as well," Main said. "We didn't change its original formula. We just modernized the package so it will grab shopper's eyes as they stroll the store aisles."

In November, Wallace and Sons attended the Kellogg Marine Trade Show where Tuf-Enuf received rave reviews from attendees.

"We've got a great product that can stand up against any household cleaner on the market," Ms. Main said.