Revolutionary Sports and Safety Equipment Sanitizing
System Arrives in the Northwest

Removes smell and bacteria from hard to clean items such as football and hockey gear and offers NFPA-approved cleaning for firefighters

PORTLAND, OR -- April 24, 2004 -- A revolutionary new way to clean, smelly – and often bacteria-infected – hockey, football and lacrosse gear, bulky pillows, firefighter gear and many other items that have been difficult to wash has arrived in the Northwest.  This new cleaning system with its patented “wet-clean” technology uses safe and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions in a four-cycle process to get equipment clean, fragrant and germ free.

Now for the first time residents of the Northwest can enjoy the Esporta cleaning system offered through Northwest Clean Gear LLC centrally located in Southeast Portland. Northwest Clean Gear offers guaranteed, fast results for cleaning bulky sports equipment, firefighting gear, stuffed animals, pillows and many other items that cannot be thoroughly washed in any home or commercial washing machine.

Making the way for cleaner sports

Developed in Canada the Esporta wash system is the brainchild of a hockey mom turned entrepreneur who was irritated by the stench of her children’s frequently worn gear. She wanted an easy way to remove the smell and the bacteria that was inevitably growing in it. But she couldn’t find a machine or a system that would adequately get it clean without damaging the expensive gear. As a result she and her husband established Esporta Wash Systems, Inc. to address a two-fold need: a large, but gentle cleaning machine combined with effective detergents that would make the gear like new again and rid it of the dangerous bacteria growing in the crevices and padding. 

Not only is it energizing to have fresh, clean, and fragrant gear to wear, the Esporta system offered through Northwest Clean Gear also eliminates fungi, mold, yeast, mites and bacteria – which can spawn potentially deadly staph infections. According to laboratory testing, the Esporta wash system kills 99.9 percent of all bacteria living in sports and safety equipment, while prolonging the lifespan of the expensive gear.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a warning on the dangers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and recommends frequent sanitizing as an effective measure in preventing the spread of this dangerous disease.

“It’s exciting for hockey and footballs players – and their families and coaches – in Oregon and Washington to finally have an easy and affordable way to clean and sanitize equipment,” said Brian Edwards, owner and founder of Northwest Clean Gear. “We are looking forward to bringing the benefits of the Esporta systems to athletes, firefighters and many others in the region.”

Outside the Northwest, the Esporta wash system is well established with operators in place across the US and throughout Canada and in regular use by numerous sports organizations.  “Cleaning and sanitizing sports equipment has been an unmet need in the past, and is now uniquely being offered with the Esporta cleaning technology,” said Dennis Ryan, equipment manager for the Minnesota Vikings. “The professional level of service that Esporta is providing far surpassed any alternative method of cleaning we have used in the past.”

In addition to sports equipment, Northwest Clean Gear offers a sophisticated National Fire Protection Association approved cleaning process for firefighting equipment. The company’s exclusive multi-step cleaning process, based on the Esporta system, removes all contaminants and unburned fuels from synthetic or natural fibers such as Nomex, Kevlar, PBI, P-84, along with fabric blends of cotton, nylon, Neoprene, Butyl rubber, Polyvinyl, Gortex, Cross Tech, Breath Tec, Teflon and aluminized materials, without damaging the protective fibers.  The results of this process have been extensively tested and approved by the NFPA and Lion Apparel, a leading provider of firefighting gear.

Spring Cleaning Offer

Through the end of June, Northwest Clean Gear is offering free sample cleaning of Pop Warner, high school and college football gear as well as firefighting equipment. In addition, off-season cleaning specials at up to 50 percent off list price are available for hockey, lacrosse and other equipment.

About Northwest Clean Gear

Northwest Clean Gear offers fast, cost-effective cleaning and sanitizing of hard-to-clean sports and safety equipment including football, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, skiing and motocross gear, firefighting equipment, life jackets, police vests, hunting and camping equipment, horse and moving blankets, shoes and boots, floor mats and much more. For more information visit www.nwcleangear.com and www.esporta.ca. Or call (503) 963-9700.