Oreck Introduces World`s Only Germ-Killing Upright Vacuum With UV-C Light

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(Business Wire)--
Most people don`t realize carpets and floors harbor more germs than virtually
all the other surfaces in their home combined. That`s why Oreck is introducing
the Oreck Halo, the world`s only upright vacuum that uses ultraviolet light to
clean and kill germs, bacteria, viruses, allergens and mold.

How It Works

The Oreck Halo uses proprietary UV-C technology - the same technology that
safely and effectively disinfects drinking water and sterilizes operating rooms
- to eliminate many of the harmful things you can`t see.

A high-powered UV-C bulb is housed in a patented light chamber with a durable
quartz glass exterior, and independent tests prove this UV-C light kills more
than 99 percent of many common germs it comes in contact with.

With the Oreck Halo, it`s possible to vacuum and kill germs with no extra
effort, no extra time and no extra cost. This translates to a better, safer and
healthier clean - all without damaging or fading carpet, tile or hardwood when
used properly.

What You Can`t See Can Hurt You

"Every time we enter our homes, we track in germs, bacteria and viruses from
outside," said David Oreck, Founder of the Oreck Corporation. "Think about when
you come home from work, or when the kids come in all dirty after playing
outside. What about the dog digging in the neighbor`s trash?"

According to independent tests by Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiology professor at
the University of Arizona, carpets, tile and hardwood floors can have up to
4,000 times more germs and bacteria per square inch - even after vacuuming -
than the toilet seat.

"The Oreck Halo represents the future of home hygiene. It gives you peace of
mind knowing that you`re doing all you can to provide a clean and healthier
environment for your entire family," Oreck added.

Survey Reveals Little Awareness of Home Hygiene

A January 2009 Kelton Research survey of 1,000 American adults revealed that 6
in 10 have submitted to the "three-second rule" and eaten food that has fallen
on the floor.

In the same survey, only 16 percent correctly identified carpet as the dirtiest
home surface.

When told the number of germs and bacteria on carpets and floors, nearly 80
percent indicated strong interest in a product that could minimize this health
concern.

Genesis of the Oreck Halo

The technology for the Oreck Halo was born from one family`s quest to protect
its premature triplets. Ken and Carrie Garcia were told their best option was to
rip up all their carpet to minimize exposure to potentially fatal germs and
allergens.

Ken, who worked in a water-treatment plant, believed there was a better
solution. After considerable research and engineering, he was able to
incorporate the same UV-C technology he used everyday to safeguard the drinking
supply into the bottom of a vacuum.

"We wanted to share our invention with families everywhere, so we took it to
David Oreck because of his longstanding commitment to quality products," Ken
Garcia said.

Oreck, boasting a storied history of innovation, views UV-C as the most
significant emerging technology in homecare and home hygiene. It acquired this
technology from the Garcias and made more than 100 design and performance
enhancements to deliver the Oreck Halo with a vastly improved user experience.

The Oreck Halo has two high-powered motors. One drives the "brushroll" that
fluffs the carpet`s nap while the other delivers maximum suction and pickup,
which means the dirt and germs it kills are quickly trapped inside the HEPA 13
filter bag for safe removal. The bag is so tightly woven that dead germs stay
inside, and Oreck's patented Sani-Seal tab prevents them from escaping when
emptied.

An ordinary vacuum may pick up some germs, but they may still be alive inside
the bag or canister. When emptied, it`s possible those germs are transported
from one part of the house to another.

The Oreck Halo`s patented UV-C light comes with a five-year warranty and the
vacuum has a three-year warranty and includes three free tune-ups at any Oreck
Clean Home Center.

The Oreck Halo is available for $599.95 on Oreck`s Web site (www.oreck.com), in
450 Oreck Clean Home Centers nationwide or by calling Oreck directly at
888.600.HALO (888.600.4256).

For photos, research and more, please visit http://oreckhalonewsroom.com/

About Oreck

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Oreck Corporation is a leading manufacturer
in the homecare industry, offering a variety of vacuum, air purification and
other cleaning products. Oreck sells its products through approximately 450
Oreck Clean Home Centers, as well as through phone and online direct sales. The
company distributes products in the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. For more
information, please visit www.oreck.com.

Double Forte
Barbara Gibson, 415-848-8111
bgibson@double-forte.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009