Football season is winding down and that means it is time for high school wrestling teams to hit the mats. While these wrestlers are tough, their uniforms, called singlets, must be handled with care. Made of high-tech sports materials, they must be laundered correctly to last through the long and strenuous season. (Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Stuck in traffic with a mini-van full of kids and stinky hockey gear was all it took to get two Canadian Dads interested in laundry. CanWest News Service reports that the overwhelming stench prompted Keith Howlett and Bill MacDougall to develop their new detergent, Hockey Sudz. It is an an antibacterial, biodegradable, hypo-allergenic and environmentally sound cleaner geared specifically to cleaning hockey equipment.

Wonder what it will take to inspire the picking up of dirty socks?

According to a story in Scotland's The Times, researchers at the University of Edinburgh, working with other institutions, have discovered a chemical which they believe can be added to laundry detergents and cleaning solutions to fight against superbugs in hospitals. These superbugs are antibiotic-resistant and account for thousands of deaths worldwide.

Doctors have known for years that nitric oxide (NO) is produced by the human immune system to kill bugs but it dissipates almost immediately when exposed to air. The newly developed compound allows nitric oxide gas to be trapped and released in detergents as well as bandage surfaces. While it will be several years until the discovery becomes marketable, it is a great step toward preventing devastating problems.

Earlier this month the USS New York made a poignant journey into New York Harbor pass Ground Zero. Its bridge emblazoned with the phrase "Never Forget", the ship contains 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center.

All of the sailors on board wore crisp uniforms from the ship's laundry cleaned in washer-extractors made in Berlin, CT. EDRO Corporation provides washers for the U.S. Navy's surface warships and submarines. The modular units were chosen for their unique compact design and high-capacity.

Hats off to everyone who keeps our sailors looking sharp.