America's Biggest Hot Messes Exposed by Zep Commercial

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Zep Commercial, a division of Zep Inc. ZEP and a leading provider of professional strength cleaning and maintenance products, today redefined the meaning of a “Hot Mess” with the identification of the three filthiest homes in the country. After thoroughly examining hundreds of dirty, greasy, grimy, smelly, stained and distressing contest entries, cleaning experts from Zep Commercial concluded the “America's Biggest Hot Messes” contest by naming the King family of Charleston, W. Va., Peggy Christopherson of Queens Creek, Ariz. and Lisa Bell of Tombstone, Ariz. as the top three hot messes.

“When we launched this contest we knew we'd get a look into some seriously grimy scenarios,” said John Callahan, Vice President of Marketing for Zep Commercial. “But we've been surprised by the extent to which America has unearthed its filth. Our contest winners are without a doubt the Hottest Messes we've ever seen.”

The winners will each receive a thorough home cleaning from Zep Commercial's team of professional cleaners and $5,000 each to help keep their homes clean for a year.

Additionally, the company is rewarding Elizabeth Edwards of Winchester, Ky. with $5,000 for courageously coming forward to nominate the King family for their filthy ways.

Zep Commercial launched their search for America's Biggest Hot Mess— that person who is undeniably and hopelessly challenged when it comes to keeping his or her home clean— in February. Submissions were judged on the story behind the mess, creativity, and the “unbelievability” of the mess. Zep Commercial named the top ten finalists on March 28, and the public had one week to vote for their favorite submissions. Those with the most public votes combined with the judges' scores determined the three overall winners. The three winning entries are available for viewing here: http://zepcommercial.com/americasbiggesthotmess.aspx.

“We're glad that we'll be able to get the Biggest Hot Messes the cleaning rehabilitation they need,” said Callahan. “We're pulling together our expert cleaning crews to help give these three people the full Zep Commercial treatment.”

About Zep Inc.

Zep Inc., with fiscal year 2013 net sales of approximately $690 million, is a leading consumable chemical packaged goods company selling a wide variety of high-performance chemicals that help professionals and prosumers clean, maintain and protect their assets. We are focused on the attractive industry dynamics of the transportation market and the industrial maintenance and repair operation ("MRO") market, which together now comprise approximately 60% of our revenue with the balance derived from sales into the facilities maintenance vertical. We market these products and services under well recognized and established brand names, such as Zep®, Zep Commercial®, Zep Professional®, Enforcer®, National Chemical™, Selig™, Misty®, Next Dimension™, Petro®, i-Chem®, TimeMist®, TimeWick™, MicrobeMax®, Country Vet®, Konk®, Original Bike Spirits®, Blue Coral®, Black Magic®, Rain-X®, Niagara National™, FC Forward Chemicals®, Rexodan®, Mykal™, and a number of private label brands. Founded in 1937, some of Zep Inc.'s brands have been in existence since 1896. Zep Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit our website at www.zepinc.com.