ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from April 2003

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from April 2003

Showtime. (Editorial Comment).
April 1, 2003... The annual ICS Company Showcase issue provides an opportunity for companies throughout the cleaning and restoration industry to expose a little bit more of themselves for public consumption than might usually occur. Not that we shy away...

Shrinkage. (Carpet Cleaning Basics).
April 1, 2003... Some of the most common questions asked by new-bies and untrained cleaners about carpet cleaning center around carpets and rugs shrinking when cleaned. This is also a favorite subject for potential customers to bring up during site visits. ...

What this business is really about. (Building a Profitable Business).(30-year industry veteran shares keys to success)
April 1, 2003... I recently attended a chapter meeting of a carpet cleaner association wherein a local member was celebrating 30 years in business. When asked to reflect and comment on a few of the keys to his success with Country Roads Carpet Cleaning,...

High performance with low moisture.(low-moisture carpet cleaning)
April 1, 2003... Low-moisture cleaning is a broad umbrella encompassing a selection of carpet-cleaning methods involving minimal amounts of moisture. While it is a safe bet that debates on moisture and cleaning methodology will continue for as long as there are...

Understanding Saltillo tiles. (Hard Floor Maintenance).
April 1, 2003... In Mexico an area known as the Saltillo region is loaded with natural deposits of clay. These deposits have allowed a number of businesses to thrive producing Saltillo tiles. The combination of raw materials and hot temperatures make the...

Listening on a deeper level. (To Your Success).(gives hidden concerns behind customers' questions)
April 1, 2003... "To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation." Francois de La Rochefoucauld, 1665 Few people really "listen closely and reply well." Sure, we hear what people say....

Get involved. (Notes from the Trenches).(how to get connected to others in the industry)
April 1, 2003... I started my carpet cleaning business in 1982. Ronald Reagan was in his first term in office, and I had yet to lose a single strand of hair. I had a shiny 1978 Dodge van, a brand new portable boasting an awesome 100-psi pump, as well as the...

Accuscan meter takes on new look. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... The Accuscan pin-less moisture meter from Delmhorst Instrument Co. is now featuring a new, more-user-friendly faceplate. The new-look Accuscan has the same features: easy-to-read analog readout, 0-100 reference scale for non-wood building...

Minuteman unveils new carpet vacuum. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Minuteman International introduces the MPV-31 Wide Area Carpet Vacuum. The MPV-31 "combines powerful suction to dean large carpeted spaces with efficiency, speed, effortless maneuverability and quiet operation," the company said. The...

Chase introduces Spot-it Gone pre-spotter. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Champion Sprayon Spot-it Gone pre-spotter from Chase Products Co. removes grease, tar, oil, lipstick and other oil-based stains, the company said. Spot-it Gone pre-spots carpets and upholstery with a high-pressure valve that Chase said...

Upright vacuum new from Betco. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Betco introduces the SM1400T Single Motor Upright Vacuum Cleaner with onboard tool kit. According to Betco, the SM1400T is effective on all types of carpeting, is economical and is perfect for smaller areas. The SM1400T features four...

Injectidry lays out panel drying system. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Injectidry introduces the all-new Vac-It panel drying system, designed to both simplify the setup process and significantly reduce labor costs. The system dries all sorts of wet materials, including hardwoods, headers and plaster walls,...

Nobles launches cylindrical version of Speed Scrub series. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Nobles is introducing a cylindrical version of the company's Speed Scrub series. The machine will be built on the Speed Scrub 2601 platform. The 2601 has a 26-inch cleaning path. The Speed Scrub 2601 Cylindrical, according to Nobles, is...

Eclipse puts power behind portable. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... CleanCraft Products Inc, introduces the Eclipse High-Powered Portable Extraction Machine. The unit features nearly 18" Mercury Lift and has many options available, including heater, auto-fill and auto-dump, and high psi for hard-surface...

HydraMaster introduces new RDM. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... HydraMaster introduces its new Rotary DriMaster Powerhead (RDM). The RDM combines the cleaning performance of rotary jet extraction with the DriMaster cleaning system, according to HydraMaster. DriMaster cleaning technology is designed to...

Dri-Eaz looks to make calculations easy. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Dri-Eaz introduces the Digital Psychrometric Calculator. Not much larger than a business card, the calculator is "loaded with practical functions to help make it easier for restorers to consistently incorporate the science of psychrometry into...

Next-Gen floor care from Pioneer Eclipse. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Pioneer Eclipse introduces a next-generation floor care system that the company says 'eliminates the use of chemical components that domestic and international communities believe present hazards to people or the environment," The...

Bridgepoint launches private-label spotter program. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Bridgepoint announces the launch of its new HomePro private-label spotter program. HomePro is a professional-grade neutral spotter that the cleaning professional can sell or give to his customer. The spotter will have the cleaner's name and...

Cat Pumps adds new dimension to 3SP series. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Cat Pumps announces a new direct-drive plunger pump for the portable cleaning industry; available in both gas and electric versions. The 3SP30GII gas model delivers 3.0 GPM at 3,000 psi, while the 3SP35GEI electric model delivers 3.5 GPM at...

HSS RentX offers steam vapor unit. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... National rental chain HSS RentX offers a commercial-strength vapor cleaner that the company says produces dry vapor steam at the nozzle at 290 degrees, has pressure-adjust from 0-90 psi, various attachments for "difficult areas," and a 1...

New pump is a Giant. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Giant Industries introduces the GP8000 Series 150HP pump, currently handling up to 105 GPM and up to 2,500 psi. The pump is available with or without external gear redirect drive. The design includes a spherical cast-iron crankcase, bronze...

MMC 210 measures moisture in wood. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... The MMC 210 "Digital Proline" moisture meter from Wagner measures the moisture content of rough to finish-grade wood. Highly flexible, the meter measures moisture content from 5 percent to 30 percent, and is best suited for wood thickness of...

PCI Products unveils Mirage SVS gum remover. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... PCI Products Co. has unveiled the Mirage SVS gum remover. Using vapor-steam technology and a water-based cleaning solution, the unit removes gum from hard surfaces and carper. The Mirage SVS can also be used to clean up food and beverage...

Steam Way introduces wood floor care line. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Steam Way International introduces a new line of wood floor care products specifically designed and formulated for the professional carper-cleaning contractor. Wood Floor Prep Cleaner is described as a complete cleaning and finish-prep...

Minuteman puts new scrubber in service. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Minuteman International introduces the 240X Series automatic floor scrubber. The 240X features a user-friendly control panel, individual forward and reverse bail levers, 20-gallon solution and recovery tanks with the patented Maxi-Wall bladder,...

EnvirOx introduces Crystal Carpet. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... H2Orange2 Crystal Carpet from EnvirOx is formulated to clean, brighten, deodorize and reduce re-soiling with hydrogen peroxide cleaning power and soil-retardant crystallizing polymers. The crystallizing polymers in the formulation trap...

Chemspec cleaning agent with lower environmental impact. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Chemspec introduces ECOgent Carpet Cleaner, a patented cleaning technology the company says contains 100 percent natural ingredients plus oxygenated brightener. ECOgent is renewable, contains low toxicity, low volatility and is readily...

Sun-Belt USA releases 2003 buyers guide. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... The 160-page guide features an index for both products and manufacturers, as well as 25 pages of parts. Circle 223 on the Reader Inquiry Card. Sun-Belt USA has released its 2003 Direct Buyers Guide, a comprehensive directory for...

Bridgepoint introduces Power Point formula. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Power Point from Bridgepoint is a liquid extraction formula that "combines the cleaning power of the best powdered extraction formulas with the instant solubility of a liquid," the company said. Power Point is described as working well in...

3M Commercial Care Division introduces tile and grout protector. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... 3M's Commercial Care Division introduces Scotchgard Tile & Grout Protector, a ready-to-use, water-based protector for unglazed ceramic tile, quarry tile and masonry grout. The protector was designed to create an invisible shield to help...

Tuffy Systems unveils automatic floor finish applicator. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Tuffy Systems' Humm'V II General, a newly patented, DC-powered machine is described by the company as the world's first fully automatic floor finish applicator. The mop head attachment is a lamb's wool pad surrounded by yarn strands on...

Argo machine fills a multitude of roles. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
April 1, 2003... Argo introduces the Argo/HCS, a multi-purpose floor machine the company says no only scrubs, polishes and strips, but cleans all types of carpet, hardwood, vinyl, tile and grout. The Argo/HCS's brush spins at 80 rpm to reduce the chance of...

Prochem introduces Everest truckmount line. (Showcase Prochem: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Prochem, a Castle Rock Industries company, began operations in 1968 producing only a chemical line. A few years later, recognizing the cleaning industry's need for more efficient equipment, Prochem undertook the design and manufacture of truck...

Century 400 corporate profile. (Showcase Century 400: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... In business since 1978, Century 400 has been noted as one of the pioneers and current leaders of the rotationally molded portable carpet extractors. As hot water extraction became more popular in the late 70s, Century 400 made it possible...

IAM, one of the leading education firms in the country. (Showcase Indoor Air Management: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Indoor Air Management, Inc. (IAM) is a full service consulting firm providing inspections of residential and commercial buildings for indoor air quality concerns. Rachel Adams, President, founded IAM in 1996. Over the last 7 years she has...

Kleenrite gives you the Edge. (Showcase KleenRite Equipment: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The EDGE is an integral part of the KleenRite Carpet and Upholstery cleaning line of equipment. This rotationally molded unit was designed for ease of operation, durability and mobility. The EDGE is available in over 27 different pump, vacuum...

Carpet mill tested and approved [H.sub.2][Organge.sub.2] Crystal Carpet now available. (Showcase EnvirOx: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Clean with the confidence of having major carpet manufacturers' recommendations when you clean with the newest cleaning technology in the industry. Hydrogen peroxide-based [H.sub.2][Organge.sub.2] Crystal Carpet[TM] and Quick-Spot Crystal[TM]...

"Revolutionary" Hydro-Force. (Showcase Hydro-Force: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... After 19 years of professional use, the Hydro-Force Injection prayer is arguably the world's most popular and useful tool for professional carper cleaners. Hydro-Force, the company, continues to bring to market the tools that help professionals...

Homepro[TM] makes faithful customers. (Showcase Bridgepoint: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... As an owner of a professional carper cleaning company for over 15 years, I learned an important fact. The majority of my customers forgot my company name within two weeks of my doing the job. This was true even though I'd done an excellent job...

Chemspec introduces Cleaning Without Harming. (Showcase Chemspec: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Chemspec is proud to announce a totally new-patented cleaning technology that promises Cleaning Without Harming - that is, safe for both people and the environment. It's new ECOgent Cleaner. An all-natural cleaner, sustainable, low-volatile,...

CTI releases new soil crystallization technology. (Showcase CTI: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Your best defense against the wicking and rapid re-soiling associated with commercial carpets. The first complete soil crystallization system. These products are all based on CTI soil crystallization technology and work together to...

Prochem corporate profile. (Showcase Prochem: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Originally established in 1968 as a small one-man chemical manufacturing operation, Prochem has grown, over the past 36 years, to become a worldwide leader in the cleaning industry with a dealer network that spans 22 countries. An...

Learn the ABC's of air duct cleaning--for free. (Showcase Rotobrush: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Are you still undecided on whether to add air duct cleaning to your existing business? What if we train you in our brand-new, 3500 square foot training center -- complete with a classroom and state-of-the-art lab for hands-on assignments? What...

Truckmount wars: all truckmounts are not created equal! (Showcase Steamaction: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Steamaction International Inc. is a manufacturer of quality truck mount systems and chemicals. We believe that the ultimate goal for the professional cleaner is to clean for a healthy environment. When John Sales starred in the carpet industry...

Introducing the revolutionary Advance Advenger[TM] line. (Showcase Advance: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The Advance Advenger line, available in eight different cleaning configurations made possible through a revolutionary interchangeable deck system, leads the industry in technical innovation with the introduction of the first 24" rider scrubber...

Jon-Don celebrates 25th anniversary. (Showcase Jon-Don: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The year 2003 marks Jon-Don's 25th anniversary. From leadership in the field to leadership on the homefront, Jon-Don has enjoyed helping customers become leaders for 25 years. It has been 25 years of creating success one day at a time. Jon-Don...

Pet odor is our focus. (Showcase Bramton Company: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... In 1981, The Bramton Company introduced the first bacteria/enzyme pet odor product in the cleaning and restoration industry. Today, although our company's product line has expanded, removing pet odors continues to be our focus. With a dog or...

The 2003 Butler System. (Showcase Butler: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Introduced in 1980, The Butler System was immediately recognized as an innovative concept in design, manufacturing, and marketing - a distinctively unique contrast from anything the carpet and fabric cleaning industry had experienced. ...

One Thousand reasons to invest in a new Steam Way truck mount. (Showcase Steam Way: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... One Thousand Dollar Cash Back Rebate on the new Steam Way 4100LX Steam Way's newest truck mount provides uncompromising cleaning performance in a power packed economical package. Place your order and purchase a new Steam Way 4100LX truck...

The Carpet Cleaning and restoration insurance program. (Showcase Allstate: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... We offer a comprehensive commercial insurance package designed to meet the needs of Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Specialists. The Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Specialist Program, available through participating Allstate agents combines...

Hydramaster's expanded high-power chemical line. (Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... In recent years, HydraMaster has captured a larger share of the chemical market with an expanded line of carpet and fabric care products. Experienced cleaners have switched from older formulas to HydraMaster's comprehensive line of products....

Hydramaster leads in setting industry standards. (Showcase HydraMaster: Advertisment).
April 1, 2003... HydraMaster has over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing truckmounts. In 2003, HydraMaster continues to set industry standards with better engineering and improved testing of their equipment. The Maxx [TM] 450, 450 Diesel and...

Hydramaster's Drimaster technology revolutionizes industry. (Showcase HydraMaster: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... HydraMaster's new DriMaster technology is nothing short of amazing! High Flow/Low Residual cleaning of fabrics and carper is now a reality. And no other extraction system can match DriMaster's quick drying after cleaning. HydraMaster offers two...

A new company with experienced staff and a commitment to manufacturing quality. (Showcase Blueline Equipment LLC: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... BLUELine Equipment LLC has been in operation for almost two years and offers a new generation of service support for the carpet cleaning industry. The company has several key goals: * Fill your parts orders immediately to reduce equipment...

Innovations at White Magic. (Showcase White Magic: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Beginning in 1980, entrepreneur Paul Richardson incorporated White Magic as a carpet cleaning service and distributor. By 1983, White Magic Inc. was manufacturing its own truck-mounted carpet cleaning equipment and developing a distributor...

Dupont[TM] Teflon[R] Advanced carpet protector...tried, true and trusted protection for more than 20 years. (Showcase Dupont: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... DuPont[TM] Teflon[R] carpet protector has been protecting carpets for more than two decades. And with the same safe, reliable, proven chemistry you've come to know and trust. When you offer Teflon[R] Advanced carpet protector to your customers,...

The experts in hard surface cleaning technology, chemicals & equipment. (Showcase HydroTechnologies, Inc. (HydroTech): Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The modern and progressive maintenance contractor realizes that when it comes to diversifying and expanding business, nothing compares to the exploding--and lucrative--hard surface cleaning and restorations field! Facilities managers, event...

Keeping it simple. (Showcase PowerClean: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Advancements in technology have made modern truck mounts significantly more powerful and more versatile than they were a few years ago. The question is, are you better off for it? With each advancement that the "big boys" make, you'll...

A unique way to think about time...and success. (Showcase S.T.O.P.: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Do you work 50 or 60 hours a week? Sometimes 70? Are you making the money you think you should for the long hours you put in? Tom Keene, Service Team Of Professionals (STOP) in Bakersfield, California, asked himself these questions nearly three...

Are you comparing apples to apples? (Showcase Cleanco: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Every truckmount has a blower, a pump and some form of filtration system. But when you compare apples to apples, which manufacturer has the right to claim the status of being the industry's most powerful truckmount? With the advent of...

If you only knew what you're breathing you'd add a Dri-Eaz Defendair[TM] to every water damage job. (Showcase Dri-Eaz: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Thirty years ago, childrens' car seats were more of a novelty than an essential safety device. Today they save thousands of young lives every year. Fifteen years ago, the Internet was just for computer "techies"; today millions of people around...

Banshee truck mount. (Showcase Powerplus: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... At Powerplus we have the solutions for the problems you face everyday. Late your customers satisfied with your current dry times? Are you faced with callbacks because of wicking problems? Do you have the ability to do flood work and pressure...

Prodigy truck mount. (Showcase Powerplus: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... The Prodigy is an extremely powerful, feature-rich truck-mount that gives entry-level cleaners room to grow and experienced cleaners expanded cleaning, and revenue generating capabilities. The Prodigy system comes standard with an...

I built the first one for my own business. (Showcase Vortex: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... I started my carpet cleaning business when I was 24 years old. When it came time to buy equipment, I didn't intend to cur corners. The "right tool for the right job" was the lesson I had learned growing up. After five years, I built my business...

New Brawler set to maul the competition. (Showcase Chemspec: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Chemspec Equipment would like to take the opportunity to introduce a few of its newest developments in cleaning technology. First, the newest of our line of truckmounts is "One Clean Brawler," our Chemspec 444. Built with a 23-hp, air-cooled...

Reduce downtime with dresser Roots. (Showcase Dresser Roots: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... Truth is, you can't make money if your equipment isn't running. Downtime costs you; it costs in time, money and customers. Minimizing downtime starts with selecting the right blower and blower manufacturer for your truckmount or slide-in...

Drying easier, praying optional. (Showcase Injectidry: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... This last year saw revolutionary improvements to the art of drying hardwood for those using Injectidry's Vac-It Panel drying system. These hard surface drying panels have literally revolutionized the way contractors dry the difficult to dry...

Professional education with Dri-Eaz--it's your best investment! (Showcase Dri-Eaz: Advertisement).
April 1, 2003... When you think of investing in your company, perhaps you immediately think of equipment. After all, purchasing new equipment does require a significant amount of capital up front. It's also easy to see the return on this investment because of...

ISCT forms relationship with WFCA. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The International Society of Cleaning Technicians has formed an affiliated relationship with the World Floor Covering Association that will allow ISCT members to join the WFCA membership at a reduced rare. Membership includes access to...

HydraMaster lines available at Jon-Don locales. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... HydraMaster announces that its full line of truckmounrs, accessories and chemicals are now available at all Jon-Don locations, including Atlanta, Chicago, New Hampshire, Philadelphia and St. Louis. All five Jon-Don stores are stocking...

NADCA partners with Prometric. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The National Air Duct Cleaners Association has partnered with Prometric to offer its certification exam for air systems cleaning specialists (ASCS) in more than 340 standardized testing facilities across North America. The alliance of the...

ISSA launches customized web portal. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The International Sanitary Supply Association Inc. has redesigned its website at www.issa.com to provide building service contractors and in-house cleaning providers easy direct access to cleaning and maintenance information through their own...

IICRC rouses enthusiasm at Surfaces 2003. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification saw more than 200 registrants visit its booth during the Surfaces 2003 convention and trade show in Las Vegas, Jan. 28-31, surpassing last year's total of 125. Registrants...

New ownership for Athena Equipment & Supply. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... Athena Equipment & Supply has recently undergone a change in ownership. Al Olsen and Anthony and Paul Balzarini plan a grand re-opening celebration to mark both the first anniversary of their ownership and the 30th anniversary of the Canton,...

Cleanco distributors meet in Calgary. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... Cleanco Truckmounts held its annual Distributor/Service Seminar in January in Calgary, Alberta. More than 40 distributors attended the two-day event which found, according to Cleanco, that 2002 yielded some excellent results for most...

Restoration training center opens in Baton Rouge. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... RTC, an education, consultation and indoor air-quality testing center, has opened in Baton Rouge, La. RTC has a fully functional training facility built to provide a number of options to the restoration industry. Courses cover areas ranging...

Giant welcomes Smithson to organization. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... Giant Industries announces that Ed Smithson has joined the company as vice president of operations, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience in plant operations and management. Smithson previously worked with Techweld...

ASCR initiates program to certify educational offerings. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration is launching a program to certify the array of courses available to professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry. The program will recognize quality courses offered...

Dri-Eaz symposium ready to go. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... Dri-Eaz Products Inc. will hold its 2003 Restorative Drying Symposium at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, May 1-3. The company describes the symposium lineup as "filled with content-rich presentations that are guaranteed to make your...

Connections 2003 Convention schedule now online. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... The schedule for Connections 2003, the largest combined convention for the cleaning and restoration industry, is now available online at www.connections03.org. Set to take place Oct. 2-4 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas,...

Dri-Eaz operations center grand opening a big success. (Industry News & Information).
April 1, 2003... Dri-Eaz hosted a grand opening event at its new Southeast Operations Center in Nashville, Tenn. in January for customers, sales partners and VIPs from the restoration and insurance industries. The festivities began with remarks from Dri-Eaz...

Consumers and their carpet cleaning decisions.
April 1, 2003... ADVO, the nation's largest fullservice targeted direct mail marketing services company, recently commissioned a carpet cleaning consumer research study designed to help carpet cleaning retailers and retailers of carpet cleaning supplies...

Looking for a clean sweep. (Editorial Comment).
April 1, 2003... One of the self-imposed mandates Commercial Floor Care works to adhere to is a commitment to theme. That is, what the editorial calendar promises, we try our best to deliver. And with a few missteps, we usually hit our target. The Spring...

How clean is clean?
April 1, 2003... In a society increasingly concerned about the very real threat of disease caused by bacteria, a building's appearance and level of cleanliness plays a critical role in the perception of its healthiness. What was once merely considered a matter...