ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from August 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from August 2004

Running on empty: the last six months have seen an almost-continuous rise in the price of gasoline in the United States. And unless your name is Exxon Mobil, odds are you aren't too happy about it.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... Whenever something that hits the wallet hits the front page, it coincides with what feels like a quantum leap in the number of analysts/experts/pundits hitting the talk-show circuit to explain to us simple folk exactly why things are the way...

Lawsuits and water losses: with all the media hype and misinformation about mold these days, many water-restoration contractors find themselves on the receiving end of lawsuits sooner or later.(Rx for Restoration)
August 1, 2004... Improper or inadequate drying are the allegations leveled against companies that have no choice but to defend themselves. In my capacity as an industry consultant and contributor to the writing of industry standards, I often find myself serving...

Working with wands: the majority of new cleaning technicians coming into the business today that are using hot-water extraction (HWE) systems start out with a scrub wand as their primary carpet-cleaning tool.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
August 1, 2004... Economics and a lack of familiarity with other tools, including the various rotary-type heads on the market, usually dictate that the wand will be the most common tool for newcomers. To use an old and oft-stated phrase, this isn't rocket...

2004 Truckmount Carpet Cleaning Equipment Market Study.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2004... The 2004 Truckmount Carpet Cleaning Equipment Market Study commissioned by ICS magazine takes an up-close look at the preferences and opinions of floor-care professionals as they pertain to truck-mounted carpet cleaning equipment and...

What to charge: estimating the wage rate; An estimate is a general calculation for providing a service or services, based on industry standards and past experiences. An estimate should take into consideration all of the factors that will affect the end result of providing the service.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
August 1, 2004... It is accepted business standards not to authorize services without one. There are some rare exceptions, but even these will require some pricing guidelines. There are times when providing an estimate is very difficult, usually due to...

Novatek introduces negative air machine.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Novatek's negative air machine features a 2-hp motor for a consistent flow rate and to ensure utilization of all available filter media, a special eight-point motor/cage mount to prevent motor and cage shifting, and standard 24-by-24-inch HEPA...

Advance becomes the industrial Adgressor.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Advance announces the introduction of the Advance Adgressor line. As the only rider scrubber in the industrial marketplace with a modular scrub-deck system, according to the company, the Adgressor offers eight different options, in disc or...

Firewash fits a "Niche".(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Firewash from Niche Technologies is formulated to neutralize and remove soot from all surfaces, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Firewash can be applied with a spray bottle or pump sprayer to any soiled area for the removal and...

Butler offering cube van for contractors.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The Butler Corp. is offering a cube van for carpet-cleaning and disaster-restoration contractors that require a spacious cargo area to conveniently organize and transport additional hoses, dehumidifiers, air movers and other related supplies...

IAS puts fungal contamination to the test.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The MycoMeter-Test method from Indoor Air Solutions is a field-portable system to detect and quantify fungal contamination on surfaces, distinguish background levels of mold from active growth and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

ThermaPure turns up the heat.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... ThermaPure is a heat technology deployed in buildings to kill insects, mold, bacteria, viruses and other organisms, in addition to providing a preventative benefit through structural drying. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The patented process...

Air Quest designs commercial desiccant dehumidifier.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Air Quest Systems introduces the Air Quest 1200, a commercial desiccant dehumidifier the company says is designed to "withstand the rigorous nature of water damage restoration, shipyards, off and on-shore petrochemical facilities, manufacturing...

FLIR Systems cameras diagnose building ills.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... FLIR Systems introduces the ThermaCAM B1 and the high-resolution B20, infrared cameras designed specifically for building diagnosis. The cameras offer "an instant and non-invasive means of detecting moisture, provide immediate documentation of...

Cleanco goes for maximum heat.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Cleanco Truckmounts introduces the Heat Max Post Thermal Increase heat boost system to its existing line of compact truckmounts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new design is intended to capture wasted exhaust heat from the machine's Roots...

Air is king in the world of Hydro-Force.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Hydro-Force introduces the Air King, a pivoting utility blower that draws only 0.75 amps per unit. This means one 15-amp circuit will run up to 20 Air King blowers. Each unit is equipped with two electrical outlets, so several can be strung...

Butler goes for spotting, stain removal.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The Butler Corp.'s Maximum Spotting Kit and Stain Removal Products are "a complete spot and stain removal system created for the true professional," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The assortment of gels, liquids and powders...

Esteam introduces crystal emulsifier.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Esteam Cleaning Systems introduces Liquid CBS, a liquid emulsifier, to its line of cleaning solutions. Liquid CBS features a dilution rate of 1:960, and has "powerful grease-cutting action while being safe enough to use on stain-resistant...

IAQ meters from TSI.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The IAQ-Calc meters from TSI provide three options for investing and monitoring indoor air quality, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Model 8732 provides CO2 measurements. Models 8760 and 8762 simultaneously measure and data log...

BLUEline looks to soften water's impact.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... BLUEline Equipment Co. is introducing a water softener intended to help protect truckmounts by preventing hard-water scale. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hard-water scale can form on internal parts and plumbing, which can damage the unit as...

Thornell looks to take the stink out of skunk.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Thornell Corp. is making Skunk-Off, the veterinary profession's leading remedy for skunk-spray odor, available to the carpet cleaning and restoration industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Skunk-Off uses the same basic non-enzymatic,...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
August 1, 2004... NOV. 4-6: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW. Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001. NOV. 16-19: ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2004. New Orleans. Call (800) 225-4772. JAN. 26-28, 2005: SURFACES 2005. Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6343. Now...

Whittaker introduces Crystal Dry Extra.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The Whittaker Co. introduces Crystal Dry Extra, a non-toxic, non-butyl formula crystallizing carpet-cleaning agent that the company says encapsulates soils, is safe for all carpet, both natural and synthetic, and is approved by major mills and...

HydraMaster goes for high efficiency.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... HydraMaster introduces the RX-20 High Efficiency, a new model of the company's rotary extraction power tool. With specially engineered high-efficiency skids, the RX-HE recovers 58 percent more water, leaving carpets drier, the company said. ...

Transmatic brings new portable vacuum system to market.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Transmatic Environmental Systems introduces the DC3800C portable vacuum system, what the company says is "ideal for large cleaning projects of for spot-extraction applications." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DC3800C is effective with...

Extraction Systems introduces new blower.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Extraction Systems International introduces a new high-pressure blower. Forcing air into hard-to-reach spaces, between walls and floors, and behind tubs and cabinets, the blower speeds the drying process with minimal damage to drywall or...

JohnsonDiversey looks to save time finishing floors.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... JohnsonDiversey introduces a new category of floor finish that it says "uses the company's unique polymer formula to coat floors in almost half the time while providing a durable, high-gloss shine." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TimeSaver SR...

Roto-Turbo works with any truckmount or portable.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The Roto-Turbo from Innovative Products features five spray jets matched with five vacuum slots, making more than 650 cleaning passes per minute. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "This super agitation, combined with the unit's extra vacuum...

Advance adds battery to Captor platform.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Advance is introducing the Captor Battery rider sweeper-scrubber to its high-performance Captor line. The Advance Captor Battery rider features a modular platform that consists of a high-performance sweeping system with dust control and...

Esteam moves air right along.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Esteam Cleaning Systems introduces its improved E50 Airmover with a 0.4-hp motor. The new motor allows the E50 to draw only 4 amps, so three machines can be used on one circuit, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Other features...

Turbo-Force introduces 4-jet wand.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Turbo-Force International is filling out its line of hard-surface cleaning tools by adding a new 4-jet cleaning wand. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new tool comes with a 14-inch head and a brush attachment for cleaning and rinsing ceramic...

The Warrior is ready for battle.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Truckmounts and Cleaning Solutions introduces the Warrior 18 truckmount. Featuring a Little Giant water heater, a CAT pump and Sutorbilt blower technology, the Warrior 18's open-frame design allows for "simple maintenance, simple gauges and...

Kaivac introduces disaster-and-flood recovery system.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Kaivac introduces the KaiSump, a patent-pending machine the company says converts a No-Touch Cleaning System or wet/dry vacuum into a "continuous" disaster-and-flood recovery system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed specifically to...

Hydro-Force keeps water supply at hand.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The Hydro-Well from Hydro-Force is a 100-gallon freshwater reservoir tank intended to eliminate the need to users to search out a freshwater supply when cleaning. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Constructed on polyethylene, the Hydro-Well...

Bio-aerosol sampler keeps users up to date.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... The BioAire Model B520 controlled flow-sampling pump from A.P. Buck, Inc., provides more than six hours of continuous bio-aerosol sampling, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No tools are required, and "the quiet operation...

Ecology Works does the job on indoor air.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Ecology Works' Dustmite and Flea Control is a stain-free, non-toxic and odorless EPA-registered borate compound that kills mites and fleas for up to six months, the company said. It can be applied as a spray or via hot-water extraction to...

Infrared thermometer takes a different view.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... E Instruments Group introduces the new MiniRay 100L and 100XL portable infrared thermometers. Both models provide laser pinpointing to easily identify the measured surface area, feature reading ranges from minus 20 F to 999 F, and are "ideal...

Steam Way improves Odor Eliminator.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Steam Way International has improved its Odor Eliminator. Designed for use on a variety of odors, including smoke, skunk, mildew, fuel oil spills, tear gas and more, Odor Eliminator encapsulates and eliminates the odor molecules, instead of...

Bridgepoint aims for maximum fiber protection.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Bridgepoint's Maxim is a water-based fluorochemical protector. Combining soil- and stain-resistant technologies with the company's fiber-protection expertise, Maxim "wicks well and dries quickly because it uses very little water," according to...

Engelhard introduces antimicrobial to the market.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Engelhard Aseptrol antimicrobial features a patented, controlled, sustained-release technology, pioneered by the company, to control the release of chlorine dioxide from a powder, dissolvable tablet or sachet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Studebaker drives new filter system to market.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Studebaker Enterprises introduces the SureView Filter System. Constructed of Lexan, the unique dome design of the filter allows the operator to both view and demonstrate the flow of dirty cleaning solution. At the same time, the SureView's...

Disinfectant 100 percent natural.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
August 1, 2004... Sensible Life Products introduces Benefect, what the company describes as "the first and only 100 percent natural disinfectant." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benefect is made from biodegradable, renewable, botanically pure plant extracts...

HydraMaster truckmount feeling a little blue.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Spitfire 3.2 truckmount from HydraMaster is now "HydraMaster Blue." The Spitfire 3.2 features a 16-hp Briggs & Stratton engine, Tuthill Competitor Blower and Triplex Plunger water pump. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Spitfire 3.2...

Scot Labs introduces new spot remover.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Scot Laboratories introduces Scot's TUFF Multipurpose Encapsulating Spot Remover. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Used for taking out coffee, chocolate, copier toner and more, the residue dries into crystals that are vacuumed away. There is no...

Tennant enters the wireless age.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Tennant Co. introduces the 3610 Cordless Vacuum/Sweeper, a battery-powered machine that operates at 61 decibels with a 24-inch cleaning path. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 3610 features two-stage filtration to keep dust contained;...

New cleaning and disinfecting fluids hit market.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A process of electrolysis that combines salt, water and electricity is behind Electric Aquagenics Unlimited's series of cleaning and disinfecting fluids that the company says are non-toxic, environmentally safe and produce superior "kill rates"...

IQAir unveils the ParticleScan Pro.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The ParticleScan Pro from IQAir "is the world's first particle counter designed for IAQ," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The counter uses an active pump to draw in air, then uses laser diode technology to calculate the number...

Glasfloss keeps the air clean.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Glasfloss Industries manufacturers an extensive line of HEPA-grade filters for the HVAC, clean room and remediation industries. The Glasfloss 1000 Series is rated at 99.97 percent on a 0.3 micron-size particle, while the 1100 Series is rated at...

Bridgepoint hosts annual distributor conference, unveils new distribution organization.(Industry News & Information)
August 1, 2004... Bridgepoint Systems held its annual distributor conference in Park City, Utah, June 17-19. More than 100 Bridgepoint employees and distributors enjoyed three days of seminars, networking and award presentations at the Park City Marriott Hotel....

CRI sets new IAQ standard.(Industry News & Information)(Carpet and Rug Institute, Indoor Air Quality )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Carpet and Rug Institute unveiled a new Green Label Plus independent testing program for carpet that meets, and even exceeds, California's indoor environmental quality standards for low-emitting products used in commercial settings such as...

PowerClean adds new distributors to network, receives recognition.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries has added two new distributors to its network. Eagle Truckmounts in Glendale, Ariz., and JWC Inc. in Orem, Utah will now be stocking PowerClean's lines of truckmounts and cleaning solutions. In other news, CAT Pumps...

Vaportek appoints The Colker Group as manufacturer rep.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Vaportek has appointed The Colker Group as its manufacturer's representative in several southeastern states. Based in Duluth, Ga., The Colker Group will represent Vaportek's line of odor-control products in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and...

ASCR meeting to feature unique speakers, critical topics.(News)
August 1, 2004... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration is holding its All Kinds of Contents, Damages and Solutions meeting in Philadelphia, Sept. 9-11. "Our goal is to expose the cleaning and restoration industry to new, cutting-edge...

Express Distributing customer appreciation day a success.(News)
August 1, 2004... Billings, Mont.-based Express Distributing's most recent customer appreciation day was "awesome," according to Steam Way International's Dustin Murray. "I've never seen a customer appreciation day that had this much effort put behind it,"...

Tennant Co. advances carpet-care know-how with IICRC certification.(News)
August 1, 2004... The Tennant Co., a leading manufacturer of surface-maintenance equipment, announced June 28 that it is the only such company to offer comprehensive carpet-care solutions. The assertion follows the June certification of the company's North...

Unck joins BLUEline.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Hank Unck has joined BLUEline Equipment Co. as director of sales and marketing. Unck, a former head of sales and marketing with Prochem, left the professional carpet-cleaning industry in 2000 for his own marketing consulting business. ...

Independent firms gather for IMACC meeting.(News)(Independent Mitigation and Cleaning / Conservation )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... More than 200 independent restoration and loss-mitigation professionals gathered together in a meeting of the Independent Mitigation and Cleaning / Conservation Network in Chicago. Attendees heard how "banding together to combat the growing...

Mold symposium scheduled to follow Connections convention.(News)
August 1, 2004... The University of Tulsa, Indoor Air Program, and Brigham Young University's Department of Health Science will co-sponsor "Advanced Perspectives in Mold Prevention & Control: Assessment & Remediation Approaches to Varying Occupancies / Building...

CURE Water Damage appears on CNN, opens new training center.(News)
August 1, 2004... CURE Water Damage recently appeared on the educational television series "Pulse on America," aired through cable operators market by market on "CNN Headline News," the company said in a statement. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The segment is...

COIT holds first franchise college.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... COIT Restoration Services recently held its first Restoration Franchise College, a move the company said "advanced its goal toward offering restoration and emergency mitigation throughout all of its 85 locations worldwide." [ILLUSTRATION...

Stop restoration from leading to mold problems.(IEQ Q & A)
August 1, 2004... Q: I am hearing stories of more water-damage restoration contractors being sued for causing or contributing to mold problems in buildings that they have dried. Are there any practical steps I can take to protect my business? A: There is a...

Don't spend your life "hitting the glass".(To Your Success)
August 1, 2004... "We have met the enemy... and he is us." --Pogo The sound slowly woke me. Over and over again, something between a "thwack" and a muffled "thud" resonated in the room. As I came awake I realized a bird, a beautiful cardinal, was...

To lease or to own, that is the question: there comes a time in the life of every business when, in order to grow and take advantage of every opportunity, it is necessary to extend beyond everyday assets and cash flow.(Building a Profitable Business)
August 1, 2004... Perhaps it's time to acquire a new truck and cleaning machine. Maybe you need more space or some specialty drying equipment. In any case, when the opportunity arises, you are often faced with the decision of whether it is better to purchase...

It's not easy being green: you would have to be colorblind to not realize that anything being billed as good for the environment these days is sporting a green label.(Focus on Chemicals)
August 1, 2004... I suppose green implies the beauty of the forest, the freshness of the fields and the basic nurturing of the land that we all enjoy and want safeguarded for future generations to enjoy as well. In our lab, the main projects on our R & D...

Tips for collecting your money: beyond 90 days, your chances of collecting money owed diminish drastically.(Bad Debt)
August 1, 2004... Collecting delinquent money is the least fun of any aspect of the cleaning and restoration business. What follows is a multitude of advice from various sources on effective credit and collection practices. The information is organized...

Cleaning standards: do we really need them? During a recent phone conversation with an insurance broker I realized, again, the impact that the IICRC is having in the marketplace.(IICRC President's Corner)
August 1, 2004... This gentleman was trying to find a way to market a new insurance product to the list of IICRC Certified Firms, and was asking me for some inside help. He was offering a unique insurance product, which he was in the process of creating,...