ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from August 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from August 2006

A refreshing take on restoration: the inaugural Carpet & Fabricare Institute Restoration Symposium & Showcase held at the Torrance Marriott in Torrance, Calif., July 15, was a success by any measure, shining a spotlight on some of the issues the industry is facing today.(Editorial Comment)
August 1, 2006... As any regular industry-event attendee will attest, there tends to be a certain gloss applied to any topic that may hold even the slightest whiff of controversy. And restoration, with all the litigious baggage that comes with it, often receives...

Dancing with Wanda: if you were to profile the equipment employed by the average carpet-cleaning tech using the hot-water extraction system in today's industry, odds are good your list will include what we generally call a wand.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
August 1, 2006... This high incidence of use may not be tied to any particular advantage of the wand itself; the wand is generally the lowest-priced floor cleaning attachment. Wands will vary in tube size. Most commonly they will be 1.5 inches or 2 inches....

2006 Truckmount Carpet Cleaning Equipment Market Study.
August 1, 2006... The purpose of the 2006 Truckmount Carpet Cleaning Equipment Market Study is to identify current and emerging trends in the carpet cleaning industry based on the opinions, preferences and purchasing behavior of carpet cleaning professionals and...

One-man vs. two-man crews - part 3.(cleaning services)(Column)
August 1, 2006... Last month I explained how my on-the-job research strongly suggests that one-man crews not only have a major advantage in terms of building repeat and referral business, but that it costs less to operate two one-man crews than a single two-man...

The collections animal.
August 1, 2006... Atypical restoration company may spend tens of thousands of dollars a year on training, new technology and consultants. They may even have a good business plan and plenty of customers. Yet they still have no better than a 25 percent chance of...

Business gadgets that make you rich: early on, one of my life long goals was to become rich. When I was starting my career in the cleaning and restoration industry 32 short years ago, I remember the day I had just cleaned five apartments and grossed a whopping $100.(The Gadget Man)(Column)
August 1, 2006... As I was driving home and counting the big bucks in my head I started thinking about multiplying my newfound wealth by hiring people to do the work with the results being 10 or 20 apartments a day and all the excess money flowing my way....

Shopping for major equipment: you've probably heard the expression "you've got to spend money to make money." Well, when it comes to a cleaning- or restoration-service company and its equipment, this old saying certainly applies.(Building a Profitable Business)
August 1, 2006... When you consider that on the average equipment costs represent only about 10 percent to 12 percent of gross sales, while labor typically represents about 40 percent to 45 percent of gross sales, it makes pretty good sense to spend a little...

White Magic goes Pro.(Products)
August 1, 2006... White Magic Inc. has released the Pro-1200HV High Vacuum Direct Carpet Cleaning System. The machine uses the same heat technology as the standard Pro-1200, but cleans at 20" Hg of vacuum lift. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system has been...

Mytee adds to product line.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Mytee Products has added the Water Hog Model 4000 and an electrical converter kit to its product lineup. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Water Hog is an electric-powered power washer featuring a 1,200-psi fully adjustable pump with an EZ...

Injectidry's unveils "G" Series portable power distribution centers.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Injectidry introduces the "G" Series portable power distribution centers. Range and dryer adapters connect easily to household current, allowing an easy way to operate more equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The power distribution boxes...

TES causing a stir.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Thermal Energy System from Bridgepoint Systems is designed to reduce structural drying time on jobs big or small. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TES and the Reets Evaporative Method concentrates heat on the water trapped inside. The TES...

Butler introduces Carpet Rinse.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Carpet Rinse is a "maximum performance, mildly acidic neutralizer, anionic, with a non-foaming formulation for use after wet cleaning to help stabilize dyes, prevent browning, dislodge urine residues and reduce yellowing," the...

Microban won't let the bedbugs bite.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Microban X-580, EPA-registered for use on mattresses, kills bedbugs and other insects using "flower power," a naturally derived insecticide, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One application kills insects, mold, mildew, bacteria...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
August 1, 2006... Conventions & Trade Shows SEPT. 21-23: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001 OCT. 4-7: ISSA/INTERCLEAN USA Chicago. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 7-9: SURFACES Las Vegas. Call...

Spot Removal assistance courtesy of Harvard.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Harvard Chemical Research announces the introduction of its Professional Spot Removal Kit. Containing eight specialty treatments that will "enable the cleaning technician to safely remove 98 percent of all spots and stains commonly...

Therma-Stor, Injectidry team up for quicker drying.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Therma-Stor's Phoenix Guardian HEPA and Injectidry's Adaptidry combination are now available "for quicker drying of walls, ceiling and hardwood floors," the companies said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Guardian has a four-stage...

Prochem catalog now available.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Prochem's new Summer 2006 product catalog is now available. In addition to the complete line of chemicals, truck-mounts and portables, buying tools are included throughout. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Truckmount and Wand comparison charts...

FLIR announces new capabilities for thermal imagers.(Products)
August 1, 2006... FLIR Systems will deliver full radio-metric jpeg image storage as a new upgrade to its InfraCAM and BCAM thermal imagers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The upgrade will allow users to make any temperature measurement of any pixel after the...

Dri-Eaz unveils new restoration kit.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Dri-Eaz is offering an all-in-one moisture measurement system designed just for restorers. The kit includes the full-rage MMS Plus and the Hammer Probe. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The restoration kit is invaluable when evaluating the...

HydraMaster introduces new carpet protector.(Products)
August 1, 2006... HydraMaster introduces Repel & Protect, "the industry's most advanced carpet protector," according to the company. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new fluorochemical technology offers "exceptional protection from oil-based stains," and the...

Butler introduces Maximum Liquid Enzyme.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Liquid Enzyme is a concentrated pre-treatment in an easy-to-use liquid that instantly dilutes in water to penetrate, break down, digest and decompose caked-on proteins, fats, oils and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

MasterClean bridges the gap.(Products)
August 1, 2006... MasterClean Products introduces the patent-pending Snap N Lock 2 vacuum hose connector and inline filter adapter. The Snap N Lock 2 is available only through distributors. Circle 188 on the Reader Inquiry Card. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Steam Way publishes new catalog.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Steam Way has published its Equipment & Chemical Catalog, 44 pages of truckmounts, portables, chemicals and accessories intermingled with reference and product application guides, cleaning procedures and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Activate improves bleach application process.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Deardorff Fitzsimmons Corp. introduces the Activate 5.25% Institutional Bleach Dilution System, featuring a two-bottle trigger sprayer that automatically dilutes 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite with water to a 5,000 ppm solution as the...

Betco moves to disinfect, deodorize and more.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Glybet Surface and Air from Betco kills bacteria on hard surfaces and sanitizes and deodorizes the air, "the pleasant lemon scent refreshes the entire room and completely eradicates foul odors," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

New heat process may be restoration "silver lining".(Products)
August 1, 2006... ThermaPureHeat, developed by E-Therm, uses superheated dehumidified air to disinfect, decontaminate and dry out buildings in much the same way heat is used to pasteurize milk and kill bacteria in wine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

John's Custom Machine brings Big Daddy to bear.(Products)
August 1, 2006... John's Custom Machine introduces Big Daddy, "the most powerful truck-mount available, powered with a GM350 V-8," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Components include a Tuthill 6008 blower, CAT 5CP pump, stainless exhaust HX...

Kent Razor combines size and productivity.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Kent Razor SV17 walk-behind automatic scrubber features a 17-inch scrub deck and "easily cleans aisles and other congested areas," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SV17 comes standard with two 12-volt rechargeable gel...

NSS introduces ride-on scrubbers.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Champ ride-on auto-scrubbers from NSS are "highly maneuverable machines designed for simple, safe operation, with an open operator compartment that provides maximum forward visibility," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Champs...

Earlex introduces manual carpet shampooer.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Model 280 carpet shampooer from Earlex is not designed to replace existing electrical carpet shampooers; it is designed to be used for small spills, for upstairs, or for people with apartments or RVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Filmop dumps the bucket.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Total Mop from Filmop Srl is a bucketless microfiber mop. The Total Mop dispenser snaps onto a lightweight aluminum mop handle and holds enough cleaning solution or disinfectant to cover up to 5,000 square feet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

BR Vario at home in the kitchen.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The BR Vario cylindrical floor machine from Tornado Industries "is perfect for cleaning commercial kitchen floors," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The machine features two contra-rotating brushes at each end. The technology...

Novozymes unveils new carpet care technology.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Novozymes Biologicals announces a new technology for the carpet care market, incorporating a surfactant system and a promicrobial package. An advanced pH-neutral formulation is harnessed to a promicrobial package selected for its ability...

National Chemical goes ALL-IN-ONE.(Products)
August 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories introduces ALL-IN-ONE Encapsulating Carpet Brush / Bonnet Cleaner Concentrate and ALL-IN-ONE RTU Encapsulating Carpet Cleaner and Spot Remover. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Both products incorporate the NCL...

Tile-cleaning.com offers a wider horizon.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Tile-cleaning.com offers hard-surface and other cleaning specialists an opportunity to expand their businesses by using aggressive online marketing techniques to bring potential customers to its online directory, where customers search for...

Rasa Rejuvenator offers dyeing alternative.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Rasa Rejuvenator from Rasa Floors allows cleaning professionals the ability to offer clients an alternative to traditional carpet dyeing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system's CarpetDressing is misted on after the carpet is cleaned...

Foster puts up a Clear Defense.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Foster introduces Clear Defense 40-55, a multi-purpose clear coating designed to protect the aesthetics of a wide variety of exterior and interior surfaces by resisting the growth of mold, mildew and algae. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clear...

Moldstat goes after odors.(Products)
August 1, 2006... Moldstat HVAC from Theochem Laboratories is a highly concentrated product specifically designed to eliminate foul and musty odor at their source, specifically those associated with mold; smoke; flooding; cooking; spoiling; or animals in areas...

U.S Products unleashes a Torrent.(Products)
August 1, 2006... The Torrent 1200-PSI Industrial Hard-Floor and Carpet Cleaner from U.S. Products features an HT Technology Triplex Plunger Pump, direct auto fill/dump feed, and dual top-mounted three-stage vacuum for improved airflow and increased water...

CleanBrain announces Pocket PC release.(Products)
August 1, 2006... CleanBrain Software Inc. has released CleanTelligent, the company's tracking system, to Pocket PC CleanTelligent is a customer service and complaint-tracking program designed for the cleaning and janitorial industries. The Pocket PC...

What is clean?(IEQ Q&A)(Interview)
August 1, 2006... Q: How does the S520 define clean? I read an article where the author stated that the S520 defines the target for remediation success as a "return to a normal fungal ecology," and that there is not a clear definition of what is clean. The...

Product & Literature Guide.
August 1, 2006... The ICS Product & Literature Guide is a special section devoted to profiling new products and literature for the cleaning and restoration industry. It is intended to give readers a brief opportunity to find out what is emerging in the...

Hard-floor maintenance equipment essentials: hard-floor maintenance is all about eliminating soil. Of course, the optimum soil control would be to stop it at the entrance of the facility and not allow it to enter.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
August 1, 2006... Matting programs are of great importance, but mats do not stop all the soil from getting in to the building. Once soil gets past the first line of defense it becomes the technician's responsibility to control or eliminate it. Dry soils that...

Saying goodbye with respect and dignity.(To Your Success)(firing an employee )
August 1, 2006... "For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap." --Galations 6: 7 It's time. You know it. Your employee knows it. For whatever reason he or she is no longer happy or performing the job well (the two are obviously related). In...

Media blasting myths.
August 1, 2006... A few short years ago a small revolution occurred. Media blasting for architectural restoration--baking soda, dry ice, and other blast media--became a mainstream tool for mold remediation, fire restoration, and other large cleaning and...

Vehicle of the Month.(Brahler's Service Team of Professionals' 2005 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 SCH)
August 1, 2006... Name: Todd & Marie Brahler Company Name: Brahler's Service Team of Professionals Address: 11749 Strasburg-Bolivar Road City: Bolivar State: Ohio ZIP: 44612 Phone: (888) 749 7887 E-mail: stop@tusco.net ...

AdvantaClean breaks ground on headquarters.(Industry)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... AdvantaClean recently broke ground on its new headquarters facility in Huntsville, N.C. The two-story, 9,000-square-foot building will house AdvantaClean's executive and sales staff, as well as its state-of-the-art technology center. ...

BLUEline one of America's fastest growers.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... BLUEline Equipment Co. has been selected by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. BLUEline was established in 2001 as a supplier of parts and technical support to the carpet cleaning industry....

AquaRide earns CRI Seal of Approval.(Industry)(Carpet and Rug Institute's certification for Advance USA Inc.'s rider extractor)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The AquaRide SE rider extractor from Advance has earned the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval for performance in both restoration and maintenance mode. It is the first rider extractor to be certified by the CRI, and the only extractor...

Steamin Demon earns CRI Gold Seal of Approval.(Industry)(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Steamin Demon has become the first portable extractor to earn the Carpet and Rug Institute Gold Seal of Approval for Superior Deep Cleaning Systems, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We are very pleased to have attained the...

Master Rug Cleaner Program held in Dallas.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... Oriental Rug Cleaning held its first Master Rug Cleaner Program in Dallas in April. Attendees spent three days immersed in all aspects of Oriental and specialty rug cleaning, rug identification, business planning and marketing. All...

DKI updates catastrophe-response resource.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... Disaster Kleenup International has updated its Internet-based resource for assisting in the preparation for and responding to catastrophes. DKI is fully prepared to assist in hurricane preparation and disaster planning, as well as damage...

Betco adds to sales force.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... Betco has added three members to its sales force in an effort to better meet the needs of distributors, end-users, and Betco's corporate customers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Derek Taylor was named the new vice president of corporate...

Interlink Supply creates, new position.(appointed Joe Versluis )(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Interlink Supply recently created a new position to handle dealings with large national accounts, and has appointed Joe Versluis to the position. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Versluis, formerly sales manager of Hydro-Force Mfg., has assumed...

Tennant named among 100 best corporate citizens.(News)
August 1, 2006... Tennant Co. has been named among the 100 best corporate citizens of 2006 by Business Ethics magazine. The list rates firms on eight shareholder categories, including shareholders, community, governance, diversity, employees, environment and...

CFI Board appoints new members.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... Carpet & FabriCare Institute President Eric Bollmann recently appointed two new members to the CFI Board of Directors. Aaron Whitfield, a lifetime resident of Sacramento County and an active carpet cleaner for the last four years, takes an...

ASCR offers "after the flood" clean-up tips.(Industry)(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration has put together a list of suggestions for homeowners drying out basements and other flood areas, including taking up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk;...

Chemspec of Canada President Darling dies.(Industry)(James "Jim" Darling)(Obituary)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Chemspec of Canada President James "Jim" Darling died July 7, four days after suffering a heart attack while playing golf. The sixth generation to run Ontario, Canada-based Hunnisett Chemicals, Darling, born July 21, 1954, was the beloved...

Mytee makes changes to Web site.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... Mytee Products has added an all-new section to its Web site at www.mytee.com. The new section includes copies of all of Mytee's brochures, recent print ads, training videos, press releases, trade show dates and more. Also new is "The Mytee...

John Malone, owner of Truck Mounts & Drying Solutions, dies.(Industry)(Obituary)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... John Malone, owner and operator of Truck Mounts & Drying Solutions in Salem, NH, died June 27. Malone was born in Boston on Aug. 4, 1959. He grew up in Sudbury, Mass. He was a 1977 graduate of Lincoln/Sudbury High School. He earned a bachelor's...

HydraMaster adds new distributors.(Industry)
August 1, 2006... HydraMaster has added several new distributors to its list of organizations selling and servicing their product line. The new distributors are: Textile Cleaning Supplies in Jackson, Miss.; Everlast Cleaning Supplies in Miami, Fla.; The...

Dri-Eaz improving internal service quality.(Industry)(using Allegiance Active Listening Systems solutions)(Brief article)
August 1, 2006... Dri-Eaz Products has implemented Allegiance Active Listening Systems solutions to help improve internal service quality. "Dri-Eaz is continually recognized for its commitment to product and service quality," said Curt Bisby, director of...

I continue to be amazed at the giant strides the cleaning/restoration industry has taken during my 36+ years of active participation.(Brief article)(Column)
August 1, 2006... "I continue to be amazed at the giant strides the cleaning/restoration industry has taken during my 36+ years of active participation, thanks in no small part to the consistent efforts of trade associations and the IICRC. I am optimistic about...