ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from December 2003

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from December 2003

True professionals always look to improve; no one ever said the world makes it easy to succeed. If it did, everyone would.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)
December 1, 2003... We like to print as much as possible about the seminars, meetings and shows that go on each year in the cleaning and restoration industries. But the limited pool of hoopla and fanfare that can be tapped is usually drained by events painting the...

Software in your business; in the business world of the 21st century, computers have become very important, if not essential, tools for efficient operation. Selecting the appropriate software programs for the various business functions where computers are used is critical to getting the maximum benefit from this valuable equipment.(Building a Profitable Business)
December 1, 2003... The key to getting the proper software packages for your business is start with the realization that the software and the computer it runs on are tools for you to use, like your cleaning machine. And before you can select any tool you must...

Classes of water loss--when to change? I recently heard from an IICRC-certified technician who asked, "when processing a class 2, category-1 water loss, if I remove the carpet and pad, does that loss change from a class 2 to a class 1 water loss?".(Rx for Restoration)
December 1, 2003... Good question. As the IICRC technical advisor, I respond to questions about classes of water loss along the guidelines being taught in IICRC-approved water restoration technician (WRT) and applied structural drying (ASD) courses. It is...

It's all in how you say it.(To Your Success)
December 1, 2003... "Let us go down there and confuse their language so they may not listen... That is why its name came to be called Babel." --Genesis 11: 7,9. For thousands of years the world has been divided by language. Wars have been fought, lives...

Technology in cleaning.(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 1, 2003... Technology, when put to good use, improves the working environment. Professional cleaning and restoration technicians are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and mole efficiently ICS Cleaning...

Butler won't gum up the works.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... The Butler Corp. introduces Gel Gum and Grease Remover a super-concentrated, natural-based gel formula the company says "safely and effectively removes most gum, grease, tar, glue and oily substances." Gel Gum and Grease Removers blend of...

SHURflo puts a charge in backpack sprayers.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... SHURflo introduces the ProPack SRS540, a rechargeable electric backpack sprayer the company says "eliminates the need for the operator to con6nuaUy 'pump up' the sprayer to maintain a constant and steady spray patterns." The SRS-540 sprays...

Bridgepoint aims to protect fine fabrics.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Maxim Fine Fabric from Bridgepoint Systems is a solvent-based fluorochemical protector designed for fine upholstery fabrics. It "safely protects even the finest fabrics from spill and stains," the company said, and spills bead up so they can be...

White Magic reels in the hose.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... White Magic introduces its electric hose reel, what the company describes as "the most durable in the industry." White Magic offers its electric hose reel in a variety of sizes, including a high-profile reel and a low-profile reel designed...

CDC offers full floor-care systems.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... CDC Products Corp. has developed the CDC Floor/Carpet Care Systems,. The floor care system consists of a resilient- and hard-floor wax/finish stripper; a neutralizer; a cleaner/conditioner and a floor finish. The carpet care system...

Tornado unveils new vacuum line.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Tornado Industries introduces the Tornado CV vacuum cleaner line of singlemotor upright vacuums. Available in both 12- and 15dnch widths, the vacuums have enclosed lightweight, ergonomically designed handles and brush-assisted forward movement...

Delmhorst electrode designed with restoration in mind.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Delmhorst's insulated 19-E/STC electrode, designed for use with any of" the company's penetrating moisture meters, was created specifically for the restoration contractor and IAQ and mold remediation specialists, the company said. The...

Betco puts the "Workman" to work.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Betco introduces the Workman 20gallon, tip-and-pour wet/dry vacuum. The machine features an "easy empty" design the company says allows the operator to empty the large 20-gallon tank quickly and with little effort. The Workman features a...

Atrix puts safety, performance into lightweight package.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Atrix International introduces the Atrix Safety Vacuum, a 600-watt, 6pound vacuum "designed for fast and efficient cleaning." The Atrix Safety Vacuum features a self-contained HEPA filter to store debris, and the clear, see-through hose...

HydraMaster makes upholstery cleaning easier.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... HydraMaster introduces the DriMaster Upholstery Tool. Featuring jet-less cleaning technology, the DriMaster Upholstery Tool has no trigger valve, no spray jet, and "never needs a second pass," according to HydraMaster. The design allows the...

Calendar of industry events.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
December 1, 2003... Conventions & Trade Shows Jan. 28-30: SURFACES 2004, Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6343. MARCH 9-13: "SOLUTIONS" ASCR 59TH ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION. Colorado Springs, Colo. Call (800) 272-7012. MARCH 22-26: BSCAI CONVENTION &...

U.S. products makes a triple play.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... U.S. Products introduces the Triple Play spot remover, featuring three separate tanks - solution, rinse and recovery designed to eliminate the need to empty the solution in order to rinse. The extra-large recovery tank is removable, and the...

Jon-Don launches custom newsletter program.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Jon-Don has launched the Business Builder Custom Newsletter program, a kit that comes with a ready-made customer newsletter designed "with homeowners in mind." A flesh newsletter arrives each month for personalization. In addition to the...

Clarke heads for the Summit.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... The wet/dry Summit Tank Vacs from Clarke are designed for use in "the most demanding environments," the company said. Available in 16-gallon squeegee and pumper models, the Summit "Yank Vacs are equipped with a 1-hp, 2-stage tangential bypass...

Noble Pine Products unveils Steri-Fab.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Steri-Fab from Noble Pine Products Co. is designed to kill bed bugs, lice and dust mites on inanimate objects such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, couches and carpers. Steri-Fab also works as a disinfectant, a mildewcide, a fungicide,...

ERC brings out low-cost toweling.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... ERC Wiping Products Inc., provides lowcost terry toweling the company says is "ideal for general cleaning purposes." The cotton wiping cloths are available in a variety of sizes and thickness, and can be used on many surfaces, including...

Bridgepoint takes hard line with smoke restoration.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Bridgepoint Systems introduces Hand Power. Formulated with a blend of detergents and solvents to penetrate soil and grease on almost any surface, 11aJd Power is "ideal for both smoke restoration and general cleaning," the company said. ...

Butler wands take the floor.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... The Butler Corp. offers four stainless steel wand designs: three multi-jet (3-5 jets) double bend in 10-, 14- and 18-inch widths, and a traditional 12-inch single bend. The double-bend wans feature Butler's exclusive serrated lip design...

Granwax launches carpet care range.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Granwax Products announces the arrival of a new range of carpet care products. The EZEE Carpet Care line covers all aspects of carpet care, from pre-treatment through stain and spot removal, the company said. The EZEE line includes High...

Tornado takes the fatigue out of vacuuming.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Tornado Industries introduces a lightweight, ergonomically designed vacuum cleaner with a HEPA air filtration system. The company says the machine was designed to address the needs of cleaning professionals who use vacuum cleaners several hours...

Eureka stands upright with new vacuum.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Eureka introduces the Sanitaire Dual Motor Upright, model SC6600. Vacuum performance sensors alert the user to changes in airflow or brush-roll operation. The SC6600 features a 15-inch cleaning path, a 50-foot power cord and a complete set of...

HydroTech works out on grime and residue.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... HydroTech's HydroEdge edging and crevice tool is designed to blast out grime and built-up residue in grout, tight areas. corners and hard-to-reach areas without damaging tile or grout. The stainless steel, single-jet tool is designed with a...

HydraMaster works on saving, simplifying space.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... HydraMaster introduces a way to save valuable cargo Space with its 120-gallon fresh-water tank and custom shelving system. A manual- or electric hose reel may be added as well. HydraMaster also offers a selection of custom three-tier...

U.S. Products strikes with King Cobra.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... U.S. Products introduces the King Cobra series of hot-water extractors. Available in 150-, 300/75-, 300- and 500 psi, the King Cobra includes a 16-gallon tank and solid-stare heat management delivering instant 212-degree heated solution at the...

CTI enhances, renames rinse.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Chemical Technologies International Inc. has released an enhanced version of the company's Crystal Rinse. The new formulation has been renamed SCR "Soil Crystallizing Rinse) and features CTI's soil crystallization technology designed to reduce...

Omegasonics publishes procedures workbook.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Omegasonics has produced the "Encyclopedia of Ultrasonic Fire & Smoke Restoration Procedures," a shop-reference workbook for the restoration of a wide range of contents. More than 300-pages long and fully illustrated, the workbook contains...

Web site offers direct marketing for professionals.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... CarpetCleaningCoupons.com is a direct-marketing tool designed for the carpet cleaning professional. According to the company, it utilizes a variety advertising venues, including major television networks and cable and satellite programming...

HydroTech unveils compact portable extractor.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... HydroTech introduces the HT1500, a compact portable extractor specifically designed for hard-surface cleaning, providing 1,500 psi. The HT-1500 is equipped with auto-fill/auto-dump; heavy-duty, high-performance Hydro pumps; built-in safety...

Hydro-Force offers new quick connect.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Hydro-Force introduces the SecureLock, a secure-locking female quick connect. The SecureLock features a collar that stays down until the operator turns it down and releases it. The company says it cannot come undone by catching on things, which...

Cat Pumps recasts, renames pump model.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Cat Pumps announces the renaming of its direct-drive Plunger Pump. After producing thousands of pumps, the mold needed to be replaced. The crankcase on the new pump, now known as the 66DX, has been redesigned with a new look, using the same...

PowerClean works for freedom.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... PowerClean Industries introduces the Freedom-XT line of truckmounts. Freedom-XT units feature a Kohler 25-hp water-cooled engine, Cat 3C pump and a choice of a Roots 26, 45 or 47 blower. Freedom-XT units are capable of generating...

SCI locks stains out of stone.(Products: tools & equipment)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Stone Care International Inc. announces Stone Spray-N-Seal, a new sealer designed to lock out all oil- and water-based stains. The company says Stone Spray-N-Seal is "the only spray-on sealer in the industry and provides excellent stain...

Mohawk offers professional floor care services.(Products: tools & equipment)(Mohawk Professional Floor Care Systems)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... Mohawk Professional Floor Care Systems, in conjunction with the Mohawk "Floor Care Essentials" Professional Cleaning Systems, offers turnkey programs in truck-mounted carpet care and dust-free wood refinishing systems. An initial...

10 ways things can go wrong with your chemicals: you've made your monthly truckmount payment, the oil change on both truck and truckmount have been completed, the water tank is filled, the gas is topped off and you're ready to go.(Focus on Chemicals)
December 1, 2003... But wait! Did you check that list of chemicals? Sure you don't have to stop by the supply store to replenish your inventory? If you have all your ducks in a row then you are well on your way to making money and putting bread on the table. ...

Small businesses are vulnerable to scams: con artists count on personnel being too harried--or greedy--to notice their devious intent.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Just about all of us have received e-mails from a Nigerian "prince" inviting our company to participate in an exciting business proposition. He and his cohorts have millions of dollars they want to deposit in the United States, but because of...

Developing procedures for contamination situations.(IEQ Q&A)
December 1, 2003... Q: Our company primarily does carpet cleaning. Occasionally we handle very small water losses. Sometimes, while on a carpet cleaning job, I've discovered that the property had a previous water loss that was not professionally dried, or...

Doyle Bloss joins Bridgepoint as v.p. of education and technical resources.(Industry: news & information)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Bridgepoint Systems announces that Steam Way International's Doyle Bloss as vice president of education and technical resources, "bringing 22 years of experience and innovative thinking to Bridgepoint's educational and customer support...

AdvantaClean appoints new vice presidents.(Industry: news & information)(AdvantaClean Systems Inc., John M. Capponi, Brian M. Nunan)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... AdvantaClean Systems Inc. has appointed John M. Capponi as vice president of franchise operations, and Brian M. Nunan as vice president of training. "The addition of John and Brian brings an unsurpassed level of leadership and a wealth of...

ProTeam, American Lung Association to offer dust mite control tips.(Industry: news & information)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... ProTeam and the American Lung Association are producing a list of dust mite control tips that will soon be available online. The interactive tip sheet and quiz will offer advice such as covering mattresses and pillows with airtight or...

ASCR members eligible for Enterprise services.(Industry: news & information)(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Enterprise Fleet Services )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Members of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration are now eligible for a broad range of fleet management services from the Enterprise Fleet Services Business Partner Program, the association said. "ASCR affiliations...

Restoration workshop offers full course of topics.(Industry: news & information)(Advanced Restoration Technologies Workshop )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Advanced Restoration Technologies Workshop is a two-day program featuring in-depth instruction, up-to-date contents processing and handling techniques and more. Topics covered include the chemistry of cleaning, ultrasonic contents...

HydraMaster appoints regional sales manager, unveils new logo.(Industry: news & information)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... HydraMaster has appointed Steve Poulos as its new Eastern regional sales manager. Poulos will be supporting the sales efforts of the company's distributors east of the Mississippi, the company said. Poulos is an IICRC-certified master...

CIA Group, AEgis Environments enter into agreement.(Industry: news & information)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The CIA Group of Fountain Inn, S.C. and AEgis Environments of Midland, Mich. have entered into an agreement under which The CIA Group has assumed full operational responsibility for commercialization of the AEgis Microbe Shield antimicrobial...

NFSI certifies Tennant cleaning system.(Industry: news & information)(National Floor Safety Institute )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The National Floor Safety Institute has awarded "High-Traction" product certification to Tennant Co.'s Fast automated cleaning system, making it the only automated cleaning system to receive the certification. The NFSI introduced its...

PowerClean names distributor of the year.(Industry: news & information)(Truck Mount Headquarters )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... PowerClean Industries named its 2003 Distributor of the Year at the Connections 2003 Trade Show and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Oct. 2-4. Truck Mount Headquarters of Oxnard, Calif. was singled out for "their overall sales and high level of...

ISCT engages in some W.E.T. work.(Industry: news & information)(International Society of Cleaning Technicians)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The International Society of Cleaning Technicians conducted a study earlier this year involving water-extraction efficiency testing, or W.E.T. The research effort was sponsored by the ISCF in coordination with Shaw Industries laboratory and...

Specialty marketing for commercial accounts; I recently discussed the merits of marketing your business in the traditional fashion, i.e. postcards, letters, etc,, to the usual suspects such as restaurants, realtors and other commercial establishments with well-traveled and soiled floor coverings.(Notes from the Trenches)
December 1, 2003... I think it is important to examine the potential rewards of marketing to those commercial businesses you may not give much thought to, but which will require your services on occasion. It may be well worth your time and effort to make contact...

Setting the standard--again; the publishing of S520 Mold Remediation Standard and Reference Guide once again demonstrates what can be accomplished when key industry players are rought together to collaborate in writing a standard.(IICRC President's Corner)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
December 1, 2003... As with previously published standards, the IICRC has gain stepped up, above and beyond the ordinary. Thanks to IICRC Standards Chair Larry Cooper and his outstanding committee, the IICRC has pulled off another huge accomplishment with S520....