ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from December 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from December 2004

Industry excellence reaches new heights.(Editorial)
December 1, 2004... Last month I had the privilege of singling out the work that Cleaning Supply Network and C&B Services performed, and continue to perform, on behalf of disaster victims in Florida. They and many others continue to do their best to bring relief...

Up-selling on the home front - part III.(To Your Success)
December 1, 2004... "If you help your people get what they want, you will get what you want too." - Sam Walton "What do my employees want?" Ah. The eternal question. The list is long and varied as to what each employee wants from you as an employer. But...

Pre- and post-cleaning carpet treatments: as you meander down the aisles of your supplier's showroom, you are presented with a wide array of products designed for such specialized purposes as spot removal, odor control or correction, color correction, and sanitizing.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
December 1, 2004... These products may not be widely used in your day-to-day cleaning endeavors, but when you need them, you definitely need them. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pretreatments A larger amount of space will be probably be dedicated to the...

Connections 2004 pulls off a one-two punch.
December 1, 2004... In an otherwise turbulent fall, the Connections Convention and Trade Show posted a rock-solid showing for the second consecutive year, with marked increases in attendance, exhibitors and excitement. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It's...

Media blasting? What's that got to do with me? "Is he in? Yes, tell him I'm returning his call to discuss baking soda/dry ice/corncob/sponge blasting.".
December 1, 2004... It still gets a snicker whenever it's mentioned. But this is no laughing matter; media blasting is one of the most effective ways to remediate and restore this industry has seen in a long time. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Media blasting is...

Do you really need a Web site?
December 1, 2004... The question also could be asked, do you really need a fax machine? Technically, the answer would be no. Rarely can you trace any business gain to your fax. It's just something everyone feels they need to be in business nowadays. ...

Cleaning chemicals for hard-floor maintenance: chemicals are an integral part of the floor maintenance system. Without them, hard-floor maintenance would not be possible.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
December 1, 2004... Cleaning chemicals differ in their detergency properties; each cleaning chemical is designed with specific cleaning tasks in mind, ranging from general, light cleaning to heavy-duty industrial cleaning. They are manufactured and distributed as...

Betco introduces all-in-one cleaner.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Betco Corp. introduces SANIBET RTU, a versatile cleaner the company says cleans, sanitizes and deodorizes. SANIBET RTU can be used on a variety of surfaces, but "is ideal for the food service industry." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Spartan goes Contempo-rary.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Spartan Chemical Co. introduces Contempo H2O2 Spotting Solution, a ready-to-use hydrogen peroxide-based spotting solution and pre-spray treatment. The clear, colorless cleaner is designed to remove most organic spotting problems with an...

PowerClean offering stainless steel frames.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries is now offering its truck-mounted cleaning machines with optional stainless steel frames. The upgrade also includes stainless steel quick-disconnects instead of brass. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The option was first...

Butler introduces 25th anniversary brochure.(Tools & Equipment)(Butler Corp.)
December 1, 2004... The Butler Corp.'s 25th anniversary brochure is a full-color, 90-page catalog showcasing The Butler System. The brochure includes an extensive list of standard features and exclusive options that the company says "distinguishes The Butler...

Dry Air braces for Gale Force.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Dry Air Technology introduces the Gale Force air mover. Providing multiple locking positions in a 360-degree rotation, the Gale Force features easy collapsing for compact storage, a drop-in-place bracket system and the company's new Solid-Lock...

Prochem introduces water-restoration product line.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Prochem introduces the WR line, designed to address the need of the water-restoration restorer through every step of the project. The WR line includes new technology in the form of WR Dry, a speed-drying solution the company says it developed...

ProTeam adds Domel motors, 3-year warranty.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... ProTeam's Super CoachVac backpack vacuums and ProForce 1500 Series upright vacuums now come equipped with motors built by Domel, Inc. and are covered by a new standard 3-year warranty. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Our engineers have worked...

Powerplus offers the Auto Pump-Out.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The Auto Pump-Out from Powerplus connects inline with your vacuum hose. The 1,500-gallon-per-hour pump pulls wastewater through the stainless steel filter and pushes it out the filtered-water output valve. The Auto-Pump disposes of almost all...

Floor finish dries at MachSpeed.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Betco's MachSpeed floor finish utilizes highly durable, internally cross-linked polymers specially blended to minimize drying and cure times, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Formulated with Max-Cure Technology, each coat of...

Vortex packages the ad agency.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Vortex Cleaning Systems introduces the Vortex Ad Agency In a Box, a comprehensive marketing program for the floor care services industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The fact is, you can be the best cleaner on earth, but if your marketing...

Kaivac looks for the sounds of silence.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Kaivac Inc.'s KaiZen QT will be introduced at the ISSA/Interclean 2004 New Orleans Trade Show, Nov. 16-19, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The KaiZen QT is designed specifically for use in hospitals,...

Clarke's CombiVacs improves on filtration.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Clarke's 12- and 14-inch CombiVac upright vacuums utilize a unique four-step, dual-motor filtration system to ensure improved environment protection. The CombiVac systems carry soiled air through a paper filter, a vacuum motor filter, and an...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2004... Conventions & Trade Shows JAN. 26-28, 2005: SURFACES 2005. Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6343. MARCH 16-19: ASCR "SOLUTIONS" CONFERENCE. Palm Springs, Calif. Call (800) 272-7012. APRIL 1-5: BSCAI CONVENTION & TRADE...

Spartan looks to make cleaning easier.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Spartan Chemical Co. introduces Clean by Peroxy All Purpose Cleaner. Clean by Peroxy "possesses a unique effervescent bubbling, cleaning action that quickly tackles nasty odor-prone areas and makes maintenance chores a breeze," the company...

Butler offers stainless steel stair tool.(Tools & Equipment)(Butler Corp.)
December 1, 2004... The Butler Corp. introduces the Butler Stair Tool. The 5-inch wide, 17-inch long tool comes with a "T" handle and a padded tube cuff for a secure grip. The trigger is stainless steel, constructed with a black nylon coating. The valve assembly...

Stain remover works "Just Like Magic".(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Harvard Chemical Research introduces Just Like Magic, an oxygen-powered stain remover designed to quickly remove most organic stains. The two-part product comes with flip-up spouts and requires a quick squirt of each component on the stain, the...

U.S. products introduces dual-surface cleaner.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... U.S. Products introduces the King Cobra 1200, a dual-surface cleaner for hard-surface floors that can be used to clean carpets by changing wands. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The King Cobra 1200 power-washes hard-surface floors with up to...

New spotter is extremely clean.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Extremely Clean Spotter from Cleaner Marketing is non-toxic, residue-free and available in both 16- and 32-ounce bottles. Extremely Clean Spotter features a fully customizable private label section, which can include logos, phone numbers,...

Dri-Eaz air scrubber delivers true HEPA filtration.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The DefendAir HEPA 500 air scrubber from Dri-Eaz delivers true HEPA filtration of 99.97 percent at 500 cfm, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The HEPA 500 combines true, tested particulate removal with innovative features--such...

SCRT chapter report.(SCRT Report)(Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The September meeting of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians (formerly known as the International Society of Cleaning Technicians, or ISCT) was hosted by Scot Laboratories, a recognized leader in...

PerfectClean AM is now SurfaceWorx AM.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Euroclean's microfiber cleaning system PerfectClean AM is henceforth to be known as SurfaceWorx AM. The system consists of flat mops, specialized cleaning cloths, a unique glove product, and hardware working together to get surfaces cleaner....

Steri-Fab a Noble offering.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Noble Pine introduces Steri-Fab, what it says is one of the few products that is not only labeled for bed bugs, but "is also labeled for mattresses, upholstered furniture and sofas." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steri-Fab does not contain...

Sweeper provides service bumper to bumper.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Tornado Industries introduces the KM85/50 battery-operated (with a gas-powered option) sweeper designed for medium-to-large areas such as warehouses and parking garages. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 85/50 features a 34-inch cleaning...

Grow big and strong? Not with Anti-Growth.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Anti-Growth Concentrate from GSI/Camden Products Inc., is a mildew and mold preventive product. The result of five years of research and development, the technology introduces the "encapsulation of a proven fungicide within a liquid latex...

Biltwel vacuum trucks offer duct-cleaning power.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Each Biltwel truck features a vacuum fan that produces 12,500 cfm at 15.5 inches of static pressure (lift) and an air compressor capable of 200-250 psi at 18-50 cfm with an 80-gallon compressed-air storage tank. The truck design allows for...

New TEC stone-care system products enter market.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The manufacturer of TEC brands has introduces several new TEC Tile & Stone Care System products for the protection, maintenance and restoration of tile and natural stone. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Guard All Invisible Penetrating Sealer is...

Bridgepoint introduces new spotter.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Bridgepoint Systems introduces T.C.U., a new spotter specially formulated for the unique problems presented by the presence of alkalines, salts and tannin in a carpet or upholstery stain. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] T.C.U. is a...

Dri-Eaz welcomes the next Evolution.(Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Dri-Eaz introduces the Evolution, what the company describes as "the first dehumidifier to pack advanced, low-grain refrigerant technology into a small package." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Evolution operates at 5 amps and features a 3M...

NuClean takes grease out of the equation.(Tools & Equipment)(NuClean Products introduces Grease Erase)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... NuClean Products introduces Grease Erase, a professional-strength degreaser/pre-spray designed to emulsify and lift soils for easy removal. Grease Erase can be used on stains on both carpet and upholstery caused by pets, oil, chocolate, grease,...

Ways to beat the heat: Q: we are located in the South. When performing mold remediation, the standards call for closing off the supply vents and returns located in the work area. The problem is that it can get really hot in the work area, especially in the summer.(IEQ Q&A)
December 1, 2004... Wearing protective clothing and respirators can create a lot of heat stress for our workers. Their productivity and morale suffers as a result. How do you suggest that we control the heat related problems that may result? A: Heat stress is...

Why your business needs a Web site.
December 1, 2004... I am often asked, "Do we really need a Web site?" and "What should I put on my Web site?" two very important questions for small-business owners. No question about it, if you have a business, you should have a Web site. It doesn't matter if you...

December: vehicle of the month.(CLEANING SPECIALIST)
December 1, 2004... This is a 2004 GMC with a 2004 Butler in it. This is our second new van from Butler. We use our Butler on residential carpet and the Cimex machine on commercial carpet. We are also a Vortex Drying company. We consider ourselves a true...

Apply the dye, adjust the color.(methods of dyeing)
December 1, 2004... Last month we discussed how to prepare the discolored area for color repair, and now we will explore how to apply the dye to the area and adjust the color. Dye-Application Methods Depending on the size of the area to be repaired, there...

Technology in cleaning and restoration.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Professional cleaning and restoration technicians are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. ICS Cleaning Specialist looks at some of the innovative machines and technologies making...

Infrared cameras.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The ThermaCAM E65 from FLIR Systems offers high-performance thermal sensitivity; visible and audible alarming; thumbnail image gallery; increased JPEG storage and automated text comment functionality. "The E65 is an ideal first camera for...

Cleaning technology.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Tennant Co. has introduced a new commercial-carpet care technology called ReadySpace. Unlike most other wet-cleaning commercial-carpet care products or technologies on the market today, the patented ReadySpace technology creates clean carpet...

Filtration.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The DefendAir HEPA 500 air scrubber from Dri-Eaz delivers true, tested High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration of 99.97 percent at 500 cfm--the typical airflow level demanded on restoration jobs. The HEPA 500 also offers the assurance...

Electronic technology.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The BLUELine ThermalWave 5M and 5M-HP truckmounts are designed to let the operator say "good-bye" to the throttle cable, choke, carburetor, and all of their related linkage: the air pump; catalytic heat exchanger; manual diverter valve, and...

Urine stain removal.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Urine-Off from Bio-Pro Research introduces a solution to urine stains that goes beyond what any other cleaning agent has been able to accomplish in the effort to keep floors and other surfaces free from these marks and associated odors created...

Air Mover technology.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Phoenix Axial Air Mover is the industry's only air mover specifically engineered with patent-pending FOCUS Technology. FOCUS Technology revolutionizes evaporative drying by producing air velocities at least 40 percent greater than...

Hard-Surface cleaning.(TECHNOLOGY IN CLEANING AND RESTORATION)(Turbo-Force )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Turbo-Hybrid Hard-Surface Cleaner from Turbo-Force is capable of cleaning hard and softer polished floors. Utilizing a special boot that can be changed without the use of tools, the Turbo-Hybrid operates up to 3,000 psi as hot as 240...

IICRC storm damage restoration recommendations--part 1: it seems that everywhere you turned during August and September, the news dominating the media, especially the weather channel, was all about the succession of hurricanes in Florida and their after-math along most of the Eastern seaboard.(Rx for Restoration)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification Marketing Committee)
December 1, 2004... Tornados spawned by the hurricanes were particularly deadly and damaging. Indeed, my own townhouse in Panama City, Fla., stands gutted because of damage sustained from Hurricane Ivan. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "But surely, these...

ISCT adopts new name, hires new executive administrator.(News & Information)(International Society of Cleaning Technicians)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The International Society of Cleaning Technicians announces a change in the association's name to better reflect the diverse orientation of its membership base. The ISCT will now be known as the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians....

DKI gives its Insights.(News & Information)(Disaster Kleenup International Inc)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Disaster Kleenup International, Inc. hosted its 11th annual conference, "Insights 2004: The Property Restoration Conference and Tradeshow," at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Sept. 28--Oct. 2. The five-day event brought together 350 of...

CURE changes name to 1-800-WATER DAMAGE.(News & Information)
December 1, 2004... The CURE Water Damage unveiled its new identity, 1-800-WATER DAMAGE, at the Connections 2004 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nov.4-6. According to the company, 1-800-WATER DAMAGE is "the most recognized, distinguishable and...

Prochem appoints Wilson director of marketing and product management.(News & Information)
December 1, 2004... Glen Wilson has been promoted to director of marketing and product management for Professional Chemical Corp., one of four brands in the Castle Rock Industries family. Wilson has held the positions of Prochem Equipment Manager and Castle...

ISSA, APPA form partnership.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The International Sanitary Supply Association announces a new alliance with the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers. The partnership is designed to further the sharing of information within the cleaning and facility management...

BLUEline adds nine new full-line distributors.(News)(BLUEline Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... BLUEline Equipment Co. announces the addition of nine new full-line distributors. Nu-Tech Cleaning Systems, Troy, Mich.; Magic Wand, Reno, Nev.; Hydroclean, Slidell, La.; Century Supply, Houston; Cleaning and Restoration Supply, Medford,...

Interlink Supply adds to preferred vendor list.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Interlink Supply announces HydraMaster as its newest preferred vendor, joining Bridgepoint Systems, Hydro-Force, Prochem and White Magic. Preferred vendor status means that the companies will work with Interlink Supply and local Interlink...

Betco receives award for dedication to education.(News)
December 1, 2004... Betco Corp. was presented with an award from APICS, the Educational Society for Resource Management, at the Toledo Hilton in Toledo, Ohio, Sept. 14. APICS is an international organization dedicated to helping manufacturing and materials...

Von Schrader to celebrate 70th anniversary.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Von Schrader Co. will celebrate its 70th year in business in 2005, according to Gary Parker, vice president and general manger of the Racine, Wis.-based firm. Founded in 1935 by Francis Von Schrader, the company manufactures a full...

Harvard Chemical appoints technical director.(News)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... Harvard Chemical Research, Inc. announces the appointment of Dr. Ming Su, PhD, to the newly created position of technical director. Dr. Su will direct the company's research & development and product development efforts. He most recently...

IMACC names VP of business development.(News)(Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2004... The Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation network has named Carol Fischer vice president of business development. Fischer will be responsible for bringing IMACC services and technologies to the insurance industry. She will also...

PowerClean moves location, unveils new logo, adds to distributor network.(News)
December 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries recently moved to a new, larger location to better serve its growing number of distributors and customers in a variety of ways, including increased inventory and faster product availability. The new location is more than...

Preparation is a key piece to the success puzzle: preparation is a necessary, but often ignored, step when applying preconditioner to carpets and upholstery, one that could cost you immediate dollars as well as repeat business if not given the proper respect.(Notes from the Trenches)
December 1, 2004... Before pre-spraying living rooms and dens, always pin upholstery skirts in the up position. Keep a small supply of safety pins on your van for this purpose. Many pre-conditioning agents will leave a water, or "swell," mark on these fabrics...

CRI testing will help the cleaning industry: the Carpet and Rug Institute recently expanded its Seal of Approval program.(IICRC President's Corner)
December 1, 2004... Attained by fulfilling an agreement of ethical practice and passing a test to ensure knowledge, the Seal is offered to carpet retailers, installers and cleaner. The program recently shifted its emphasis from cleaning firms to the products used...