ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from December 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from December 2005

Who is Howard Olansky, and why should I care? If you have been in the carpet cleaning industry for only a few short years, you may not know Howard Olansky, had the good fortune to hear him speak or read his editorials in this magazine, or have the pleasure to know him personally.(Publisher's Column)(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... But if you have been in any aspect of the floor covering business--cleaning, restoration, installation, retail, distribution or manufacturing--for even a day, your business has been made better by him. Five decades ago a young man from...

Letter to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... Re: "Green Cleaning and the Cleaning Professional" (October 2005) To the Editor: The October interview with Arthur Weissman of Green Seal and Stephen Ashkin of the Ashkin Group presented some good information, but only presented one...

Letter to the editor.(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2005... Re: "Green Cleaning and the Cleaning Professional" (October 2005) Dear Sir: You know, it is amazing the in an industry where everything has to be environmentally friendly, now we go and certify chemicals to be Green Seal approved. Did...

Saddle up! As you load your battlewagon and gird your loins for the daily (or nightly) battle with soil, the first item you would load would probably be your primary cleaning system, be it wet, dry or in-between, and attachments like wands and brushes.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
December 1, 2005... Once the big stuff is out of the way, perhaps you should consider loading up a few (or more) specialty items to make the results of your cleaning satisfactory to not only your customer but yourself, the tools and accessories that ensure the job...

Getting your people on board.
December 1, 2005... "Knowledge shared is power lost." --Anonymous Wars have been started, kingdoms have been lost, marriages broken up and businesses destroyed--all due to a failure to communicate. Yes, as any behavioral psychologist will tell you, most...

Sampling and post-remediation verification.(IEQ Q&A)(Interview)
December 1, 2005... Q: In our area, there are a couple of IEPs that are not sampling as part of the post-remediation verification. They are relying on a visual inspection only and then passing or failing the remediation project. How reliable is this method of...

Online marketing options: selecting a method for your business.
December 1, 2005... While traditionally consumers have turned to the Yellow Pages to find home service professionals and residential contractors, the use of print directories is projected to decrease by approximately 20 percent over the next four years according...

Specialty tools for hard-floor maintenance: last week I received an e-mail from a distraught individual involving the application of floor finish.
December 1, 2005... As the story goes, our entrepreneur had been pursuing a potential customer for a number of months to secure his hard-floor maintenance business. Much to his delight, he was given the opportunity and awarded the contract. The vinyl...

The Internet and your service business: the Internet has become a very useful and positive tool for many in the service industry. But at first glance, many still ask, "what does the Internet have to do with my carpet cleaning or restoration business?".(Building a Profitable Business)
December 1, 2005... On closer examination it becomes clear that the Internet can and should be a tool that affects nearly every part of your business plan. Information and networking is one of the more developed ways for you to use the Internet in your...

A new standard in seaming and patching: thirty years ago I became a professional carpet cleaner. The "professional" part was questionable, but I did do it for money, so I guess that qualified me.(The Gadget Man)
December 1, 2005... Numerous problems confronted me in the following weeks and months as my workload increased but my knowledge lagged behind. Of the many challenges I faced, one that perplexed me every time was carpet installation and seam problems. My customers...

Butler gives hard surfaces a new scent.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Butler Corp.'s Maximum Tile, Grout and Hard Surface cleaner is an alkaline-based concentrate exclusively formulated for the removal of oils, soil, soot and caked-on grease from tile, grout and hard surfaces. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Contempo finds an H202 solution.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Contempo H202 Spotting Solution is a ready-to-use hydrogen peroxide-based spotting solution and pre-spray treatment. A clear, colorless cleaner, H202 Spotting Solution removes most organic spotting problems with the same effervescent bubbling...

U.S. Products takes on floodwaters.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Flood King from U.S. Products is designed for use in all types of restoration--as well as disaster--situations, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A totally redesigned floodwater extractor, the Flood King is intended for easy...

Ultrasonic Power Corp. introduces cleaning system.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Ultrasonic Power Corp. introduces the BT130SE, a self-enclosed, heavy-duty industrial ultrasonic cleaning tank. The system was designed for fire restoration companies to clean a wide variety of contents. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Prochem unveils new chemistry.(ProCaps and ProCaps-Later)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Prochem has added two products to its cleaning lineup: ProCaps and ProCaps-Later. ProCaps is an encapsulation cleaner that uses three ingredients, each with an attraction to certain soil types. Each ingredient attaches to the soils, and...

Em-Tech flips the switch.(Lighthouse Cleaning & Restoration )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Em-Tech from Lighthouse Cleaning & Restoration is a remotely actuated control system for turning a truck-mounted carpet-cleaning unit on and off. Designed for timesavings, Em-Tech will save an average of 15 minutes per job site, the company...

Tornado makes a clean sweep.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Tornado Industries introduces a battery-operated sweeper specially designed for the commercial cleaning industry. The EB30/1 is 12-inches wide, lightweight and features a comfortable enclosed grip and a fully adjustable handle. ...

Cimex whips up a Cyclone.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Cyclone CR/CM carpet machine from Cimex features deep-cleaning Planetary action, non-fatigue operations, non-marking wheels, floating brushes to "provide effective cleaning action" and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Cyclone's...

Moldstat takes the 1-2-3 approach.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Moldstat from Theochem Laboratories provides a three-step mold removal and surface protection process. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Step One utilizes Peroxy Kling, a multi-surface cleaning/degreaser formulated for the mold remediation,...

Software firm filling reporting need.(Products)
December 1, 2005... PDmB has released Dual-View Photo Report Software, a unique report-generating program that provides "quick and easy side-by-side photo comparison to fill a growing need of industry professionals," the company said. The program was designed...

Bucket takes on a new look.(Unger Enterprises introduces the RestroomBucket & SidePress System)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Unger Enterprises introduces the RestroomBucket & SidePress System, designed to offer cleaning professionals "increased productivity, improved hygiene and an ergonomic design," the company said. A rear-mounted pour spout reduces labor time...

SteriFx goes to work on hard surfaces.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... SteriFx from SteriFx Inc. is a hard-surface disinfectant that "allows for quicker cleaning due to its rapid and potent antimicrobial action," the company said. Because of its unique killing mechanism, microbial resistance "is unlikely,...

Longevity gets high marks from CRI.(Inside Edge )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Longevity Low-Moisture Carpet Cleaner from Inside Edge has earned the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval. Longevity releases soil from the carpet fiber and encapsulates it, allowing "easy removal" through daily vacuuming. The...

There be Whales here.(Whale Water Systems)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Whale Water Systems' Gulper Pumps are "virtually unblockable. They pump an air/liquid mixture, require no filter, and are self-priming up to 9.8 feet," according to the company. The rotating head allows flexible installation. [ILLUSTRATION...

Enviro-Solutions products certified green.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Environmental Choice Program has certified five floor-care products from Enviro-Solutions. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ES 90 Clean Cut Stripper; ES 85 Scrub Free Stripper; ES 82 Barricade Sealer/Finish; ES 97 No Zinc, USH, High Gloss...

JohnsonDiversey strippers get Green Seal certification.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... JohnsonDiversey announces that three of its products--Johnson Wax Professional Freedom SC floor stripper, Johnson Wax Professional Aquaria floor finish and Butcher's G-Force floor finish and stripper--have met the new GS-40 Industrial and...

TM Pro enters the marketplace.(Brush and Clean Corp)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The TM Pro from Brush and Clean Corp. is "the first dry carpet cleaning machine in the U.S. that works with three speed levels," the company said. The TM Pro evenly distributes a dry cleaning compound, works it into the carpet fibers, and...

The Hurricone stakes its claim.(Beach Sales & Engineering )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Hurricone from Beach Sales & Engineering is a cordless floor-drying cone dolly. The replaceable battery pack runs for up to 12 hours at a time, and can be charged internally or removed and charged separately. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Unleash the Warrior within.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Advance Warrior walk-behind automatic scrubber is designed to boost floor-cleaning productivity, operator convenience and safety for building service contractors, or for facilities such as grocery store chains, big-box retailers and malls....

Carpet cleaning goes with ION power.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Ion Carpet Care, LLC introduces ION, a water-based stain remover. Spraying ION in thin drops "transforms its active molecules into gas. This transformation triggers the breaking down of molecules of dirt into very small particles, surrounding...

Cleaner is a sure thing.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Sure Seal Multipurpose Cleaner is "ideal for daily cleaning of any surface," the company said. The pH-neutral formula is specially formulated so it will not affect protective coatings and penetrating sealers, according to Sure Seal. Sure...

RMC adds new DfE B.L.O.C.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Rochester Midland announces the addition of DfE B.L.O.C. DfE B.L.O.C. is "a fast and effective biological liquid odor control that quickly neutralizes odors, digests organic soils, and through bio-enzymatic activity degrades and destroys the...

PCS is swimming with sharks.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Hydro Shark Moisture Sensor from Professional Cleaners Supply is designed to sound an alarm when moisture is present. The operator loosens a thumbscrew and extends the probes, which are then touched to a wall or carpet. The greater the...

Butler glides smoothly along.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Butler Corp. introduces its new Ultra Smooth Wand Glides. Designed and engineered to enhance vacuum efficiency, increase productivity and lessen operator fatigue, the glides permit the wand to pass easily over all types of carpet and...

Patriot works to scrub the air.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Patriot air scrubber from U.S. Products captures and traps airborne particulates, mold, fungal spores, gases and odors, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The rotationally molded body has a lifetime warranty. The Patriot has...

P&G Pro Line Finishes receive enhancements.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The P&G Pro Line Floor Finishes, including the All Around Floor Finish, Super Durable Floor Finish and UHS Super Gloss Floor Finish, have all been enhanced "for even better end results," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Prochem's entire Rescue line now available.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Prochem's customer service personnel are now taking orders for its entire Rescue line of stain removal products. The line consists of Red Rescue; Stain Rescue; Urine Rescue; Odor Rescue; and Enzyme Rescue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each...

Extech sounds the alarm on humidity.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The 445815 Humidity Alert Meter from Extech Instruments is the latest addition to the company's hygro-thermometer line. Designed to monitor environmental conditions in laboratories, storage areas, manufacturing assembly areas and other...

National Chemical Labs adds to product line.(Products)
December 1, 2005... National Chemical Laboratories has added two new products to its World Class Floor Care line. POP N' SHINE Floor Finish Gloss Restorer renovates floor finishes and restores floors to maximum shine. QUIK SCRUB Scrub & Recoat Cleaner is a...

Aqua Mix wipes the slate clean.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Cleaning Wipes with Sealer's Choice from Aqua Mix are designed not only to clean the surface of marble, granite, limestone, travertine and most other stone and tile surfaces, the company said; they replenish any previously applied Aqua Mix...

P.D.S. brings sprayers to the forefront.( )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Professional Dispensing Systems' 3-and 5-gallon stainless steel tank sprayers are designed to make the tech's work easier and your bottom line better. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Large oval openings make filling quick and easy. The company...

Earlex introduces the Steam Caddy.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Steam Caddy from Earlex is a 3-in-1 steam system designed for cleaning and disinfecting areas in professional offices, commercial buildings and institutions. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Steam Caddy can be transformed into a...

Door pin removal made easy.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Pin-Eez from Ross Tools is primarily used for removing door pins, but it also works "as a miniature pry bar, cat's paw, chisel, wedge or shim," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Made in the United States of Rockwell hardened...

Bridgepoint brings TES to the party.(Thermal Energy System)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Bridgepoint introduces the Thermal Energy System, a water-damage restoration system utilizing the Reets Evaporation Method that combines controlled heat and airflow "to produce high-speed evaporation and dramatically improve the drying...

Rotobrush brings aiR+ to market.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Rotobrush Intl., LLC, recently delivered the first Rotobrush aiR+ air duct cleaning machine, the result of years of research into what air duct cleaning professionals look for in a machine, to Doug Trumball of Doug's Mighty Clean. ...

Principal Focus releases new version of software.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Principal Focus has released Service Center Business 2.0, the next generation of its business software for the carpet cleaning and restoration industry. The new version sports features added based directly off customer feedback. ...

PowerClean states its case for Liberty.(Products)
December 1, 2005... PowerClean Industries introduces the Liberty-XT truckmount. The unit is equipped with a 24-hp water-cooled Kohler engine, a Roots 33 DSL blower, and a General Pump capable of delivering up to 2,000 psi for heated pressure washing of tile and...

Wolverine brings out the Rug Wringer.(Pit Bull Heavy-Duty Rug Cleaning Equipment )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Rug Wringer from Pit Bull Heavy-Duty Rug Cleaning Equipment is used "to remove the majority of water from a recently washed rug," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Rug Wringer is available in a variety of sizes, with 8-,...

MasterBlend takes a delicate approach to delicates.( )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... MasterBlend's Fine Fabric PreSpray offers a neutral pH that helps prevent browning and dye bleed. Fine Fabric is safe for wool, and its non-aggressive approach "gently, but effectively, cleans delicate fabrics," the company said. ...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
December 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows FEB. 1-3: SURFACES 2006 Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6336 MARCH 5-9: NADCA CONVENTION Dallas. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 14-17: ASCR SOLUTIONS CONVENTION Savannah, Ga. Call (800)...

Howard Olansky: 50 years and counting.
December 1, 2005... Howard Olansky has been deeply involved in all aspects of the floor covering industry since 1955 when he joined Western Floors magazine as managing editor. He later became co-owner, editor and publisher of Specialist Publications--Western...

50 years of passion from the subfloor up.
December 1, 2005... I am fortunate to have been a part of the industry for the most exciting years in the history of floor coverings. It has been 50 years marked by a multitude of dramatic events that impacted on the industry and its people. By the way a great...

We'd just like to say ...(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... Editor's Note: The following comments were submitted by contributors to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation as part of the tribute to honor Howard Olansky and his 50 Years of Passion From the Subfloor Up. If you would like to make a...

How the FCIF helped one family touched by tragedy.
December 1, 2005... There is not the slightest hint of bitterness or anger as Barbara Tedrowe recalls her heartbreak: Her son Darrin--a star athlete, a college student and a newlywed--was critically injured in a 1983 motorcycle accident that rendered him a...

Out with the mold, in with the new technology.
December 1, 2005... Dry ice blasting is rapidly increasing the number of mold remediation projects a firm can perform, due to the technology's ability to thoroughly remove mold spores from wood and a 60 percent to 80 percent reduction in both time and manpower....

Technology in cleaning and restoration.
December 1, 2005... Professional cleaning and restoration technicians are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. For the fourth consecutive year. ICS Cleaning Specialist looks at some of the innovative...

Air movers.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Studebaker Enterprises )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The AirPath Direct Flow Carpet Dryer from Studebaker Enterprises features a unique 360-degree directed airflow that the company says makes it a far more effective carpet dryer than any other fan available to the professional cleaner. ...

Wands.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Hydrosonic Wand from JWC Inc., sports four patented features the company says makes the product revolutionary. The pulsating valve produces agitation by way of fast-paced pulsation. Depending on water pressure, agitation may occur 20-30...

Drying technology.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Thermal Energy System)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The Thermal Energy System, or TES, from Bridgepoint Systems, is a unique water-damage restoration system that combines new and current technologies in a new way, utilizing the Reets Evaporation Method combining controlled heat and airflow to...

Fuel Monitoring.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The OFF ROAD Fuel Monitoring System from FloScan Instrument Co., Inc., monitors fuel usage on carpet-cleaning vehicles with direct-drive or slide-in cleaning units that draw their fuel from a "commingle" fuel tank. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Rug Cleaning.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)
December 1, 2005... The Rug Wringer from Pit Bull Heavy-Duty Rug Cleaning Equipment is used to remove the majority of water from a recently washed rug. When the water is removed, the rug will be easier to handle and will dry much quicker. When used with a 'Rug...

Carpet cleaning.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)
December 1, 2005... The Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval program uses X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology, originally developed for use on the space shuttle, to measure the precise amounts of soil that cleaning products remove from household and...

Rinse-water delivery.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Pure Rinse Systems)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... The RO Trolley from Pure Rinse Systems is an all-in-one patented mobile design that combines a high-capacity 3,000 GPD reverse osmosis unit with a storage and distribution system. This high-flow, high-pressure distribution system is ideal for...

Glides.(Technology in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... A Teflon wand glide is a device that fits over, or in some cases, into, the vacuum slot of a standard carpet-cleaning wand. Wand glides perform several functions, including making the wand glide easier over all types of flooring surfaces;...

Differing dehus.
December 1, 2005... Where moisture is concerned, dehumidifiers and air movers are near the center of the restoration universe. In the simplest terms, air movers lift moisture from wet materials and evaporate it into the air. Dehumidifiers then separate the...

Water-damage restoration: a case study.
December 1, 2005... As with most restorative drying projects, the goal or purpose is to dry the structure and contents affected by the water intrusion as quickly as possible with the intent of reducing the amount of damage, and returning the structure to a stable...

Scot Labs welcomes new distributor, enhances Web site.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... Scot Laboratories has announced the newest distributor of its Scot's TUFF products. Interlink Supply of Greensboro, N.C. will now carry the company's line of encapsulation cleaning chemicals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In other news, Scot...

Network Services donates to hurricane relief.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... Network Services Co., a distributor of janitorial supplies and foodservice disposables, has donated a truckload of products to the Salvation Army to help victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The products...

IICRC approved as an accredited body of ANSI.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute, an organization that coordinates the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system used across...

Spartan announces new vice president.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... The board of directors of Spartan Chemical Co. announces the promotion of John Willis Swigart to the position of vice president. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his new position, Swigart will continue to work in the international field,...

Ashkin Group partners with New Earth Fund.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... The Ashkin Group has become a founding member of the New Earth Fund, a nonprofit, global-funding organization. The New Earth Fund "helps improve the lives of people worldwide by working with businesses and individuals to develop and finance...

P&G Professional wins Global Trades Award.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... Procter & Gamble Co., was presented with a Global Trades Award at ISSA/Interclean 2005 in Las Vegas. The award recognizes P&G "as one of America's 'Top Operating Companies' in the janitorial and sanitation industry for 2005-2006." "We are...

Show workshops well attended at ISSA.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... A variety of workshops held during the ISSA / Interclean 2005 show in Las Vegas saw healthy attendance. The "IICRC Hard Floor Care Technician Certification Workshop," by Bob Merkt, The "IICRC Commercial Carpet Maintenance Technician," from Carl...

ASCR moves convention to Savannah.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... The hurricanes along the gulf coast have prompted the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration to move their 61st Annual Convention and Exhibition from New Orleans to Savannah, Ga. The event will be held at the Westin Savannah...

Intellibot honored with Global Trades Award.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... Intellibot Robotics LLC garnered a Global Trades Award at ISSA/Interclean 2005 in Las Vegas for being "recognized as one of the top operating companies in the cleaning industry," the company said. "We are thrilled to receive this special...

ServiceMagic receives WebAward.(Industry)
December 1, 2005... ServiceMagic, Inc., has been awarded the 2005 Outstanding Website WebAward by the Web Marketing Association. The WebAwards "is an event where websites are recognized, competing head to head with other sites within their industry and against an...

SteamMaster takes to the links for employee.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... SteamMaster, a Minturn, Colo.-based carpet-cleaning company, hosted its first charity golf tournament at Cotton Ranch in the fall. The tournament was held in memory of Kim Matthews, an employee of SteamMaster who died of liver cancer in May....

Leather Master to sponsor IICRC-approved courses.(News)
December 1, 2005... Leather Master products, distributed by Multimaster North America, will be sponsoring IICRC-approved Leather Cleaning Technician courses at Multimaster's Greensboro, N.C. location. Starting in early 2006, the LCT courses will be held in...

Novozymes No.1 in sustainability index.(News)
December 1, 2005... For the fifth year in a row, Novozymes has taken the top position in the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index in the biotech category--both in Europe and globally. Dow Jones Indexes, STOXX Limited and SAM Group annual evaluation results of...

Intex Solutions big on energy savings.(News)
December 1, 2005... Intex Solutions, a Montebello, Calif.-based commercial carpet and floor care company, was presented with the ENERGY STAR Small Business Network Award, one of nine small businesses named award winners for the comprehensive of their upgrades,...

IICRC holds certification council meeting.(News)
December 1, 2005... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification held its last certification council meeting for 2005 in October at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, Wash. The meeting featured a presentation on the Reets Evaporation...

Cleaner's Corner Supply president purchases SteamWay of the Carolinas.(News)
December 1, 2005... Steve Mackmiller, president of Cleaner's Corner Supply in North Carolina, has purchased SteamWay of the Carolinas. The company's new location is 500 Sinclair Lake Rd. in Newton Grove. The company carries Steam Way, Judson, CTI and other...

McCalla Co. celebrates 50 years.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2005... Founded in 1955 by Lawrence McCalla, Van Nuys, Calif.-based McCalla Company Janitorial Supplies marked 50 years in business in 2005. The company's principles of "giving technical advice and education to customers and providing free...

Cleaning Supply Network announces new location.(News)
December 1, 2005... Cleaning Supply Network recently moved locations. The new 15,000-square-foot facility, located at 165 Chaseville St. in Pensacola, Fla., will allow the company "to stock more items with the same great service."