ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from December 2007

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from December 2007

Service with a smile: 'tis the season of flying reindeer, some guy named Frost is out nipping noses and dressing like Eskimos is all in vogue, so I thought I'd roast that old chestnut and crack it open again: customer service is king.(Editorial Comment)(Conference notes)
December 1, 2007... I recently had a situation in which customer service determined right then or there whether or not I would want to do business with the company again and, more importantly, whether I would recommend it to people I know. The Restoration...

Recession-resistant marketing: wouldn't it be great if you were constantly busy, whatever the state of the economy and regardless of the time of year? Wouldn't it be nice if you were having record sales while most others in your industry are having the worst sales?(Marketing Strategies That Work)
December 1, 2007... If your business is suffering from the recent real estate slow down, or you are usually deathly slow in the winter season, there are some things that you can do. When creating a strategy that will keep your business "recession resistant," you...

What does customer care mean? Many of the gadgets we discuss each month are tools and accessories intended to make our job easier or faster. They are designed primarily for our benefit. This month, we are going to focus on some gadgets primarily designed to impress the cleaning customer.(The Gadget Man)
December 1, 2007... To a new cleaner entering the industry, the difference between one carpet cleaning company and the next is not always immediately obvious. After all, most apply a prespray. They use an emulsifier or rinse. They extract with a powerful truck...

Invoice psychology adds tremendous value to your service: when it comes to invoice psychology, a textile-cleaning service company can add serious value through proper verbiage. As professionals in a service business, brand and image is just as important as the ability to clean all interior textiles to IICRC guidelines.(For The Professional Textile Cleaner)(Company overview)
December 1, 2007... On completing an excellent cleaning job, the professional must know how to use the right verbiage to enhance the cleaning experience as one founded on education and scientific principles. Professionals need to send the client the right message,...

The power of purpose.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sometimes when I sit down to write a column like this, I get this feeling of dread. Dread of the deadness of the words, "blah, blah, blah," we're all so inclined to fill our days with. Words arise to fill the space...

Making the jump.(To Your Success)
December 1, 2007... "Home is where the heart is." --Anonymous "Home" is such an incredibly emotional word. With just a little contemplation, word-association phrases such as "peace, comfort, safety, pride, family," and of course the ever-popular...

Butler goes after hard surfaces.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Butler introduces Maximum Tile, Grout and Hard Surface Cleaner, which the company says is "formulated with anionic and non-ionic surfactant, builders, sequestering agents, anti-corrosion agents and penetrating agents...

Dri-Eaz unveils the new AirPath.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... The new, updated Studebaker AirPath from Dri-Eaz includes locking wheel casters to keep the unit firmly in place when drying hard surface floors. In addition, the unit features a rotomolded polyethylene housing designed for years of regular use...

Mytee's new 2200 air mover.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 2200 air mover from Mytee operates on a 3-speed 1/3 horsepower motor, creating an aggressive 2200 CFM of airflow. This efficient motor only draws 4 amps at 115 volts. At the same time, this power machine is "easy...

So advanced it's simple.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Delmhorst Instrument Co. introduces TechCheck, a moisture meter "designed with the technician in mind." TechCheck offers advanced features such as backlit display, user adjustable alarm, and HOLD feature. The seamless integration of pin and...

Jon-Don introduces Wipe Out.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A pre-spray powerhouse designed for the grimiest restaurant, industrial and commercial carpets, Wipe Out from Jon-Don "can handle the toughest traffic lanes to remove caked-on food and grease, tracked-in dirt and...

Green Balance Carpet Prespray from Bridgepoint.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bridgepoint Systems introduces Green Balance Prespray. Bearing the CRI Seal of Approval, GB Prespray can handle even the dirtiest traffic lanes, the company said. Formulated based upon the EPA's DfE program and...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
December 1, 2007... JAN. 15-18, 2008 DKI Insights Conference 2008 Tampa, FL. Call (800) 567-8047 MARCH 7-10, 2008 NADCA 19th Annual Meeting & Exposition San Diego, CA. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 12-15, 2008 RIA 63rd Annual...

Karcher introduces line of self-contained mobile wash packages.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Karcher has introduced a new line of self-contained trailer or mobile wash packages designed for portable pressure-washing operations. The two packages--the TRK-3500 with a single axle and the TRK-6000 with...

Butler introduces maximum liquid enzyme.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maximum Liquid Enzyme from The Butler Corp. is "a maximum performance formulation in an easy to use liquid that instantly dilutes with water. Recommended for use on all types of carpet including colorfast,...

Jon-Don partners up for new product line.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Jon-Don has partnered with Planet Guard to introduce a new line of products that "go green and beyond," the company said. PG Natural Green TLC, PG Carpet Cleaner and Rinse and PG Degreaser/Cleaner are formulated with the environment in mind....

Decontamination system easily deployed.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Phocatox Technologies introduces the BIOSWEEP 700 Series high performance decontamination system. This powerful portable unit combines the latest in airborne and surface contamination destruction technology. ...

Dri-Eaz offers a new solution: The EnviroBoss 6000.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... The second product from the Dri-Eaz EnviroBoss product line, the EB6000 is a new unit that gives restoration contractors full control of jobs in any climate--even tropical environments. "Because climate can significantly impact drying...

BLUEline Equipment Co. introduces the COBALT Truckmount.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BLUEline Equipment Co. announces the release of the COBALT with minimal back pressure (MBP) heat exchange design. The COBALT is designed for single wand operations and is "ideal for residential and light commercial...

Portable hot-water spotter deep cleans carpets.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Hot Rod/Hot Spotter, manufactured by Aztec Products, Inc., provides the most powerful vacuum in the industry with 102 inches of vacuum lift. Being "the most innovative spotter available," the Hot Rod/Hot Spotter...

Wet/dry vacs strive to improve worker performance.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tornado introduces the P15 (molded polyethylene) and S15 (stainless steel) wet/dry vacuum cleaners, designed for tackling these challenges quickly and efficiently. The P15 and S15 have swivel hose connectors...

EnvirOx introduces Green Seal-certified [H.sub.2][Orange.sub.2] concentrate 116.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... EnvirOx introduces Green Seal-certified [H.sub.2][Orange.sub.2] Concentrate 116 General Purpose Cleaner-DegreaserDeodorizer. One product with two dilutions will clean, degrease, and remove offensive odors on 95 percent of a facility's surfaces,...

KS International, Inc. adds to innovative surface protection.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Clean&Safe Pro from KS International provides leak-proof, skid-resistant protection that is easy to broom clean or vacuum, the company said. "The unique design of Clean&Safe Pro provides absorbent, reusable...

Multi-surface cleaning from U.S. Products.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] U.S. Products introduces the Agitator 16, a totally new self-contained, walk-behind carpet extractor that cleans not only carpets but, with an optional hard-floor squeegee/brush, hard-surface floors too. Cutting...

FLIR Systems, Inc launches new IR camera series.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... FLIR Systems has announced the launch of its new "middle market" T-Series infrared cameras. The new series delivers "razor-sharp thermal images, thanks to 76,800 pixels and FLIR's exclusive Advanced Signal Processing (ASP), delivering four...

Procter & Gamble Professional showcases products at ISSA.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... P&G Professional used the recent ISSA trade show to showcase the cleaning power of its restroom trio--Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Spic and Span 3-in-1 Disinfecting All-Purpose Spray & Glass Cleaner and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra...

Karcher introduces all-electric hot water pressure washer ideal for indoor cleaning.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Karcher has introduced a new all-electric hot water pressure washer ideal for indoor cleaning. The new line generates instant hot water spray with the pull of the trigger and does so without an open f lame or hazardous fumes. It runs so quietly...

Viking makes drying easier.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Viking's new patent-pending pressurized drying system makes drying wall cavities "easier and less frustrating than before," the company said. "Perfect for under sinks, behind cabinets and permanent furniture." ...

DrySmart provides power and control.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With a 13.5-inch radial axel fan able to move 3,000 cfm and overcome static pressure as high as 3 inches, DrySmart's convection drying trailer is "the most powerful heat drying system able to operate on 115v...

DuctPro goes the franchise route.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... DuctPro International, LLC, is proud to announce its entry into the U.S. franchising market. Michael Palazzolo Sr., a founding member of NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) and leading industry trainer, heads the effort to offer the...

Stone Shop unveils latest franchise model.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... The Stone Shop International, LLC, a franchise business focused on the natural stone industry, is pleased to announce its newest franchise model, SRS--Stone Restoration Services. Stone Restoration Services is a business model focused on the...

The latest version of Xactimate hits the streets.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Xactware unveils the latest version of its estimating solution, Xactimate 25. Xactimate 25 is "even smarter than before." Users can customize coverages to reflect the policy specifying limit, deductible, and reserve. The newly designed Summary...

Rotobrush launches Roto-Vision.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Rotobrush International LLC announces the launch of the newly enhanced Roto-Vision video inspection system, designed for video-assisted air duct cleaning. The 1 1/8-inch digital, lighted, color camera now features a 10.4-inch color LCD screen....

SOVC truckmount power accessory released by PowerPlus.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PowerPlus Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its SOVC (Solenoid Operated Valve Control) for any brand of truck-mounted carpet cleaning machines. This unit is "a significant advancement over the traditional...

Estimating software now includes thermal imaging specification.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Xactimate Updated Price List now includes thermal imaging as a line item select, which gives construction and restoration professionals the ability to provide a thorough and competitive estimate to customers and prospects. The Xactimate price...

Book promises 127 ways to make a fortune.(Products: Tools & Equipment)
December 1, 2007... Insider Secrets for a Successful Restoration Business, the e-book aimed at restoration and remediation professionals featuring more than 30 of the most recognizable names from the restoration industry, is now available in spiral-bound copy. ...

Going mobile.(usage of web and mobile-based operational software by organizations)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let's cut to it: web- and mobile-based operational software saves you time and money by providing a management platform that enhances your business processes and organizational efficiencies in the office and out in...

ISSA '07 show focuses on green cleaning and what it means.(Industry: News & Information)
December 1, 2007... The widely held consensus at the recent ISSA/Interclean Convention and Trade Show, Oct. 23-26 in Orlando, Fla., is that green is here to stay. But increasingly, the industry is grappling with what exactly that means. Some argue that it...

Racine Industries names Herrmann as territory manager.(Industry: News & Information)(Racine Industries Inc. appoints Mark Herrmann )(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... Racine Industries welcomes Mark Herrmann as territory manager for Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. Herrmann will be responsible for increasing sales in his territory by working closely with Racine Industries' distributor network. He will...

CRI awards first Seal of Approvals for commercial vacuums.(Industry News & Information)
December 1, 2007... The Carpet and Rug Institute recently announced the first commercial vacuums to earn certification under its new Seal of Approval/Green Label testing program. The ProTeam Sierra CM and the TTI Rubbermaid prototype earned the highest gold...

SDA unveils consumer resource on hard-surface cleaners, disinfectants.(Industry News & Information)
December 1, 2007... A new consumer fact sheet published by The Soap and Detergent Association describes the safe, beneficial, and proper use of surface cleaning products and disinfectants. SDA's "Product Fact Sheet: Hard Surface Hygiene" is available at no cost on...

CIRI receives $100,000 grant from CRI.(Industry News & Information)
December 1, 2007... The Cleaning Industry Research Institute announced that it has received a $100,000 grant from the Carpet & Rug Institute to assess the actual costs of cleaning carpet and VCT in elementary schools. "This is the first major grant that we...

IICRC certified firms network experiences unprecedented growth.(Industry News & Information)
December 1, 2007... The number of IICRC certified firms has reached a previously unsurpassed registration count of 5,115. The highest number of certified firms prior to 2007 was 5,032 in 1999. Several years ago, the IICRC stepped up requirements for cleaning...

PowerPlus hires new team leader.(Industry News & Information)(appointment of Glen Williams)(Brief article)
December 1, 2007... PowerPlus Inc., has hired Glen Williams as sales and marketing team leader. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Williams has more than 20 years' experience in relationship based sales with experience in wholesale to businesses and retail to...

Technology in cleaning and restoration.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Professional cleaning and restoration technicians are always searching for equipment and technology to help them do their jobs better and more efficiently. For the fifth consecutive year, ICS Cleaning Specialist...

Choose the right tool for the job.
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Have you ever had to hammer in a nail with a wrench? Or had to pry open a paint can lid with a hammer? It can be done; it's just a lot tougher. It's a cliche, sure, but still true: A job is most easily done with the...

Stripping excess floor seal and finish from VCT: during a recent training session a technician broached the topic of excess floor finish on a vinyl composition tile.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
December 1, 2007... He recounted a tale of woe and sorrow about a strip job that took him three times as long as he thought it would because of excessive finish build-up. The question he had was, what could he have done to reduce the time spent on this job? ...

Deodorize clothing before or after cleaning? For years now, I have been asked by cleaning professionals and students whether they should deodorize clothing before or after dry cleaning.(Rx for Restoration)
December 1, 2007... They're confused about this issue because in 1983 a well-respected expert with a national dry cleaners association wrote an article advocating deodorizing prior to dry cleaning with perchloroethylene (the most common dry cleaning solvent). ...

Secrets of the restoration business: many professional carpet cleaners end up in the water restoration business kind of by accident. What usually happens is, there's a big storm in their area, and some of their existing customers call and ask if they can help them dry out their flooded basement carpet.(Putting The Pieces Together)
December 1, 2007... Since carpet cleaners already have much of the equipment used by restorers they decide to give it a shot. And while the "drying system" they set up might be something that makes them cringe years later, the check they receive from the insurance...

Bi-O-Kleen: powder has a certain glow.(Product & Literature Guide)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fiber Glow Powder from BiO-Kleen is "the ideal product for both hot-water extractors and pressure spray and rinse systems," the company said. Fiber Glow Powder contains non-toxic inhibitors to prevent mildew...

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) means no odor green seal certified environmentally friendly: Procyon.(Product & Literature Guide)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One powerful concentrated product. Soap Free[R] PROCYON[R] Tile, Grout, & Stone Cleaner. It's the fastest growing door opener today. PROCYON will not violate your Indoor Air Quality. Our product will save you labor...

Multi-surface machine: Rotovac.(Product & Literature Guide)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rotovac's Rotovac 360 cleaning machine, which works with any portable or truckmount extractor, has two heads that clean carpet and tile. The Carpet head has 3 spray jets and 3 smooth-glide vacuum slots, while the...

Is there value in being a certified firm? I'm a carpet inspector. I received my IICRC Senior Carpet Inspector certification back in 1994 and have been performing inspections for mills, retailers and consumers ever since. In the past few years, I've started traveling for a major mill to "troubleshoot" cleaning-related inspections on large commercial installations.(IICRC President's Corner)
December 1, 2007... I recently visited the Northeast to perform two separate inspections, one in an office building with about 4,000 square feet of level-loop olefin carpet that had been installed for about nine months. As with many inspections, I determined that...