ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from February 2002

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from February 2002

The growth of mold as an industry concern: Back in my newspaper days, there was a storefront building in a community that I covered, which was earmarked for demolition. (Editorial Comment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... When I drove the few miles from my newspaper office to that old building, it was readily apparent why the building was being considered for demolition. When I arrived, I was shown the lower, storefront area. The black, round markings on...

Time well spent: Developing a scientifically verifiable protocol takes time and volunteer effort. The process is proven, but there's one ingredient that's always necessary: The Volunteer. (IICRC President's Corner).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... In 1995, the IICRC Board of Directors made a decision to look at the feasibility of developing a protocol for testing methods of cleaning that are listed in the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional On-Location Carpet Cleaning....

Mold remediation checklist: Here are some basic guidelines for mold remediation. Techs should also attend an IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) - approved mold remediation course. (Rx for Restoration).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The following is a general and partial checklist designed to cover some of the major considerations needed when conducting professional mold remediation. They are not exhaustive and, when significant quantities of mold are present, must be used...

Post disaster training alert: Sept. 11 affected us more deeply then we may have thought at first in our industry. But we can overcome. (The Training Corner).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The world around us has changed dramatically. The things we took for granted a few months ago no longer hold true. The tragic events of Sept. 11 have influenced our future business and personal lives far more than most service professionals...

Three powerful words: "While we're here...": Diversifying lets you become more valuable to customers, and to pay employees better. So consider this. (To Your Success).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The next time you're working in a house, calculate how much it will cost you just to do this job. Figure gasoline and what you feel your time is worth, then factor in a pro-rated percentage of your business overhead including your marketing and...

Mold Therapy: Negative air containment a key to successful mold remediation.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... There is probably no subject that has received more attention in the restoration industry in the past year than that of mold and the health effects of mold exposure. This topic has not just been isolated to the restoration arena. The...

MasterBlend releases fiber protector. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... MasterBlend has released Repel Wool Fiber Protector, a powder protectant that is diluted and sprayed on wool and designed to prevent infestation and inhibit disintegration. Circle 237 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Hydro-Force makes adaptable wand. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Hydro-Force has introduced the Chameleon Wand, an adjustable wand featuring interchangeable swivel heads that can be used to clean carpet, hard surfaces and edges. Circle 235 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Companies unveil Nike Dual. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... SteamAction and Magic Wand Co. have released Nike Dual, a dual wand truckmount with patented vacuum and heat exchanger technology that dries carpet in as little as one hour. The Nike Dual's four stainless steel heat exchangers produce 240...

HydraMaster develops detergent. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... HydraMaster has developed Hydra-Dri, a heavy-duty powdered detergent with built-in water softeners. The company says the detergent is specially formulated to maintain its stability in extremely hot truckmount temperatures. Hydra-Dri dissolves...

Jon-Don moves air. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Jon-Don recently unveiled the Dry Air Gale Force air mover. The Gale Force enables users to plug up to six units in a 15-amp outlet. The fan's blades are positioned at the rear of the air force unit, which the company says allows the unit to...

Steam Way announces CD-ROM catalog. (Products, Tools & Equipment).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Steam Way 2002 CD-ROM Catalog is now available. The Windows and Macintosh friendly catalog includes equipment and chemical catalogs, equipment information, chemical information sheets, and material safety data sheets. The catalog also...

CFI executive message. (Member News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Sixty-three savvy, carpet-cleaning professionals attended the recent CFI Convention and Trade Show at a 75 percent discount. Instead of paying $295, they chose to pay only $73.75 (explanation below). Two attendees won a weeklong Hawaiian...

Windsor introduces Red Carpet chemicals. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Windsor Industries recently introduced Red Carpet chemicals, a line developed with Prochem Chemicals. Each product in the Red Caret line is designed to optimize Windsor equipment performance and life. Circle 241 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Argo releases bonnets. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Argo & Company has released 100% cotton terry Argo bonnets for a high speed or orbital buffer. The bonnets were designed to increase dirt removal on upholstery and stairs. The company also offers Argosheen cleaners do dissolve the soil. ...

Spartan offers Millennia Bright. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Spartan Chemical Co. Inc now offers the Millennia Bright Floor Maintenance program featuring Dura Prime and Dura Gloss. Dura Prime conditions, protects and laminates nearly any hard floor surface, including title, terrazzo and linoleum,...

DrizAir LGR 2000 dehumidifies. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Dri-Eaz Products has released the DrizAir LGR 2000, a 132-pound low grain refrigerant dehumidifier. The DrizAir LGR 2000 can remove up to 28 gallons of water per day. The dehumidifier is rust-, scratch- and dent-resistant. The DrizAir LGR...

Marsh seminar outlines success. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Steve Marsh has released his full day seminar on cassette tapes and compact discs, material drawn from his 27-years of hands-on experience as owner and operator of Magic Wand Services. "Design Your Business for Success" contains advice on how...

Bridgepoint offers Point Blue. (Products).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Bridgepoint Systems has released Point Blue, a low-cost powered extraction formula that dissolves easily, won't promote resoiling and is safe for equipment. Circle 229 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

Mold remediation: Tackling the problem by being part of the learning process.
February 1, 2002... Coming soon to a water damage near you -- toxic mold! -- killer mold! -- the mold that ate Houston! Anyone in the business of dealing with water damaged commercial structures that isn't aware of the controversial subject of mold and how...

CRI challenges carpet manufacturers. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... More than 50 cleaning contractors and five training facilities have earned the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Seal of Approval since the organization expanded the program to include these groups in May 2001. The Seal of Approval program...

Downey appointed to CRI committee. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... John Downey was recently appointed to serve on the Cleaning and Maintenance Subcommittee of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). Downey has been active in the cleaning industry for more than 25 years and is the founder and former publisher...

GREENGUARD revamps Web site. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... GREENGUARD recently redesigned its Web site at www.greenguard.org, which the company says gives users a more simplified layout with easier navigation. The redesigned site provides a free online guide to products that meet low emissions...

NADCA sponsors Indoor Environments 2002. (Industry News & Information).
February 1, 2002... The National Air Ducts Cleaners Association (NADCA) will host Indoor Environments 2002, an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) conference and exposition, Feb. 25-28 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The conference features an...

STOP names President's Club members. (News).
February 1, 2002... The Service Team of Professionals (STOP) recently named its President's Club members and Best of the Best Award winner for 2001. The padgett family of Redlands, Calif.; Kurt Nix and Frank Troiano of Orange County, Calif.; Howard and Marsh...

IICRC approves MRS Certification. (News).(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification; Microbial Remediation and Restoration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Board of Directors approved the Microbial Remediation and Restoration (MRS) Certification Course at a recent meeting. The MRS course aims to teach mold and sewage...

LMCCA opens membership. (News).(Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association (LMCCA), an organization of carpet cleaners and industry partners who support low moisture cleaning, recently opened its membership nationwide. LMCCA membership is available to anyone using low...

Vortex launches Website. (News).(featuring its trucks)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Vortex has completed its Web site at www.vortexinfo.com, which features photos of Vortex customers with their trucks, testimonials about the company's trucks and descriptions of standard features on all Vortex models. The site also includes...

IICRC re-elects officers. (News).(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) recently re-elected its executive board. The IICRC elected Lee Zimmerman as president, Carey Vermeulen as first vice president, Paul Pearce as second vice...

DKI adds members. (News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... Disaster Kleenup International Inc. has added six companies to its network in the U.S. and Canada. The new members can use the DKI's 24-hour call center and its GCAS claims tracking technology. GKI is a network of independent property damage...

Tackling furniture cleaning as a service: If your cleaning firm offers carpet cleaning services exclusively, I would recommend upholstery cleaning as a highly lucrative add-on opportunity. (Notes from the Trenches).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2002... With years of exposure to car pet cleaning companies marketing the two services jointly, most homeowners have come to rely on their carpet cleaner to maintain their furnishings as well. Needless to say, you do not want your valued client...