ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from February 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from February 2004

The gang's all here: it has been too long since I last acknowledged those individuals who make up the heart and soul of ICS Cleaning Specialist.
February 1, 2004... Some old friends have moved on, and some new ones have come into the fold. I would be remiss if I were to put off their well-deserved recognition any longer. They make ICS the premier source of information for the cleaning and restoration...

Re: "web site launches controversy" (January 2004).(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... Dear ICS: Sticks and stone can break my bones, but can labels hurt me? They can hurt my feelings, but no blood or money is spent. Words can challenge my perceptions, but not the reality of the present. I know my clients and they know me....

Re: "removing mold from carpets" (November 2003).(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... Dear ICS: A recent article in ICS Cleaning Specialist magazine offered the following advice on removing mold from carpets: "use hot water in the cleaning process... remove as much water as possible... accelerate drying of the carpet." It...

Ozone and mold.(IEQ Q&A)
February 1, 2004... Q: Are ozone generators a substitute for mold removal? A: There are two basic types of ozone generators. One treats water and the other treats air. There has been a lot of controversy about what ozone generators can and cannot do. The...

The rotary floor machine: hard-floor maintenance encompasses providing care for many different floor coverings and surfaces. Maintaining these surfaces requires a number of different cleaning and restorative methods.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
February 1, 2004... Some of these methods are general in scope, and some are specialized for a specific floor type. Although specialized service procedures may require different types of equipment, there is one machine that will undoubtedly be on every job, the...

Routine care and quality products are key to successful odor removal.
February 1, 2004... In offices, hotels, restaurants and other public spaces, there's a growing trend underfoot: Odors. And the employees, customers and clients who utilize these spaces are increasingly intolerant of lingering smells. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Marchetti named EnvirOx rep of the year.(Vince Marchetti)(EnvirOx L.L.C.)(manufacturer representative)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... EnvirOx L.L.C. recently named Vince Marchetti, president of Cherokee Equipment, Inc., of West New York, N.J., "Rep of the Year." Marchetti earned the honors by capturing the highest sales per capita for a territory within the United States...

Sanitaire launches new Web site.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Sanitaire recently launched its redesigned Web site at www.sanitaire.com. The new site correlates with the introduction of a completely new line of heavy-duty commercial products. The new line of products includes an extended line of floor...

HOST products earn WOOLSAFE approval.(Host/Racine Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... HOST/Racine Ind. has been awarded WOOLSAFE approval for the company's dry carpet cleaner and spot remover products. As an official bearer of WOOLSAFE approval, HOST is now authorized to display the certification mark on all its packages and in...

Strategies for Success offers new day of education.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Jon-Don's Strategies for Success seminar is offering a new day of marketing education. Beginning in January, seminar students will be immersed in a full day of marketing, studying topics ranging from targeting the proper customer base and...

ASCR annual meeting aims to create advantages.(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The annual meeting for the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration will be held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., March 10-13. More than 750 business owners, managers, technicians, exhibitors and others are...

CRI announces promotions, releases sustainability report.(Industry News & Information)(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun recently announced that Ken McIntosh has been named senior director of technical services for the CRI. McIntosh had been employed as director of technical services. He joined the CRI in 1986. ...

First NOFMA-Certified Wood Flooring Inspectors gain certification.(National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association recently awarded NOFMA-Certified Wood Flooring Inspector certification to three individuals who completed all the necessary requirements to attain the certification. John Dailey of Midwest...

IICRC board names executive committee.(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification recently elected its 2004 Executive Committee. The annual election reinstated three of the five existing committee members. The new positions were effective Oct. 7, 2003. ...

Vaportek marks 25th anniversary.(Vaportek Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Vaportek is marking its 25th anniversary in 2004, having offered "Simple Solutions for Tough Odors" since 1979. Vaportek was incorporated as a Wisconsin company in 1979. As vice president of the Ventures Division of Will Ross, Inc. in...

Enviro-Mold offer IAMRS mold training.(International Association of Mold remediation Specialists)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Enviro-Mold has announced a nationwide IAMRS certified mold worker training program for maintenance, janitorial, restoration and school staff. The two-day seminar will include background and education on mold, what its health effects are...

One glug or two? many of the cleaning-related problems that i get asked about are related to the improper use of cleaning agents. Not necessarily using the wrong cleaner, but using it at an improper dilution ratio.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
February 1, 2004... Remember, modern cleaning agents are a complex formulation of raw ingredients that are each designed to perform a specific function (wetting, suspension, agglomeration, etc.). A trained chemist in a laboratory has determined the optimum...

Butler aims for "Maximum" effect.(Butler Corp.)
February 1, 2004... The Butler Corp.'s Maximum Truckmount Detergent is a super-concentrated, high-performance detergent designed for use as a primary cleaner in truckmounted and portable extraction machines, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Prochem offers solutions to Olefin spotting concerns.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Prochem has introduced a new two-step process for Olefin carpets. The cleaning, according to the company, will eliminate the recurring and yellowing spots so prevalent with Olefin. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Olefin PRE CLEAN is a...

Odorcide 210 available in trial size.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Thornell Corp. is making trial-size bottles of its Odorcide 210 odor-control product available to every carpet cleaner and manager of housekeeping and janitorial services in the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Odorcide 210 works...

BlueLINE crowns its CHAMP.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... BlueLINE Equipment Co. introduces the CHAMP truckmount, featuring the Heat Guard Bypass system so the unit can operate without hooking up water for restoration; a 3 CP 1120 CAT pump with 4.2 gpm to help ensure adequate water volume for cleaning...

Bridgepoint modifies its approach to odor.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Bridgepoint Systems introduces Bio-Modifier, a ready-to-use, highly active solution with a combination of enzymes designed to "knock out" odors. The company says Bio-Modifier "eliminates odors caused by mold, mildew, urine, organic rot, vomit,...

HydraMaster's SpitFire a popular upgrade.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The SpitFire 3.2 truckmount from HydraMaster is a popular choice of cleaners upgrading from a portable unit, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SpitFire 3.2 comes with a 16-hp Briggs & Stratton engine, Tuthill Competitor Plus...

Turbo-Force introduces Turbo-Hybrid.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Turbo-Force International Inc. introduces the Turbo-Hybrid. Capable of cleaning hard and softer polished floors, the Turbo-Hybrid utilizes a special boot that can be changed without the use of tools. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Operating at...

Butler brings Maximum freshness with Deodorizer.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... The Butler Corp.'s Maximum Orchard Fresh Deodorizer is formulated to destroy odors and odor-causing sources. The company says it is a highly effective concentration for removal of odors caused by wet carpet, urine, mildew, vomit, decaying foods...

Injectidry introduces new drying adapter.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Injectidry introduces a new drying adapter capable of dispensing "intense drying power" to multiple areas around a room. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new nine-port adapter is designed specifically to fit the high-pressure MAX Force and...

Royce Rolls carts it all away.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2004... Royce Rolls introduces the Microfiber Cart, a stainless steel, short-platform maid cart complete with two shelves, lockable door, zip bag, trash lid, pouch24 for soiled pads, sign and sign holder, and microfiber press. [ILLUSTRATION...

Conventions & Trade Shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
February 1, 2004... MARCH 2-6: NADCA ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION, Albuquerque. Call (202) 737-2926. MARCH 9-13: "SOLUTIONS" ASCR 59TH ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION. Colorado Springs, Colo. Call (800) 272-7012. MARCH 22-26: BSCAI CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW....

P&G offers four programs for specific cleaning needs.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Proctor & Gamble recently expanded its line of offerings to the janitorial/sanitation industry, adding 23 new products to augment its daily cleaners line. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Included within the new line of products are the Pro Line...

Prochem to the rescue.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Prochem introduces Stain Rescue, the newest offering in the company's lineup of professional carpet spotting products. A two-part product formulated to handle difficult carpet stains, Stain Rescue is hydrogen peroxide-based and ensures maximum...

Fuller Brush offers Mobile Dilution System.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Cleaning Technologies Group announces that Fuller Brush Commercial Products has introduced the "One 4 One" Mobile Dilution System, a portable system that provides one end-use container of ready-to-use product for one squeeze of the "unique...

Chem-Tex unleashes the Panther.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Chem-Tex offers the new XL model of the Panther 25HP truckmount with Last Step Injection. The Panther is equipped with a 25HP Kohler engine, ROOTS blower and Cat pump. The recovery tank front instrument panel and heat-exchange unit are...

JCSS brings Blue Turbo to bear.(Products)
February 1, 2004... JCSS Inc. introduces the HS-12 Blue Turbo, a 4-in-1 hard-surface cleaning tool, designed to work indoors, outdoors, on walls and on countertops. The HS-12 is equipped with what the company describes as a "unique" brush, three exclusive...

Nilfisk-Advance looks for Smart Solutions.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Nilfisk-Advance introduces Smart Solutions, a new technology designed to dramatically reduce water usage and waste generated by traditional automatic floor scrubbers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smart Solutions technology automatically...

Kent/Euroclean adds traction to Razor line.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Kent/Euroclean introduces the Razor 20BT compact scrubber with traction drive. The variable-speed traction drive system provides operators with "greater ease in scrubbing and transporting, while increasing productivity," the company said. ...

ProTeam aims to "Intercept" germs.(Products)
February 1, 2004... ProTeam announces the availability of Intercept Micro Filters, a new product featuring "specially treated media to inhibit the growth of mold, germs and odors within the vacuum filter bag." Intercept Micro Filters have built-in...

Delmhorst tips its cap.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Delmhorst Instrument Co. recently developed non-conductive caps designed to fit over the retainers on the company's 26-ES slide hammer electrode. The caps are intended to help ensure that wet carpet fibers do not impact the readings of moisture...

Wagner adds reference to moisture-meter arsenal.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Wagner Electronics announces the development of an easy-to-use Moisture Meter Reference Library on CD. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wagner's professional moisture meters will include this comprehensive reference CD, what the company...

Turbo-Force unleashes the Turbo-Raptor.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Turbo-Force International Inc. introduces the Turbo-Raptor, a detailing tool the company says is capable of cleaning a wider cleaning path using a double-jet manifold with the same impact as the company's Turbo hard-surface cleaning tool. ...

Chem Max publishes 2004 catalog.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Chem Max has published its 2004 supplies catalog, containing "hard-to-find cleaning solutions to make your business easier and more profitable," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ultra Dry Carpet Dry Cleaning System, which...

Nilodor looks to set the mood.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Nilodor introduces three new blends of natural aromatherapy oils. ALIVE is a "vibrant coriander fragrance that uplifts and refreshes," RELAX is "an esteemed soothing cedarwood fragrance that calms and relaxes," and ENERGY is "a refreshing...

Custom Chemical formulations for cleaning pros.(Products)
February 1, 2004... The Custom Chemical Co. develops formulas for the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry based on the chemicals an individual cleaning company is using. Custom Chemical formulates pre-sprays, spotters, deodorizers and more. [ILLUSTRATION...

Surveymaster now features easier-to-use design.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Dri-Eaz Products Inc. has introduced a new model of the GE Protimeter Surveymaster that features an ergonomic design and a more detailed moisture-reading display, as well as the same 2-in-1 moisture measurement function as the previous model....

Hi-Lite turns a "blind" eye.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Hi-Lite Enterprises Inc. introduces the BlindMaid DryRack for drying and repairing all types of window blinds. The DryRack can dry 25-30 blinds on one rack, using both sides, and can adjust to raise upwards of 8 feet. [ILLUSTRATION...

Scot Labs adds to Tuff family.(Products)
February 1, 2004... Scot Laboratories introduces Power-Max Prespray to the company's Tuff family of carpet care products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Specifically designed to loosen and encapsulate ground-in dirt and old stains, Power-Max Prespray is the...

Cat Pumps recasts, renames pump model.(Products)
February 1, 2004... 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...

pdQ Postcards aims to ease marketing concerns.(Products)
February 1, 2004... pdQ Postcards "puts the power of professional, full-color and black-and-white marketing materials at your fingertips," the company said, whether it's postcards to increase sales, reminders to reinforce good cleaning habits, "Thank You" cards to...

HydraMaster works on saving, simplifying space.(Products)
February 1, 2004... 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. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HydraMaster also offers a selection...

The Genesis-nXT from PowerClean.(Products)
February 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries introduces the Genesis-nXT truck-mount. Based on the Genesis-XT, the nXT features a Nissan fuel-injected engine and includes a number of new performance features, the company said. Engineered using the company's...

2004 carpet-cleaning chemical market study.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... ICS Cleaning Specialist magazine introduces its second commissioned market study designed to measure the opinions and preferences of floor care professionals as they pertain to the use of carpet-cleaning chemicals and equipment. The size and...

One is the loneliest number: "a partnership is like marriage without sex. All of the problems with none of the benefits." Anonymous.(To Your Success)
February 1, 2004... It can be so darned tempting. You are overworked, under appreciated, the phone keeps ringing and the pressure is enormous. You feel so very alone as a solo entrepreneur. If only you had someone to share the load with. Inevitably, the question...

Stressed out? Here are some ways to cope.
February 1, 2004... Contracting ranks pretty high up the list of stressful occupations. You folks have to juggle many balls at once, any one of which may explode if dropped. Managing labor is something that always makes people pull their hair out or put their...

Loyalty: a two-way street: we all know just how important building a strong repeat and referral clientele is to the growth of our businesses. Many business owners feel this is accomplished entirely through outstanding workmanship and customer service.(Notes from the Trenches)
February 1, 2004... This certainly accounts for at least 80 percent of the necessary requirements for achieving this goal, but what about the remaining 20 percent? This is where loyalty comes into play. Not just the loyalty your customers show you, but the...

Soda blasting.
February 1, 2004... The last 15 to 20 years in the abrasive-blasting world have been interesting, to say the least. One small reason is that sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, has become an everyday topic of conversation. Beginning with the restoration of The...

IICRC S520 Mold Remediation standard: separating fact from fiction (part 1); for almost four years now, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification has been collecting information, reviewing scientific literature, debating technique and writing its long-awaited S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation.
February 1, 2004... The industry has for years demanded a document that is more comprehensive and definitive than the present New York City or Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines for Mold Remediation; producing a quality document with far-ranging...

The cost of certification; what usually comes to mind when we talk about the cost of certification?
February 1, 2004... The cost of the course itself. The time spent away from work. The cost of travel to the course, and, of course, the fact that the person taking the course might go work somewhere else next month. Now consider your company's service...

Just under the surfaces.(Surfaces Trade Show & Exhibition in Las Vegas)(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... Floor care, not to mention commercial floor care, does not find itself in the spotlight very often at large flooring-industry events like the recent Surfaces Trade Show & Exhibition in Las Vegas, Jan. 28-30, or Coverings, the Ultimate Tile,...

Removing canals from retail store floors.(Commercial Floor Care)
February 1, 2004... Major retail stores usually require that high-traffic floors be scrubbed and burnished nightly, and that secondary floor areas, such as department aisles, be scrubbed and burnished weekly. Smaller retail settings require similar services except...

The disease and the cure: dealing with budget concerns.(Commercial Floor Care)
February 1, 2004... In the past four years, South Carolina public school students have made dramatic improvements in their SAT scores. As a matter of fact, the 30-point rise in the state's scores since 1999 is the best in the nation, according to South Carolina...

Daily spot treatment helps preserve carpet.(Commercial Floor Care)
February 1, 2004... Imagine, for a moment, that you're a contestant on Jeopardy! You choose "Cleaning" for $400. Alex Trebek reads, "These items share something in common: "Coffee with cream and sugar." "Copy machine toner." "Dirt, mud, leaves and...

Stone floor maintenance: identifying and maintaining marble.(Commercial Floor Care)
February 1, 2004... There are numerous classifications in the stone-floor category. Granite, quartzite, serpentine, marble, limestone, travertine, sandstone, terrazzo and agglomerate are generally what we see. These classifications exist because of differing...

Spartan Chemical Co.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2004... Introducing the Laminate Lights Second Generation Laminate Systems Technology Spartan's Laminate Lights is new floor coating technology. The laminate system includes: EnduraBASE provides a high gloss foundation and assists strippability....

Kent-Euroclean.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2004... THE EUROCLEAN WHISPERCLEAN[TM] OFFERS VALUE THROUGH DAYTIME CLEANING. The Euroclean WhisperClean[TM] canister vacuum ushers in a new generation of value in quiet vacuums. The Euroclean WhisperClean is the first commercially available vacuum...

Nilfisk-Advance.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2004... ADVANCE AQUAPRO[TM] OFFERS LINE OF PORTABLE EXTRACTORS. Advance AquaPro[TM] XP cleans with 300 psi for deep extraction and 75 psi for light duty cleaning. AquaPro[TM] H and C are 150 psi portable extractors. AquaPro[TM] H is a heated model and...

Royce Rolls.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2004... The Royce Rolls Ringer Co. has manufactured high quality housekeeping equipment since 1925. Many styles of stainless steel carts, mop buckets and wringers are available to meet any facility's needs. Pricing is factory direct to keep costs down....

Tornado is riding the Trike.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Tornado Industries introduces the BD Trike, a ride-on scrubber/dryer with a 28-inch cleaning path and twin-disc scrubbing heads that the company says is "ideal for industrial, educational, medical and retail facilities." Equipped with an...

Kent/Euroclean walks tall on Terra firma.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... The Terra 128B/132B sweeper from Kent/Euroclean has been engineered to address a wide range of floor cleaning needs, the company said, including both carpet and hard floor. The main broom counter-rotates against the direction of travel; the...

Dzynspec's Debolon enhances healthcare facilities.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Dzynspec Innovative Floor Covering Collection, a division of Mats Inc., introduces Debolon High Performance Contract Flooring. Debolon is designed for "outstanding resilience to heavy equipment and wheeled carts that normally cause indentation...

ICAN announces Member Roster & Search tool.(International Custodial Advisors Network)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... The International Custodial Advisors Network announces its new online Member Roster & Search tool, located at www.custodialadvisorsnetwork.org, designed to allow ICAN members to be located by name, company, state, country or specialty. "We...

Fuller Brush enhances carpet care line.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Cleaning Technologies Group announces a new comprehensive product line available exclusively to Fuller Brush Commercial Products distributors. Fuller's new Carpet Care Product Line includes eight new formulas designed to address any carpet...

Nilfisk-Advance offers three models of AquaPro.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... The Advance AquaPro from Nilfisk-Advance, unveiled at the ISSA/Interclean show in Chicago, Oct. 14-17, 2003, is available in three models: the AquaPro XP, the AquaPro H and the AquaPro C. The AquaPro XP and H are hot-water units offer...

Stone Care System provides "natural polishing".(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Clarke introduces its three-step complete Stone Care System, designed to "naturally polish" marble floors without risking any surface damage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Briefly, diamond disc floor grinding with a 100- or 200-grit...

Eureka introduces Sanitaire floor machines.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Eureka introduces eight new floor machines, each offering chrome-plated cast steel housings, a choice of 1.0- or 1.5-hp twin-capacitor motors, either a twin- or tiple-idler planetary gearbox, and two speed options. Sanitaire floor machines...

Unger brings two new brushes to bear.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Unger Enterprises introduces the SmartColor SwivelBrush and the SmartColor SwivelCornerBrush, two scrubbing tools designed for cleaning dirt in hard-to-reach places. The brushes are made of polypropylene bristles, which the company says...

ProTeam joins U.S. Green Building Council.(News & Products)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... ProTeam has joined the U.S. Green Building Council, the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy. "Supporting the...

Spartan puts Green Solutions in your hand.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... Spartan Chemical Co. introduces two new products to the Green Solutions family, Green Solution Glass Cleaner and Green Solution Carpet Cleaner, as well as 2-liter cartridges for all Green Solution products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

ProTeam introduces the LineVacer.(News & Products)
February 1, 2004... ProTeam introduces the LineVacer, an industrial HEPA/ULPA vacuum the company says is "ideal for medical facilities, clean rooms, computer labs or highly sensitive areas with delicate equipment." The LineVacer features the company's...

An ounce of prevention: floor care concerns at schools and universities.(Commercial Floor Care)(Editorial)
February 1, 2004... You enter a building through the lobby, and the first major surface that catches your eye is the floor. As you move about the building, from one level to another, floors are ever present. From carpeting to terrazzo, concrete to wood, the types...

Floor care equipment: balancing price with performance.
February 1, 2004... The recent spate of positive economic news suggests that the financial doldrums experienced during the past few years are slowly being shown to the door. But that doesn't mean that blank checks are being thrown at floor care equipment...