ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from February 2008

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from February 2008

You take the good, you take the bad ... one of the best things about the technology blitzkrieg of the past 20-odd years is the access to information it has afforded the average person.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)
February 1, 2008... Looking for the latest poll numbers? Google them (anyone ever tell you to just "Washington Post" something? Didn't think so). Need real-time traffic conditions as you head from one jobsite to the next? No problem. Want to know anything about...

Periodic maintenance for wood flooring: wood floor coverings have been and always will be a popular choice for many people in residential and commercial applications.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
February 1, 2008... Assortment of product ranges widely; hardwood or softwood; solid or engineered; strip, plank, parquet, border and medallion; painted, stenciled, stained or natural, they all have a certain elegance that demands your attention. Newly...

The world of commercial carpet cleaning: successful textile cleaning companies that continue to grow in and survive during lean times are those that do not rely solely on residential accounts. Residential accounts are adversely affected by factors beyond one's control, including weather. In many areas of the country, cleaning becomes a seasonal service.(For The Professional Textile Cleaner)
February 1, 2008... Commercial accounts provide a steady source of work and income all year long, month after month. They provide peace of mind, knowing you can count on a certain amount of income every month even when residential cleaning is slow. Commercial...

Taking on expansive clay issues.(EQ Q&A)
February 1, 2008... Q: We were asked to dry a crawlspace that had been flooded. We have now been accused of damaging the interior of the building by over-drying, causing it to shift on its foundation. Is this possible? A: Yes, it is possible, but it could also...

Building psychological rapport: last month I shared that "networking" is much more than just going to networking groups to "get business." Networking is "the process of building relationships with the mutual desire and intent to connect to others.".(Marketing Strategies That Work)
February 1, 2008... I also shared that, instead of networking to "get business," you want to shift your thinking to becoming an asset to others before they become an asset to you. And by doing that, you will get so much more than just jobs. Finally, I shared my...

Jon-Don brings citrus to the Matrix.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jon-Don's Matrix Citrus Force "doubles, even triples the ordinary pre-spray's soil-dissolving ability," the company said. Citrus Force can also be used as a spotter on oil-based stains, according to Jon-Don....

Butler puts a little spice back in cleaning.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Butler's Maximum Spicy Fresh Deodorizer is "an effective concentration to expel most odors caused by the prolonged exposure to moisture, urine, mildew, vomit, decaying foods and common household odors in carpet and upholstery," the company...

Take stress out of the equation.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The EZ-Pull ergonomic belt, which straps around the users waist and comes with U.S. Product's Agitator 16 and Agitator 18 self-contained carpet extractors, "has been proven to reduce worker stress and help improve...

Forget man-to-man; Bridgepoint plays Zone.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stain Zone from Bridgepoint Systems "removes almost all impossible stains such as mustard, furniture and wood stains, shoe polish, urine stains, vomit, pigments, coffee, tea and other organic dyes and materials," the...

Cleanco truckmount diesel installations now approved for Savana.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Cleanco Compact Direct-Drive Truckmounts have been approved for installation in the new 2008 GMC Savana vans with Duramax diesel engines, the company said. For a complete list of vans approved for Cleanco Compact Truckmount installations,...

Magic Wand pre-spray takes on all comers.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Magic Wand Co. introduces a "masterful" pre-spray formulated to attack stains and even odors. The new pre-spray contains traffic lane cleaners for dirt; citrus for oil-based stains; oxygen for organic stains, and...

Tornado carpet extractors with Perfect Heat technology.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tornado introduces the Marathon Carpetrinser 2-400 upright carpet extractor with Perfect Heat technology. Using the heat generated by the vacuum motors along with an automatic heating system, the cleaning solution is...

Bluebook shows its true value.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Bluebook announces the release of the 2008 Bluebook Cost Guide, available in both print and digital versions. The 2008 Cost Guide contains thousands of new price updates and trade specific articles in addition to its comprehensive, easy to...

Hydro-Force takes aim with new sprayer.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Hydro-Force Solvent Sprayer is "designed for the application of solvent-based and other harsh chemicals, including those used as protectors, deodorizers, dry cleaning, and upholstery pre-sprays, the company...

ProTeam unveils two new HEPA backpack vacuums.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProTeam has added two new models featuring HEPA Level Filtration to their commercial product line, the 10-quart Super CoachVac HEPA and the more compact 6-quart Super QuarterVac HEPA. The Super CoachVac HEPA's...

Advance unveils CRI-certified walk-behind extractor.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AquaPLUS walk-behind carpet extractor from Advance is the first and only machine to have been certified by CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) for soil removal, dry times and carpet appearance retention in both...

Kingston releases K-Jet for floor care applications.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Kingston introduces the K-Jet, a brass nozzle for floor care equipment. The K-Jet attaches to heavy-duty pressure washing, upholstery and steam cleaning floor equipment for fluid supply control. Made purely of brass, the K-Jet features a...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... MARCH 7-10 NADCA 19th Annual Meeting & Exposition San Diego, CA. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 12-15 RIA 63rd Annual "Solutions" Convention and Exhibition Grapevine, TX. Call (800) 272-7012 MAY 15-17 Connections...

Enviro-Solutions offers twice the power.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ES 71 from Enviro-Solutions is a carpet stain/spot remover that is Green Seal certified and has earned the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. Compared to other certified leading brands, "ES 71...

Butler introduces Maximum Desolv.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maximum Desolv from Butler Corp. is "a citrus spot remover specifically formulated for the fast removal of most adhesive residue, grease, soap scum, bugs, lacquers, tape residue, bumper stickers," and more, the...

Jon-Don unveils the Grout Devil.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Jon-Don's new Matrix Grout Devil is "a powerful tile, grout and hard surface cleaner that cuts through layer after layer of soil buildup," the company said. Grout Devil is also an all-around tile and hard surface cleaner, as well as a...

Dri-Eaz compact air scrubber removes harmful particulates.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DefendAir HEPA 500 air scrubber from Dri-Eaz "greatly improves indoor air quality by removing harmful particulates, odor-causing molecules and worksite dust and debris," the company said. Drawing just three...

One-pass cleaning from U.S. Products.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Agitator 18 from U.S. Products is so effective that "it cleans most carpeted areas in just one pass," the company said. It first agitates the carpet to loosen dirt and soils, then rinses the carpet with dual...

Bridgepoint publishes guide for carpet cleaning procedures.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... The Bridgepoint Jump Start Quick Reference Guide for Commercial Carpet Cleaning Procedures "is designed for any cleaner involved in the cleaning and maintenance of carpet within a commercial facility. This includes professional cleaning...

White Magic is no drag.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] White Magic introduces the Max Extractor Drag Tool. Specifically designed for cleaning and water extraction, the Max Extractor is made of stainless steel, then powder coated for a long lasting, durable finish. ...

Spotter and Pet Stain and Odor Remover now available in gallon sizes.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spotting Solutions announces that its Pet Stain and Odor Remover and General Spotter are now available in gallon sizes. "Our General Spotter and our Pet Stain and Odor Remover are our two most popular products,...

BackPack heads the pack.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... "To say that Tornado's all-new, PV 6 Pac-Vac backpack vacuum cleaner improves worker productivity is an understatement.," the company said. The whisper-quiet machine vacuums more than 7,000 square feet in an hour, according to Tornado, and...

Esteam's launches Pet Stain & Odor Remover.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Esteam's new Pet Stain & Odor Remover "is designed to neutralize the odor by digesting the source contaminant. It encapsulates soil attracting residues to be vacuumed away to prevent re-soiling," the company said....

Cleanco's new External Auto Drain.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Cleanco has released a new auto drain feature for their truck-mount line. he new C.A.D. (Cleanco Auto Drain) is vertically mounted to the outside of the recovery tank for easy access for cleaning and servicing. By positioning it behind the...

Sticky Tabs take "hard-to-reach" out of the equation.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sticky-Tabs from Carpet Cure make for "no more hard to reach places." A convenient tabbing process, Sticky-Tabs have removable adhesive on one side, heavy duty plastic on the other. Techs apply the Tabs tacky...

PowerPlus has a new Prodigy.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PowerPlus Inc. announces the release of its newly improved Prodigy truck-mounted carpet-cleaning machine. This unit features Heat Distillation Technology (HDT), which results in 50 percent increase in heat...

Geerpres introduces new antimicrobial surface protectant.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Geerpres, Inc., introduces BioShield 75, a biostatic antimicrobial surface protectant that reduces the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew. BioShield 75, EPA registered and USDA accepted, is a...

Butler goes after hard surfaces.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... 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 for loosening soil and...

Dri-Eaz unveils the new AirPath.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... 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...

So advanced it's simple.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... 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...

Green Balance Carpet Prespray from Bridgepoint.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [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...

SystemSURE Plus makes sure it's clean.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hygiena has just released its newest rapid detection equipment system, the SystemSURE Plus ATP hygiene monitoring system. This new sanitation monitoring system is used to gauge performance of cleaning processes and...

Pacific Floor Care triumphs again.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pacific Floor Care's Triumph 235 Spotter Extractor is the perfect complement to larger carpet extractors. The Triumph 235 is designed to "easily and conveniently clean small spots and spills, before them become...

Now that's a bucket!(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... The KaiBucket Ergo-Mopping system takes bucket design and engineering to an entirely new level. Developed by Kaivac, the KaiBucket has an 8- to 12-gallon working capacity, perfect for 12- to 32-inch mops. The KaiBucket has four-inch...

A new portal opens for Bridgepoint Systems.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... Bridgepoint Systems announces the deployment of a new online, automated marketing portal. The BRIDGEPOINTDirect.com Web site, powered by Interlink Supply, is "a fusion of traditional proven marketing strategies and programs with the automation...

Byotrol launches new line of cleaning products.(Products Tools & Equipment)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Byotrol Inc., is launching a range of professional cleaning products developed "to reduce the use of harmful and corrosive chemicals, as well as saving cost by reducing the frequency of cleaning required without...

Building a dynasty.(To Your Success)
February 1, 2008... "Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority and don't interfere."--Ronald Reagan History is full of sports teams that have been "one shot wonders," world champions one year and in the cellar the next....

2008 carpet-cleaning chemical market study.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Welcome to ICS Cleaning Specialist magazine's sixth commissioned market study designed to measure the opinions and preferences of floor care and restoration professionals as they pertain to the use of carpet-cleaning...

Fly high and dry fast: several years ago I agreed to go to Anchorage, Alaska and teach a carpet-cleaning course. It was a great time of year--early July--and the sun shined for 21 hours a day. Part of my payment included a trip into the beautiful Alaskan wilderness to fish for King Salmon.(The Gadget Man)
February 1, 2008... The fishing trip was great and, after fishing from 3 p.m. until 6 the next morning (it stayed light all night), I finally landed a 35-pound King. As exciting as that was, the real story here is my transportation into the wilderness. David...

Aero Tech FT: Aero Tech Manfacturing.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The same Aero Tech excellence that brought you the Aero Tech XT introduces a FLOOD RESTORATION system equipped with: PTO driven vacuum blower, 110 gallon recovery tank, vacuum hose reel, 2 inlet filters, 200 ft....

Pre-owned Butler Systems and vans: Butler Systems.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Butler Corporation offers pre-owned vans sold with new or factory "reconditioned" pre-owned Butler Systems installed. A pre-owned Butler System can be "reconditioned" to practically its original performance...

Clean&Safe[R]Pro--the surface protection you've been looking for! KS International, Inc.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Safe on All Floors-even Hardwood and Stairs * Leak-Proof * Skid-Resistant * Grips/Won't Stick * Green Building Product * Reusable 888.578.5573 * www.dropcloth.com For details circle...

Multi-surface machine: Rotovac Corporation.(Product & Literature Guide)
February 1, 2008... [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...

The experts take aim at odor.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To the cleaning professional, odor control means opportunity. To put not too fine a point on it, the same nose-wrinkling offensiveness driving homeowners to distraction carries the sweet smell of money for the...

Jon-Don celebrates 30 years in business.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... This year marks Jon-Don's 30th year in business. Since its foundation in 1978, Jon-Don has been focused on forming partnerships with its customers, the company said. "Our success has always been tied to the success of our customers,...

Rainbow International U.K. celebrates 20th anniversary.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Rainbow International U.K., the first master licensee of U.S.-based The Dwyer Group, Inc., celebrated its 20th anniversary this year at the annual Reunion in Birmingham, England. "Our franchisees have faced several imposing challenges over...

II-Rep-Z, Inc., Dri-Eaz join forces.(Industry News & Information)(Unsmoke Systems)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... II Rep-Z, Inc., better known as Microban Systems, Inc. and Unsmoke Systems, and Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement to merge operations. The merger is effective immediately. "The strategic combination of II...

IICRC survey suggests homeowners relate health to flooring cleanliness.(Industry News & Information)
February 1, 2008... A survey recently conducted by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) found that eight out of 10 U.S. homeowners feel that their family's health is directly related to the cleanliness of their floors. ...

1-800-BOARDUP adds Nadon to roster.(Industry News & Information)(Mike Nadon appointed as director)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1-800-BOARDUP recently hired Mike Nadon as director of local market development. As an executive for Assured Software and then president of Elite Idea Works, Nadon "brings extensive operations and systems development...

IICRC spreads the word: one of the most active standing committees in the IICRC is the marketing and PR committee, because it involves most IICRC programs and activities. There are several basic areas of responsibility for the committee, which include trade media outreach, registrant support and consumer awareness.(IICRC President's Corner)
February 1, 2008... The first goal of the committee is to provide up-to-date information about the IICRC to both certified and non-certified individuals and companies. This is best accomplished through the trade media. Monthly press releases are sent out ICS...