ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from January 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from January 2004

A rolling stone gathers no mold; Mick Jagger was knighted by Prince Charles last month. The IICRC unveiled its long-awaited S520 Standard and Reference Guide for mold remediation around the same time. Coincidence? Yes.(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)(Editorial)
January 1, 2004... The first month of every new year holds so much promise. This is the year we finally see a firm economic platform for the country to build from. The year we drop that 20 pounds. The year we are presented with a palatable Super Bowl halftime...

Putting the lid on carbon monoxide.(Indoor Environmental Quality Q & A)
January 1, 2004... Q: I recently heard about a case where carpet cleaners were blamed for a building evacuation because of high carbon monoxide levels. Is it possible that this could really happen? A: Carpet cleaners and restorers frequently utilize equipment...

Pricing hard floor maintenance by the square foot; calculating the price for performing services using a price-per-square-foot method is common in our industry. Often, the price-per-square-foot multiplier is based on the fair market value for the service(s) in a geographical region or local area.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
January 1, 2004... It is not uncommon for companies and entrepreneurs to get caught up in the competitiveness of the market and forget what their primary objective is: profit! The price-per-square-foot method of calculation is easy, that's why it is so...

The WET study--a monumental achievement in restoration: during 2003 a group of volunteers from the ranks of the International Society of cleaning technicians undertook a rather ambitious project they termed the water extraction-efficiency test, or "WET" study.(Rx for Restoration)
January 1, 2004... They solicited the assistance of Carey Mitchell, ISCT director and director of technical services with Shaw Industries, and the staff of Shaw Laboratories in Dalton, Ga. The study was overseen by Mitchell and Ruth Travis, the president of the...

Carpet tile maintenance: on my recent trip across the country to Las Vegas for the connections 2003 convention and Trade show, I had the opportunity to pass through five different airports. Your groans of sympathy are appreciated.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)(Column)
January 1, 2004... I was favorably impressed with the large amount of carpet tile installations I saw in those five airports, as well as in several other locations. Carpet tile, also known as modular flooring, has been around for many years, but it seems to have...

It's the little things that count; the Internet makes customer care more important than ever.
January 1, 2004... Angie's List is a consumer organization that collects customer satisfaction ratings on local service companies in more than 250 categories, everything from plumbing to pet sitting to piano tuning. Formed in 1995, it is organized in 13 cities...

The slippery subject of success; "I keep six honest serving men (they taught me all I know). Their names are what and why and when and how and where and who." Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936).(To Your Success)
January 1, 2004... Here's a riddle for you: What is universally wanted but with almost complete ignorance of how to achieve it and, even after having attained it, many don't know how to recognize it or benefit from it? Answer: Success in life! One...

IICRC S520: Mold has a new enemy.(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
January 1, 2004... The IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation has been published, the result of two years of collaborative efforts on the part of industry experts, microbiologists, public health experts, industrial hygienists, and other...

Anchors away and other paths to disaster: a few months back, we discussed some pitfalls encountered during the course of a seemingly normal workday. The article was titled "when good jobs go bad.".(Notes from the Trenches)
January 1, 2004... Many of the incidents alluded to in that particular article were unavoidable and could happen to the most diligent cleaner. In keeping with that theme, let's examine some other problems that can be avoided with a little fore-thought and common...

The ICS Product & Literature Guide.(Product & Literature Guide)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The ICS Product & Literature Guide is a special section devoted to profiling new products and literature for the cleaning and restoration industry. It is intended to give readers a brief opportunity to find out what is emerging in the...

Carpet Supply Source.(Product & Literature Guide)
January 1, 2004... Chemwizard - Red Blaster. How is your red food dye remover? Tired of mixing part A&B then discarding what you don't use? Try Red Blaster's 1 step process with no waste or shelf-life and a 100% money back guarantee. With a price of $9.95 per...

Butler.(Product & Literature Guide)
January 1, 2004... The Butler Corporation offers NO MONEY DOWN AND NO PAYMENTS FOR 3 MONTHS, on the purchase of a New 2004 Butler System and GMC van! Financing programs are available as low as 4.5% and lease payments start at $599 a month. Terms are from 24 to 72...

ADCO PRO.(Product & Literature Guide)
January 1, 2004... ADCO PRO brings the whole store to your door. ADCO PRO's new 128 page Catalog has everything for the professional cleaner/restorer, including great pricing, free freight, and no sales tax. We want to earn your business and have some...

Groom Industries, Inc.(Product & Literature Guide)
January 1, 2004... Groom Industries, Inc. has been manufacturing premier grooming (pile preparation) tools and spotting tools for over 30 years. As well as the "professional's choice," Perky Spotter[R], our own spotting solution. Check out the "Grooming Guide"...

Custom Chemical Company.(Product & Literature Guide)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Custom Chemical Company is a National Supplier of Chemicals and Equipment for the carpet cleaning professional. We custom formulate NATIONAL brand products, backed by a 100% Money Back Guarantee! PRESPRAYS FORMULATED: ULTRA Packed $19.99,...

GMH Industries.(Product & Literature Guide)
January 1, 2004... GMH Industries (a division of Enviroclean of Illinois) announces the HoZooka vacuum hose cleaning and drying tool. The HoZooka mounts to your van door or shop wall cleaning and drying vacuum hoses as they're winding onto the reel. The Hozooka...

Rotovac.(Product & Literature Guide)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Rotovac Powerwand for carpet cleaning replaces the manual scrub wand and can be used with any portable extractor or truck mount. The cleaning heads counterrotate to produce 1.500 multi-directional extraction cleaning passes per minute. The...

Butler brings maximum freshness with Deodorizer.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

BLUEline breaks out the combination reel.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... BLUEline Equipment Co. introduces the Water Pond, a combination water and electric hose reel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Paint-lock construction is intended to help keep the unit free of rust and corrosion. The water tank holds 120 gallons...

Fuller Brush offers Mobile Dilution System.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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 Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Chem.-Tex offers the new XL model of the Panther 25HP truck-mount with Last Step Injection. The Panther is equipped with a 25HP Kohler engine, ROOTS blower and Cat pump. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The recovery tank front instrument panel...

Injectidry introduces new drying adapter.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

LEATHER PRO! completes Leather Care Manual.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... LEATHER PRO! has completed its Leather Care Technician Manual, a 220-page book guide containing more than 150 pictures. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The manual examines the history, definitions and types of leather, as well the preparation...

CTI enhances, renames Rinse.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Chemical Technologies International Inc. has released an enhanced version of the company's Crystal Rinse. The new formulation has been renamed SCR (Soil Crystallizing Rinse) and features CTI's soil crystallization technology designed to reduce...

SHURflo puts a charge in backpack sprayers.(Products Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... SHURflo introduces the ProPack SRS-540, a rechargeable electric backpack sprayer the company says "eliminates the need for the operator to continually 'pump up' the sprayer to maintain a constant and steady spray patterns." [ILLUSTRATION...

Bridgepoint aims to protect fine fabrics.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Maxim Fine Fabric from Bridgepoint Systems is a solvent-based fluorochemical protector designed for fine upholstery fabrics. It "safely protects even the finest fabrics from spill and stains," the company said, and spills bead up so they can be...

Omegasonics publishes procedures workbook.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2004... Omegasonics has produced the "Encyclopedia of Ultrasonic Fire & Smoke Restoration Procedures," a shop-reference workbook for the restoration of a wide range of contents. More than 300-pages long and fully illustrated, the workbook contains...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... Conventions & Trade Shows JAN. 28-30: SURFACES 2004, Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6343. MARCH 2-6: NADCA ANNUAL MEETING & EXPOSITION, Albuquerque. Call (202) 737-2926. MARCH 9-13: "SOLUTIONS" ASCR 59TH ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION....

Hydro Tech works out on grime and residue.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Hydro Tech's HydroEdge edging and crevice tool is designed to blast out grime and built-up residue in grout, tight areas, corners and hard-to-reach areas without damaging tile or grout. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The stainless steel,...

PowerClean works for freedom.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries introduces the Freedom-XT line of truckmounts. Freedom-XT units feature a Kohler 25-hp water-cooled engine, Cat 3C pump and a choice of a Roots 26, 45 or 47 blower. Freedom-XT units are capable of generating...

CDC offers full Floor-Care Systems.(Products)(CDC Products Corp.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... CDC Products Corp. has developed the CDC Floor/Carpet Care Systems,. The floor care system consists of a resilient- and hard-floor wax/finish stripper; a neutralizer; a cleaner/conditioner and a floor finish. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Mohawk offers professional floor care services.(Products)
January 1, 2004... Mohawk Professional Floor Care Systems, in conjunction with the Mohawk "Floor Care Essentials" Professional Cleaning Systems, offers turnkey programs in truck-mounted carpet care and dust-free wood refinishing systems. An initial...

HydraMaster works on saving, simplifying space.(Products)
January 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...

Cat Pumps recasts, renames pump model.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 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...

White Magic reels in the hose.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... White Magic introduces its electric hose reel, what the company describes as "the most durable in the industry." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] White Magic offers its electric hose reel in a variety of sizes, including a high-profile reel and...

Butler won't gum up the works.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Butler Corp. introduces Gel Gum and Grease Remover, a super-concentrated, natural-based gel formula the company says "safely and effectively removes most gum, grease, tar, glue and oily substances." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gel Gum...

U.S. Products strikes with King Cobra.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... U.S. Products introduces the King Cobra series of hot-water extractors. Available in 150-, 300/75-, 300- and 500 psi, the King Cobra includes a 16-gallon tank and solid-state heat management delivering instant 212-degree heated solution at the...

Tomado unveils new vacuum line.(Products)(Tornado Industries)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Tornado Industries introduces the Tornado CV vacuum cleaner line of single-motor upright vacuums. Available in both 12- and 15-inch widths, the vacuums have enclosed, lightweight, ergonomically designed handles and brush-assisted forward...

JCSS brings Blue Turbo to bear.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 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. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The HS-12 is equipped with what the company describes as a...

Turbo-Force introduces Turbo-Hybrid.(Products)(Turbo-Force International Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 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...

Century 400 expands product line.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Century 400 has launched a new series of products aimed at the cleaning professional. The new products include the Spirit Series of 17- and 20-inch floor machines; the Spirit 1500 burnisher; the Hamada 17-inch compact auto scrubber; the B-Vac...

HydroTech entry is the "Front Runner".(Products)(HydroTech Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The "Front Runner" from HydroTech Inc. is a rotary-driven extraction tool with a 10-inch cleaning path that the company says operates with any available pressure from 0 to 3,000 psi. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The "Front Runner" is...

Royce Rolls Carts it all away.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 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...

Nilfisk-Advance looks for Smart Solutions.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Nilfisk-Advance introduces Smart Solutions, a new technology designed to dramatically reduce water usage and waste generated by traditional automatic floor scrubbers. Smart Solutions technology automatically calibrates water flow to meet...

Sanitaire vacs big fans of Quick Kleen.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Sanitaire upright vacuum models SC886, SC887 and SC888 are designed with Quick Kleen, a clear fan chamber designed to make cleaning or changing a fan take only minutes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SC886 and SC887 feature the vibrating...

Kent/Euroclean adds traction to Razor line.(Products)
January 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. ...

Prochem to the Rescue.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 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...

P&G offers four programs for specific cleaning needs.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 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...

ProTeam aims to "Intercept" germs.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Pro Team 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...

The Genesis-nXT from PowerClean.(Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... PowerClean Industries introduces the Genesis-nXT truckmount. 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 Truckmount Equipment & Accessories Guide.(Directory)(Buyers Guide)
January 1, 2004... Welcome to the 2004 Truckmount Equipment & Accessories Guide, the cleaning and restoration industry's premier truckmount specifications resource. This is where you will find the movers and shakers who make up the vital underpinnings of the...

Ethical Services Web site launches controversy.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... In November 2003 Ethical Services, a company described as providing "the fastest and most thorough way to find the top-rated carpet cleaning company in your area," launched EthicalServices.com. Currently focused on the cleaning industry, the...

Lopata joins EnvirOx.(Industry News & Information)(Larry Lopata)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Larry Lopata has joined EnvirOx, LLC as western U.S. sales manager, the company said. Lopata will be responsible for managing the territory west of the Mississippi, as well as Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. More recently, Lopata was the...

ISSA/Interclean dubbed "significant success".(Industry News & Information)
January 1, 2004... ISSA/Interclean-Chicago 2003 was dubbed a "significant success" by participants and organizers alike, according to an ISSA statement. The event took place Oct. 14-17 at McCormick Place, featuring 654 exhibitors and attracting more than...

ICAN presents award to Kaivac.(Industry News & Information)(International Custodial Advisors Network Inc.)(Kaivac Cleaning Systems)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... During ISSA/Interclean-Chicago 2003, Oct.14-17, the International Custodial Advisors Network Inc. announced its three picks for the most innovative new products at the show. Kaivac Cleaning Systems was selected for its new on-board training...

Von Schrader announces Associates Convention.(Industry News & Information)(convention will be held at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Feb. 8-11)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Von Schrader Co. has announced plans for its 6th Annual Von Schrader Associates Convention. The convention will be held at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Feb. 8-11. Highlights will include keynote speakers, a reception...

Contents-Restoration workshop announced.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Technologies Workshop for Advanced Contents Restoration, presented by the Restoration Alliance, is a three-day workshop that takes the total systems approach, featuring in-depth instruction in the latest and most up-to-date contents...

IICRC announces arrival of industry Mold Standard.(Industry News & Information)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification announces the completion of the IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Mold Remediation. "The IICRC Mold Remediation Standard represents the culmination of over three...

Piranha "Boot Camp" attracts largest-ever attendance.(News)(Piranha Marketing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Piranha Marketing "Boot Camp" held in Mesa, Ariz., in October 2003 attracted more than 500 cleaning from North America, Iceland and England for what the company describes as "the largest gathering of carpet cleaners in a marketing seminar...

New hours at Bridgepoint customer service.(News)(Bridgepoint Systems)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Beginning Dec. 1, 2003, Bridgepoint Systems began offering continuous customer service from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (MST). "In our continuous effort to serve our customers at the highest level, these new hours will allow greater access to...

DRC announces Annual Conference and Trade Show.(News)(DRC Trade Show Services)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... DRC Trade Show Services announces its 4th Annual DRC Conference & Trade Show at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, June 11-12. The show is scheduled to include extensive education sessions covering technical, marketing and...

Vaportek marks 25th anniversary.(News)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Since first opening its doors in 1979, Vaportek has seen its deodorization concept, developed specifically to eliminate difficult odors in hospital cancer and burn wards, mature into its complete line of "Simple Solutions for Tough Odors." ...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2004... The "Connections 2003 Roars Onto the Industry Stage" feature in November 2003 contained a number of photographs taken by Cliff Grost of Multi-Maintenance Cleaning & Restoration in Grayslake, Ill. Credit to Grost for the photos was mistakenly...

Dry Air Technology announces new restoration product manager.(News)(Larry Carlson)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Dry Air Technology announces that Larry Carlson has joined the company as restoration product manager. Carlson was most recently product manager for dehumidifiers and ventilation products at Therma-Stor Products, as well as being responsible...

Increasing market share; market share is something we are all very familiar with, and every responsible business owner works to increase his or hers every day.(IICRC President's Corner)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
January 1, 2004... We plan and set goals to increase our sales, improve client satisfaction, gain market share and grow our businesses. It is no different at the IICRC. Our marketing efforts go far beyond what most people realize. We designate almost 10 percent...

Predicting the unpredictable; have you ever been thanked for a carpet-cleaning job well done? I'm not talking about the usual "thank you," but a handshake containing a $100 bill, followed by a complimentary card or note?(Focus on Chemicals)
January 1, 2004... To some carpet cleaners that would be a real surprise, one as unpredictable as it gets. What about when you receive a call one year later from a customer you thought would never dial your number again? The same customer that, when you get to...