ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from January 2008

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from January 2008

Is Trade Association Membership Worth It? During my travels throughout the United States, as well as in England, Japan and Australia, I've been very fortunate to meet many people through my affiliation with both IICRC and SCRT.(IICRC President's Corner)
January 1, 2008... I represent SCRT on the IICRC Board of Directors. When discussing my involvement with these organizations, many respond, "Oh, yeah, I'm a member of IICRC, also." Of course, you and I both know that's not true, but in case someone out there...

When technology isn't enough: tuning up your customer service skills.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the early days of the restoration industry, a little technology and some basic knowledge of the restoration process was enough to remain competitive. There were so few companies to choose from that customers...

Aiming for a great '08: January is a fantastic time.(Editorial Comment)
January 1, 2008... It's the first month of a new year, chock full of new beginnings and new opportunities, the first look at new insights and ideas. It also allows me to be the first to thank the individuals who help make this the best magazine in the industry....

Get more out of your inspection kit.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are five things I do with my inspection kit that most restorers don't think of doing. Put these into practice and you'll have a better understanding of what's going on during your restorative drying projects....

Boosting your effectiveness: every once in a while I can't help but talk about some of the most effective gadgets or "tools" in the chemical world. This month's column has to do with chemicals used for boosting your cleaning performance. But first, a little history.(The Gadget Man)
January 1, 2008... Some of you may not have yet been born when I started cleaning carpets. Back in 1974, we had little of the chemical technology available today to help us perform our job. My brother and I started cleaning just after "steam cleaning," or...

Cats and dogs: the textile cleaner's best friends: a huge market exists for professional textile cleaners who are acutely aware that household pets can cause difficult odor problems requiring remediation. To handle urine decontamination of textiles, the professional cleaner needs to learn the principles of odor control.(For The Professional Textile Cleaner)
January 1, 2008... I highly suggest attending an IICRC Odor Control class to learn scientific principles in addition to techniques necessary to handle urine-contaminated textiles. Education is the foundation for business success. A crucial question to...

MRSA: should you be worried? IEQ Q&A.
January 1, 2008... Q: One of our employees has raised the issue of working on a job site where one of the occupants had MRSA. I am concerned about what we should do to protect our workers. Are there any guidelines that will help us? A: Staphylococcus aureus...

Maintaining marble flooring: of the stone flooring materials on the market today, marble is one of the most popular. It has been used throughout history in some of the world's most ancient structures. Today we see it in government buildings, banks and transportation terminals, in the lobbies of Class "A" buildings and fine hotels, not to mention many homes.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
January 1, 2008... Marble is a metamorphic limestone consisting primarily of calcium carbonates in the form of calcite, dolomite or a combination of both. Calcite is a common mineral composed of calcium carbonate and is found in abundance throughout the world. It...

Tennant wins Innovation Award at 2007 ISSA.(Industry News & Information)
January 1, 2008... Tennant Co. received an Innovation Award at the 2007 ISSA/INTERCLEAN USA Tradeshow and Educational Conference in October 2007. Tennant received the award in recognition of its launch of [ech.sub.2]o (pronounced "echo"), a "breakthrough...

New climate initiative launched.(Industry News & Information)
January 1, 2008... The Green Cleaning Network and the Leonardo Academy announced the launch of the Cleaning Industry Climate Initiative (www.CleaningIndustryClimateInitiative. org). "Climate change is going to be one of the most important issues of our time....

Kaivac receives patent for KaiMotion.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Kaivac, Inc., announces that the U.S. Patent Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,270,251 for its KaiMotion cleaning system. KaiMotion is designed for high-performance floor mopping and floor finishing. The unit has a self-dispensing...

White Magic partners with Purdue for new program.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... White Magic recently announced its involvement as a long-term partner with Purdue University in contributing to its newly formed Disaster Restoration and Reconstruction Specialty Program. Bob Bonwell, president of Advantage Marketing, along...

CleanLiving products.(Product & Literature Guide Product)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CleanLiving products go beyond being environmentally friendly; they are safe and beneficial for humans, animals and the environment. CleanLiving products were developed to naturally clean, deodorize and remediate...

A little brother for TES: Bridgepoint Systems.(Product & Literature Guide Product)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new flood restoration machine from Bridgepoint Systems "could dramatically change the way you handle small flood jobs." e-TES dries using the same principles as full-size TES, but it's electric. Plug it into a...

The Butler System's "Warehouse on Wheels": The Butler Corporation.(Product & Literature Guide Product)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Butler Corporation has engineered the Butler System for installation into GMC W-Series diesel powered trucks. The legendary compact design of the Butler System, combined with our adjustable Modular Storage...

The least expensive, most valuable, life- and business-changing marketing strategy ever! It's 2008 and you have resolved to do better in your business this year. Right? Good, because after reading this article, you will want to add something else to your list of New Year's Resolutions.(Marketing Strategies That Work)
January 1, 2008... I want to share a strategy that has absolutely changed my life. It is at the foundation of all that I do in marketing and in business. This simple but overlooked and misunderstood "marketing" strategy can do more for your business than perhaps...

Butler introduces Maximum Desolv.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

White Magic is no drag.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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)
January 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)
January 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...

Sticky Tabs take "hard-to-reach" out of the equation.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

Cleanco's new External Auto Drain.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... Cleanco has released a new auto drain feature for their truckmount 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...

Geerpres introduces new antimicrobial surface protectant.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

SystemSURE Plus makes sure it's clean.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

Esteam launches Pet Stain & Odor Remover.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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....

Introducing the Mobilized Assistance Program.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... RestorationSOS has developed new emergency protocols and procedures to support the demand for restoration services during natural disasters such as floods and wildfires. "M.A.P. was designed as a solution for both insurance providers and...

PowerPlus has a new Prodigy.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

Enviro-Solutions offers twice the power.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

Tele-Name Communications expands marketing.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tele-Name Communications announces it is expanding its 1-800-4 Cleaning, 1-800-Home Clean and 1-800-Office Clean marketing program to all 50 states and Canada. "What owning 1-800-4 Cleaning, 1-800-Home Clean or...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... 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...

DrySmart provides power and control.(Products)
January 1, 2008... [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...

SOVC truckmount power accessory released by PowerPlus.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... PowerPlus Inc. is pleased to announce the release of its SOVC (Solenoid Operated Valve Control) for any brand of truckmounted carpet cleaning machines. This unit is "a significant advancement over the traditional spring and disk valve safety...

Karcher introduces all-electric hot water pressure washer ideal for indoor cleaning.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... 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)
January 1, 2008... 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." All-in-one containment allows...

Rotobrush launches Roto-Vision.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... 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....

Dri-Eaz offers a new solution: The EnviroBoss 6000.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... 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...

Portable hot-water spotter deep cleans carpets.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... 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 "removes the toughest carpet...

Butler goes after hard surfaces.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... [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)
January 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...

Mytee's new 2200 air mover.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 2200 air mover from Mytee operates on a 3-speed 1/3 horsepower motor, creating an aggressive 2200 CFM of air-low. This efficient motor only draws 4 amps at 115 volts. At the same time, this power machine is "easy...

Jon-Don introduces Wipe Out.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... [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)
January 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...

So advanced it's simple.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 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...

Wet/Dry Vacs strive to improve worker performance.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... 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 allowing 360-degree hose...

KS International, Inc. adds to innovative surface protection.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... [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...

EnvirOx introduces Green Seal-certified [H.sub.2][Orange.sub.2] Concentrate 116.(Products Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2008... EnvirOx introduces Green Seal-certified H2Orange2 Concentrate 116 General Purpose Cleaner-Degreaser-Deodorizer. One product with two dilutions will clean, degrease, and remove offensive odors on 95 percent of a facility's surfaces, replacing an...

Competing for your internal customer.(To Your Success)
January 1, 2008... "We hire great attitudes and teach them any functionality they need." --Herb Kelleher, Southwest Airlines Competition is brutal in this business. I just can't believe just how desperate my competitors are! What a bunch of...

2008 Truckmount Equipment & Accessories Guide.(Directory)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Welcome to the 2008 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...