ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from July 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from July 2005

Disaster preparedness takes resolve: from the Caribbean it came, born of pressure, moisture and heat. Arlene it would be named, this first fury of the season. The weather boys and girls snapped to, breaking out charts and graphs backed with sharp graphics and catchy tunes.
July 1, 2005... But the predicted disaster never came to pass, and Tropical Storm Arlene was soon downgraded to Tropical Depression Arlene (what makes the weather sad, I wonder?). Windows were un-shuttered, boards came unscrewed from exterior walls, and small...

A Horse's View.(carpet cleaners and management)
July 1, 2005... "Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world." --Schopenhauer, (1851) I've been called a horse's behind before. Sometimes I even deserved it. How about you? But could it be that, in the cleaning...

Ultrasonic cleaning and electronics: myth vs. reality.
July 1, 2005... One bitterly cold winter night about 15 years ago, I was completely snowed in at my office wondering what to do with my time. On a whim, I decided to immerse a non-salvageable television from a fire restoration job in an ultrasonic cleaning...

Ionizing air cleaners in mold-contaminated sites.
July 1, 2005... Q: Is it acceptable to temporarily install ionizing air cleaners on a mold-contaminated work site until we can get the remediation work started? A: First of all, we need to define "ionizing air cleaners." We are not talking about a HEPA...

The world has changed: has your marketing?(women and business)
July 1, 2005... The year was 1966 and James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, was No. 1 on the charts with "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Truckmounts had yet to be invented, carpet was still being cleaned in rug plants, Ozzie and Harriet headed America's...

Benefect cleaner makes an Impact.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Benefect Impact Carpet Cleaner can be used as a pre-spray or as an in-tank carpet extraction cleaner, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For use as an in-tank cleaner, mix 3 ounces of water with 1 gallon of water. After filling...

Interlink Supply offers first-ever catalog.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Interlink Supply introduced its first-ever catalog in June. The full-color book contains more than 210 pages of products both new and old. The catalog also includes a large parts section intended to make it easier for cleaners to perform their...

Butler goes after gum and grease.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Butler Gel Gum and Grease Remover is, "a maximum performance, concentrated gel formula with an exclusive blend of surfactants, solvents and stabilizers to penetrate and assist in the removal of gum, grease, tar, glue and oily substances," the...

Pre-assembled blower provides reliable operation.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Dresser ROOTS EasyAir 8000 is a compact, pre-assembled, skid-mounted blower unit with all piping, valves and instrumentation in place. Produced for both vacuum and pressure applications, the new package features a powder-coated noise...

Prochem introduces water-based sealer.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Prochem's new Tile and Grout Sealer is a water-based product designed to seal and protect grout and porous stone and tile with an advanced fluoropolymer technology, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The sealer "penetrates deep...

New truckmount from Steamaction.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Stealth Rhino from Steamaction International is a diesel-powered slidein truckmount. Powered by a 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled diesel engine, the Rhino is equipped with a Hi-Pressure Solution Pump with clutch and liquid-cooled blower. ...

Omegasonics expands ultrasonic line.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Omegasonics has expanded its line of ultrasonic cleaning systems for the fire and smoke-damage restoration industry. The company now offers six units to fit various sizes and needs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Omega Fire Pro line...

Pumptec goes for max capacity.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Pumptec's freshwater tanks feature 100- or 110-gallon options for capacity. The tanks come complete with a built-in, space-saving chemical rack that will hold up to 6 gallons of chemical. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The tanks also feature a...

Rugbadger goes after the dust.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Rugbadger from Luv-a-Rug is a portable area-rug dust eliminator. Featuring heavy-duty construction and an industry-leading warranty, the system--an acronym for Bugs, Allergens, Dirt and Grit Extractor for Rug Renovating--is designed "to...

Delmhorst unveils MoistureCheck.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Delmhorst introduces MoistureCheck, a 2-in-1 combination moisture meter specifically designed for flooring installers, general contractors, home inspectors and IAQ specialists. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MoistureCheck meter includes...

Indoor Biotechnologies offers dust mite assessment pack.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Dust Mite IAQ-PAK from Indoor Biotechnologies is designed for on-site assessment of dust mite allergens by allied health and indoor air quality professionals and certified industrial hygienists. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each IAQ-PAK...

Concrete-floor protector from Enviro-Solutions.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Blockade Concrete Sealer, a penetrating, water-based repellant sealer and finish from Enviro-Solutions, is designed specifically for concrete floors. Blockade was recently used on the concrete floors of a Canadian sports arena that sees more...

BioSafetyUSA introduces Virkon.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Virkon from BioSafetyUSA is a one-step product for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Virkon is "safe as a result of a balanced, stabilized blend of peroxygen compounds, surfactants, organic acids...

Karcher adds new line of pressure washers.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Karcher introduces a new line of commercial-duty, gas-powered, cold-water pressure washers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Honda engines ranging from 5HP to 13HP power the four models. All four feature the company's direct-drive pump with...

Soil Separator goes to work on area rugs.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Area Rug Cleaning Co. in Ann Arbor, Mich., introduces the Soil Separator. Rugs are fed through the machine on a belt-driven bed. The rug is then "vibrated," and particulate is released. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Soil Separator...

Scot Labs gives grease cutting a boost.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Scot's TUFF CitrusBoost Grease-Cutting Additive is a citrus-based, non-toxic gel that the company says is safe for carpet and upholstery. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CitrusBoost can be added to any pre-spray, extraction detergent or...

Betco's multi-use green cleaning system to simplify cleaning.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Betco's Peroxidraw dispenser plus Green Earth Peroxide Cleaner "equals a multi-use cleaning system that will simplify cleaning," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Peroxidraw dispenser can be installed in minutes, is tamper...

Intellibot introduces next-gen automated floor care.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Intellibot Robotics introduces the IS 800 automated scrubber, the company's eighth generation of robotic floor scrubbers, offering advanced software and design features. The IS 800 features an ergonomic control panel with Intellibot's...

AMETEK introduces new motor-blower line.(Products)
July 1, 2005... AMETEK Commercial Motors Division has developed a new line of high-airflow CFM motor-blowers targeting industries that require high airflow and medium pressure. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The FLO-TEK 700 motor-blower utilizes a new fan and...

FLIR ups the resolution.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The new, compact ThermaCAM EX320 from FLIR Systems, with a true, built-in 320X240 pixel array, provides "four times the resolution of any handheld camera its size and in its price range," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In...

EnvirOx going after HBV.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Hydrogen peroxide-based H2Orange2 Concentrate 117 Multi-Purpose Cleaner-Sanitizer-Virucide-HBV from EnvirOx kills the Hepatitis B virus, 99.9 percent of other specified viruses, and 99.9 percent or common bacteria, the company said. ...

Aztec introduces new cleaning system.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Aztec Products introduces the Encapsulator Twin Bonnet 33. The battery-powered, 33-inch Encapsulator Twin Bonnet 33 allows the operator to clean carpets at up to 24,000 square feet per hour. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Variable speed...

Spartan introduces extraction carpet cleaner.(Products)
July 1, 2005... CX3 Bio-assist from Spartan Chemical Co. is an extraction carpet cleaner "with a superior detergent system and the digestive cleaning power of Consume," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Spartan, the soiled carpet...

NSS PacVac goes for high productivity.(Products)
July 1, 2005... NSS Enterprises' Pacer PB is a cordless PacVac that the company says, "provides unrivaled productivity gains when spot-vacuuming large facilities, including offices, retail stores, conference areas and healthcare environments." ...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
July 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows SEPT. 23 - 25: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001 OCT. 18 - 21: ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2005 Las Vegas. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 1-3: SURFACES 2006 Las...

Tornado's Marathon aims for efficiency.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Marathon 2000 Carpet Extractor from Tornado Industries is a rotationally molded, self-propelled unit the company says is, "perfect for all types of demanding daily use." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Marathon 2000 has a 22-inch...

Nano-technology steaming ahead.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Thermo Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation (TANCS) from Advanced Vapor Technologies is a nano-tech steam vapor technology designed to deliver dis-infection efficacy in seven seconds or less. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using a proprietary...

Pioneer Eclipse adds to EnviroStar Green line.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Pioneer Eclipse has added Extractor & PreSpray Cleaner, Extraction Rinse, Soil Release Bonnet Buff and All Purpose Spotter to its EnviroStar Green line of environmentally friendly products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The products are...

Total Zone from International Ozone.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The Total Zone model TZ-2 ozone generator from International Ozone Technologies Group, Inc., features a 100-CFM fan with ball bearings, a 12-hour timer with hold, a washable filter with 45 pores per inch, a replaceable fuse, a 8-foot, 16/3...

ProTeam adds tools to TailVac.(Products)
July 1, 2005... TailVac with Tools from ProTeam is now available, designed for "cleaning more areas for a cleaner indoor environment," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TailVac's tool set includes a dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery...

Scot Labs takes on coffee stains and more.(Products)
July 1, 2005... Scot Laboratories' Coffee Stain Remover is formulated to attack tannin stains, helping to eliminate stains resulting from coffee, coffee with cream, decaffeinated coffee, tea, cola, and many red stains from carpets and upholstery. ...

Tramex meter goes digital.(Products)
July 1, 2005... The MRH Digital from Tramex is a multi-purpose moisture meter the company says, "allows the utmost flexibility in moisture and humidity measuring needs." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MRH Digital features non-destructive moisture...

Make the time: we've all heard about the importance of attending classes and seminars, as well as traveling to industry-sponsored events like conventions, trade shows, etc. Well, it's all true.(Notes from the Trenches)
July 1, 2005... You are never too old to learn or too young not to. I've found that making the time for these various events has led to valuable knowledge and support, as well as the many new friends I've made over the years. The key words here are making...

Growing your business: a very common topic of discussion in classes and on internet bulletin boards is how to grow one's business and, inevitably, what programs work the best.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
July 1, 2005... "Growth" plans may include using flyers, postcards or newsletters. The common thread in all systems is to keep your identity in front of your potential or actual client or customer (you choose the term you like best). It is your choice whether...

Injection sprayers--the science and art: why do thousands of professionals prefer using injection/in-line sprayers rather than other types?
July 1, 2005... Perhaps it is because they appreciate a faster application of solution through increased pressure; they enjoy leaving the hand pumping and electrical plugs behind; they see the value of increased heat for their pre-spray; they understand the...

Solid maintenance plan keeps carpets looking new in summer.
July 1, 2005... July brings summer fun in the sun, picnics, pool parties and extra daylight to enjoy outdoor activities. But for carpet care professionals, it's no fun in the sun. The spills and tracked in dirt and grime don't take a summer vacation, which...

Tile and grout: finding the key to clean.(floor maintenance)
July 1, 2005... I get many calls from managers and technicians with tile and grout issues, usually involving a restorative procedure to bring their tile and grout back to an acceptable condition. The truth is, once the floor reaches a certain condition, there...

Dri-Eaz Symposium brings in the stars.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... More than 300 people from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia attended the 2005 Dri-Eaz Restorative Drying Symposium in Orlando, Fla., May 18-21 in Orlando. The event also marked the celebration of Dri-Eaz's 25th...

Housekeeping Channel welcomes Bishop, Spivak to board.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Housekeeping Channel announces the addition of Jeff Bishop and Dr. Steven Spivak to its technical advisory board. Bishop, a certified carpet, vinyl, and wood laminate inspector, certified mold remediation expert, industry consultant and...

Century 400 improves Web site.(www.century400.com)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Century 400 has announced a complete update to its Web site. Located at www.century400.com, the site includes the company's complete product line, downloadable spec sheets, operators' manuals, MSDS sheets, warranty information and more. The...

StoneTech Professional re-launches brand.(Industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... StoneTech Professional has unveiled a brand re-launch to highlight the recent acquisition by DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise, introducing new packaging for its products that was designed specifically for the professional channel. "We...

Interlink Supply Cleanserv Cleveland opens as full-line distributor.(Industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Interlink Supply Cleanserv Cleveland in Twinsburg, Ohio, opened as a full-line distributor for cleaning and restoration professionals in March, supplying its customers with chemicals, accessories and equipment. General Manager Jeff Baker,...

MasterBlend unveils new seminar.(cleaning agents company president's seminar on anti-allergen)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... MasterBlend President Aaron Groseclose is conducting a new anti-allergen seminar designed to illustrate "anti-allergen care and profit opportunities." The seminar will include an introduction to allergies and asthma, an understanding or...

Leather Master gains exclusive partner.(Multimaster North America is exclusive distributor)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... Multimaster North America is now the exclusive distributor of products from Leather Master, a premier brand of leather protection and care products to the furniture and fashion industries. "Multimaster is now committed to servicing the home...

Restoration Alliance moves to new facility.(Industry)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Restoration Alliance has moved into a new, state-of-the-art office and training facility in Bellingham, Wash. The classroom can accommodate up to 50 participants and is wired for Internet, video and wireless sound (for a list of classes...

IMACC adds to network.(Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation network)(Rocky Mountain Cleanup & Total Restoration)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... The Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation network welcomes Rocky Mountain Cleanup & Total Restoration to its ranks. RMCTR has facilities in McCall and Nampa, Idaho, and Ontario, Ore. Naperville, Ill.-based IMACC has grown to more...

DKI hires national sales director.(Industry)
July 1, 2005... Disaster Kleenup International Inc., has hired Joseph Caroccio as its new national sales director "to spearhead DKI's sales efforts nationally." He will be responsible for developing DKI's loss-management business on a national level as well as...

Acquisition creates largest fleet of its kind in area.(News)
July 1, 2005... COIT Services, Inc., recently acquired Olympia Restoration, a 17-year-old fire and water damage remediation contractor based in Northern California. Combined, the companies offer a fleet of more than 120 service vehicles, 65 truck-mounted...

CIRI tops fund raising goal.(News)
July 1, 2005... The Cleaning Industry Research Institute has exceeded its goal of $40,000 to fund the creation of the organization, with 12 companies and trade associations coming on board as founding sponsors to successfully underwrite the creation of the...

EMS names COO and vice president of technology.(News)
July 1, 2005... Environmental Monitoring Systems announces that Dr. James R. Tucker has been named Chief Operating Officer and vice president of technology. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dr. Tucker has more than 20 years' experience in the environmental...

ProTeam sponsors Green Seal's standard.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ProTeam has announced its sponsorship of Green Seal's proposed environmental standard for green cleaning services. "Many companies, including ProTeam, have embraced the concepts of sustainability and steward-ship of the indoor environment...

K-tech nominated for business award.(News)
July 1, 2005... K-tech has been nominated for the 2005 Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Award. A second-generation family owned business with six locations throughout Wisconsin, K-tech's services include commercial and residential cleaning services;...

ServiceMagic hits 3 million homeowners.(News)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... ServiceMagic, Inc., reported that it has now helped more than 3 million homeowners in the United States find a local home service professional. In April, more than 156,000 consumer service requests were submitted at www.servicemagic.com,...

The ICS product & literature guide.(Product & Literature Guide)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2005... 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...

Procter & Gamble.(Product & Literature Guide)
July 1, 2005... The P&G Pro Line[TM] Finished Floor Care Program is helping cleaning professionals maximize productivity, profitability and client satisfaction. The combination of powerful cleaners and durable floor finishes can help minimize buffing and...

Royce Rolls.(Product & Literature Guide)
July 1, 2005... 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....

Spartan Chemical Co.(Product & Literature Guide)
July 1, 2005... The Benefit of Hydrogen Peroxide is Bubbling Over for Carpet Care Too! Introducing new Contempo [H.sub.2][O.sub.2] Spotting Solution! A convenient, ready-to-use, hydrogen peroxide based spotting solution and pre-spray treatment. The clear,...

ANSI accreditation: moving closer: in April, the IICRC reached another milestone: applying for ANSI accreditation for our standards.(IICRC President's Corner)
July 1, 2005... Being in compliance with the requirements set by the American National Standards Institute will lead to stronger, more comprehensive industry standards (and, hopefully, to more acceptance of them) in North America and around the world,...