ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from June 2003

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from June 2003

One-stop shopping. .(Editorial)
June 1, 2003... Just as March signifies the annual return of the swallows to the mission in San Juan Capistrano, June marks the appearance of the ICS Cleaning Specialist Directory & Buying Guide. One is known for flying, the other for buying. Ah, wit. So...

Celebration of a life well lived: in memory of Ralph Bloss (1923-2003). (Publisher's Letter).(Obituary)
June 1, 2003... On April 24, 2003 Ralph Bloss was laid to rest in Estes Park, Colo., a place he called his "slice of heaven on earth." It was a funeral, and of course there was sadness and tears, including my own. But this was not a somber occasion; it was...

Where does it all go? (IICRC President's Corner).(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification )
June 1, 2003... Do you ever wonder what the IICRC does with all the money it collects? Money from IICRC test fees, registrant fees and certified-firm fees? IICRC does not own any school or employ any instructors. IICRC approves schools, instructors and...

The importance of follow-up service. (Notes from the Trenches).
June 1, 2003... Several years ago I had a conversation with a local cleaner wherein we discussed the merits of follow-up phone calls immediately after jobs. My company had been doing this on a regular basis, but he seemed a bit perplexed about the necessity of...

Non-compete clauses--are they enforceable?
June 1, 2003... Non-compete contractual clauses, also referred to as restrictive covenants, typically attempt to limit a person's ability to work within the same field, in a particular geographic area, upon termination of a current employment or business...

Developing a retirement planning strategy.
June 1, 2003... Retirement planning means far more than simply accumulating a nest egg for the years when you're no longer working. It involves developing a long-term investment strategy that helps you meet this critical goal without losing sight of your more...

For the times they are a-changin'. (Rx for Restoration).
June 1, 2003... Bob Dylan first said it in 1964, and he was right. I thought I'd do a little reminiscing on the last four decades and see if I could get down a few thoughts about innovations that have impacted our industry in several areas, concentrating on...

HydraMaster introduces Quake. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... HydraMaster recently introduced Quake, a heavy-duty pre-spray and traffic land cleaner the company describes as "excellent for emulsifying heavy grease and oil soils." Featuring a combination of solvents and high pH alkaline cleaning...

Injectidry clears up Vac-It panels. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Injectidry introduces its new dear Vac-It panel drying system. The clear system allows for both the drying specialist and the client to view the drying process as water is extraction from the wood- or hard floor surface. The system works...

Steam Way unveils new truckmount. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Steam Way International introduces the 4100 LX, a truckmount the company describes as "delivering uncompromising cleaning performance without breaking the bank." The 4100 LX is designed to provide reliable fuel-fired heating performance in...

Hydro-Force offers new quick connect. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Hydro-Force introduces the SecureLock, a secure-locking female quick connect. The SecureLock features a collar that stays down until the operator turns it down and releases it. The company says it cannot come undone by catching on things, which...

Cat Pumps recasts, renames pump model. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... 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...

Butler unveils redesigned instrument panel. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... The Butler Corp. has redesigned the instrument panel for The Butler System. The new panel features a stain-, chemical-and scratch-resistant protective finish, while the color-coordinated gauges now feature moisture-resistant plug-in connectors...

Crystal Rinse designed to fight rapid re-soiling. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... CTI introduces Crystal Rinse, an extraction cleaner designed to fight rapid re-soiling. Formulated to improve the performance of pre-spray and rinse away soil and detergents, it then encapsulates remaining residue into a brittle crystal that...

Nu-Tech introduces tile and grout cleaner. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Nu-Tech Cleaning Systems introduces Snakebite The & Grout Cleaner. Non-acidic, Snakebite is highly concentrated and, according to Nu-Tech, "very effective at cleaning the most soiled tile and grout." The company says Snakebite Tile & Grout...

Scot Laboratories adds extraction cleaner. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Scot Laboratories recently introduced Crystal-Balance extraction cleaner concentrate to its Scot's Tuff line of carpet and floor care products. Crystal-Balance uses a unique balance of fluorosurfactants, detergents and polymers designed to...

Video-Aire re-releases air duct cleaning machine. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Video-Aire has re-designed and released its original video-assisted air duct cleaning machine using new and cost-efficient camera technology. Formerly the Video-Aire 3500, the redesigned machine, called the Video-Aire 4000, is a...

Prochem offers liquid version of popular detergent. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Prochem introduces Liquid Slurry, a liquid version of its popular Dry Slurry powdered detergent, for use in portables and truckmounts. Liquid Slurry is an ultra-concentrated formula specially formulated with builders and detergent blends to...

HydroTech offers ultra-low profile wands. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... HydroTech introduces its ultra-low profile hard surface wands with pivoting- and swivel-head design for low-profile clearance and maneuverability, are available in 12-, 18- and 20-inch sizes. Constructed of stainless steel with 4 to 6...

PRO Logowear offers selection of personalized apparel. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... PRO Logowear offers a line of apparel that can be personalized with a company's name or logo. The line includes cotton-blend polos in eight colors; 100 percent cotton tri-color polos in eight colors; 100 percent cotton, short-sleeve button down...

RES-Q puts out line of cleaning products. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... RES-Q introduces its new line of carpet and upholstery cleaning products. Powdered Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner Concentrate is designed to clean all types of carpet and upholstery; Traffic Lane Cleaner Concentrate cuts through grease, grime and...

FloorMaster introduces Super Force. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... FloorMaster introduces Super Force Traffic Lane Cleaner, a blend of "high-powered water-based solvents designed to cut through high build-up grease and soil." Super Force is very concentrated, the company said, and may also be used as a...

Rotovac makes adjustment to Powerwand. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... The Rotovac Corp has introduces a new front-wheel adjustment for its Rotovac Powerwand. The adjustment allows the operator to fine-tune the weight of on the vacuum heads for better cleaning performance on commercial as well as plush residential...

Hygienitech makes quick work of mattress cleaning. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Hygienitech's Mattress Cleaning System is described by the company as a dry, chemical-free method of killing and extracting allergen-causing dust mites, harmful strains of bacteria, viruses and fungal spores. The system uses UV-C light and...

Tramex makes the most of its "Moisture Encounter". (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Tramex introduces the Moisture Encounter PLUS, a moisture meter incorporating all of the features found in the original Moisture Encounter, including non-destructive moisture measurement, deep signal penetration and rubber electrode pads. ...

Prochem scales Everest. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... The Everest by Prochem is "aiculmination of over 26 years of truckmount experience," the company said. According to Prochem, the basis for the design is a patented heat-exchange system. The system captures hear from the blower exhaust;...

Delmhorst introduces new hygrometer. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Delmhorst introduces the HT3000, a hygrometer that provides temperature, dew point, and grains per pound (GPP). Other features include selectable display screens, fast response time, data hold feature, Fahrenheit and Celsius scales,...

HydraMaster introduces Blitz. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... HydraMaster introduces Blitz, a heavy-duty powdered pre-spray that the company describes as "a new non-enzyme formula breakthrough that does not require long dwell times." Blitz incorporates a solvent into a blend of alkaline cleaning...

Hydro-Force makes statement with FX88. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Hydro-Force introduces the FX88, a machine the company says "has the power of a truckmount in a beautiful and functional portable." The FX88 has a fully automatic water filling, chemical metering and a high-capacity auto pump out of...

Betco introduces upright vacuum. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Betco introduces the SM 1200 Single Motor Upright Vacuum. The SM 1200's lightweight design "makes transport easy and reduces operator fatigue," the company said. Other features include easy access to the belt and brush system, a 50-foot,...

Oxygon puts Oxyscrub in ready-to-use bottles. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Oxyscrub, a family of oxygen bleach stain removal products and deodorizers from Oxygon, is now available in a ready-to-use spray bottle. Oxyscrub offers "a completely environmentally safe and ergonomically friendly alternative to...

Sentinel protects 24*7. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... Sentinel Chemical Co. Inc. introduces Sentinel 24*7, a low-odor, high-performance coating with Microban Antimicrobial Product Protection. The multi-surface coating is designed to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and microorganisms on the...

U.S. Products makes a patriotic statement. (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... U.S. Products introduces The Patriot, an air-scrubbing system used in mold remediation. The Patriot is designed to capture and remove mold as well as fungal spores, gases and odors from indoor environments. According to Stephan Hanig, vice...

Dresser ROOTS blower appeal is "Universal". (Products: Tools & Equipment).
June 1, 2003... The Universal RAI blower from Dresser ROOTS can be mounted upside down or right side up, with vertical or horizontal flow, and with the drive shaft rotating in either direction, the company said. The Universal RAI line features flows up to...

Dri-Eaz holds drying symposium in Las Vegas. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Dri-Eaz Products Inc., a provider of innovative and complete solutions for water-damage restoration, held its 2003 Restorative Drying Symposium at the Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, May 1-3. The three-day event featured a wide...

Jon-Don celebrates 25th anniversary. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Jon-Don will celebrate its 25th anniversary on June 15. The company, which started as a two-man operation, has grown to employ more than 100 people at five locations. The company attributes its success "to the successes of our customers."...

ISCT hosts annual convention. (Industry News & Information).(International Society of Cleaning Technicians)
June 1, 2003... The International Society of Cleaning Technicians will hosts its annual convention and trade show in High Point, NC, June 17-21. The convention will feature mill touts, a golf tournament, a wide variety of educational seminars and speakers...

ASCR recognizes new restorers at annual meeting. (Industry News & Information).(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The National Institute of Disaster Restoration, a division of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, recently designated 30 professionals in the restoration industry as Certified Restorers. The newly certified...

CTI welcomes Jasper to northeastern territory. (Industry News & Information).(Craig Jasper )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... CTI announces that Craig Jasper will work with its distributors to help increase their product knowledge. According to CTI, Jasper has 30 years of experience in cleaning and restoration, and is an IICRC-approved instructor in carpet cleaning,...

New mold standard approaching completion. (Industry News & Information).
June 1, 2003... The S520 Mold Standard Committee for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification met for its ninth meeting in eight months in Las Vegas, May 4-6. The committee reviewed and accepted various drafts of the upcoming...

CTS celebrates one year under new ownership. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... CTS, a distributor of carpet cleaning products and equipment, will celebrate its one-year anniversary under new ownership on July 1. CTS carries and distributes brands including Prochem, Chemspec, Bridgepoint and more. The company also...

LMCCA appoints Gelinas as Industry Partners chairman. (Industry News & Information).(Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Rick Gelinas has been named Industry Partners chairman by the Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association. A 21-year industry veteran and a founding member of the LMCCA, Gelinas is president of Kleenstep, a commercial carper cleaning and...

H&H appointed master distributor for Steamin Demon extractor. (Industry News & Information).(H and H Direct Sales L.L.C.)(John Downey Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... John Downey Co. has appointed H&H Direct Sales, LLC as the master distributor for the company's Steamin Demon High-Flow Extractor to the professional cleaning industry. The company is turning its attention to the professional cleaning...

Industry figure, former Steam Way chairman dies. (Industry News & Information).(Ralph Bloss)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Ralph Bloss, former chairman of Steam Way International and a well-known and respected figure in the cleaning and restoration industry, died April 19 at the age of 79. Bloss joined Steam Way, a manufacturer of carper and upholstery...

HydraMaster announces juvenile diabetes fundraiser. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... HydraMaster is raffling off a free truckmount to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the company said. The raffle will be held through the remainder of 2003; customers can donate $5 for a chance to win a Boxxer 421. ...

Products. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)
June 1, 2003... An alphabetical cross-reference of floor care products and accessories and their manufacturers. ADHESIVE REMOVERS ADCO PRO Cleaning Supply Co., Inc. Advanced Vapor Technologies Amerivap Systems Chemspec Clausen...

Manufacturers. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)
June 1, 2003... The manufacturers in this section represent those who completed a listing questionnaire. This list by no means represents all of the manufacturers in our industry and should not be interpreted as such. A.R.P. SAFETY PRODUCTS, 1224 Fern...

Distributors. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)
June 1, 2003... Distributors in this section are those from whom we have received forms, or who have been identified by manufacturers as their distributors. This list by no means represents all of the distributors in our industry and should not be interpreted...

Certified floor covering inspectors. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)
June 1, 2003... Following are paid listings of Certified Floor Covering Inspection Services individuals/firms. This list does not represent all certified inspection firms and should not be interpreted as such. ALABAMA L.J. BISHOP JR., ADMIN., Clean...

Industry associations. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2003... Association Of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration 8229 Cloverleaf Drive Suite 460 Millersville MD 21108-1538 * (800) 272-7012 * (410) 729-9900 * Fax (410) 729-3603 * E-mail: info@ascr.org * Internet: www.ascr.org...

Technical training schools. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)
June 1, 2003... The technical training schools in this section are those from whom we received information or were otherwise able to identify. This list by no means includes all training schools and should not be interpreted as such. A.R.P. Safety...

Franchises/licensing programs. (2003 Directory & Buying Guide).(Directory)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2003... The Franchises/Licensing Programs in this section responded to a special questionnaire. This listing does not represent all of the industry's buying groups and should not be interpreted as such. CARPET NETWORK 109 Gaither Dr., Mt....