ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from June 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from June 2006

The good, not-so-old days: it's always fun when a cutting diatribe you once unleashed upon the faceless monolith of industry can now be viewed as quaint. Cute, even. It would be even more fun if sarcasm translated better to the page.
June 1, 2006... It was the summer of 2004, August to be precise. I found myself nurturing the embers of outrage as oil prices shot higher and higher, draining gas tanks and wallets nationwide. I thought to myself, why not use this column to showcase the impact...

Letter to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Re: "Five Critical Training Needs With Your Hispanic Employees" (May 2006) Dear ICS, We at Interlink Supply are concerned about the advice offered in the article on page 14 in the May issue of ICS entitled "Five Critical Training...

Letter to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
June 1, 2006... Dear Editor: I read the first page of Ricardo Gonzalez's article on the special training needs of our Hispanic brothers and sisters. I was surprised to see that he thought the police should not help INS enforce immigration laws but had "no...

Moving them on out.(employment termination)
June 1, 2006... "It's a pity to shoot the piano player when it is the piano that is out of tune." --French proverb "I've had it with my loser employees. I'm firing the lot of them and go back on the truck solo. Fewer headaches, less stress and more...

Steam Way hits the slopes, unveils new truckmounts.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... Steam Way International recently held their annual distributors meeting in Vail, Colo. Steam Way distributors came from all parts of the United States and Canada to attend this meeting. The meeting was followed with the annual awards...

Consumers let their fingers do the walking.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The Yellow Pages Association reported that almost 5 million Americans look for carpet and rug cleaning services annually in the Yellow Pages. "Advertising in the Yellow Pages is one aspect of successful, multi-pronged marketing campaigns...

Tom Hill and Barry Costa: a cut above for a cause.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... IICRC Executive Administrator Tom Hill and IICRC Standards Chair Barry Costa went under the clippers at the Connections Conference and Exhibition in Clearwater, Fla., May 4-6 to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in...

IICRC S500 Standard receives ANSI acceptance.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification announced that the IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration received acceptance by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)....

Cleanco adds to distributor network.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... Cleanco Truckmounts is continually adding to its distributor network in the United States and around the world. The company recently welcomed Eric Chappell and Jay Walker at Atlantic Truckmounts in Orlando Beach, Fla., and Allan Butler at...

Racine Industries marks 50 years of HOST.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... Racine Industries is celebrating 50 years of the HOST Dry Carpet Cleaner. Invented to dissolve and absorb soil, allowing for thorough extraction at the time of cleaning, the product became known as HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaner. "In...

IAQ industry embraces new programs.(Indoor Environmental Standards Organization, Indoor Air Quality Association and American Indoor Air Quality Council)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The recent union of the IAQA, AmIAQ and IESO has "brought about a new level of training and certification for industry professionals," according to the IAQA. IAQA is now responsible for all training and education programs, and AmIAQ is the...

ASCR announces program with Zurich and Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance.(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration unveiled a new insurance program for members at its convention in Savannah, Ga. Working with Ross Driscoll, CR, of Driscoll & Driscoll Insurance and carrier Zurich, the program "offers...

Filmop S.r.l. acquires HPC Cleaning Innovations.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Italy-based Filmop S.r.l. recently acquired HPC Cleaning Innovation, LLC following an exclusive distribution agreement between the two companies. The newly formed HPC Cleaning Innovations, LLC (HPCC)/Filmop Group will be headquartered in...

ACRP now ARCSI.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The Association of Residential Cleaning Professionals changed its name to the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International effective April 1. "Our new name is a reflection of our core membership which is made of professional...

CIRI elects new board of directors.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The Cleaning Industry Research Institute recently announced the election of a new 11-person board of directors. The board comprises Patti Costello, ASHES; Chuck Crawford, Johnson Diversey; John Garfinkle, ISSA; Jim Harris, Concepts4; Frank...

Prochem promotes Wilson.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... Prochem announces the promotion of Glen Wilson to the position of vice president of sales & marketing. Wilson joined Castle Rock Industries in 2001 as a product manager for equipment, and in 2004 moved into the position of director of marketing...

New SCRT chapter holds first meeting.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The MO-KAN Chapter of the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians held its first official meeting at Interlink Supply of Kansas April 11. The event drew participants from Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. SCRT President Ruth Travis...

LGRTrader eliminates basic listing fees.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... LGRTrader has announced that it has eliminated all basic listing fees. LGRTrader provides a means for buyers and sellers of equipment for the cleaning and restoration industries to connect via a Web site specially designed for the industries....

NADCA debuts new standard.(National Air Duct Cleaners Association, 'Assessment, Cleaning and Restoration of HVAC Systems')(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 edition of "Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems" from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association is the most comprehensive standard ever published by the association, and is now available. The new edition of the ACR...

Sierck joins CFI board of directors.(Industry News & Information)
June 1, 2006... The Carpet & FabriCare Institute recently introduced Peter Sierck as the newest member of its board of directors. Sierck, the director of Environmental Testing & Technology in Carlsbad, Calif., has conducted indoor air quality assessments...

Spotting tools and equipment.(cleaning technicians kits)
June 1, 2006... Spotting kits make quite an impression on customers and, even if you know little about actual spotting techniques, the customer will have the impression that you are a true professional simply by virtue of the equipment you use--or at least,...

The most important aspect of business.(marketing and sales management)
June 1, 2006... In your community, I'll bet you can name a company that has been around many years but cuts many corners in the book of business. Perhaps they charge extra for pre-spraying, or they leave carpet (or walls, if a restoration company) wet...

U.S. Products introduces chemical solutions.(Products)
June 1, 2006... U.S. Products introduces Formula #800, a non-flammable synthetic solvent with surfactants, color brighteners and deodorants, and Synergizer, a booster/enhancer for all dry cleaning solvents that "rivals the brightness and cleanliness of a...

Dri-Eaz makes moving equipment easier.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Dri-Eaz's Unimover is a new, lightweight hand truck designed to hold HEPA 500s and all Dri-Eaz TurboDryers, including Aces and the new line of Saharas. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The double structure design allows restorers to securely...

Jon-Don looks to "The Next 30 Days".(Products)
June 1, 2006... "The Next 30 Days" from Jon-Don is a 283-page marketing success kit. Originally written to give customers the marketing information they need to beat competitors, create meaningful marketing materials and establish pricing standards, "The Next...

Cleanco adds new freshwater tank to line.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Cleanco Truckmounts has added a 120-gallon freshwater tank to its truckmount accessories line. The Aqua Storage Freshwater Tank is designed with direct feed and auto shut-off features, shelves for 10 1-gallon jugs, eight trigger-spray bottles,...

HydraMaster coupler makes 2-year warranty possible.(Products)
June 1, 2006... HydraMaster's patent-pending BUCS coupler design on the Boxxer 427 "is so well designed that they are offering a two-year warranty on the entire drive train (blower/coupler/engine)," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Butler takes on tile and grout.(Products)
June 1, 2006... An alkaline-based tile, grout and hard-surface cleaner with corrosion inhibitors, Maximum Tile, Grout and Hard-Surface Cleaner from The Butler Corp. is exclusively formulated for the removal of oils, soils, soot and caked-on grease from tile,...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... Conventions & Trade Shows SEPT. 21-23: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001 OCT. 4-7: ISSA/INTERCLEAN USA Chicago. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 6-9: SURFACES Las Vegas. Call...

Mop prep from the top down.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The Top-Down Charging Bucket from Filmop uses 1.5 gallons of solution to evenly saturate up to 30 18-inch microfiber mop heads. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The hands-free system keeps the mop heads stacked so they are ready to attach to mop...

Esteam takes on floods.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Esteam has added the E1000 Flood Master to its EMachine line of portable extractors. The multi-purpose machine will dispose of up to 30 gallons of water per minute with its dual two-stage Ametek vacuum motors and submersible pump. ...

Magic Wand takes on stone care.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Magic Wand Co. introduces Wax and Stripper for natural stone. The "unique wax gives the natural stones the ability to breathe while it gives it a shine," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The stripper is safe to use to remove...

Prochem states its axiom for clean.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Axiom Clean from Prochem is a fully biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning chemical designed for all "green" cleaning applications faced by the professional cleaner. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Axiom Clean is formulated "to meet or exceed...

Delmhorst, Dry Air join forces.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Delmhorst Instrument Co. and Dry Air Technology introduce the Navigator, a moisture mapping system specifically designed for the restoration professional. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Navigator is a two-in-one moisture meter that integrates...

Butler introduces new deodorizer.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Maximum Orchard Fresh Deodorizer from Butler Corp. is formulated to remove odors caused by the prolonged exposure to moisture in carpet and upholstery, urine, mildew, vomit, decaying foods and most common household odors, the company said. ...

Stultz Air offers desiccant dehus.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The DRY-500 desiccant unit from Stultz Air Technology Systems is a self-contained machine delivering 500 scfm. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The DRY-500 features all rugged aluminum cabinet construction; Magnahelic gauges for balancing...

Spotting Solutions takes aim at lifestyles.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Spotting Solutions Inc., introduces a line of five carpet spotters designed specifically to be sold by professional carpet cleaners to homeowners. The line includes General Spotter; Gum, Tar and Grease Remover; Coffee and Tea Stain...

Bio-reveal seeks out contamination.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The bio-reveal system from Building Environmental Management Corp. "allows water restoration professionals, IAQ consultants, industrial hygienists, mold remediation contractors, insurance companies, etc. the ability to quickly, accurately and...

CryoKinetics puts dry ice to work.(Products)
June 1, 2006... CryoKinetics introduces the Model Delta V-1 utilizing dry ice cleaning technology. The Delta V-1 uses small, rice-sized particles of dry ice as its primary cleaning media. The particles are directed at high velocity toward the surface...

Pacific Floor Care unveils Proteus.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The Proteus 26 is the latest auto scrubber from Pacific Floor Care. The Proteus 26 features the smaller body of a 20-inch machine, but with the scrub deck and squeegee of a 26-inch machine. The Proteus 26 features an adjustable operator...

Foster disinfectant ready to use.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Foster 40-80 Disinfectant/Sanitizer is an EPA-registered, ready-to-use formulation that kills bacteria and viruses, and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew on a wide range of surfaces and materials, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION...

Masterclean unleashes the SudsBuster.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The SudsBuster from Masterclean Products is two tanks in one: one to reduce foam from wastewater after vacuuming, and one to apply emulsifier. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The vacuum draws the defoamer out of the first tank into the...

Pullman-Holt sprayer is magnetic.(Products)
June 1, 2006... An air-assisted electrostatic sprayer that produces a highly charged, high-speed air stream that applies chemicals "70 times more efficiently than conventional sprayers," the Magnet Spray from Pullman-Holt features a patented nozzle design. ...

National Chemical Labs introduces new products.(Products)
June 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories introduces Withstand, a combination sealer/finish that "provides a dramatic wet-look gloss from fewer coats, with long-term gloss retention," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pop & Shine renovates...

Scot Labs introduces encapsulating acid rinse.(Products)
June 1, 2006... New technology in Scot's TUFF UltiMax Plus Encapsulating Acid Rinse "improves the conventional prespray/rinse cleaning protocol," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The advanced polymers in UltiMax Plus enhance acid rinsing by...

Grease is erased from the cleaning equation.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Grease Erase from Direct Supply and Party is a professional strength degreaser/pre-spray "proven formula emulsifies and lifts soil for easy removal," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grease Erase deodorizes as it breaks down...

EnvirOx shocks minerals.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Mineral Shock from EnvirOx is "the environmentally preferred way to remove hard water scale, rust and lime," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mineral Shock tackles soap scum, mold and mildew stains, and salts from beer, milk...

Injectidry offers a variety of panel options.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Injectidry now offers an assortment of Vac-It Panels in its Variety Pak. The selection includes Pak panels shaped to accommodate toilets and smaller, irregularly shaped areas. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New sizes and shapes are being...

Portable grid helps extract dirt from area rugs.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Luv-A-Rug introduces the RugRack, a metal grid that boosts the dry-soil separating ability of a RugBadger. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The RugRack is a flexible, rust-resistant, galvanized steel grid that unrolls on the floor. The area rug...

Namco looks to cut chemical costs in half.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Namco's cleaning technology will "cut in half the cost of your carpet cleaning chemicals," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Magnum Blue with D'limonene is presprayed on the carpet with a pre-sprayer or wand with the vacs turned...

Code Blue! Code Blue!(Products)
June 1, 2006... Code Blue Property Solutions by HSG Restoration is "a comprehensive network" and a "leading TPA" that has been serving the insurance industry for more than 50 years. Code Blue "provides a unique opportunity for free referrals," and an...

Spartan unveils some Green Solutions.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Spartan Chemical Co. introduces Green Solutions High Dilution Disinfectant 256,a dye-free, fragrance-free disinfectant with a dilution of 1:256 for more economy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 256 kills pathogenic organisms on hard,...

Peroxy Soft goes in for the kill.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Moldstat Peroxy Soft from Theochem Laboratories is a liquid-creme cleanser containing "a highly fortified bacteria-killing hydrogen-peroxide formulation," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peroxy Soft "quickly removes soap scum,...

Oxy-Force gets a name change.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Nilodor is reintroducing its Oxy-Force Ready-to-Use spotter under the new name Oxy-Force Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Spotter. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Powered by stabilized hydrogen peroxide, Oxy-Force Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Spotter...

P&G enhances hard-surface durability.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The P&G Pro Line Finished Floor Care Program "provides great-looking floors with exceptional durability to help extend the time between recoating and refinishing," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The line includes P&G Pro...

PDmB releases DUAL-VIEW software.(Products)
June 1, 2006... PDmB's DUAL-VIEW Photo Report Software is a report-generating software program that provides quick and easy side-by-side photo comparison. Included in the software are EZMark highlighting tools that allow pointer arrows, ellipses, and zooming...

Injectidry says "Hush It!".(Products)
June 1, 2006... Injectidry now offers a silencer for its HP60 Drying System. Hush-It, as the silencer is known, "knocks off decibels of noise," providing homeowners with the quieter drying process that they desire. Circle 226 on the Reader Inquiry Card. ...

Backpack vac offers comfort and cleaning performance.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The Advance Adgility backpack vacuum "maximizes operator efficiency and cleaning ability with its small size, light weight and ergonomic shape," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Adgility features three levels of filtration...

Skilled labor a priority.(Products)
June 1, 2006... Priority Services, an environmental services firm, "makes restoration jobs easier for companies by sub-contracting skilled labor that focuses on the environmental side of cleanup," the company said. The contractor maintains control of all...

National Chemical Labs wants to care for your carpet.(Products)
June 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories introduces Carpet Care Solutions. A complete line of carpet care products incorporating two exclusive encapsulation technologies--crystal ECT and powder EPT--Carpet Care Solutions "will solve your most challenging...

Kent offers up a closer clean.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The Kent Razor Blade compact rider scrubber "increases productivity and cleans areas that bigger, bulkier scrubbers can't reach," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A tight turning radius of 59 inches allows maximum...

The Tri-Nado takes the quiet approach.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The ROOTS Tri-Nados, a new line of tri-lobe truckmount vacuum pumps from Dresser Roots, have an exclusive Whispair discharge jet plenum design that allows cool air to flow into the cylinder. The design permits continuous operation at vacuum...

Restorator removes odors.(Products)
June 1, 2006... The Restorator from Vaportek is a portable electronic device that "quickly, safely and effectively eliminates malodors," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Restorator is intended for applications where quick results are...

CAT PUMPS introduces new valve.(Products)
June 1, 2006... CAT PUMPS introduces the MAG-JET Valve for jetting. The MAG-JET uses a special SS magnetic valve and a corrosion-resistant magnet to hold on inlet valve open, creating a strong pulse-jetting action "to power nozzles through the toughest clogs."...

Vehicle of the month.
June 1, 2006... Name: Matt Taylor Company Name: Teddy Bear Carpet Care Address: 623 Enfield Street City: Enfield State: CT ZIP: 06082 Phone: (860) 763-1109 E-mail: matt@teddybearcarpetcare.com Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 1999...

Holding court in Clearwater.(2006 CONNECTIONS)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 Connections Conference and Exhibition made waves in Clearwater, Fla., at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, May 4-6. The warm weather and ocean breezes provided the perfect backdrop for the hundreds of cleaning and restoration...

Products.(A-W)(Directory)
June 1, 2006... An alphabetical cross-reference of floor care products and accessories and their manufacturers. ABRASIVE BLASTING MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES ALTO Cleaning Systems, Inc. ArmaKleen Company, The, ARMEX(r) Blast Media Cold Jet,...

Manufacturers.(cleaning equipment)(Directory)
June 1, 2006... 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. 1-800-BOARDUP, 9432 Watson Industrial...

Distributors.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... 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...

Technical training schools.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... The technical training schools in this section are those from which 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. AAA Dye & Chemical...

Industry associations & organizations.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... Association of Residential Cleaning Professionals P.O. Box 2051 Meridian MS 39302 * (601) 914-0270 * E-mail: info@arcp.us * Internet: www.arcp.us Association Of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration 8229 Cloverleaf...

Franchises/Licensing Programs.(cleaning services)
June 1, 2006... 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. 1-800-WATER DAMAGE 1167 Mercer St.,...