ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from March 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from March 2005

There is a spot in my carpet: I've developed a new quirk in the last year or two. I don't know when it started, exactly, but it involves neither sleepless nights nor court-ordered therapy. At least not yet.(Editorial Comment)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... I look at floors. It doesn't matter if it's a dinner party at an acquaintance's home or NFL Kickoff Sunday with the guys at the sports bar. I walk in, I look down. The cut-back run giving up visual market share to the cut-pile carpet? Working...

Carpet cleaning or rocket science? I just returned from the Carpet and Rug Institute's annual membership meeting in Dalton, Ga., where the latest news is that cleaning and maintenance is the No. 1 consumer concern affecting carpet selection.(Rx for Restoration)
March 1, 2005... The buzz words that have everyone talking are X-Ray fluorescent technology, or XRF. Professional Testing Laboratories of Dalton has partnered with KeyMaster Technologies of Kennewick, Wash., and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration...

Connections brings the industry together.(Connections Events Inc.'s services)
March 1, 2005... Connections Events burst onto the cleaning and restoration scene with amazing success. Attendance at the second Connections Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas in September 2004 and at the inaugural Connections Conference and Exhibition held...

The ICS 2005 Disaster Restoration & Remediation Market Study.(forecasts and trends of rug cleaning services)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... The ICS Disaster Restoration & Remediation Market Study makes its debut this month, an intricate dissection of the mechanisms, both mechanical and organic, impacting the direction of the restoration and remediation marketplace. The driving...

Mold forces restoration contractors to face a new insurance reality.
March 1, 2005... When mold became a specifically excluded "pollutant" in insurance policies, firms that worked with water in buildings essentially became "hazardous materials contactors" for commercial insurance purposes. Contractors that deal with materials...

Battling hose hassles: all professional carpet cleaners have at least one thing in common: we want to get through the job as quickly as possible while doing great work for our customer and coming out with a healthy profit in our pocket.(The Gadget Man)
March 1, 2005... Many cleaners do just that by finding ways to combat the little hassle that take time and energy away from their productivity. Getting your vacuum and pressure hoses under control is one hassle worth a closer look. Hose Hook If you've...

Customer communication: the ultimate success of any service business is rooted in having a strong base of satisfied, happy customers that will both call back for future services and recommend you to their friends and family.(Building a Profitable Business)
March 1, 2005... Looking a little deeper, we see that the definition of a satisfied customer is one whose expectations were either met or exceeded by the service provided. In order to meet or exceed customer expectations, it is imperative that we fully...

Low-moisture cleaning continues to make gains.(carpet cleaning methods)(Editorial)
March 1, 2005... Common sense may tell you that the various cleaning methods known collectively as low-moisture cleaning involve minimal amounts of moisture. And as long as there are carpets to clean it is a good bet that debates on moisture and cleaning...

Weighing Risk vs. Reward.(risk management and building repair)
March 1, 2005... Q: I have a customer with a water damage that has a pre-existing mold problem. The insurance company will not pay for mold remediation and they want us to dry out the building. How do I do that without getting into trouble? A: The answer...

Kaivac is quick on the draw.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Kaivac's QuickDraw is an instant chemical-injection system that the company says, "makes No-Touch Cleaning practical for smaller restrooms, such as those in fast-food restaurants, healthcare facilities, and convenience stores." ...

U.S. Products introduces Cobra Plus series.(Products)
March 1, 2005... U.S. Products introduces the Cobra Plus series of portable hot-water extractors. The series is available in 150, 300/75, 0-300 and 0-500 psi. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All four models feature a built-in 15-foot vacuum/solution hose reel...

Butler takes carpet cleaning to the Maximum.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The Butler Corp.'s Maximum traffic lane cleaner is a concentrated, neutral pretreatment formulated to produce maximum cleaning performance in heavily soiled areas or traffic lanes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maximum is exclusively...

Unicell unveils new-look van body.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The Unicell Body Co. introduces the Servicell, the company's new van body. The Servicell comes standard with 50-inch wide rear swing-out doors, a pine floor, plywood-lined upper walls, and an integrated skylight. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Solution pinching with Aqua-Mizer.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Castle Rock Industries is offering the Aqua-Mizer cleaning solution system as a standard feature on its Windsor-brand Cutter auto-scrubbers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Aqua-Mizer system is designed to extend scrubbing times between...

Tornado vacuum expands its reach.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The CV30 vacuum cleaner from Tornado Industries is now available in a wider version. The new CV38 has a 15-inch base and, like the CV30, features brush-assisted movement, on-board tool storage, quiet operation, and is a true HEPA machine--the...

SKC publishes 2005 catalog.(Products)
March 1, 2005... SKC Inc., a specialist in airborne contaminant and noise monitoring needs, has published its 2005 Comprehensive Catalog and Sampling Guide. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 208-page, full-color catalog features technical information, images...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows MARCH 16-19: ASCR "SOLUTIONS" CONFERENCE Palm Springs, Calif. Call (800) 272-7012 APRIL 1-5: BSCAI CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW Orlando, Fla. Call (703) 359-7090 APRIL 18-20: CONNECTIONS...

HydraMaster truckmount takes on big brother role.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The Boxxer 427 truckmount from HydraMaster is the "big brother" to the company's Boxxer 421. The dual-wand capable machine sports a 27-hp water-cooled engine and a 4007 tri-lobe blower by Tuthill. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Boxxer 427...

ProTeam joins the Jet set.(Products)
March 1, 2005... ProTeam announces the availability of the Jet Sweep, a 20-inch hard-floor tool that "cleans faster and better than brooms or dust mops while protecting indoor air quality," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Jet Sweep removes...

Soy Technologies creates graffiti barrier.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Soy Technologies introduces SoyStop Anti-Graffiti Barrier, a bio-based, refined soy technology product based on a two-step process designed to protect reflective street signs and other surfaces. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SoyStop will...

Quest Technologies introduces IAQ monitor.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The AQ5000Pro handheld indoor air quality monitor from Quest Technologies features a "Snap-Shot" survey mode that allows the technician to capture data during walk-through surveys of the building. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Users can...

Hydro-Force looks to seal the deal.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Available in quarts or gallons, Premium Grout and Stone Sealer from Hydro-Force Mfg., is a water-based sealer that penetrates to protect against water-based and oil-based stains and soil, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

U.S. Products unveils self-contained extractor.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The Agitator 20 from U.S. Products is a self-contained hot-water extractor, featuring an 80-foot direct-hookup hose and automatic hot-water solution feed/dump that means the 20 has no tanks to fill up or empty. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Encapsolution strives to remove more soil.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Encapsolution carpet crystals from Xerion are applied to the carpet as a fine mist, penetrating through the fibers and encapsulating seven times its weight in dirt particles, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Encapsolution is...

Prochem introduces space-saving truckmount.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Prochem has released its PowerDirect direct-drive truckmount with a space-saving design that "allows room for additional equipment while not sacrificing quality and ease of service," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Butler introduces new detergent.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Butler's Maximum Truckmount Detergent is "a concentrated, maximum performance hot-water extraction detergent for use in truckmounts and portable extraction machines," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maximum is a formulation of...

HygroHawk swoops down on moisture.(Products)
March 1, 2005... The HygroHawk moisture meter from Dri-Eaz "greatly reduces the time it takes restorers to gather critical, precise drying data," the company said, with the machine boasting acclimation time of less than 45 seconds and an expanded measurement...

Hydro-Force lends a hand.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Hydro-Force announces that the Lift Buddy is now available through Hydro-Force distributors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed to help take the struggle out of placing blocks under heavy furniture, operators slide the Lift Buddy under...

Advance unveils new portable line.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Advance introduces the AquaPro line of portable extractors. Designed to increase productivity, the AquaPro features on-board tool storage and compartments for storing chemical bottles, hand tools and other cleaning accessories. ...

Prochem offers diesel version of Apex truckmount.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Prochem is introducing a diesel version of the company's slide-in Apex truckmount. Powered by a liquid-cooled Kubota diesel engine, the Apex Diesel features the same heat-exchange technology, Gardner Denver tri-lobe TL408 blower and 80-gallon...

P&G offers finished-floor care lineup.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Procter & Gamble's Pro Line Finished Floor Care Program is designed to provide, "efficient application, durable finishes and powerful cleaners that help ensure a longer time between recoats," the company said. The company's floor-finish...

Biltwel unveils new look for duct-cleaning units.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Biltwel is introducing a new body style for its Modified and Boss truck-mounted duct-cleaning units. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring a 7-foot-deep-by-44-to-49-inch-high hose storage bin, both bodies are available in 7- or 8-foot...

BLUEline rides the wave.(Products)
March 1, 2005... BLUEline introduces the BlueWave to its CHAMP and ThermalWave truckmount lineup. The BlueWave is designed with new heat technology that the company says, "simplifies the conventional heat-exchange system." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Euroclean goes on whisper mode.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Euroclean introduces the WhisperClean canister vacuum, a machine the company says is so quiet that "daytime cleaning is now a reality in any facility, without disturbing daily business." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The WhisperClean operates...

Lighthouse advance portable particle counting.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions is rolling out its next generation of airborne-particle counters with the Solair 3200+ and 5200+. The new models offer a true 2.0 CFM (56.6 L/min) particle counter, a volumetric flow-control system and a powerful...

Fuller Brush puts its Earth-Gard up.(Products)
March 1, 2005... Fuller Brush Commercial Products introduces the Earth-Gard line of "environmentally smart products for commercial cleaning, offering a wide array of sustainable cleaning solutions for total facility maintenance." The Earth-Gard products...

Respiratory PPE and mold remediation.(Personal Protective Equipment)
March 1, 2005... Mold remediation is a rapidly growing field. Recognizing this, 3M Co. has provided some basic information on the health hazards associated with mold and proper use of respirators during mold remediation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: Why...

Developing a taste for the unnatural: some of life's greatest (not necessarily the healthiest) pleasures are just plain horrible the first time you sample them. I challenge even the most addicted tobacco smoker to say he truly enjoyed that first cigarette.(To Your Success)
March 1, 2005... And while today I love a cold draught beer, in my teen years it was only peer pressure that made me choke down those nasty-tasting brewskies. So it is with business tasks that we hate, and therefore sadly avoid. These unpleasant duties,...

Vehicle of the Month.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Name: David and Stacy Gruttadaurio Company Name: United Building Services, Inc. Address: P.O. Box 911 City: Vincennes State: IN ZIP: 47591 Phone: (812) 385-5800 E-Mail: David@MyCleanCarpet.net Vehicle...

Drying carpet takes common sense, creativity: while most folks entering the carpet-care industry anticipate client concerns over the cleaning method they will employ, in my 23 years in business I can count the times we've been asked that on one hand.(Notes from the Trenches)
March 1, 2005... OK, maybe two. The fact is, the most frequent question we have received over the years is, "How long will my carpets take to dry?" Let's face it. We've all heard horror stories about improper cleanings and dry times far exceeding the norm....

Air quality is one of my highest priorities: back in my heyday, a nightclub had the aroma of La Femme perfume, the sound of ice cubes clinking in a glass, and a veil of cigarette smoke so thick that, as we used to say, "you can cut it with a knife.".(Focus on Chemicals)
March 1, 2005... If you went to a nightclub today and exposed yourself to those conditions, knowing what we know now, you'd be crazy. It stands to reason that cleaning chemicals can help remove settled airborne particulates. Basically, carpet cleaners are...

How to protect your hard-floor care program against winter hazards.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2005... For a child, winter means snow-ball fights, sled rides and snow days. For adults, winter brings the annoying sniffles, loads of shoveling, and de-icer for the car wind-shield. For floor-cleaning professionals--thanks to rock salt, calcium...

Hard-floor maintenance in high-traffic areas: the correlation between high traffic and service frequency.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2005... I recently received a telephone call from a property manager who was a bit perplexed. "I don't get it," she said. "Last year we started a cleaning program that was to suppose to improve the appearance of our facility hard floors. We have...

Commercial carpet cleaning.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2005... As with the residential segment, commercial work has both drawbacks and advantages. Quite often, commercial work is scheduled sometime outside of a regular 9-to-5 day, and the red tape involved can result in a lengthy wait for payment. On...

IMACC members using new technology.(claimCAM)(Independent Mitigation and Cleaning / Conservation)
March 1, 2005... Members of the Independent Mitigation and Cleaning / Conservation network are using new tools and technology to provide service in the way of loss assessment. One of these tools is the IMACC claimCam. "The claimCam has resulted in insurance...

Habitat Detroit to host Jimmy Carter Work Project.(Industry)(Habitat for Humanity International)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Habitat for Humanity International announces that Detroit has been selected as a host site for the 22nd annual Jimmy Carter Work Project, June 19-24. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn will...

Habitat Detroit to host Jimmy Carter Work Project.(Industry)(BNP Media)
March 1, 2005... BNP Media, the parent company of ICS Cleaning Specialist, has a special interest in the Detroit Work Project. Twelve publishers from the company's Architecture & Construction and Plumbing divisions, along with four individuals, have combined to...

Betco acquires company, strengthens sales force.(Industry)
March 1, 2005... Betco Corp. recently acquired PowerBuff Inc., a floor equipment manufacturer, and appointed PowerBuff national sales manager Carson Anderson to the position of corporate account manager for Betco. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

Aqua Mix offering continuing education credits.(Industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Aqua Mix's Independent Applicator Program is now offering continuing education credits for IICRC-registered technicians in the cleaning and restoration industry. The two-day IAP training program is designed to provide technical and...

Winterfest exposition hits on all cylinders.(Industry)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Winterfest 2005 Mini Expo hosted by Pembertons Cleaning & Restoration Supplies attracted more than 400 guests from 150 companies to McKeesport, Penn., Jan. 29. Attendees listened to business- and operations-related seminars throughout...

BLUEline makes a move.(Industry)(BLUEline Equipment Co.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... BLUEline Equipment Co. recently moved their headquarters and factory in Prescott, Ariz., from a leased building to is own purpose-built facility. The 36,000-square-foot building is expandable to 60,000 square feet to meet the company's...

DRYPRO selects Disaster Equipment Inc. as new stocking distributor.(Industry)(DRYPRO Restoration Products, Disaster Equipment Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... DRYPRO Restoration Products has entered into an agreement with Disaster Equipment Inc., for the latter to become a stocking distributor for the company's latest drying technology equipment. The agreement enables both companies to market and...

Prochem announces new partnership.(Industry)(Steve Marsh of Magic Wand Services)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Prochem announces a new partnership with Steve Marsh of Magic Wand Services. At Prochem's annual dealer meeting in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Marsh presented a business program that will be part of Prochem Systems for 2005. Competition-Free...

Procter & Gamble joins ICAN.(Industry)(International Custodial Advisors Network)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The International Custodial Advisors Network announces that Procter & Gamble has joined the organization as a corporate member. "We are gratified that P&G has joined ICAN and wants to support the growth of consultancy within our industry,"...

Prochem hosts annual dealer event.(News)
March 1, 2005... Prochem held its annual dealer meeting at the Club Med in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Jan. 12-14. Approximately 50 distributors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan were in attendance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Dri-Eaz to celebrate 25th anniversary at symposium.(News)
March 1, 2005... Dri-Eaz Products will celebrate its 25th anniversary at its three-day Restorative Drying Symposium in Orlando, Fla., May 18-21. "Since Dri-Eaz was founded 25 years ago, we've aimed to be at the forefront of the latest restorative drying...

Dri-Eaz makes national television debut.(News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Dri-Eaz Products made its national television debut on "Winners Circle Hosted by Terry Bradshaw" on MSNBC. The two-minute segment aired Jan. 26. A producer for the show noticed Dri-Eaz's equipment in news footage during coverage of the...

Novozymes earns gold for contribution.(News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Salem, Va.-based Novozymes was recently honored at the second Virginia Manufacturing Industry Conference & Governor's Award Ceremony at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. A panel of judges from industry, academia, and regulatory...

Mohawk creates Web site for fibers.(News)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Mohawk Group has created a specialized Web site dedicated exclusively to EverSet Fibers, the company's new stain protection and color retention technology. "Actual demonstrations provide the most convincing case for EverSet Fibers, and...

Jasper makes instructional blitz on SoCal.(News)(Craig Jasper organizes a traveling seminar in Southern California )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Craig Jasper, the president of the Cleaning & Restoration Institute, brought his traveling seminar "How to Double Your Profits in Six Months" to Southern California for a five-day, five-class tour, Jan. 10-14. The class focused on...

BSCAI inks agreement with OSHA.(News)(Building Service Contractors Association International)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... The Building Service Contractors Association International has signed a formal alliance agreement with OSHA. The agreement follows more than 14 months of negotiations between the two entities regarding mutual goals and objectives for...

Disaster Equipment opens new headquarters; Murray joins team.(News )(Dustin Murray )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2005... Disaster Equipment, Inc. announces the opening of its new western headquarters in Salt Lake City. This new headquarters is one of many steps the company is taking to ensure greater customer service across the nation and Canada, according to...

DuPont to acquire business assets of StoneTech Professional, Inc.(News)
March 1, 2005... DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise signed an agreement where it will acquire the business and marketing assets of StoneTech Professional, Inc. of California, a provider of stone care products and solutions to the stone and tile industry....

Procter & Gamble.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 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...

Butler.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 1, 2005... The Butler Corporation offers a cube van for Carpet Cleaning and Disaster Restoration Contractors that require a spacious cargo area to conveniently organize and transport additional hoses, dehumidifiers, air movers and other related supplies...

Spartan Chemical Co.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 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,...

Rotovac.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 1, 2005... 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 counter-rotate to produce 1.500 multi-directional extraction cleaning passes per minute. The...

HydraMaster.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 1, 2005... Tests Confirm Fast Drying Claims The Rotary DriMaster cleans faster, better and leaves the carpet 6 times drier than the same carpet cleaned with a Scrub Wand. Independent laboratory testing shows that the DriMaster leaves 85% less residual...

KleenRite.(Product & Literature Guide)
March 1, 2005... Maximum Flood Extr-action Capability Can Be Yours from KleenRite Equipment! Choose either the Mega 2 with dual 2-stage vacs (single cord operation) or the Mega 3 with dual 3-stage vacs (dual cord operation). Both units have 2" intake...

A typical day for the IICRC executive committee: 5:45 a.m. the coffee goes on, then the computer. Checking and responding to e-mails by 6:15 and out the door by 7:00, making sure everything gets off to a smooth start with my own business.(IICRC President's Corner)(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
March 1, 2005... The first call at 8:15 is from Joe Dobbins, our certification council chair. He is in charge of all of the IICRC Trade Advisory Committees, or TACs, and the divisions they fall under. Today he is bringing me up to date on the latest version of...