ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from March 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from March 2006

State your case: on Jan. 25, Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration member Joe Arrigo appeared in front of a Colorado Senate committee to testify on behalf on house bill 06-1006, a bill concerning referrals by insurance companies to personal property repair businesses.(Editorial Comment)
March 1, 2006... The bill "would directly impact restoration work in the state" according to the ASCR. Some of the bills provisions include: * An insurer or its agent that issues or renews a personal property policy may not directly or indirectly require...

Rising above the mediocre- part II.(value added services for carpet cleaners)
March 1, 2006... "Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius." --Fulton J. Sheen There is nothing wrong with being average... except that no one wants to be average. Human beings are born with an innate desire to excel, to be "better than the...

The right time to rent.(FOR RENT)
March 1, 2006... When contractors choose to own equipment, it is often because they want to have equipment where they want it, when they want it. However, they often overlook the cost of ownership, calculating only the purchase price of the equipment. Owning...

Low-moisture carpet cleaning methods.
March 1, 2006... Problems can result during car-pet cleaning, and when they do, they can be costly. Usually, the biggest danger is over-wetting, which most often occurs when using older carpet extractors or poorly adjusted machines that suck water out at too...

2006 Disaster Restoration & Remediation Market Study.(surveys of damages)
March 1, 2006... The ICS 2006 Disaster Restoration & Remediation Market Study is an intricate dissection of the mechanisms, both mechanical and organic, impacting the direction of the restoration and remediation marketplace. The driving purpose behind the...

The 20 percent solution.(moisture content in structural wood)
March 1, 2006... Q: I recently had an adjuster tell me that he would not pay for drying that reduced the moisture content of the building below 20 percent. What would be the consequence of stopping the drying at 20 percent? A: This is actually a fairly...

Butler clears out the traffic.
March 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Traffic Lane Cleaner is "an exclusive concentrated pre-treatment formulated to produce maximum cleaning performance in heavily soiled areas and traffic lanes," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The cleaner is...

Amdecon offers crime-scene solution.
March 1, 2006... Amdezyme from Amdecon is a blood remover the company says is a "specifically designed formulation [that] is an enzymatic product that works on protein and protein-rich tissues, including blood, body fluids and body tissues found at crime and...

Bridgepoint introduces Maxim.
March 1, 2006... Maxim from Bridgepoint Systems is a water-based fluorochemical protector that "combines the best soil and stain-resist technology with Bridgepoint fiber protection expertise," the company said. According to Bridgepoint, a single...

Theochem introduces all-purpose cleaner.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Theochem's Peroxy Kling is a concentrated multi-surface cleaner/degreaser specifically formulated for the mold remediation, decontamination, housekeeping and facility maintenance industries. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The cleaner exceeds...

FLIR unveils new P-series camera.
March 1, 2006... The ThermaCAM P65HSV Infrared Camera from FLIR Systems features a large, detachable 4-inch color LCD screen that displays images in either thermal or visual mode "for optimal flexibility both while recording in the field and for reporting...

Harvard Chemical busts stains and odors.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Harvard Chemical Research announces the introduction of Stain and Odor Buster to its line of products for the treatment of pet stains and odor. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stain and Odor Buster "permanently removes stains and odors in one...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
March 1, 2006... Conventions & Trade Shows MARCH 5-9: NADCA CONVENTION Dallas. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 14-17: ASCR SOLUTIONS CONVENTION Savannah, Ga. Call (800) 272-7012 MARCH 24-28: BSCAI ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW...

Lifa machine gets into HVAC nooks and crannies.(Products)
March 1, 2006... The Hydmaster 40 brushing machine from Lifa Air Inc. integrates "advanced inspection and mechanics to thoroughly clean ventilation and air conditioning system ducts while increasing user productivity," the company said. The unit is capable of...

HydraMaster introduces latest CDS technology.
March 1, 2006... HydraMaster's latest CDS technology "is better than ever for 2006," the company said. The company's Overdrive technology is joined by a new ISC van-integrated speed control system that acts like a "CDS cruise control" that keeps the engine at...

Magic Wand introduces new deodorizer.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Magic Wand Co. introduces Fresh 'n Clean deodorizer, "the only powdered deodorizer ever made," according to Magic Wand. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A concentrate that has to be mixed with water, Fresh 'n Clean has a fragrance the company...

FLIR launches the B2.
March 1, 2006... The ThermaCAM B2 infrared camera from FLIR "offers a non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the conditions of a building--providing immediate high-resolution thermal imagery, revealing potential structural and moisture issues, energy...

Harvard Chemical flushes out urine.
March 1, 2006... Flush Out Urine Decontamination Pretreatment from Harvard Chemical Research has been introduced to the company's line of products for the treatment of pet stains and odors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flush Out helps prevent the release of...

Bridgepoint gets a Jump Start.
March 1, 2006... The Jump Start Upholstery Cleaning module from Bridgepoint "provides all the technical training you'll need to fill you customers' upholstery cleaning needs," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The module outlines the proper...

Theochem takes on mold and mildew.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Moldstat from Theochem Laboratories is a concentrated EPA-registered biocide the company says, "effectively eliminates a broad spectrum of bacteria including mold and mildew." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Moldstat can be used on both porous...

Butler offers hot-water extraction detergent.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Truckmount Detergent is a concentrated hot-water extraction detergent for use in truck-mounts and portable extraction machines, an "exclusive formulation of surfactants, alkaline builders, foam controlling agents, corrosion...

Sunbelt Rentals publishes new catalog.(Products)
March 1, 2006... Sunbelt Rentals' 2005/2006 Full Line catalog is 256 full-color pages of one of the broadest ranges of rental equipment available. The catalog includes carpet extractors, floor buffers, scrubbers, stair tool, strippers and more. ...

P&G takes the All-Around approach.(Products)
March 1, 2006... P&G Pro Line All-Around Floor Finish "helps increase productivity by providing outstanding shine that lasts without frequent recoating or refinishing," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All-Around has been enhanced with an...

Tornado whips up new brush scrubber.
March 1, 2006... The BR 750 cylindrical brush scrubber from Tornado Industries features a 37-inch squeegee and enhanced vacuum systems for quick, thorough dirty-water pickup, and 21-gallon solution and recovery tanks for "efficient operation and enhanced worker...

The Rocket Sprayer takes off.
March 1, 2006... The Rocket Sprayer from Taraco Enterprises is a 12-volt, 5-gallon, battery-operated sprayer. The sprayer works as both a backpack and cart sprayer, and features a tank with molded receptacles for pump-pressure adjustment and battery-recharging...

Mobile-Dry: what a concept.
March 1, 2006... Concepts & Designs introduces Mobile-Dry desiccant dehumidification systems for a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system is comprised of large-capacity desiccant dehumidifiers to...

Prochem scales truckmount peaks.(Products)
March 1, 2006... The Everest truckmount from Prochem is "the culmination of over 26 years of truckmount experience," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The basis for the Everest is a patented heat-exchange system. The system captures heat from...

Tornado introduces color-coding system for brushes.
March 1, 2006... Tornado Industries introduces a new system to help standardize the brush colors used for cylindrical floor machines that matches the widely accepted color-coding scheme used by traditional pad manufacturers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Harvard takes urine to school.
March 1, 2006... Harvard Chemical Research introduces Yellow Out Urine Stain Remover to its line of products for the treatment of pet stains and odor. The user sprays the product directly onto the stain to remove stubborn residual color, the company said....

Kleenrite rolls out the X-VAC.
March 1, 2006... The X-VAC Pile Lifter from Kleenrite "provides X-treme soil removal of dry particles imbedded in carpet fibers that most vacuums cannot touch, and also delivers X-treme pile-lifting capabilities unmatched by standard commercial vacuums," the...

Sensible Life goes atomic.
March 1, 2006... Sensible Life Products has launched its Botanical Atomic Fire & Soot Cleaner & Degreaser, a high-performance cleaner and degreaser formulated to seek and remove particulate at the atomic level with minimal agitation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

NSS takes the cord out of the vacuuming equation.
March 1, 2006... The battery-powered Colt 800 PB Wet/Dry Vacuum from NSS Enterprises "is ideal for wet entryways, food and liquid spills in occupied areas, and any location where an electrical outlet is unavailable," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION...

John's Custom Machine turns up the heat.
March 1, 2006... Designed for slide-ins and PTOs, the blower pre-heater/post-heater from John's Custom Machine features an inner assembly manufactured with a copper alloy and housed in a stainless shell. A removable end cap allows for coil removal if necessary....

Spartan introduces BioRenewables.
March 1, 2006... Spartan Chemical Co.'s BioRenewables product line is based on ingredients derived from agricultural and forestry materials. The company "can now offer products that support agriculture, promote environmental improvement and reduce dependency on...

Fire restoration network expanding.(Products)
March 1, 2006... The 1-800BoardUp sales development program for fire restoration contractors is designed to "decrease your dependency on insurance companies for sales, decrease your marketing budget by eliminating less effective, worn out strategies, increase...

Fibermaxx turns up the power.
March 1, 2006... Powermaxx from Fibermaxx is a pre-spray designed to clean the full range of carpet and upholstery serviceable by hot-water extraction cleaning. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Field-tested and formulated over the last 20 years, Powermaxx...

Floor care line is essential.
March 1, 2006... Essential Industries announces the availability of Green Essence Excellence in Environmentally Responsible Floor Care, an environmentally responsible floor care program. The system allows users to maintain a wide variety of floor surfaces with...

Spitzlift rises above the crowd.
March 1, 2006... The Spitzlift crane is a 33-pound piece of equipment that has a lifting capacity of 700 pounds. It mounts to just about any vehicle or stationary object, the company says, and in many cases with no modifications. The Spitzlift can be...

BioSafetyUSA introduces Virkon.
March 1, 2006... 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...

Jones Companies speeds into the market.
March 1, 2006... The speeds patent-pending floor pads and limited-use floor pads from Jones Companies, Ltd., "perform with the cleaning efficiency of microfiber combined with the absorbency and strength of a multi-fiber blend," the company said. The system...

Malish takes on grout scrubbing.
March 1, 2006... The Malish Corp.'s Grout Scrub with swivel handle is designed to scrub even the narrowest grout lines, removing dirt and grime "with ease," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Grout Scrub features a stiff polyester trim...

Air Care has positive outlook with negative air machine.
March 1, 2006... Air Care has developed a new high-performance, four vacuum motor negative air machine "that outperforms any other direct contact air duct cleaning machine in its size range," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Vent Vac 4X4...

Continental goes hands-free.
March 1, 2006... Continental Commercial Products introduces the Ergo Worx Touchless MicroTek Cleaning System, what the company says is "the industry's first truly hands-free microfiber mop system." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Described as lightweight and...

U.S. Products unleashes a Torrent.
March 1, 2006... The Torrent 1,200 psi industrial hard-surface cleaner from U.S. Products "is perfect for deep cleaning tile, grout, and heavily soiled surfaces," the company said. The Torrent features waist-high handles and controls, direct water...

Be Prepared: the boy scout motto is "Be Prepared," a saying that should also be adapted to service businesses. Be Prepared; two small words that can sometimes represent a very monumental task.(Building a Profitable Business)
March 1, 2006... In the cleaning and restoration business, we don't have the luxury of being able to totally control when the work comes in, making it difficult to be prepared in advance with all the proper equipment. This is especially true for those...

You Break, You Pay! Perhaps you've walked into a trinket-filled store and seen the sign, "You Break, You Pay" or some similar wording.
March 1, 2006... Obviously, it means if you get rough and drop a trinket, it's going to cost you dearly. With this concept in mind, I would like you to consider the consequences of breaking something much more valuable and the resulting high cost: your back....

Innovations in drying.(airmovers, air filtration devices, and sensors play their role)
March 1, 2006... I was watching TV and noticed a story about an upscale hotel in Las Vegas that had a flood on a custom wood floor. The maintenance staff used an airmover to "dry" it out. The floor eventually had to be replaced, and I found myself screaming at...

Mold risk management for restoration contractors.
March 1, 2006... Mold has created new opportunities, as well as new risks, for the restoration business. Fear of "toxic mold" has created demand for more professional and expensive mold remediation services. At the same time, new risks are assumed when...

Summer floor repair.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2006... It's Spring Break, the one-week block when the custodial departments of educational facilities typically begin planning for the traditional summertime task of stripping and refinishing their floors. The quiet week also provides the perfect...

Product & Literature Guide.
March 1, 2006... 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...

Six essential pieces of carpet care equipment.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2006... Proper carpet maintenance relies on a combination of the right cleaning processes with the right cleaning equipment. A comprehensive carpet care program is a good example: this customized cleaning schedule targets three specific phases of...

Commercial carpet cleaning.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2006... Advances in technology in the past five or six years have broadened the choice of systems and equipment available for maintaining commercial carpets. The basics of the cleaning, however, remain constant: effective dry soil removal and use of...

Maintaining high-traffic areas.(Commercial Floor Care)
March 1, 2006... Floor maintenance is about controlling soil. Dirt, clay and sand can contain sharp edges that will scratch the surface of any floor. Regardless of what the flooring is made of, the effect is the same: erosion. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Prochem holds dealer meeting south of the border.(Industry)
March 1, 2006... Prochem held its annual dealer meeting in Cancun, Mexico, Jan. 12-14. Distributors were recognized with awards of achievement for 2005. Approximately 40 dealers from the United States, Canada, and Australia made the trip. [ILLUSTRATION...

DKI names national account directors.(Industry)(Disaster Kleenup International promoted Summer Street )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Disaster Kleenup International recently promoted Summer Street to the position of national account director, and hired Mitch Newman for the same position. Street, who joined DKI in 2004, and Newman, who served as vice president and key...

"Multi-trade" national trade association forms.(Industry)
March 1, 2006... The United Association of Mobile Contract Cleaners, a vendor-sponsored association, was formed Dec. 2, 2005. The UAMCC will encompass air duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, commercial janitorial service, insurance, power washing, water blasting...

CleanGredients available for online beta testing.(Industry)(information regarding cleaning products of CleanGredients now available online)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... CleanGredients, a searchable database of ingredients for use in formulating cleaning products with "improved human and environmental health profiles," is available for evaluation on the CleanGredients Web site at www.cleangredients.org. ...

National Chemical holds national sales meeting.(News)(National Chemical Laboratories of Pennsylvania Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories held its national sales meeting in December 2005. The four-day event featured advanced training on current industry topics, as well as a review of the company's plans for new system introductions in 2006. ...

IMACC offers new Web tools, burns downs Dri-Eaz module.(News)
March 1, 2006... IMACC has launched its new Web site at www.imacc.net. The new site has "Industry News," "National Storm Situation Summary," "Distance Learning," and "Members" sections. The site offers free education and training for IMACC members and...

Green Seal's Weissman to address BSCAI.(News)
March 1, 2006... Arthur Weissman, Ph.D., the president and CEO of Green Seal, Inc., will address BSCAI members on "The Developing Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services" on March 26 during the BSCAI 2006 Annual Convention and Trade Show in...

IICRC offering diverse course offerings, locations.(News)
March 1, 2006... The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification continues to expand its course offerings, providing specialized certification courses ranging from floor care services to restoration and mold remediation for industry...

Restoration Alliance holding workshop during ASCR convention.(News)
March 1, 2006... The Restoration Alliance, in conjunction with the ASCR, is holding a one-and-a-half day workshop during the ASCR "Solutions Convention" in Savannah, Ga., March 14-15. The workshop is designed around four fundamentals of a company's...

CRI adds to list of SOA cleaning products.(News)(seal of approval)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... The Carpet and Rug Institute recently added to its list of Seal of Approval-certified carpet cleaning products, bringing the total number of approved products to 32. Longevity Low Moisture Cleaner, a pre-spray manufactured by Future Floor...

Dresser ROOTS relocates.(News)
March 1, 2006... Dresser ROOTS of Houston has relocated its offices. The company is now headquartered near the intersection of Highway 290 West and the Sam Houston Tollway at 16240 Port Northwest Dr. The new workplace includes facilities for sales,...

Tillman holds CSHO title.(News)(Michael J. Tillman earned the title of Certified Safety and Health Official)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Michael J. Tillman, founder of Amdecon, recently completed 285 hours of instruction at the Texas Engineering Extension Service to earn the title of Certified Safety and Health Official. Tillman attended the OSHA Training Institute Southwest...

DuPont commits to PFOA emissions reduction program.(News)
March 1, 2006... DuPont has pledged its commitment to the 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "DuPont has been aggressively reducing PFOA emissions to the environment," DuPont Vice President Susan...

Interlink interview series provides free training.(News)(Interlink Supply )(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Interlink Supply introduces a series of monthly educational and motivational live teleconference interviews with industry icons and relevant experts from outside the industry. Designed to allow interested callers to listen in, ask questions...

Stearns sponsor Green Seal standard.(News)
March 1, 2006... Stearns Packaging Corp. has announced its sponsorship of the Green Seal Cleaning Services Standard. "We are proud to support the Green Seal Cleaning Services Standard as an extension of our belief in environmentally positive processes and...

Cleaners Supply Warehouse launches new Web site.(News)
March 1, 2006... Open for a little more than a year, Cleaners Supply Warehouse in Gladstone, Ore. recently launched its new Web site at www.cleanerssupply-warehouse.net. CSW carries full lines of PowerClean, CTI and Bi-O-Kleen products, to name a few, as...

Berry to serve as executive director of CIRI council.(News)
March 1, 2006... Dr. Michael Berry has agreed to serve as executive director of the Cleaning Industry Research Institute's Scientific Advisory Council. "We're thrilled to have Dr. Berry lead our Advisory Council," CIRI Chairman of the Board Jim Harris said....

IICRC approves Encapsulation Class for CECs.(News)
March 1, 2006... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification recently approved a new Scot Lab's Encapsulation Class for Continuing Education Credits. Scot Labs will teach the basics of encapsulation, the benefits of having...

FLIR launches 2006 open house series.(News)
March 1, 2006... FLIR Systems has announced a series of open houses for 2006 designed to inform infrared users, and those interested in the subject, about the latest advances in the field. "We're very excited to be rolling out this series of events," David...

ASCR launches electronic newsletter.(News)
March 1, 2006... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration has launched a new, monthly newsletter--NewsBreak--designed to keep ASCR members abreast of industry changes and cover issues affecting their day-to-day business operations. The...

Vehicle of the Month.
March 1, 2006... Name: Richard Aleshire Company Name: Impressive Carpet Care Inc. Address: 1505 West Ave L-12 City: Lancaster State: California ZIP: 93534 Phone: (661) 726-4441 Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2006 Ford E250 ...