ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from May 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from May 2006

A reaffirmation of responsibility: just when you think the whole idea of a greater good has been flushed once and for all down the mighty bowl of existence, you get a quick peek behind the curtain that gives you hope that maybe all is not yet lost.(Carpet and FabriCare Institute)(Editorial)
May 1, 2006... Back in March I was invited to join the Los Angeles Chapter of the Carpet & FabriCare Institute on a tour of the Hyperion Treatment Plant in Playa del Rey, one of the most technologically advanced wastewater treatment plants in the world....

The lasting legacy of Ed York.(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2006... On March 13, surrounded by loved ones, Edgar P. "Ed" York's big ol' heart finally gave out at a hospice facility near his home in Vancouver, Wash. He was 79. He is survived by Wanda, his wife of 36 years; six children; 10 grandchildren and nine...

Using air filtration in water loss restoration.
May 1, 2006... Because today's customers are more concerned with indoor air quality, air filtration is often used for customer--and employee--safety and peace of mind. Air filtration devices, or AFDs, are needed in water restoration work whenever the job...

Five critical training needs with your Hispanic employees.
May 1, 2006... The Hispanic workforce is unique to our contemporary business environment. As a group, this workforce is considered to be critical to the success of the construction industry. At the same time, members of the Hispanic workforce have special...

The 2006 ICS salary & benefits study.
May 1, 2006... Since the dawn of time, when man first pondered, "Hmm. Me wonder how many mammoth hides Grog took home to cave last year?" the importance of understanding the compensation picture in a given profession has continued to grow. Finding solid...

Gadgets that will earn $400 or more per hour--guaranteed! My general goal in writing these articles is to tell you about equipment and accessories that make your life better and more productive. When you are more productive you're earning more money.(The Gadget Man)
May 1, 2006... In order to earn the $400 or more per hour mentioned in the title, you not only have to utilize the equipment presented below, but you must step out of your comfort zone and offer an important service and product to your customer. Two...

MCS concerns can redefine "clean".(non-toxic cleaning products)(Interview)
May 1, 2006... Q: We have a customer that has MCS. They have a mold problem in their home and as a result have carpets and upholstery that they want us to clean with products that are non-toxic. They have had their carpets cleaned in the past with...

What are systems, and how do I create them?
May 1, 2006... Everybody's talking about systems these days, but what does it really mean and how do they affect you and your business? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In its simplest definition, a system is nothing more than an organized, planned, and...

What's the best crew? One man or two?(consumer preference )
May 1, 2006... There's a great study where researchers stood in front of a supermarket asking customers going into the store what they planned to buy. The customers answered and went inside to shop, thinking that was the end of the survey. They were quite...

Esteam takes on floods.(Products)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2006... Conventions & Trade Shows MAY 4-6: CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION Clearwater Beach, Fla. Call (888) 881-1001 MAY 13-18: AIHCE "REACHING NEW HEIGHTS" CONFERENCE Chicago. Call (703) 849-8888 SEPT. 21-23: ...

Dri-Eaz takes to the desert.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Dri-Eaz Products is launching three new TurboDryers: the Sahara Pro X3, the Sahara HD and the Sahara E. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Sahara Pro X3 is the most versatile of the three, offering lower amps, daisy-chain capabilities (up to...

Bridgepoint introduces Maxim.(Products)
May 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. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to...

Hydro-Lab offers year-round exposure.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The Hydro-Lab Year Round Vendor Exposition allows vendors to set up a display of products, literature, etc., in one or more secured booths for year-round exposure during every class held at the Hydro-Lab. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All...

FLIR offers up new infrared camera.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The BCAM infrared camera from FLIR Systems "offers a non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The BCAM features a 3.5-inch LCD for viewing high-resolution...

Bridgepoint unveils Maxim.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Bridgepoint Systems introduces Maxim Fine Fabric, a solvent-based fluorochemical protector for fine upholstery fabrics. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spills bead up so they can be "easily and safely wiped away," the company said, "working...

Steam Way takes care of marble, stone.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Steam Way International introduces the Marble and Stone Care by Daley International, a line of water- and solvent-based sealers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The line includes Grout Cleaner & Restorer; Neutral No Rinse Stone Cleaner;...

Clog-busting power from TheoChem.(Products)
May 1, 2006... TheoChem's Buster Drain Opener is a heavy-duty, 93 percent virgin sulfuric acid solvent formulated to "quickly flow to blockage areas, allowing for fast dissolving action of any organic matter," the company said. Circle 238 on the Reader...

Portable extractor making the rounds.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Esteam's E1000 portable carpet extractor is the latest addition to the company's EMachine line. The E1000 features dual two-stage Ametek vacuum motors, a 10-gallon solution tank with stainless steel cover and a 10-gallon recovery tank with...

Betco Crewman delivers results.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Crewman heavy-duty floor machines from Betco Corp. feature 1.5 HP motors, heavy-duty gearbox and a rugged roto-mold base, a fully adjustable handle and safety lockout switch. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed for use in tough...

Vanopy offers quick-fix cover.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The Vanopy from the Maker Company is a hands-free umbrella that hooks to the van on the inside at either the side or back door opening. It will fit on all full-size vans without headliners, the company said. It also fits on mini cargo vans at...

National Chemical Labs brings out "non-zinc" sealer.(Products)
May 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories' Aspire is a "technologically advanced 'non-zinc' floor sealer/finish that produces an immediate wet-look gloss and is buffable with 300-2,000-plus RPM equipment," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Lifa Air promotes high security.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The High-Security Filter System from Lifa Air, Inc., provides "99.99 percent filtration efficiency of particles and 99.95 percent filtration of airborne biological and chemical agents," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Butler clears out the traffic.(Products)
May 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...

Air Care has positive outlook with negative air machine.(Products)
May 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...

Amdecon offers crime-scene solution.(Products)
May 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...

Continental goes hands-free.(Products)
May 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...

Theochem introduces all-purpose cleaner.(Products)
May 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...

U.S. products unleashes a Torrent.(Products)
May 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. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Torrent features waist-high handles and...

Harvard Chemical busts Stains and Odors.(Products)
May 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...

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

Bio-reveal seeks out contamination.(Products)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Proteus 26...

Foster disinfectant ready to use.(Products)
May 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)
May 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)
May 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. ...

Scot Labs introduces Encapsulating Acid Rinse.(Products)
May 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...

EnvirOx shocks minerals.(Products)
May 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...

National Chemical Labs introduces new products.(Products)
May 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...

Grease is erased from the cleaning equation.(Products)
May 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...

Injectidry offers a variety of panel options.(Products)
May 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...

Enviro-Solutions' products get "green" certification.(Products)
May 1, 2006... Five floor-care products from Enviro-Solutions have been certified "green" by the Environmental Choice Program. Four of the five have been certified by Green Seal. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The products are ES 97 No Zinc Floor Finish, ES...

GrayWolf stalks IAQ.
May 1, 2006... The DirectSense IAQ indoor air quality monitor from GrayWolf Sensing Solutions organizes all survey information, measures CO, C[O.sub.2], %RH, temperature and more, and features options for airspeed, VOCs, toxic gases and particulates, among...

Mop prep from the top down.(Products)
May 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...

Things you can learn from junk mail: it's sneaky, manipulative and kills way too many trees--but think about why there's so much of it.
May 1, 2006... Just say "yes" and we'll send you these eye-opening secrets absolutely free. Say "yes" to what? Hardly matters. Soon as people see "eye-opening secrets," they get hooked. Deep down, we all want to know secrets, don't we? And when a peek at...

What's in your ductwork?
May 1, 2006... Having been in the air duct cleaning business since 1969, we've come across an astounding variety of things inside ductwork. In fact, we've noticed that our technicians tend to become jaded over time. After they have been with us for a while,...

Surface texture and stone floor maintenance: the natural-stone flooring category is extensive and presents the floor maintenance technician with numerous challenges.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
May 1, 2006... Identification of the individual classifications of stone and the properties and characteristics they possess will dictate the maintenance program required. The texture of the surface can impact the hard-floor maintenance program significantly....

Saying goodbye.(To Your Success)(exit interview )
May 1, 2006... "Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it." --George Santayana I always hated the employee bombshell, "Steve, I've got a better job offer and this will be my last week." After that, it was easier just to ignore the...

Carpet inspection misimpressions.
May 1, 2006... I became a carpet inspector about 12 years ago strictly by accident. I was invited to attend an IICRC-approved carpet inspector course being held in Chattanooga. I never intended to become an inspector, but I thought it would be an interesting...

Defusing the dreamer: we've all had them, or know someone who has: that special breed of client whose expectations far outweigh our considerable, yet mortal, abilities.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
May 1, 2006... That badly abused Berber in the rental house should look like new, and the urine-soaked (cat? dog? who's to say?) furniture should look and smell great once you've worked your magic on them. Not! This is a cleaning wand, not a magic wand. What...

Restoring smoke-damaged tapestries: tapestries are nothing more than fabric pictures. They are made with pictures artistically interwoven or hand knotted using colored yarns or threads in flat or pile weaves.(Rx for Restoration)
May 1, 2006... Similarly, fabric wall hangings have become quite popular, especially when used as decoration or wall art in commercial buildings. Because tapestries and other fabrics are hanging in elevated positions, they may be well above the heat line...

Product & Literature Guide.
May 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...

IICRC announces launch of apprentice program.(Industry)
May 1, 2006... At its recent Certification Council meeting in Vancouver, Wash., the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification announced the launch of the Apprentice/Basic Skills Training Program. Created to supplement current IICRC...

ServiceMaster promotes Cromie, acquires InStar.(Industry)
May 1, 2006... The ServiceMaster Co. announced that Scott J. Cromie has been named group president of ServiceMaster, with responsibility for American Home Shield, AmeriSpec, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, Furniture Medic and the recently acquired InStar...

Unger names new president.(Mark Unger )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Mark Unger has been promoted to president of Unger Enterprises, the company said. As president, Unger is responsible for managing, leading and implementing strategy for the company's professional division worldwide, and for building...

Work begins on ISSA standard.(Industry)
May 1, 2006... The ISSA recently hosted the first in a series of technical committee meetings to create a new Quality Management Standard designed to help facility service providers develop customer-centered, quality cleaning organizations. "The standard...

Munters MCS names new vice president.(News)
May 1, 2006... Roland Reesby has been named vice president-operations for Munters Moisture Control Services, a division of Munters AB. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reesby will oversee all MCS sales and support functions to ensure continued growth and...

DKI member assists "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".(Disaster Kleenup International Inc. member will assist for ABC's television show)(Statewide Disaster Restoration)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Statewide Disaster Restoration, a Disaster Kleenup International Inc., member, was recently asked to assist on a special series of episodes for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" television show. The show asked Statewide for assistance...

Rudolph Giuliani to present keynote address at ISSA Interclean.(News)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani will present the keynote address at the 2006 ISSA/Interclean trade show Oct. 4-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We are thrilled to host such an esteemed American leader at...

Tornado receives Tandus approval.(News)
May 1, 2006... Four more product groups from Tornado Industries have received the "Approved Equipment" designation from Tandus, a manufacturer of commercial floor coverings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The groups receiving the Tandus designation are: the...

K-Tech nominated for Small Business of the Year Award.(News)
May 1, 2006... K-Tech, a second-generation family owned business based in Wisconsin, received multiple nominations for the 2006 Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The award is designed to...

BLUEline launches new Web site.(News)
May 1, 2006... BLUEline Equipment Co. has launched its new Web site at www.bluelineequip.com. "The upgraded site allows visitors to find and access product information more quickly and easily," BLUEline Executive Vice President Thom Fielding said. "It...

ASCR presents Phoenix Award.(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Rolyn Construction Corp.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration has presented the Phoenix Award, its highest honor for innovation in restoration, to Rolyn Construction Corp. of Rockville, Md. "The Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration is...

EnvirOx expands sales division.(appoints Larry Lopata )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... EnvirOx has expanded its sales division with the promotion of Larry Lopata to national sales manager, and the addition of Craig Puma as Western regional sales manager. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lopata joined EnvirOx in July 2003 as...

Bridgepoint chemicals sporting a new look.(Bridgepoint Systems )(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Chemical bottles from Bridgepoint Systems are getting a makeover. While the formulations will remain the same, the look of the labels will be changing. The labels will first appear on Flex pre-spray, Zone Perfect pre-spray, End Zone emulsifier,...

Vehicle of the Month.(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2006... Name: Dan Watt Company Name: Indoor Environmental Services Address: P.O. Box 1152 City: Dunkirk State: Maryland ZIP: 20754 Phone: 301-855-3573 E-mail: wattracing@comcast.net Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2002...

IICRC reaches out to new industry affiliates: as part of the IICRC's marketing efforts, we continue to reach out to different industries to form alliances and spread the word about our certification programs and industry standards.(IICRC President's Corner)
May 1, 2006... IICRC has always made an effort to expand its horizons, and this work continues today, as it will tomorrow, and beyond. In the past, we have had great success working together with the carpet manufacturers, CRI, furniture manufacturers, AFMA,...