ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from November 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from November 2005

Walking in a winter wonderland: it is about that time again. The mercury is dropping down, thermostats are going up, and across much of the country city maintenance workers are prepping for that first big snow of the season.(Editorial)
November 1, 2005... You know the one I'm talking about: 12 or so inches of fluffy whiteness fluttering slowly to earth, building up on streets and side-walks, parking lots and courtyards. But it's not yet cold enough in the daytime to maintain that champagne...

Finding success against all odds.(To Your Success)
November 1, 2005... "The key to success isn't much good until one discovers the right lock to insert it in." --Tehyi Hsieh I've never been instinctively brilliant at business. You name it, and over my 20-year entrepreneurial career I very probably messed...

S.T.O.P has no "secrets," but plenty to "reveal!".(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... WHAT Maybe you've heard of STOP. We're well known for making small companies big; and big companies profitable. Thirty-six companies now "run the STOP sign" on their business. Most were already in the cleaning business when they bought...

A good supplier can make all the difference: based upon my observations over the years, it seems obvious that a good supplier will make the climb up the ladder of success much faster and easier.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
November 1, 2005... The longer you are dealing with a supplier, the more he/she/they will become a "center of your universe," not only your source for equipment and supplies, but also your go-to source for knowledge and advice. This will ring true to those who...

The deadman is alive and kicking.( )
November 1, 2005... While it may sound like the title of a "Tales From the Crypt" episode, in this article I'd like to share with you a little trick of the trade when it comes to re-seaming carpets by introducing you to a tool you can make at home. ...

Connections 2005 slips smoothly into larger shoes.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... After two successful years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino, the brain trust behind the Connections Convention and Trade Show, the largest event of its kind in the cleaning and restoration industry, decided it was time to find larger quarters to...

The future of hard-floor maintenance: there are some who can still remember applying paste wax with steel wool and spray buffing with a low-speed machine. And the nasal-passage-burning memories of stripping a floor with all-purpose cleaner and 26-percent ammonia are something you never forget.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
November 1, 2005... But things have changed. Waxes gave way to polymer-based seals and finishes; spray buffing has evolved to ultra-high-speed burnishing; cotton mops have been replaced by synthetic mops and micro-fiber applicators; and low-odor stripping...

Bridgepoint brings TES to the party.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Bridgepoint introduces the Thermal Energy System, a water-damage restoration system utilizing the Reets Evaporation Method that combines controlled heat and airflow "to produce high-speed evaporation and dramatically improve the drying...

Rotobrush brings aiR+ to market.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Rotobrush Intl., LLC, recently delivered the first Rotobrush aiR+ air duct cleaning machine, the result of years of research into what air duct cleaning professionals look for in a machine, to Doug Trumball of Doug's Mighty Clean. ...

Principal Focus releases new version of software.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Principal Focus has released Service Center Business 2.0, the next generation of its business software for the carpet cleaning and restoration industry. The new version sports features added based directly off customer feedback. ...

MasterBlend takes a delicate approach to delicates.(Products)
November 1, 2005... MasterBlend's Fine Fabric PreSpray offers a neutral pH that helps prevent browning and dye bleed. Fine Fabric is safe for wool, and its non-aggressive approach "gently, but effectively, cleans delicate fabrics," the company said. ...

Wolverine brings out the Rug Wringer.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Rug Wringer from Wolverine Contracting is used "to remove the majority of water from a recently washed rug," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Rug Wringer is available in a variety of sizes, with 8-, 13- and...

PowerClean states its case for Liberty.(Products)
November 1, 2005... PowerClean Industries introduces the Liberty-XT truckmount. The unit is equipped with a 24-hp water-cooled Kohler engine, a Roots 33 DSL blower, and a General Pump capable of delivering up to 2,000 psi for heated pressure washing of tile and...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows FEB. 1-3: SURFACES 2006 Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6336 MARCH 5-9: NADCA CONVENTION Dallas. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 14-17: ASCR SOLUTIONS CONVENTION Savannah, Ga. Call (800)...

Betco takes a hard line.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Hard as Nails is the newest floor finish from Betco. Formulated with internally cross-linked polymers, Hard as Nails protects against initial and daily scuffing, and offers facilities "superior wear," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION...

Water Out unveils new super dryer.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The YD9000 Super Dryer from Water Out was unveiled at the company's annual convention on Marco Island, Fla. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A self-contained 9,000 CFM super dryer, the YD9000 sits on a 30-foot trailer. It has its own generator...

U.S. Products takes on floods.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Flood Pumper from U.S. Products operates on a dual-vacuum, dual-pump motor pulling 200 CFM. It operates with a single power line, drawing 13 amps, and use a standard 3/4-inch garden hose for discharge. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

MasterBlend makes foray into truckmount market.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The El Diablo truckmount system from MasterBlend features a 24-hp Honda V-twin engine directly driving a ROOTS 4.5 Whispair DSL blower, a 75-gallon stainless steel waste tank, a choice of either a 195,000 BTU kerosene or 125,000 BTU propane...

Butler introduces powder detergent.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Butler's Maximum Powder Truckmount Detergent is a hot-water extraction detergent for use in truckmounts or portable extraction machines designed to use dissolved powdered detergents. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The formula containing...

Ultrasonic system aims for efficiency.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Omega Fire Pro 1800BT from Omegasonics is a bench-top, ultrasonic-restoration unit designed for maximum portability and cleaning efficiency. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 1800BT features a fully insulated tank body with a...

Hydro-Force goes for gum removal.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Gum Gel from Hydro-Force is designed to remove gum from any surface, including carpet. A citrus solvent formulated to stay on the spot at full strength, Gum Gel also works on other spots, such as tar, grease, cosmetics, and most types of inks,...

Butler takes aim at spots and stains.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Butler Corp.'s Spot and Stain Remover boasts "a maximum performance formula to dissolve and remove various foods and beverage stains, medicines, cosmetics, latex paints, greases and oils, etc.," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Magic Wand introduces SpotGuard.(Products)
November 1, 2005... SpotGuard from Magic Wand Co. is a 100-percent water-based protector formulated with Magic Spell, which the company says "gives it unbelievable beading," and DuPont flurochemical that "gives it less resoiling." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

BLUEline responds to bio-cleanup needs.(Products)
November 1, 2005... BLUEline Equipment Co. has engineered and developed The Hazinator at the request of emergency contractors, fire departments, law enforcement agencies and others. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Hazinator is a mobile crime-scene and...

Prochem rides to the rescue.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Prochem has added Odor Rescue and Enzyme Rescue to its line of extreme spotters. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company says Odor Rescue is a "true neutralizer, a power odor and stain remover that chemically modifies and deactivates stains...

MasterBlend providing Allergy Relief.(Products)
November 1, 2005... MasterBlend introduces Allergy Relief Laundry Treatment for professional cleaners to sell directly to homeowners. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The additive, used during the final rinse cycle, denatures allergens from dust mites, dogs and...

Namco brings the Beast to bear.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Beast is a six-engine, two solution-pump carpet cleaning machine from Namco Manufacturing that features 100-psi pre-spray and 400-psi cleaning power, and four two-stage vacuums for maximum suction power. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

QuietPRO is in the building.(Products)
November 1, 2005... ProTeam introduces the QuietPRO, a backpack vacuum designed for use in hospitals, libraries, call centers, schools and other facilities where minimal sound disruption is a requirement. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The QuietPRO's...

Air-Care takes the off-road approach.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The new 4X4 PRO version of the Vent Vac from Air-Care combines the Cobra Power brush system with its 4-motor HEPA vacuum to become "the most effective duct cleaner of its type on the market today," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

XR auto-scrubbers feature all-new technology.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The XR model auto-scrubbers from Tornado Industries feature 26-gallon tank capacity, steel unibodies, and pioneering LCD digital readout technology to check battery level, troubleshoot and help ensure low maintenance. [ILLUSTRATION...

Scot Labs brings a TuffGuy to town.(Products)
November 1, 2005... TuffGuy High pH Prespray is the newest addition to the Scot's TUFF professional carpet care product line from Scot Laboratories. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TuffGuy is "a robust cleaner specifically formulated for use in restaurant and...

Cold Jet goes after mold.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Cold Jet LLC's Disaster Restoration System is "ergonomic and intuitive, easy to operate, fast, effective, and proven reliable," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cold jetting allows contractors to use dry ice blasting technology...

OdorXit aims for permanent odor elimination.(Products)
November 1, 2005... OdorXit Concentrate uses "a contact chemistry process to permanently eliminate odors at their source," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A proprietary mix of organic salts and oils, OdorXit bonds to, counteracts and absorbs...

Butler glides smoothly along.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Butler Corp. introduces its new Ultra Smooth Wand Glides. Designed and engineered to enhance vacuum efficiency, increase productivity and lessen operator fatigue, the glides permit the wand to pass easily over all types of carpet and...

New drying system arrives in U.S.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Direct Air Drying System from Direct Air Dryers, introduced in the United Kingdom earlier this year, has found its way across the Atlantic to the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The D.A.D. System works by delivering carefully...

P&G Pro Line Finishes receive enhancements.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The P&G Pro Line Floor Finishes, including the All Around Floor Finish, Super Durable Floor Finish and UHS Super Gloss Floor Finish, have all been enhanced "for even better end results," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Patriot works to scrub the air.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Patriot air scrubber from U.S. Products captures and traps airborne particulates, mold, fungal spores, gases and odors, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The rotationally molded body has a lifetime warranty. The Patriot has...

Prochem's entire Rescue line now available.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Prochem's customer service personnel are now taking orders for its entire Rescue line of stain removal products. The line consists of Red Rescue; Stain Rescue; Urine Rescue; Odor Rescue; and Enzyme Rescue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each...

IDSO offering software for water-loss claims.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The International Dry Standard Organization's DRYSTANDARD Report Software is a proprietary product designed to aid restorers, adjusters and claims managers with claims related to water losses. The software is a documentation and decision...

Interlink puts new sprayer on the market.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The OmniPro sprayer from Interlink Supply holds a removable 2.5 gallon bottle. Because it's translucent, you can always see when you'll need a refill. There are 15 feet of coiled hose between the spray gun and the pump, it comes with an extra...

CAT PUMPS puts out new catalog.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The new Pump Catalog from CAT PUMPS features a user-friendly and informative format that guides the reader through the process of selecting the correct triplex high-pressure piston or plunger pump for his or her application. Piston and...

Stone Sealer offers a Sure Seal.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Sure Seal Stone Sealer is formulated to provide protection against water- and oil-based stains to "maintain the natural look and beauty of your stone work," the company said. Stone Sealer inhibits the growth of mold and mildew that may...

Extech sounds the alarm on humidity.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The 445815 Humidity Alert Meter from Extech Instruments is the latest addition to the company's hygro-thermometer line. Designed to monitor environmental conditions in laboratories, storage areas, manufacturing assembly areas and other...

National Chemical Labs adds to product line.(Products)
November 1, 2005... National Chemical Laboratories has added two new products to its World Class Floor Care line. POP N' SHINE Floor Finish Gloss Restorer renovates floor finishes and restores floors to maximum shine. QUIK SCRUB Scrub & Recoat Cleaner is a...

Aqua Mix wipes the slate clean.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Cleaning Wipes with Sealer's Choice from Aqua Mix are designed not only to clean the surface of marble, granite, limestone, travertine and most other stone and tile surfaces, the company said; they replenish any previously applied Aqua Mix...

P.D.S. brings sprayers to the forefront.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Professional Dispensing Systems' 3-and 5-gallon stainless steel tank sprayers are designed to make the tech's work easier and your bottom line better. Large oval openings make filling quick and easy. The company says any compressed-air...

Earlex introduces the Steam Caddy.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Steam Caddy from Earlex is a 3-in-1 steam system designed for cleaning and disinfecting areas in professional offices, commercial buildings and institutions. The Steam Caddy can be transformed into a floor-mounted steamer, a hand-held...

Door pin removal made easy.(Products)
November 1, 2005... The Pin-Eez from Ross Tools is primarily used for removing door pins, but it also works "as a miniature pry bar, cat's paw, chisel, wedge or shim," the company said. Made in the United States of Rockwell hardened steel, the Pin-Eez is...

Restore the shine in hard floors.(Products)
November 1, 2005... Restore from Enviro-Solutions is a new, certified-green floor care compound the company says cleans and polishes floors while improving slip resistance. Restore resists stains, dirt, scuffs and scratches, according to Enviro-Solutions. To...

Trauma cleaning: it's not how it looks on TV.(television)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(American BioRecovery Association)
November 1, 2005... One of the most sought-after acting jobs in New York City doesn't require the actor to memorize one line of script. There is hardly any rehearsing, and even though the actor is on screen only about 10 seconds, it is considered one of the...

Post-remediation treatments for mold.(IEQ Q&A)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Q: I read that there is a product that can be applied to a building that will kill the residual mold left after normal remediation. Is there any reason why we shouldn't use them? A: Actually, there are a number of products on the market...

Spotting kits: beyond spot removal: as I have mentioned in previous articles, a good professional spotting kit may be your best tool on the job.(The Gadget Man)
November 1, 2005... While it is more than obvious that a spotting kit is necessary to remove myriad problem spots from carpet and upholstery, I believe the impression it leaves with the customer and the opportunity it gives you for an effective pre-inspection is...

Major flooding--to the rescue! It seemed that everywhere you turned in August and September, the news dominating the media concerned Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
November 1, 2005... The horrific devastation that struck New Orleans and other cities, and the plight of victims in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Storm surge and tornadoes spawned by the hurricanes have been particularly deadly and damaging. Indeed,...

Hurricane Katrina: what I saw.
November 1, 2005... The damage caused by Hurricane Katrina is by far the worst I have ever experienced. Some of these photos were taken the evening after the storm. I had to walk the last mile or so to my home, because high water and downed power lines made most...

Air duct cleaning: Q&A.(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Professional cleaning technicians are learning what air-duct cleaning professionals have known for a long time: air-duct cleaning can be a lucrative service to offer the homeowner. But just as the carpet cleaner is inundated with consumer...

Is there a cleaning Monkey on your back? Do you clean carpets and upholstery on a full-time basis? Do you consider your occupation as simply a job and nothing more, or do you find yourself putting just a little more thought and energy into it than either you or your spouse would like?(Notes from the Trenches)
November 1, 2005... If the latter is the case, you may just be a CCJ, a Carpet Cleaning Junkie! Not sure? Well, the warning signs are obvious to those in the know, and the diagnosis is simple. You know you are a carpet cleaning junkie if: * When taking...

Vehicle of the Month.(Brief Article)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Name: Steve Nelson Company Name: Classic Carpet Cleaning Address: P.O. Box 1165 City: Ankeny State: Iowa ZIP: 50021 Phone: (515) 964-2464 Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 1-Year-Old Trailer [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Dri-Eaz, partners reach out to Katrina victims.(Industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Dri-Eaz Products, Inc., U.S. Products, Microban Systems and GE Sensing sent two semi-truck loads of supplies and equipment to the Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast. The list included flood pumpers, extraction wands, Vortex ventilators,...

Tennant names new CEO, celebrates 135 years.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... Tennant Co. announced that Chris Killingstad has joined the company's board and will become president and CEO on Dec. 1, at which time Janet Dolan will step down as president and CEO. She will continue on the board through year-end and retire...

CRI awards first Seal of Approvals for extractors.(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Carpet and Rug Institute has announced the first companies to earn certification for their carpet cleaning extractors under the new CRI Seal of Approval program. The new program uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to measure precise amounts of...

ASCR board hires new executive director.(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration appoints Don Manger)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The board of directors of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration has hired Don Manger as executive director to head the organization. Manger brings an extensive background in trade association management to ASCR, accumulated...

1-800-WATER DAMAGE receives 'STAR' Award.(1-800-Water Damage)(water restoration industry)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... 1-800-WATER DAMAGE was selected as the first-place winner among 150 franchise organizations evaluated for Franchise UPDATE magazine's "Speaking To and Responding--STAR Award". The award recognizes outstanding responsiveness to potential...

Golf tourney makes nice lead in to Connections.(2005 Cleaning Source/Interlink Supply Golf Tournament)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The 2005 Cleaning Source/Interlink Supply Golf Tournament in Las Vegas just ahead of the Connections Convention and Trade Show, Sept. 22-25, provided weather to remember and more than its share of memorable moments. Todd Carducci of...

PowerClean adds to distributor network.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... PowerClean Industries has added a number of companies to its distributor network. Jesenia's Janitorial, San Jose, Calif.; TCS, Norcross, Ga.; Truckmounts of the Carolinas, Charlotte, N.C.; Cleaner's Supply Warehouse, Gladstone, Ore.; Total...

Fluke to acquire Infrared Solutions.(Fluke Electronics Corp.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Fluke Electronics Corp. has agreed to acquire thermography-product provider Infrared Solutions, a privately owned company responsible, among other things, for the IR FlexCam and IR InSight thermographic cameras with advanced reporting software....

Pease joins Brady Industries.(Jeffrey Pease)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Jeffrey Pease has joined Brady Industries, a janitorial supplies distributor, as corporate vice president, sales & marketing. Pease will be responsible for all sales and marketing activities for both Brady corporate and the company's sales...

MilliCare promotes Cusick.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... MilliCare has promoted Chris Cusick to director of business development. Cusick previously served as the Southeastern region franchise business consultant, and will now be focusing on "improving MilliCare business opportunities for the more...

Shaw mandates use of IICRC-Certified firms for maintenance.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... During the Connection Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Sept. 22-25, Shaw Industries Technical Director Carey Mitchell announced a new company-wide mandate allowing the use of only those firms certified by the IICRC to service carpets...

ProTeam awarded a Telly for DVD.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... ProTeam has been awarded a Bronze Telly Award for "The ProTeam Way" DVD. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The ProTeam Way emphasizes both process and product training, and outlines steps to enable Cleaning for Health and productivity," Billy...

Aqua Mix launches new Web site.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... Aqua Mix has launched a new Web site at www.aquamix.com. The new site is intended to "provide simple, effective solutions for the care and protection of stone, tile, and grout surfaces," the company said. Designed to be a more...

IOT launches online mold certification course.(Industry)
November 1, 2005... Interactive Occupational Training is now offering what the company describes as the "first 'true' interactive online mold course of its kind," at its Web site at www.iot-edu.com. Three different series comprising 20 segments make up the...

BSCAI sponsors Green Seal standard.(Building Service Contractors Association International)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... The Building Service Contractors Association International has announced it sponsorship of the Green Seal Cleaning Service Standard, and that it plans to participate as an active shareholder. "BSCAI is pleased to sponsor this important...