ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from November 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from November 2006

A time for giving thanks: the countdown has begun. Three weeks until the carver pierces that succulent golden turkey. Or ham. Or turducken. Or tofurkey. Or whatever other tasty delight happens to be your entree of choice for this most belt-busting of holidays.(Editorial Comment)
November 1, 2006... It's also the time for the giving of thanks. To be sure, everyone has his or her own special items of significance for which a shout-out is mandatory. This is more of a "let's-look-back-at-the-industry-in-2006-and-see-happened" approach to...

Get a firm grip on fluid situations: a not-uncommon request made of the average cleaner is a cry for help with blood and other protein-based contaminants, e.g. sewage. This call must be investigated and the conditions must be weighed carefully before any action is taken. Quite often, the wisest move will be taking no action at all.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
November 1, 2006... The hazards that accompany blood and body fluid cleanup are broad enough and severe enough that the federal government has addressed them with legislation. The mitigation of blood and body fluids is covered in the "Blood-Borne Pathogens Law":...

Beating the wintertime blues: don't get me wrong. I like snow as much as the next guy. In fact, over 30 years ago sioux and I moved to a small Colorado mountain town based on two burning desires: to ski full time and work as little as possible in the process!(To Your Success)
November 1, 2006... However, as our business grew larger, winter--and the freezing temperatures and the snow it brought--brought a lot of grief. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With four truckmounts on (and off!) the road, we were on a first-name basis with our...

A closer look at one- and two-man crews.
November 1, 2006... I've received a lot of phone calls and e-mails concerning my articles about one-man versus two-man crews. Many of the cleaners that contacted me were amazed that there were so many different factors involved in determining whether one or...

Five mistakes new duct cleaners make.
November 1, 2006... Our company is a pretty big operation as air duct cleaners go. We've got a fleet of 15 giant power vacuum trucks, and we do thousands of residential air duct cleanings year in and year out. We've been cleaning air ducts for a long...

Tile maintenance mistakes: when most folks discuss tile, they are generally referring to one of the members of the clay-component family, in particular they are usually referring to ceramic tiles, glazed or unglazed.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
November 1, 2006... One of the most frequently asked questions is whether floor seal and/or finish should be applied to these types of hard surface floors. It is a subject of much debate with arguments on either side of the fence. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

HEPA filters: nuisance or necessity?(IEQ Q&A)(high efficiency particulate air)(Column)
November 1, 2006... Q: Can you explain to me why we have to use filters that are HEPA when we are trying to remove stuff from the air that is larger than 0.3 microns? In other words, can we use a filter that is rated for 1 micron and be just as effective? A:...

Viking offers a new drying solution.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Viking introduces the VP3000 Axial Fan. Technicians can connect up to four of the fans on one 15-amp circuit for maximum air movement. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The VP3000 features Focus Technology airflow to help with problematic drying...

Injectidry makes a quantum leap forward.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Injectidry's new concentric rings Adaptidry and Direct-It represent "a quantum leap forward in flexibility and utility," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Techs can dry either by vacuum pressure or positive pressure using the...

HydraMaster extends its reach.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The RX20 rotary extractor from HydraMaster, an industry stalwart for 25 years, is now available in a version designed for taller operators. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new tool has a handle that has been extended by 6 inches, allowing...

Esteam takes on floods.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Esteam has added the E1000 Flood Master to its E-Machine 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. ...

The Gekko pokes its heads up.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Gekko from Hydro-Force Mfg. now has five heads to choose from for cleaning tile and grout. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The lineup includes a 14-inch brush head for light scrubbing; a 14-inch squeegee for water cleanup; the original...

Phoenix system creates drying chamber.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Phoenix Quick Chamber System from Therma-Stor, designed with the restoration professional in mind, creates "an effective drying chamber that will completely contain a water loss affected area within minutes, and can be set up by one...

HydraMaster improves Grease Breaker.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... "Improved" is the grade of citrus solvent used in HydraMaster's Grease Breaker, increasing the cleaning power and levels the fragrance when combined with pre-sprays and other cleaners, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grease...

Power X marks the spot.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Power X Pro spot machine from Hydro-Force features an external pressure hose that enables the machine to be used with the Water Claw Spot Lifter; a new heavy-duty handle constructed of stainless steel with an aluminum valve; and the same...

Siamons takes on mold with Concrobium.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Siamons International markets and sells Concrobium Mold Control, a 100-percent natural antimicrobial product that eliminates and prevents mold problems, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The product is based on patented,...

Butler goes after spots and stains.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Spot and Stain Remover is "a maximum performance formula to dissolve and remove various food and beverage stains; medicines; cosmetics; latex paints; greases and oils; and more," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Continental introduces the Twister.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Twister System from Continental Commercial Products is "the industry's first stone and concrete floor system that can be used by anybody with single-disc floor machine," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system...

New addition to King Cobra series.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The King Cobra 1200 PRO from U.S Products can be sued to pressure-clean hard-surface floors using 1,200 psi, as well as clean carpets with adjustable 150 to 500 psi. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 1200 PRO has a hose-management system as...

BR 750 takes on large spaces.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The BR 750 Cylindrical Brush Scrubber from Tornado Industries is a walk-behind machine designed for cleaning large areas in schools, warehouses and office buildings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring rotation speeds of 1,500 rpm, the BR...

QuickCoat II beats the clock.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The QuickCoat II Finish Applicator System from Betco "is the quickest way to finish floors," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The updated design features include non-clogging exterior tubing; the exclusive Tri-Port Dispensing...

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

Big performance, small package.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Super QuarterVac from ProTeam provides the power of the Super CoachVac in a compact package. The Super QuarterVac features Four Level Filtration to capture 99.9 percent of dust, pollen, bacteria and other particulates measuring 1 micron and...

Spartan offers new line of cleaning chemicals.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... BioRenewables from Spartan Chemical Co. is a line of cleaning chemicals based on ingredients derived from agricultural and forestry materials such as soy, corn and coconut. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The line includes a 72% bio-based...

NCL unveils carpet pre-spray concentrate.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories introduces Soil Fighter Plus, a high-performance, concentrated pre-spray incorporating the company's EPT encapsulation technology "to surround soil and dry to a non-sticky powder that is easily vacuumed out," the...

Butler goes after the rust.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Rust Remover is "a maximum performance gel formula to penetrate and assist in the removal of rust spots and stains that result from metal furnishings, fixtures and other metal objects," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION...

Foster takes on bacteria and mold.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Foster 40-20 Fungicidal Protective Coating is formulated to prevent the growth and spread of odor-causing bacteria and mold on its surface. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The first and only coating EPA-registered for application in HVAC duct...

ProTeam introduces the GoCartVac.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The GoCartVac from ProTeam "provides versatile performance in a powerful, quiet, portable platform," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The GoCartVac features Four Level Filtration, unlimited run time on AC electric, one hour of...

Kaivac goes after urine.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Kaivac recently introduced its Urine Detection Kit at the 2006 ISSA/Interclean USA tradeshow in Chicago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The kit determines if a surface is free of urine after cleaning has been performed. The kit includes 25...

Masterclean adds to product line.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Masterclean recently added an adapter to its Snap-N-Lock product line. The MH79 2-inch-to-1.5-inch vacuum hose-reducing adapter is available only through distributors. Circle 187 on the Reader Inquiry Card.

John's Custom Machine puts up new shelves.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The latest chemical shelves from John's Custom Machine are manufactured with 20-gauge polished stainless steel. The 48-inch unit holds 24 1-gallon containers and tools, with optional wand hooks and end brackets. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Ground Heaters goes to the air.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The AM3000 air mover from Ground Heaters provides an airflow rating up to 3,000 cfm, extracts only 2 amps of power, and moves air effectively up to 25 feet away, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AM3000 stands 24 inches high...

Sunbelt Rentals publishes new catalog.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Sunbelt Rentals full-line catalog features listings and descriptions of an enormous variety of tools and equipment, from air compressors and dehumidifiers to pressure washers and vacuums. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 266-page catalog...

Particle counting sees the light.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Handheld 3016 IAQ particle counter from Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions features 0.3-micron sensitivity, and displays six channels of particle data either in cumulative or differential mode, as well as temperature and relative humidity data....

Re-engineered Blend Buddy released.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... The Blend Buddy II from EnvirOx has been re-engineered. The new design requires no assembly, is completely self-contained, and installs with just four screws. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed to dispense EnvirOx environmentally...

Enviro-Solutions lifts the haze.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Green-certified Haze Away Neutral Floor Cleaner from Enviro-Solutions is formulated to help make winter floor care easier. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ice melts at entryways can leave a hazy white film on hard-surface floors. Haze Away can...

Powerplus announces release of latest truckmount.(Products Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2006... Powerplus Cleaning Solutions announces the release of the Prodigy HSR, the company's latest carpet, tile and grout, marble, granite and hard-surface cleaning truckmount. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Prodigy HSR features a 12,000-psi...

Calendar of industry events.
November 1, 2006... Conventions & Trade Shows FEB. 7-9: SURFACES Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6323 MARCH 5-8: NADCA Nashville. Call (202) 737-2926 MARCH 13-16: ASCR "Solutions" Orlando, Fla. Call (443) 878-1000 MARCH...

Connections continues to raise the bar.
November 1, 2006... There comes a time in the life of every trade show, convention, exhibition, educational conference and distributor meeting when expectations carried forward from the prior year run head-on into the brick wall of unrealized potential and...

Brush, bonnet, or pad? There it is: 40,000 square feet staring me in the face. With 7 hours to clean it and have it dry for traffic in the morning, how were we ever going to get this done?(The Gadget Man)(Column)
November 1, 2006... I knew we couldn't get away with straight extraction cleaning. This commercial carpet had been heavily neglected and was fully impacted with soil in and past the backing. Experience had taught me that the more times I extracted it, the worse it...

Cleaning up blood and body fluids.
November 1, 2006... Concern over infectious diseases related to pathogens found in blood and body fluids continues to grow on a global basis. Today it is critical to be more cautious when working around blood because of the uncertainties and the exposures, which...

Mold remediation with heat.
November 1, 2006... There is a debate raging in the field of mitigation and remediation of bacteria, viruses, mold and other indoor biological contaminants, such as insects. That debate focuses on the two main treatment methods: heat or traditional remediation....

How green is my carpet? The word "green" is usually used to describe a color, such as a green traffic light or Irish green. We also incorporate green into colloquialisms, such as, "show me your green," meaning money, or "green with envy," a common phrase expressing greed or desire. In no way does it reflect the color.(My Two Cents)(Column)
November 1, 2006... There are more than 60 expressions in the dictionary that relate to the word "green". Green expresses characteristics, location, identity, and other numerous aspects. From Greenland (the world's largest island) to Green Card (an identification...

Vehicle of the Month.
November 1, 2006... Name: Royce Haynes Company Name: Haynes Cleaning & Restoration Address: 208 - 32nd Ave. East City: Tuscaloosa State: AL ZIP: 35404 Phone: (205) 553-9326 E-mail: haynes2821@comcast.net Vehicle...

ITI and Ausclean--my trip down under: "you cannot exceed the level of your knowledge.".(Publisher's Viewpoint)(Interactive Training Institute)(Column)
November 1, 2006... I must credit long-time industry stalwart Bob Bonwell for the phrase he coined many years ago that I have heard and repeated countless times. It's no wonder, then, that education is the key to success. I recently had the distinct pleasure to be...

Dri-Eaz Symposium a rousing success.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... The 2006 Dri-Eaz Restorative Drying Symposium at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Sept. 20-21, saw a coming together of some of the most-sought-after speakers and educators both inside and out of the restoration industry, names like...

IICRC board elects new president, chooses 2007 executive committee.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification elected its 2007 executive committee during its board of directors' meeting Sept. 26 in Las Vegas. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ruth Travis was elected president/chairman....

Parker joins Pacific Floor Care.(IndustryNews & Information)(Stephen K. Parker)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Stephen K. Parker has joined Pacific Floor Care as the new president and CEO of the company, effective immediately. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Parker began his career with the James River Corporation, where he spent 22 years in a variety...

HydraMaster remembers 9/11.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... Every year, HydraMaster Corp. comes together to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the events of Sept. 11, 2001. There were many remembrances for the heroes from that day and the days that followed. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Dr. Michael Berry addresses ASHES.(IndustryNews & Information)(American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Cleaning must become a systematic, science-based process capable of assessing and reducing health risks in the indoor environment. This was the message delivered by Dr. Michael Berry to nearly 100 healthcare environmental services professionals...

EPA considers extension of antimicrobial application training; ISSA opposes move.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... The Environmental Protection Agency is considering extending training and certification requirements of some sort to all occupational users of "pesticides," including, but not limited to, employees who apply disinfectants, sanitizers and other...

Kaivac adds manufacturer rep groups.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... Kaivac recently announced that three major manufacturer rep groups were hired to represent the company in Canada. REV Sales and Marketing, Inc., will represent Kaivac in western Canada; Kaivac System Canada, Inc., Pierre-Luc St. Pierre,...

ICC awarded Outstanding Vendor Service Commitment Award.(IndustryNews & Information)(Interior Care and Construction)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Woodbury, Minn.-based Interior Care and Construction has been awarded the 2006 Outstanding Vendor Service Commitment Award, one of the Multi Housing Achievement in Design, Advertising & Community Support annual awards sponsored by the Minnesota...

Green cleaning a major topic at Quebec trade show.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... More than 50,000 Canadians are directly employed in the $2 billion-a-year sanitation industry, which is holding its annual trade show--Salon de L'Ecosalubrite 2006--Nov. 8-9 at the Palais des congres de Montreal. The show is produced by...

Racine Industries changes HOST Web site address.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... Racine Industries, the developers of the HOST Dry Extraction Carpet Cleaning System, has changed its URL from www.hostcarpetcleaning.com to www.hostdry.com. "We are dedicated to providing the finest in carpet and upholstery cleaning...

Pro-Link launches Web site.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... Pro-Link, a nationwide full-service janitorial supply organization, announces the launch of its new Web site at www.prolinkhq.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The updated site provides an aesthetic enhancement to Pro-Link's Web-based...

IICRC presents Holland with Keith Williams Award.(IndustryNews & Information)
November 1, 2006... During the 2006 Connections Convention and Trade Show, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification presented the Keith Williams Award to Jim Holland. Williams pioneered research in areas such as low-moisture...

The IICRC is gaining international momentum: we are often too focused on what is going on right here in our own backyard to realize what is going on around the rest of the world.(IICRC President's Corner)(Interview)
November 1, 2006... I have now had the opportunity to represent the IICRC in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Although the IICRC's growth around world is slower by comparison to what it is in North America, it is becoming more significant with each year...