ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from October 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from October 2004

Get the most out of your hands-on experience.(Editorial Comment)
October 1, 2004... Beyond its obvious value as a source for all-around information, the Internet is one of the greatest tools a consumer could ever hope for. The ability to compare makes, models, colors, options, materials, sizes, shapes and just about anything...

Spot and stain identification: probably the biggest challenge for professional carpet-cleaning technicians is addressing the unknown spot or stain.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
October 1, 2004... The factors that must be considered in determining the cause of the spot or stain include size, shape, color, feel, location, taste, pH, smell, and history. Keep in mind the old adage that "A blind man can find a spot but he can't find a...

Up-selling on the home front--Part I.(To Your Success)
October 1, 2004... "To please people is a great step towards persuading them." --Dale Carnegie Carpet cleaners are crazy. Like everyone else, the carpet cleaning industry is getting hammered with brutal competition and increasing costs. But the craziness...

Understanding drying systems.(IEQ Q & A)
October 1, 2004... Q: I'm interested in diversifying into water-damage restoration. What additional equipment do I need to get started? Do I need any special equipment for sewage or mold jobs? A: Before we get into this discussion, I would like to stress that...

When nature calls: a case study.
October 1, 2004... I have been in the cleaning and restoration business for almost 30 years, and for all this time the concept of diversification has been a constant source of interest and irritation. The on-site carpet cleaner is regularly assailed with...

Color repair Part II.
October 1, 2004... Last month we discussed general principles of color repair and now we will examine principles of color in depth. Before we begin, it is helpful to know how the human eye perceives color. In order to see color, you must have light. Color is...

Insurers and the contractor: what happened?
October 1, 2004... Once upon a time, adjusters and contractors had relationships. Job referrals came from agents and adjusters who lived or worked in your town and surrounding areas. You worked out the details with the adjuster, satisfied the customer, submitted...

Tennant unveils new commercial carpet-care technology.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Tennant Co. introduces ReadySpace, a new commercial carpet-care technology the company says, "creates clean carpet spaces that are dry and ready for foot traffic in about 30 minutes or less." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ReadySpace features...

Esteam goes for performance.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Esteam Cleaning Systems' Performance CBS is a residue-free powdered emulsifier designed to leave carpets, "cleaner, brighter, softer," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Performance CBS incorporates a blend of high-tech solvents,...

Butler introduces a permanent cleaning system.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... The Butler Co.'s Butler Stationary Electric System was developed to be a permanently installed central cleaning and extraction system for use in new or existing buildings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The System cleans heavily soiled carpet,...

Powerplus looks to increase suction power.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... The solenoid operated valve control, or SOVC, developed by Powerplus is designed to double the suction power of any truckmount, the company said, helping to cut dry times and increase the distance that operators can work from their truckmount....

Hydro-Force is sensitive to allergies.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Hydro-Force offers a full line of anti-allergen chemicals named, appropriately, the Anti-Allergen line. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The line allows cleaning technicians to offer those clients who are sensitive to chemicals and allergens an...

Masterclean makes the connection.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Masterclean Products introduces the TWIST N SEAL hose cuff. Designed to keep 2-inch hoses connected and sealed, the TWIST N SEAL hose cuff works with just a 1/4-inch twist to connect and seal two 2-inch hoses at the coupler. The cuff can be...

Extech introduces flat surface pH meter.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Extech Instruments Corp. introduces the ExStik Flat Surface pH Meter. Designed for pH applications, including analyzing carpet stains, analyzing concrete during the curing process, ceramic etching and more, the ExStik features automatic...

Cleanco extractor slides right in.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Cleanco Truckmounts introduces the Cruiser Slide In Extractor. Equipped with a 25-HP Kohler liquid-cooled engine and a Sutorbilt tri-lobe vacuum blower, the Cruiser produces water temperatures up to 230 degrees while eliminating the need to...

HydraMaster offers Hydra-Dri.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... HydraMaster introduces Hydra-Dri, an ultra-concentrated heavy-duty extraction detergent specially formulated to work at warm to ultra-hot temperatures. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Made of special, extra-light flakes the mix easily,...

Ecology Works introduces anti-allergen solution.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Solution is a plant-based, stain-free, nontoxic liquid the company says neutralizes protein allergens on contact, including dust mite feces, cockroach droppings, and dander from cats and dogs. [ILLUSTRATION...

Butler brings Maximum heat to bear.(Products, Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Butler Corp. has designed and engineered a new Maximum Heat Exchange System. The exchange system's design will enable the Butler System "to operate at water temperatures up to 240 degrees without compromising the simplicity, quality and...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... NOV. 4-6: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW. Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001. NOV. 16-19: ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2004. New Orleans. Call (800) 225-4772. JAN. 26-28, 2005: SURFACES 2005. Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6343. Now...

EnvirOx cleaner is green seal certified.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... [H.sub.2]Orange[.sub.2] Concentrate 117 Multi-Purpose Cleaner-Sanitizer-Virucide from EnvirOx is the only hydrogen-based cleaner that is EPA-registered, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [H.sub.2]Orange[.sub.2] Concentrate 117...

Hydro-Force takes technology to the edge.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Hydro-Force introduces the SX-12, a hard-surface tool that "puts the latest technology in the hands of the professional cleaner," according to the company. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ergonomic handgrips on the flex-mounted handle allow the...

Clarke unveils latest upright vacuum.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Clarke introduces the CarpetMaster 30, the company's latest upright vacuum. A dual-vacuum motor creates 224 CFM and 63-inch water lift for maximum debris removal, while the Chevron-designed brush sweeps debris into the high-filtration paper bag...

Cimex introduces the Cyclone.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Cimex introduces the Cyclone series of multi-purpose floor machines featuring patented triple-brush technology "for thoroughly cleaning and polishing any floor surface," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Available in four sizes,...

Foster introduces mold-resistant sealer.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... Foster Products introduces Foster 42-42 Mold-Resistant Sealer, designed to inhibit mold and mildew growth on its surface for new construction and remodeling projects. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The fast-drying, water-resistant sealer is...

FLIR ThermaCAM provides full service.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... The ThermaCAM P65 infrared camera from FLIR Systems includes "a wide assortment of advanced features that enable the professional thermographer to work with greater efficiency and productivity than ever before," according to the company. ...

Patriot now used in medical settings.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2004... The Patriot air scrubber from U.S. Products--developed to remove airborne impurities in restoration projects--is being used by a manufacturer of medical components to help maintain its factory's FDA-mandated 24/7 clean-room conditions. ...

Harvard Chemical improves spotter.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Harvard Chemical Research introduces its new and improved Gel Zov spotter for removing gum, tar, grease and wax from carpet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gel Zov's unique thixotropic formula stays on the carpet surface, allowing maximum...

ProTeam goes upright with latest offering.(Products)
October 1, 2004... ProTeam introduces the ProForce, the first upright vacuum made entirely by ProTeam. The ProForce 1500 and 1500XP are high-performance, dual-motor machines providing 96 CFM, 72 inches of static lift, a 16-inch cleaning path and 77 decibel...

Advance introduces compact scrubber line.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Advance introduces the Micromax family to its line of walk-behind automatic scrubbers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Micromax line consists of three models. The 17B and 20B are battery-operated with 17- and 20-inch scrub paths,...

Testo puts IR thermometers to the test.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Testo introduces the new 825 Series Non-Contact Thermometers, compact infrared thermometers designed for the HVAC industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Testo's infrared technology "enables safe and quick measurements of moving, live or very...

KS international brings surface protection to market.(Products)
October 1, 2004... KS International introduces SurfacePro, a new protection system which need the a breathable yet effective protection in all phases of construction, installation and remodeling where the surface is not yet completely dry or cured. ...

Sanitaire looks to cut time with backpack vacs.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Sanitaire's Back Vacuum, model SC408, is a 12-pound unit that comes with a 50-foot detachable power cord. The ergonomic back harness distributes the vacuum's weight evenly, allowing the unit to move with the operator instead of being dragged or...

Cleaning Solutions, Inc. shows resistance isn't futile.(Products)
October 1, 2004... STAINRESISTOR from Cleaning Solutions, Inc., is a solvent-based fluoropolymer blend designed to repel water-based stains, oil-based spills, and dry soil. STAINRESISTOR requires no mixing. The company says it is recommended for use on all...

Steamaction's new entry in the protection business.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Steamaction Inc. introduces Fluoro Guard, a protector that the company describes as "the only protector that prevents over-wetting the carpet." Engineered to clean and protect all in one process, Fluoro Guard cleans and protects against...

HydraMaster makes upholstery cleaning easier.(Products)
October 1, 2004... HydraMaster's DriMaster Upholstery Tool is designed to make upholstery cleaning easier. Using new jetless cleaning technology, the DriMaster Upholstery Tool has no trigger valve, no spray jet, and never needs a second drying-pass, the company...

CV 30 vacuum lowers the volume.(Products)
October 1, 2004... The CV 30 vacuum cleaner from Tornado Industries is so quiet, "it has its own icon," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Operating at sound levels of less than 66 decibels--not much louder than a sewing machine or normal...

Kaivac introduces alternative to autoscrubbers.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Kaivac's new KaiAuto is a wide-area squeegee that enables any of Kaivac's NoTouch Cleaning Systems to clean hard-surface floors, "as effectively and quickly as an autoscrubber," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The KaiAuto...

Franklin adds certified cleaner to system.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Franklin Cleaning Technology's Lightening Blend System has added a new product to its lineup. Lightning Blend #7 Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner/Degreaser is formulated with natural citrus oils and hydrogen peroxide, the company said. The citrus...

Air-Care PRO provides price-quoting assistance and more.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Air-Care PRO software is a professional-quality, user-friendly management system developed, "in response to hundreds of calls to Air-Care for price-quoting assistance," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Windows-based program...

Clarke gives cleaning an Encore.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Clarke introduces the Encore 30, a midsize walk-behind scrubber that offers, "performance uncommon to walk-behind cleaning," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Encore 30 features dual 15-inch rotary brushes that clean deep...

"Simplified" book series provides useful, fun information.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Author John Walker, president of ManageMen, Inc, has introduced a new series of books for the cleaning industry titled "Simplified." One of the goals of the series, according to Walker, is to provide cleaning organizations with material that is...

John Downey Co. system meets in-house needs.(Products)
October 1, 2004... The John Downey Co. developed the High-Flow Carpet Restoration System "to meet the unique needs of in-house facilities cleaners." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "As we studied the education and healthcare markets over the past four years, we...

New carpet pre-treatment makes a lot of sense.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Fabric Sense Products introduces WOW, a carpet pre-treatment liquid concentrate sold in 1-gallon jugs. The mix is 20-1 on up to 40-1 or more depending on soil conditions, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WOW is biodegradable...

DRYAIR takes aim at restoration market.(Products)
October 1, 2004... DRYAIR Inc. is now offering a full line of modular hydronic drying systems tailored for the restoration market, the systems' dry-out capabilities allowing them to quickly and effectively remove excess moisture. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Betco enhances finish applicator system.(Products)
October 1, 2004... Betco's QUICKCOAT Finish Applicator System now features a new trigger actuator to provide, "precision control and superior operator comfort," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The QUICKCOAT system was designed as a cost-saving...

The ICS Product & Literature Guide.(Product & Literature Guide)
October 1, 2004... 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...

Air filtration devices on disaster jobs: at least once a week, I get calls about the use of HEPA-rated (99.97 percent at 0.3 microns) air filtration devices (AFDs), negative air machines, and air scrubbers on disaster restoration jobs.(Rx for Restoration)
October 1, 2004... Depending on who is asking, the question typically falls in one of two broad restoration categories: 1. The use of AFDs on fire losses, or 2. The use of AFDs on water losses, including Category 1 (clean source) water losses. ...

Gadgets for diversification: adding services without breaking the bank.
October 1, 2004... If you are like most professional cleaners, you have a lot invested into your cleaning equipment and service vehicle. You are spending a lot of money on advertising and marketing to secure new clients. It only makes sense, then, to look at ways...

Selecting equipment for small-scale jobs.(Hard-Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
October 1, 2004... "Hello, this is Stan. May I help you?" I receive calls all the time from carpet-cleaning professionals thinking about expanding into hard-floor maintenance. Most never really thought about getting involved with hard surfaces until their...

Increasing your company's profitability: there is a basic rule taught in business courses everywhere that states the two primary goals of any business. The first goal is to make a profit and the second goal is to stay in business.(Building a Profitable Business)
October 1, 2004... The idea of staying in business is all about providing first-class customer service that will lead to satisfied clients returning for more and referring you to everyone they know. How this is done is the subject of other articles in the future....

A closer look at: ultrasonics.
October 1, 2004... Does ultrasonic cleaning really work? If you ask a dozen people who at one time or another used it for contents cleaning, I'm sure that the response would range from "yes, absolutely" to "no" to somewhere in the middle. To get the real...

The upside to upholstery cleaning: I am often asked which I prefer more, carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning. And while I enjoy the opportunity to restore a beat-up, heavily soiled carpet to an almost-like-new condition, I'll take upholstery cleaning any day.(Notes from the Trenches)
October 1, 2004... Sure, upholstery cleaning has its ups and downs like any other specialty, but the "ups" far outstrip the "downs." Let's look at the advantages of adding and marketing this lucrative service to your clients. Wear and tear. No, not to your...

Going undercover with over-carpet protection: you've heard it all before. Just spray a product on top of a clean carpet and voila, spills and stains are repelled. It's as if the stains will magically jump out of the carpet onto a rubout cloth.(Focus on Chemicals)
October 1, 2004... However, this is not the way carpet protectors work. Unfortunately, there are a number of consumers in the market that think otherwise. The question you should be asking is, what are the basic conditions under which a protector will or will not...

Air-Care opens new training center.(Industry News & Information)(Air Care Heating and Cooling Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Air-Care's innovative training center emphasizes training as the most important element to take into account when starting a duct-cleaning operation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Air-Care requires all trainees to clean all parts of a fully...

Interlink Supply announces agreements with Prochem, White Magic.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Interlink Supply announces that Prochem has signed an Interlink Marketing Agreement. "I believe that Interlink is going to transform the way this industry does business, and Prochem is excited to be a part of it," Bob Kline, Prochem senior vice...

AIHA releases mold guidelines for industry professionals.(Industry News & Information)(American Industrial Hygiene Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The American Industrial Hygiene Association announced the release of the AIHA guideline "Assessment, Remediation, and Post-Remediation Verification of Mold in Buildings." The guideline describes the range of exposure assessment, hazard...

RadiciGroup announces antimicrobial yarn.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... RadiciGroup, an Italy-based producer of chemicals, plastics, textiles, fibers and auxiliary activities, introduces a new antimicrobial nylon carpet yarn, polyamide 6, containing AlphaSan, Milliken & Co.'s antimicrobial agent. AlphaSan uses...

ICAN accepts seat on EEF's EPA advisory group.(Industry News & Information)(International Custodial Advisors Network)(Environmental Education Foundation)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The International Custodial Advisors Network, Inc.'s executive director, Allen Rathey, has been appointed to the Environmental Education Foundation's Advisory Group on Indoor Air Quality, convened under a sole source contract by the U.S....

COIT held second Restoration Summit.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... COIT Restoration recently held its second Restoration Summit. Managers representing 15 company locations, as well as a representative from franchises in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, NY, and several corporate staff members were in...

Cleaning Source golf tourney tees off after Connections.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2004... The First Annual Cleaning Source golf tournament will tee off at Las Vegas National Golf Course at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7 after the Connections Convention and Trade Show. Players will compete for cash and prizes from DSC, Bridgepoint, HydraMaster,...

DKI ranked No. 1 for third straight year.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Disaster Kleenup International Inc., a network of independent property-damage restoration contractors, announces that, for the third year in a row, it has been named the remodeling industry's No. 1 contracting company based on revenues by...

FLIR announces try-before-you-buy program.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... FLIR Systems announces a new direct-from-factory infrared camera rental program with a flexible rent-to-buy provision through which up to 80 percent of the rental fee can be credited toward the purchase of a new FLIR infrared camera. "The...

U.S. Products welcomes new sales manager.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2004... U.S. Products announces that Bruce Korodi has been hired as the company's Eastern regional sales manager. Korodi will be working with the company's representatives on the East Coast and in Texas to facilitate sales to distributors,...

Betco strengthens sales force.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Betco announces the hiring of four new regional managers. Chris Pratt will manage the upstate New York, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts area; Paul Hopkins was assigned the Eastern Canada region; Charles Wilson will service the Central...

Housekeeping Channel offers free listing service.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2004... The Housekeeping Channel Web site at www.housekeepingchannel.com is offering cleaning service owners a free listing service. Internet users will be able to search a listing of cleaning professionals by ZIP or postal code. Instructionlink /...

Fabpro completes latest expansion.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2004... Fabpro Manufacturing Inc. has completed its fourth expansion in the last 12 years with a major move to 3000 E. Preston St. in Baltimore. For more information call (800) 433-5040.

Icon use growing in JanSan industry.(Industry News & Information)(1.2.3 Training Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... 1.2.3 Restroom Training Systems is working with the International Sanitary Supply Association to develop an icon-based training system. The goal is to help facilitate training, education and safety. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

Sherbert resigns from Castle Rock.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2004... Heritage Partners, the principal shareholder of Castle Rock Industries Inc., announced the resignation of Jim Sherbert as CEO of Castle Rock. Sherbert will remain on the board of directors and work closely with Heritage Partner's to monitor...

WoolSafe publishes new cleaning standard.(Industry News & Information)(WoolSafe Organization)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... A new carpet-cleaning standard, WS1000, "The Maintenance And Cleaning Of Wool Floor Coverings" was published by The WoolSafe Organization at the end of June. WS1000 covers the properties of wool floor coverings relevant to their...

Dri-Eaz opens European training center.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Dri-Eaz announces the grand opening of its European Education Centre. Located at the company's European headquarters in Newport Pagnell, UK, the Centre, which officially opens its doors Oct. 13, will offer a range of professional-level courses...

Dri-Eaz promotes Bruders to president.(Industry News & Information)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Dri-Eaz has promoted Bill Bruders to company president. Bruders, a six-year veteran of the company, most recently served as general manager. "With skilled management and dedication, Bill has greatly contributed to the growth and success of...

ISSA/Interclean New Orleans 2004 set to roll.(Industry News & Information)(International Sanitary Supply Association)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... ISSA/Interclean is returning to New Orleans, Nov. 16-19, for the first time in more than a decade. The show will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, highlighted by a keynote by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. ...

Another successful Connection: having attended the Connections conference in Clearwater Beach, Fla., this past July, I have seen once again how this industry always comes through and impresses me.(IICRC President's Corner)
October 1, 2004... A sold-out trade show, a sold-out hotel and 12 regional trade associations sharing in the success and profits of the show. I wrote in May about supporting your regional trade associations. For goodness sakes, please join the association in your...