ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from October 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from October 2005

Getting the green light.(Editorial Comment)
October 1, 2005... "It's not easy being green." --Kermit the Frog No, but it's a lot easier on an amphibian these days than it used to be. It's easier on the cleaning and restoration professional, too. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In what some may...

The restoration contractor's guide to Contractors Pollution Liability insurance--part II.
October 1, 2005... Last month, we looked at how the introduction of universal mold exclusions affected the insurance coverage for restoration contractors. Environmental insurance policies are not standardized, and there are more than 50 policies available in the...

Oh, to do it all over again--part III.(Business success)
October 1, 2005... "Success is relative: It is what we can make of the mess we have made of things." --T.S. Eliot Someone once told me, "90 percent of success is to just do what you promised to do when you said you would do it." I would add that the...

The what, how and why of vacuums: it is quite accepted in the carpet-cleaning world that regular dry soil removal is one of the keys to extended carpet and successful carpet cleaning.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
October 1, 2005... This would appear to indicate that a properly selected and maintained vacuum is necessary to ensure happy clients. Vacuums come in a wide number of sizes, types and styles. Selecting the proper vacuum for your needs can be quite a project. How...

Is carpet cleaning effective against allergies?(IEQ Q&A)
October 1, 2005... Q: A customer asked whether or not our cleaning their carpets and upholstery would reduce their allergies. I told them that it would, but I am not sure if that is true. Is carpet and upholstery cleaning effective at solving allergy problems?...

Green cleaning and the cleaning professional.(Q & A)(Interview)
October 1, 2005... The idea of "green" cleaning--and the growing impact it has on the cleaning and restoration industry--continues to evolve. Two of the foremost experts on the matter, Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, and Arthur Weissman, president...

Selecting environmentally preferable floor care products.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... More environmentally preferable floor care products are available today than ever before. Professional cleaning technicians can narrow their search to select the safest possible floor care products by choosing products that are certified by...

Healthy carpets: it all comes down to proper care.
October 1, 2005... Carpet is Good wants to set the record straight. A coalition of carpet manufactures, Carpet is Good wants everyone to know that if properly maintained, carpeting is a healthy, viable flooring choice for nearly any commercial facility. ...

What does "cleaning green" mean? "Green" seems to be the cleaning industry's latest marketing buzz-word. I hear it attached to chemicals, equipment, processes, procedures--but what does the term really mean?(Green Cleaning)
October 1, 2005... I suppose that it's supposed to give me a warm, fuzzy feeling of confidence that the product or process of "environmentally friendly," that it creates no adverse impact on the environment in which we live and work. Hey, I'm for that......

Product & literature guide.(Green Cleaning)
October 1, 2005... One Source Go Beyond Clean... To Green Clean is good, but clean and green is better. Better for building occupants and the environment. Better for business. We can take you beyond clean with a GreenSweep program customized to your...

Butler takes aim at spots and stains.(Products)
October 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)
October 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)
October 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)
October 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)
October 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)
October 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...

Cold Jet goes after mold.(Products)
October 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...

Cleaner offers tile a sure seal.(Products)
October 1, 2005... SureSeal's Grout & Tile Restoration Cleaner is designed to restore extremely dirty or weathered tile and masonry in a single application before sealing. The cleaner contains surfactants, chelating agents and inhibited acid that penetrate...

JWC unveils its latest wand.(Products)
October 1, 2005... JWC Inc.'s "Hydrosonic" carpet cleaning wand is now available to the general public, the company said. The new technology uses a small compact valve in the wand trigger to generate a high-speed agitation similar to that found in many...

Calendar of industry events.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
October 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows OCT. 17-21: INFRAMATION 2005 Las Vegas. Call (866) 477-3687 OCT. 18 - 21: ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2005 Las Vegas. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 1-3: SURFACES 2006 Las Vegas. Call (972)...

Pullman-Holt system holds some attraction.(Products)
October 1, 2005... A new spray cleaning system from Pullman-Holt combines the latest in spray technology, Magnet Spray, with Moldstat, a specially formulated mold remediation chemical. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Magnet Spray propels Moldstat with a force...

Water Out unveils new super dryer.(Products)
October 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)
October 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)
October 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...

Ultrasonic system aims for efficiency.(Products)
October 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)
October 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 introduces powder detergent.(Products)
October 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...

Kleenrite gives you an Edge.(Products)
October 1, 2005... The Edge-AFCD portable extractor from Kleenrite Equipment is available with 100 psi or 300-, 500-, 800-, or 1,200-psi adjustable pumps, and features dual two-stage vacuums, auto discharge up to 20 GPM, auto liquidchemical metering and more. ...

Benefect line gets new carpet pre-spray.(Products)
October 1, 2005... Sensible Life Products introduces a new addition to the Benefect line of botanical cleaners and disinfectants. Impact Carpet and Fabric Cleaner is the first plant-based cleaner to be approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute, according to...

IR camera now available for rent.(Products)
October 1, 2005... The ThermaCAM EX320 from FLIR Systems, with a true, built-in 320X240 pixel array, is now available for rental. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We're very excited about the addition of the high-resolution EX320 to our current infrared camera...

ICEsonic takes aim and blasts away.(Products)
October 1, 2005... ICEsonic Dry Ice Blasting Systems from RSG Technologies accelerate dry ice particles into a pressurized air stream to impact the surface being cleaned, and can be used in a wide number of industrial, commercial and residential applications. ...

AquaStar introduces the Dusterator.(Products)
October 1, 2005... AquaStar introduces the Starfiber Dusterator, a flexible dusting tool used to dust in hard-to-reach areas such as under beds and bed stands; on ceilings; on shelves; on paintings, etc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dusterator sleeve can...

Studebaker takes a test drive.(Products)
October 1, 2005... Studebaker Enterprises recently conducted tests on the AirPath Direct Flow Dryer's effectiveness on hard surfaces. Independent contractors and Studebaker's product development department rated the AirPath's performance between 3,000 and 5,000...

High Build is Essential.(Products)
October 1, 2005... High Build Ultra High Solids Finish from Essential Industries is a urethane-fortified, 29-percent solid finish designed to work under all maintenance systems, including ultra high-speed. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] High Build allows users...

Chemical management from Spartan.(Products)
October 1, 2005... Spartan Chemical Co. introduces the Clean by Peroxy chemical management system. The new dispenser manages chemical consumption and accurately controls proper dilution ratios. The dispenser is engineered to draw product from 1- and 5-gallon...

Tornado vacuum makes points in study hall.(Products)
October 1, 2005... The CV30 vacuum from Tornado Industries operates at 66 decibels, just above that of a hushed dishwasher, which the company said makes it one of the quietest machines around. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The CV30 also features a 9-amp motor...

QuietPRO is in the building.(Products)
October 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...

Scot Labs brings a TuffGuy to town.(Products)
October 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...

XR auto-scrubbers feature all-new technology.(Products)
October 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...

OdorXit aims for permanent odor elimination.(Products)
October 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...

Brochure describes Kent commercial offerings.(Products)
October 1, 2005... A new brochure from Kent describes the company's lines of commercial floor care products, including automatic scrubbers, extractors, upright and canister vacuums, floor machines, burnishers and more. The brochure explains how Kent's...

Air-Care takes the off-road approach.(Products)
October 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]...

Hydrocide for pet odors.(Products)
October 1, 2005... Hydrocide from Bridgepoint Systems is a new odor counteractant that binds to and absorbs pet odors. Restoration professionals have even used it to successfully eliminate skunk odor. It contains an odor neutralizer that binds to and absorbs...

Mixed-Rite offers a mix of products.(Products)
October 1, 2005... Mixed-Rite Systems is offering a variety of products to the carpet cleaning industry. Ultra Citra Boost is a 100-percent biodegradable, water-soluble, citrus-solvent, heavy-duty tile and grout cleaner. Ultra Concentrated Carpet Cleaner-Heavy...

Betco takes a hard line.(Products)
October 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...

Advanced Vapor Technologies sponsors Green Seal standard.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... Advanced Vapor Technologies recently announced its sponsorship of the Green Seal Green Cleaning Services Standard. "We are pleased that Green Seal is now embracing both the process and products used in cleaning in a comprehensive green...

ISSA forms alliance with OSHA.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... The ISSA has signed a formal agreement with the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration to promote the safety and health of workers in the cleaning industry. "ISSA has been working toward an alliance for some time, and the...

U.S. Products adds Web video.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... U.S. Products has added video to its Web site. The video, accompanied by music, describes the features, benefits and operation of the company's products. "We believe that presenting information in a video format is a great way to showcase...

Green Seal reports surge of interest in standard.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... Green Seal Inc. has been seeing a groundswell of interest in its developing environmental standard for cleaning services, the company said. Approximately 50 stakeholders have volunteered to actively participate in developing Green Seal's...

National Chemical Labs welcomes McElroy.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... National Chemical Laboratories has announced the appointment of Alan McElroy to the position of regional sales manager. McElroy is responsible for sales and distributor support in Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

ProTeam launches Green Cleaning Program.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... ProTeam has announced the launch of its Green Cleaning Program, an approach that "combines the best of team cleaning and green cleaning to facilitate high productivity, work quality, traditional green benefits, and the company's mission of...

Safety King moves to new headquarters.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Air duct cleaning company Safety King, Inc., recently held the grand opening of its new corporate head-quarters in Utica, Mich. The new facility consists of a 10,000-square-foot training facility and garage, and an adjacent 4,000-square-foot...

Aero Tech, Vortex settle disputes.(Aero Tech Manufacturing Inc partnering with Vortex Cleaning Systems)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Aero Tech Manufacturing and Vortex Cleaning Systems "have amicably resolved and settled their disputes to the rights of the Aero Tech and Vortex trucks," according to an Aero Tech press release. The release also stated that according to the...

IJCSA partners with ServiceMagic.(Industry)
October 1, 2005... ServiceMagic and the International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association have entered into a strategic partnership by which the two companies will provide IJCSA members with "a means to dramatically increase their revenue and profits by...

Enviro-Solutions products achieve "green" certification.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... Enviro-Solutions now has five floor-care products "green" certified by the Environmental Choice Program. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Certification means the five products (ES 90 Clean Cut Stripper; ES 85 Scrub Free Stripper; ES 82 Barricade...

John's Custom Machine moving to bigger digs.(Brief Article)
October 1, 2005... John's Custom Machine in Seminole, Fla., is relocating to a larger facility and expanding its staff "to ensure that both our quality work-manship and customer service will be maintained," the company said. "John tries to think of the end...

ISSA/Interclean USA Navigator Show Guide.
October 1, 2005... Welcome to the ISSA/Interclean-USA Navigator Show Guide, the listing program developed by ICS magazine to help ISSA/Interclean attendees plans their show experience and reach their maximum potential. ISSA/Interclean-USA, held this year in...

Preparing for the harsh winter season: are your floors ready?
October 1, 2005... While the winter season doesn't officially begin until Dec. 21, temperatures will soon start plummeting in some parts of the country, bringing ice, sleet and snow. While it's still mild outside, now is the time to take a step back and start...

20 questions in hard-floor maintenance?(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2005... There are many variables that are evaluated when developing a hard-floor maintenance program. It does not matter whether it is for a small residential kitchen area or a huge multi-facility campus; a thorough investigation will help to ensure...

Improve IAQ: choose the right vacuum.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2005... No one can afford to ignore indoor air quality, and with today's technology, there's no reason to. Advancements in vacuum cleaners help protect indoor air quality in significant ways while providing other benefits. IAQ Facts According...

The ICS product & literature guide.(Product & Literature Guide)
October 1, 2005... 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...

Commercial carpet cleaning conundrum--part II.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2005... Last month we discussed why the commercial carpet cleaning conundrum evolved and what the Carpet and Rug Institute is doing with its Seal of Approval programs for vacuums, cleaning chemicals and, eventually, cleaning methods testing using X-ray...

Vehicle of the month.
October 1, 2005... Name: Robert E. Brown Company Name: Pro Clean Carpet Service Address: 611 E. Main St. City: Casa Grande State: Arizona ZIP: 85222 Phone: (520) 421-1110 Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2000 GMC 3500 Equipment...

The IICRC Executive Committee: the IICRC holds two board of directors' meetings each year, where new policies, courses, and long-range planning are discussed and voted on.(IICRC President's Corner)
October 1, 2005... Between the biannual meetings, the IICRC Executive Committee (EC) has the responsibility of the board of directors. The EC includes the chairman of the board (me); two vice chairs, Darrell Paulson and Ruth Travis; Treasurer Ed Hobbs; Secretary...