ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from October 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from October 2006

How green is your valley?(Squatters Pub Brewery)
October 1, 2006... As everyone who has not been hiding under, behind or around a rock knows, the concept of "green" cleaning has gone from sideshow novelty to big-tent headliner in the last 10 years. But will going green put you in the black? [ILLUSTRATION...

Tools of the trade.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
October 1, 2006... Regardless of the system or systems you offer in your business, there will be some items you will need to carry in or on your service vehicle to ensure that your jobs can be completed in a satisfactory and timely manner. [ILLUSTRATION...

Sharing it all with your employees.(To Your Success)
October 1, 2006... "The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him."--Henry Stimson It has never been easy out there as a small-business owner. And my students tell me it is getting tougher every year. But I'm guessing your biggest challenge has, is...

Warding off the cold shoulder.(IEQ Q & A)
October 1, 2006... Q: We are new to the remediation field and work in a very cold and sometimes freezing climate. We have taken a course on remediation and understand the need for protecting workers from exposure to contaminants. Are there any additional...

Controlling costs.(Building a Profitable Business)
October 1, 2006... It has been stated that the two primary goals of any business are to make a profit and to stay in business. Making a profit refers to the need for income to exceed expenses. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Obviously, there are two general...

ISSA/Interclean USA Navigator Show Guide.
October 1, 2006... 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...

As the wheel turns: machines used for encapsulation.(The Gadget Man)
October 1, 2006... In times past (about 32 years ago), I was among the first generation of carpet cleaners entering the world of "steam cleaning." Our calling was to trumpet the virtues of steam--hot water, depending on what the bathtub faucet was capable...

Product & Literature Guide.
October 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...

HydraMaster improves Grease Breaker.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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)
October 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...

Butler goes after spots and stains.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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)
October 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...

Siamons takes on mold with Concordium.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... Siamons International markets and sells Concordium 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,...

New addition to King Cobra series.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... OCT. 4-7: ISSA/Interclean USA Chicago. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 7-9: SURFACES Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6323 MARCH 5-8: NADCA Nashville. Call (202) 737-2926 Now you can read about all the schools,...

Dryvex unit takes on flooded buildings.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Dryvex MC4500 drying system from Ground Heaters Inc. is designed to lower claim costs by shortening drying time and decreasing insurance claims cycles by restoring flooded buildings and structures quickly and efficiently. [ILLUSTRATION...

HydraMaster unveils new product catalog.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... HydraMaster introduces its new product catalog, 68 pages of "eye-catching images and informational copy that captures most of the company's offerings," including a machine-comparison chart. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The first catalog in...

Hydro-Force focuses on drying.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Focal Point Axial Air Mover from Hydro-Force focuses velocities of 3,000 cfm to more than 23.5 feet, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Focus Technology directs airflow toward problematic corners, carpet and walls, or...

Phoenix offers a new Solution.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Solution from Phoenix "marks a new era in LGR dehumidifier performance," the company said. The Solution is designed to nest into the top of the 200 MAX and HT. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Phoenix, the Solution widens the...

Bridgepoint releases new TES trailer.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... Bridgepoint Systems, in cooperation with Interlink Supply, announces the release of its newly designed TES High Production Trailer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The trailer is designed to work multiple drying jobs with a two-man crew, and...

Butler introduces a truckmount detergent.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Truckmount Detergent is "an exclusive neutral concentration of surfactants, foam-controlling agents, corrosion inhibitors, deodorants and color stabilizers for use as a rinse in truckmounts and portable extraction machines,"...

NCL takes on spots and stains.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories' Carpet Care Solutions incorporates five products to remove carpet spots and stains. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ALL-IN-ONE RTU is a premium all-around spot remover; EXTREME PLUS is an encapsulating universal...

BR 750 takes on large spaces.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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)
October 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...

Big performance, small package.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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...

Spartan Chemical offers GS-40-certified products.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... Recently GS-40-certified by Green Seal, Spartan Chemical Co.'s Green Solutions Floor Seal & Finish is an acrylic co-polymer-based formula that applies without mop drag and features "superior" plasticizers, while Green Solutions Floor Finish...

Foster disinfectant versatile, ready to use.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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...

Advolution delivers gloss and productivity.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Advolution 2710 battery-powered rider burnisher from Advance provides "superior gloss and maximum productivity without the emissions or noise associated with propane burnishers," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Spartan offers new line of cleaning chemicals.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 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)
October 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...

Enviro-Solutions puts green to work.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... Enviro-Solutions "makes pre-spraying even safer" with green-certified ES88 Spot and Stain Remover, ES87 Extraction Cleaner, and ES71 Super H202 Cleaner. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All three products "are an excellent pre-spray for tough...

Timbucktoo lets the Rhino loose.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Rhino Model RH-2500 from Timbucktoo sports an 11-gallon solution/ 14-gallon recovery tank; two 2-stage vacuum motors; a 100-psi pump; a 25-foot combination vacuum and solution hose; and a 12-inch, one-jet wand. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Robotic vac offers hands-off option.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The IV 800 robotic vacuum from Intellibot is designed specifically for large carpeted or hard-surface hallways in schools, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, convention centers and other facilities that get heavy traffic and must frequently...

EnvirOx products earn CRI Seal of Approval.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... EnvirOx's Carpet Complete Carpet Cleaner and Quick-Spot Carpet Spot Remover hydrogen peroxide-based carpet cleaning products were recently awarded the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Both products...

Proteus from Pacific Floor Care.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The Proteus 210E 20-inch auto scrubber from Pacific Floor Care is designed for ease of use, and as a cord-electric model, it removes the need for battery maintenance. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 65 dBa operating level allows for...

E Instruments goes for simplicity, efficiency.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
October 1, 2006... The latest Mini T+RH Pro--HD50--from E Instruments is a portable, compact thermo-hygrometer designed for simplicity and one-hand operation. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The HD50 features display of two parameters simultaneously;...

Natural stone--from pitfall to profit.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2006... Natural stone surfaces like marble, granite, Saturina and the like are the fastest growing floor applications in the country. These high-end floors are no longer reserved for mansions; they can be found almost anywhere--from the smallest...

The emergence of microfiber in hard-floor maintenance.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2006... Since the introduction of microfiber in the mid-eighties, it has gained popularity and appeal in the cleaning industry. Although at first there were many skeptics, few can deny the impact it has made. Microfibers are the finest fibers...

Floor care in a winter wonderland.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2006... Winter in Chicago would not be complete without below-zero wind chills, cloudy skies and heavy snows, not to mention rain and sleet. With the prospect of facing these conditions for more than three months, it is no wonder that Chicago natives...

The lowdown on canister vacuums.(Commercial Floor Care)
October 1, 2006... Old habits die hard. Most of us in the United States were raised in homes with upright vacuum cleaners; chances are your mother used an upright at home, and your grandmother before her. Now you use an upright not just at home, but also on the...

Overcoming third-party checks.
October 1, 2006... You've sold the job, got an agreed scope, and did the work--that was the easy part. Now you have to collect. It used to be that this was the easiest and the second most rewarding part of the job (apart from the customer's smiling face)....

The smooth ride to green carpet cleaning.
October 1, 2006... Some people following the green cleaning movement that has taken center stage in the North American cleaning industry are actually quite surprised it is happening now and coming on so strong. About 30 years ago, many of the advocates for green...

Stainmaster celebrating 20th anniversary.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... Stainmaster carpet is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. "For 20 years, Stainmaster carpet has been available to consumers with superior stain-resistant flooring options that are both stylish and durable," said Steve Griffith, vice...

IAQA moves annual meeting to Nashville.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... The Indoor Air Quality Association is holding its ninth annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn., Oct. 25-28, marking a change in previously announced dates and locations. Billed as "A Showcase of Excellence," the event will be the IAQA's first...

Agitator 20 earns CRI's Gold Seal of Approval.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... The Agitator 20 low-moisture, self-contained extractor from U.S. Products recently earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The rating program tests machines for cleaning effectiveness,...

EcoLogo announces U.S. campaign.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The EcoLogo Program, North America's largest environmental certifying and labeling program, is about to the launch the EcoLogo USA Campaign 2006-2007. "The trend is clear throughout the U.S.; purchasers want green-certified products,"...

Abatix opens new location.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Abatix Corp. has announced the opening of a new location in Jacksonville, Fla. A full-line supplier to the construction tool, industrial safety, environmental and homeland security industries, the company currently has distribution centers in...

Violand management holds Annual Summit.(Industry News & Information)(Violand Management Associates Second Annual Executive Summit)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Violand Management Associates Second Annual Executive Summit, held this summer in Canton, Ohio, is business consultant Chuck Violand's "commitment to providing the owners of cleaning and restoration companies the same executive-level,...

ProTeam, Sanico partner to help flood victims.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... School district officials in New York and other northeastern states had to contend with excessive rain and severe flooding this summer, and many needed help to get ready for the new school year. Sanico, Inc. tapped its connections in the...

Parrish to head Dresser Roots blower business.(Industry News & Information)(Dresser Roots appointed John S. Parrish)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Dresser Roots announced that John S. Parrish has been named president of the Dresser Roots Blower and Compressor businesses, headquartered in Houston. Parrish was previously vice president and general manager of Dresser Roots. "John...

InfraMation sponsoring free IR camera inspection.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... For the second year, InfraMation will be sponsoring a free IR camera inspection and cleaning. The inspection will be limited to one camera per attendee, and to the following lines of FLIR Systems IR cameras: ThermaCAM B, E, P and S series;...

LMCCA takes on filmmaking role.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... The Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association just completed filming a project, a technical video on soil removal systems and methods for carpet cleaning. A unique partnership undertaken with the assistance of more than 60 major cleaning...

ISSA/Interclean ready to go.(Industry News and Information)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... ISSA/Interclean USA will be held this year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Oct. 4-7. More than 75 new exhibitors, 50 seminars, workshops and networking events--plus even more outrageous entertainment than at last year's Las Vegas show--are...

MilliCare receives second CRI Seal of Approval.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... MilliCare's Premist NXT, a proprietary cleaning agent for carpet and textile maintenance, has received a Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. The combination of Premist NXT and Dry Carpet Cleaner has previously received...

BSCAI-sponsored program with Sunbelt Rentals offered.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... The Building Service Contractors Association International is now offering its members a new sponsored equipment-rental program with Sunbelt Rentals. The new program provides janitorial business owners the opportunity to rent equipment on...

Shaw revises carpet warranties.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... Shaw Industries has revised its residential carpet warranties to require--for carpet manufactured after Jan. 1, 2007--the use of carpet cleaning supplies and equipment that have been awarded the CRI Seal of Approval. The company will also...

Injectidry opens new facility.(Industry News & Information)(Injectidry Systems)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... After implementing a plan to use more local distributors across the United States and rely on them for distribution, Injectidry Systems' sales have increased to the point that a new facility was required, the company said. The new location...

Desserichs win Family Business of the Year Award.(Industry News & Information)
October 1, 2006... The Desserich family has won the 2006 University of Cincinnati's Goering Center Family Business of the Year Award for its achievement in community service and management. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With a history of more than 12 successful...

IICRC programs: still the best; The IICRC continues to raise the bar for the cleaning and restoration industry. With an ongoing commitment to the industry it serves, the IICRC is once again listening to its constituents, and acting, by developing new areas of study.(IICRC President's Corner)
October 1, 2006... With our core courses like CCT (Carpet Cleaning Technician), UFT (Upholstery & Fabric Technician), WRT (Water Restoration Technician), ASD (Applied Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician) and RRT (Repair &...