ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from September 2002

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from September 2002

A plague on both your houses. And your office building. And maybe that shed out back. (Editorial Comment).(mold at the International Society of Cleaning Technicians' conference)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Alas, poor Mercutio. Taking it in the belly for trying to keep the peace. And poor William Shakespeare who, entombed in Stratford-upon-Avon, has suffered centuries of untold agony as hack writers decide to get clever with headlines. I got...

Exercising care and caution on the job: every day, from the moment we pull out of our driveway on the way to the first appointment until we turn off the ignition at night, safety, care and caution come into play. (Notes from the Trenches).(carpet cleaning services)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... And not only our safety, but the safety of our clients, their families and their property. Let's look at some of the everyday concerns professional carper cleaners should heed. Many technicians who use CDS/PTO truck-mounted units leave...

Cutting down on dry time: two topics that always come up when the discussion concerns carpet cleaning, regardless of whether you're talking with a customer or another professional, are price and dry time. (Carpet Cleaning Basics).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... However, when these topics arise among a group of professionals on Internet bulletin boards or in other locales, there tends to be some exaggeration. While cost is and always will be of great interest, I think that customers are more...

Carpets and post-application treatments. (Focus on Chemicals).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Post-application treatments are used for two reasons: the protection of a cleaner and the neutralization of cleaning residue. Residue can be the result of a too-high solution concentration, inadequate vacuum or extraction power, or poor...

Restoring fire-damaged kitchen accessories part 3: part one of this series looked at restoring the fire-damaged dishes, glassware, pots, pans and utensils that are found in every kitchen in every home. (Rx for Restoration).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... In Part Two, we talked about how to handle high-value accessories such as fine china, crystal and silverware. Part Three examines foodstuffs and boxing, packing and transporting items when necessary. Foodstuffs Carefully evaluate food...

It's the small things that matter: sometimes we are so focused on getting the job done that we overlook some of the small details that set us apart from our competition. (Building a Profitable Business).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... It is important, of course, to complete the task at hand, but it is equally important to make the overall service experience as pleasant for your client as possible. It is often the little details that the client remembers as being the key to...

HydraMaster spotter breaks up grease. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... HydraMaster introduces Grease Breaker, a solvent booster and spotter designed to get out tough, greasy, oily soils. Grease Breaker can be used on both carpet and upholstery, according to the company. The product can also be used as an additive...

Hydro-Force Hoser cleans vacuum hoses. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Hydro-Force presents the Hoser, a washing tool that cleans vacuum hoses as they are reeled back in. The Hoser attaches directly to the truckmount vacuum and solution line so the hose is cleaned as it runs back in. The product works on both 1.5-...

Vaportek VaporShark attacks odors. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Vaportek manufactures VaporShark, a system comprised of replaceable essential oil membranes that create a dry vapor that simultaneously treats the atmosphere, structure and contents of an area affected by odors without introducing moisture or...

3M lets you breathe easy with new guide. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... 3M Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division has published a new Guide to Respirators for Abatement and Mold Remediation. The brochure includes product and ordering information on 3M's line of respirators, filters and cartridges,...

Bridgepoint prespray wipes out VOCs. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Bridgepoint Systems unveils Zone Perfect-Low V.O.C., a prespray that meets California standards for volatile organic compounds. Zone Perfect contains a special mixture of surfactants packed with grease-cutting, soil-eliminating ingredients,...

Quantum generator tests air quality. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Quantum Pure Aire Corp. introduces the LCS-4500, a low-level ozone genera tot that comes equipped with a sensor to detect air quality. In automatic mode, the puristat sensor detects odors and pollutants, which tells the generator to begin ozone...

Spartan gets "Clean on the Go". (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Spartan Chemical Company Inc. offers the "Clean on the Go" portable bucket fill (PBF). The fill is for use with Spartan's "Clean on the Go" two-liter cartridges, and provides ergonomic, versatile and user-friendly features, according to...

EnvirOx Spray Buddy for multipurpose cleaning. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... EnvirOx introduces the Spray Buddy Personal Dispensing System for multipurpose cleaning. The system replaces multiple products and spray bottles with one pump-pressurized sprayer to dispense H2Orange2, a multipurpose cleaning concentrate...

Unsmoke cleaner now approved in California. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Unsmoke-Microban introduces Microban QGC, an EPA-approved disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, mildewstat, deodorizer and heavy-duty cleaner, is now approved for use in California. According to the company, Microban QGC inhibits the growth of...

Namco iron steams away the stains. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Namco Manufacturing Inc. releases their new and improved Steam Machine iron with higher. elevation off the carpet than regular household irons. The iron is useful for red beverage stains in conjunction with the company's Red Beverage...

B&G Extracto-Spray turns extractor into pre-treat tool. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... B&G Equipment Company releases Extracto-Spray, a unique pre-treat tool for use with carper extractors. Once pre-spray is added to the solution tank, the tool attaches directly via a "quick connect system. Extracto-Spray gives a 25-foot extended...

AR North America pump handles the pressure. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... AR North America unveils their new Model RK 1528HN high-pressure pump for heavy-duty use. The pump has been designed to handle rigorous cycles, chemicals and high temperatures associated with truckmount cleaning applications, according to the...

Bridgepoint releases Filter Free. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Bridgepoint introduces Filter Free, a sporting chemical formulated to use full strength on filtration soil that appears along walls and beneath doorways and long drapes. Filter Free's makeup is designed to handle the variety of elements that...

Turboteck rolls out next generation of wands. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Turboteck Supplies introduces the next generation of cleaning wands with their Air Teck brand. The wands allow increased aeration and improved jet placement from regular wands, according to the company. Air Teck wands are built with an Easy...

Dri-Eaz dehumidifier product launch successful. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Dri-Eaz's DrizAir LGR 2000 dehumidifier, which the company debuted in February, has seen the largest and most successful product launch in the company's history, according to Dri-Eaz. The promotional campaign includes a "Try Before You Buy"...

Betco Quickcoat applicator lets you ditch the mop and bucket. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Betco introduces the Quickcoat finish application system, an alternative to the mop-and-bucket method. The Quickcoat applicator can be used to cover a 1,000 square foot area in 12 to 15 minutes, according to Betco. Fingertip control allows...

MasterBlend line fights off allergens. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... MasterBlend debuts ResponsibleCare, a line of anti-allergen products for home cleaning. The system includes anti-allergen prespray, all fiber rinse, deodorizer, duct wash, filter enhancer and dust mite treatment. According to MasterBlend,...

ProTeam rolls our the new high-performance uprights. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... ProTeam rolls out the ProLux 1200XP and 1800X upright vacuums, produced jointly With Aerus Electrolux. The 1200XP features onboard tools and a 14-inch clearing path. A tool kit can be purchased to attach to the 4800X, which boasts a 20-inch...

Alto image cleaner hits the spot. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Alto Clarke Technology releases the Image Mini Spot carpet care system, containing 2-gallon solution and 2-gallon recovery ranks for longer cleaning. The Mini Spot is comprised of a wand, hose and stain-removing chemicals, all contained on...

Magic Wand releases business module for multi-truck cleaners. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Magic Wand Co. has released a business module for multi-truck cleaners. The module includes 100 pages of systems on hiring, tracking finances, keeping morale up and hanging on to productive people. The module also includes over 100 forms in...

Mytee zaps gum from carpets. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Mytee Products Inc. has started manufacturing the patented Gum Zappers, a product designed to emulsify gum from carpets and cement floors. Specially formulated Gum Gone liquefies gum in seconds, the company says, after which the bristles...

Esteam introduces new pre-conditioner. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Esteam introduces Pre-Max, a premium carpet pre-conditioner for use with "clients who demand you use only the best products," according to the company. Pre-Max is formulated with an advanced synergistic blend of ingredients, including a...

Dri-Eaz has an "Ace" in the hole. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Dri-Eaz introduces the Ace TurboDryer, a multi-directional air mover that the company says delivers high CFM with an extremely low amp draw. The Ace TurboDryer can operate in any one of seven different positions. It still provides laminar...

HydraMaster truckmount takes it to the Maxx. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... HydraMaster adds the Maxx 450 Diesel to its line of truckmounts. The Maxx 450 uses a three-cylinder, 23.5 horsepower engine to turn a Roots 45 Whispair blower. The continuous coil heat exchanger system offers working temperatures in the 225 to...

Duratool introduces tapered-edge T-Bar refill. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Duratool Inc. has released a new T-Bar refill with tapered edges for trimming right up to the baseboards. The Durafoam high-density flocked surface is attached using a cross-linked adhesive designed to provide fiber retention. The refill...

Bridgepoint offers ways to protect carpet, upholstery with Maxim. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Bridgepoint Systems offers Maxim, a water-based, fluorochemical protector with acid dye resistor for carpet and upholstery. Maxim requires little water and boasts excellent wicking action to the base of each fiber, the company says. The product...

Alto give their speed burnisher new features. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Alto's Clarke Technology introduces a new look and new features to their US 1700 corded burnisher. The 19-inch flexible pad driver conforms to uneven floors and features a full harpoon face. Burnishing with the US 1700 results in noise levels...

National Chemical unveils Granite-Sheen. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... National Chemical Laboratories introduces Granite-Sheen Spray 'N Shine, a fast-acting formula designed to rejuvenate the shine on granite. Granite-Sheen forms an immediate high shine on all polished granite surfaces, the company says. ...

Jon-Don revamps Restoration Express guide. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Jon-Don's summer 2002 Restoration Express Buyers Guide is newly revamped to reflect the company's expanding product lines. The guide, a quarterly publication for fire- and water-restoration contractors and mold abatement professionals,...

Bridgepoint offers ways to protect carpet, upholstery with Maxim. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Bridgepoint Systems offers Maxim, a water-based, flurochemical protector with acid dye resistor for carpet and upholstery. Maxim requires little water and boast excellent wicking action to the base of each fiber, the company says. The product...

Tekdea introduces Technician's Pouch. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Tekdea introduces the Technician's Pouch. Designed by a carpet-cleaning technician to "hold the items that always seem to he in your hack pocket or left on-site," the pouch holds duckbill shears, bone scraper, plastic tabs and a pen. The...

Chase pre-spotter removes variety of stains. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Chase introduces Sprayon Carpet Spot & Stain Remover, a pre-spotter for almost any type of stain. According to Chase, the spray will remove grease, grime, tar, oil, permanent marker, makeup, blood and food stains from carpet and upholstery. The...

Bridgepoint introduces Spice Air for odors. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Bridgepoint Systems presents Spice Air, an all-natural, non-toxic and biodegradable odor counteractant. The product, which contains exotic spice fragrance, has been formulated to counteract organic odors such as pet urine. Spice Air is usable...

Unger introduces the MicroWipe-Y. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Unger announces the availability of the Micro Wipe-Y, a color-coded microfiber cloth for "bright work" in test room cleaning. The Micro Wipe-Y has what the company describes as "aggressive" cleaning fibers designed to clean with less...

NICA offers benefits, insurance to independent contractors. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... NICA Inc. of Braintree, Mass., offers many benefits and insurance for independent contractors. For a one-rime application fee of $25, split up over the first two settlement checks, and a NICA affiliation fee, members can access a cleaning...

GE Protimeter manufactures meters for moisture detection. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... GE Protimeter manufactures a range of moisture detection instruments that can be used in conjunction with mold abatement procedures. The meters feature easy-to-read LCD or LED displays that can reveal mold-causing moisture from fire control,...

Chemspec truckmount delivers high heat. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Chempspec's High Heat 860 truckmount offers a 250-degree, 3,000-PSI general pump or Cat 5CP Pump and a stainless steel chemical pump for high-pressure heat. The truckmount comes equipped with a 46 Nissan water-cooled engine, 5009 Tuthill...

Microban disinfectant takes out the fragrance. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Microban's Disinfectant Spray Plus now comes in two varieties, traditional scented and new fragrance-free, according to the company. Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus Fragrance-Free is EPA-approved for both spray and fogging applications....

Alto "leads the pack" with Filtra-Pac. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Alto U.S. Inc. introduces the Filtra-Pac, a backpack vacuum that the company says combines the cleaning power of an upright with the ergonomic design of a backpack vac in order to eliminate heavy pushing and pulling. A four-stage...

ServiceMaster Clean takes innovative marketing approach. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Servicemaster CLEAN is putting a "comical" spin on marketing its janitorial service providers. More than 150,000 facility and office managers will receive comic book-style posters from the company throughout the remainder of 2002. ...

Wagner introduces new line of moisture meters. (Tools & Equipment).
September 1, 2002... Wagner Electronics introduces the release of a new line of moisture meters. The MMC/MMI series of handheld moisture meters is designed for use by flooring professionals, wood products manufacturers, serious woodworkers and hobbyists and any...

Indoor Air Management offers mold/sewage remediation class. (News & Information).
September 1, 2002... Indoor Air Management Inc. offers a four-day, IICRC approved Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT) Mold/Sewage Remediation class. Rachel Adams, president of Indoor Air Management Inc., holds a B.S. in Environmental Health...

Kaivac announces organizational changes. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Kaivac Inc. recently announced several organizational changes designed to support its corporate strategy and growth goals. According to the company, the changes are intended to enhance two components of Kaivac's business strategy: developing...

"Bio Technician" certification held in Kansas City. (Industry News & Information).
September 1, 2002... Bio Cleaning Services of America, Inc., sponsored a two-day course for individuals and companies contemplating start-up business in crime and trauma-scene cleanup in Kansas City, Mo., June 28-29. "The training and certification program was...

ASTM International to hold meeting on polishes. (Industry News & Information).
September 1, 2002... In conjunction with the ISSA/Interclean show in Las Vegas this October, ASTM International will hold Committee D21 meeting on polishes, Oct. 13-17, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The meeting will be open to all interested individuals....

Keelermeyer Co. acquires Bockstanz Brothers Co. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The Kellermeyer Co. of Toledo, Ohio has acquired Livonia, Mich.-based Bockstanz Brothers Co. to increase and strengthen their market share in the Detroit metro region. Bockstanz Brothers, founded in 1906, is an original founding member of...

HSS RentX introduces floor care equipment for rent. (Industry News & Information).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... HSS Rent X, a national rental chain, now offers a line of floor care equipment for maintenance and cleaning problems. The line of Tennant-made machines includes walk-behind and ride-on sweepers, scrubber/vacs and floor scrubbers that can be...

ISSA, ASTM to co-sponsor floor maintenance technology seminar. (ISSA Interclean[TM]).
September 1, 2002... In recognition of the important role that proper floor maintenance plays in maximizing safety, the International Sanitary Supply Association and ASTM International are coming together to co-sponsor a full-day program on the subject of...

Alto U.S. appoints Hefty as new president, CEO. (News).(Mark Hefty)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Mark Hefty has been appointed the president and CEO of Alto U.S. Hefty returns to the company where he held several posts from 1982 to 1997, including president and CEO from 1994 to 1997 when the company was named Clarke Industries Inc. "I...

Church & Dwight Co. names Russo as sales manager. (News).(John Russo)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Church & Dwight Co. Inc. has named John Russo as the regional sales manager for their Commercial & Professional Cleaning Products group. Russo's responsibilities will include sales development activities geared toward manufacturers'...

Chemspec moves into equipment manufacturing. (News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Chemical manufacturer Chemspec is introducing a full line of portable carpet extractors, low- and high-speed buffers, wet/dry vacuums, blowers and other equipment for the cleaning and restoration industry. This expansion into equipment...

Team Costa raises funds to fight cancer. (News).
September 1, 2002... The organization and execution of two marathons this year by Team Costa, the creation of Barry and Carol Costa, has raised more than $21,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societies in an effort to help to find a cure for blood-related cancers....

Aqua Mix introduces specialized maintenance program. (News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Aqua Mix introduces the Independent Care & Maintenance Applicator program. The three-day program is designed and taught by professional applicators as well as maintenance professionals. Instruction includes both hands-on and classroom...

Dri-Eaz now holds three-day drying course. (News).(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Dri-Eaz has announced that it has begun offering a three-day IICRC Applied Structural Drying Course at the company's Center for Advanced Restorative Drying (CARD) in Burlington, Wash. The hands-on, interactive class allows attendees the...

What if it just wasn't there? (IICRC Presidents Corner).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
September 1, 2002... I was recently speaking with a friend about the IICRC, a subject very near and dear to my heart and therefore quite easy to discuss. during this conversation he posed a very thought-provoking question: "What would the industry be like if...

Chemmax. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... The Ultra Dry Carpet Dry Cleaning System is gentle on carpets, rugs and fine furniture. Soil attracting alkaline residues are neutralized, carpets dry quickly, and complications are eliminated. Homeowners are willing to pay higher prices for...

Indoor Environmental Solutions, Inc. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Indoor Environmental Solutions, Inc is introducing its NEW product Catalog for air duct cleaning and mold remediation products. The catalog features the latest technology in air duct cleaning products including portable collectors, rotary brush...

Hydrotechnologies. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... "POWER TO THE FINISH LINE WITH THE ProRaceR! Hydro Technologies (HydroTech) introduces new hard-surface cleaning technology with it's patented ProRaceR! 19" cleaning path easily and efficiently cleans, strips larger area hard surfaces, yet...

Indoor Air Management. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Indoor Air Management was established to serve the needs of the restoration, insurance and air-quality industries, offering analyses such as mold and bacteria identification and quantification, environmental soil and water analysis, and radon....

White Magic. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... This White Magic automatic external pump-out system operates on 12-volt DC current and pumps 3.5 gpm against vacuum. It's space saving design allows for easy on-site waste disposal into a toilet or washer drain. This external pump-out system is...

Service Team of Professionals. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... NOW AVAILABLE AS A FRANCHISE! Since 1971, we at S.T.O.P. have been providing high-interaction consulting to cleaning and restoration entrepreneurs. Our president, Mack Clark, is one of the most popular and highly regarded speakers to the...

Cleanco. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Proven Dependability! The Cleanco line of direct-drive truckmounts has a 25 year history of being the industry's most dependable unit. Each unit is backed by an industry leading 5-year extend-a-care warranty. This year marks Cleanco's 25th...

Dri Eaz. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... The new DefendAir EX Air Scrubber innovates beyond other boxy metal designs! At only 49 pounds, the DefendAir is the lightest air scrubber/negative air machine in its class. It also features the most highly advanced multiple-stage filtration...

Bridgepoint Systems. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Zone Perfect from Bridgepoint Systems. The newest prespray from Bridgepoint Systems is a special blend of surfactants packed with soil-busting, grease-cutting ingredients, Even when diluted with 32 parts of water, Zone Perfect will out-clean...

HydraMaster. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... HydraMaster has just released new brochures of their popular truckmount lines. Learn about the innovative Boxxer, more powerful, mote refined 2002 Maxx, and the ultimate clutch drive system, CDS Overdrive. Components are shown in large,...

MasterBlend. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... MasterBlend announces the release of the CRB System for carpet maintenance. A low moisture low residue cleaning system is recommended by carpet mills today-particularly for their contract carpeting. The CRB System uses Mist N Brush LM(TM)...

Century 400. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... The Avenger 450 is the affordable choice for the professional cleaner who needs a full-featured truckmount in a simple to use, down to business machine. You'll find generous heat and powerful vacuum in this single wand workhorse. The company...

Steamaction International Inc. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Steamaction International Inc is a manufacturer of quality, stainless steel, water-cooled Truck Mounts. Sizes range from single wand units up to The Stealth, a 4-wand, 72 HP workhorse. Our units are designed to dry the carpet in less than one...

Rotobrush. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Thinking of adding air duct cleaning to your business? The Rotobrush(R) is the most effective portable air duct cleaning equipment available. Designed specifically for air duct cleaning, the Rotobrush(R) is the only equipment that power-brushes...

Kent/Euroclean. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... The merger of the century...Two great lines of commercial cleaning equipment joining as one company!...Euroclean USA, famous for a quality range of products, including Dust Magnet (TM) and Ultra MicroFiber. The Hip Vac(TM), HEPA Vacuums,...

S. Morantz Inc. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... S. Morantz Inc., the 68-year-old manufacturing company and developer of the first ultrasonic blind cleaning system, is proud to showcase its Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems. These systems permit the user to clean dirty window blinds, light...

Prochem. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Performer/Performer 405. The Performer is the most versatile, heavy duty truck mount available anywhere. It operates efficiently with up to 600' of hose in single wand operations and up to 250' with dual wands. It operates consistently at...

Jon Don. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Recently Jon-Don released a completely revamped new publication for the popular "Restoration Express" as well as a totally new magazine called "Mops-n-More' created for the jan/san industry. Both magazines contain articles on a variety of...

Vanguard Computer Systems Inc. (Product & Literature Guide).
September 1, 2002... Camelot Software from Vanguard is especially designed to meet your needs as a professional cleaner, without the need for advanced computer knowledge, and it does this extremely well. It completely conforms to any business structure, from...

ISCT makes waves in Clearwater.(International Society of Cleaning Technicians 2002 convention)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... The International Society of Cleaning Technicians returned to Clearwater, Fla. for its 2002 Convention, Trade Show and Annual Meeting, themed "ISCT Forecast: Clean and Dry," July 23-27. The sledgehammer humidity of the Gulf Coast summer could...

Face to face: secrets to "selling up". (To Your Success).(promoting your residential carpet cleaning service)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2002... Residential carpet cleaning is a tough business. There is constant pricing pressure from "splash-and-dash" competitors who have no grasp of the true cost of doing business. True, these fools will eventually go broke. But it is just as true that...