ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from September 2004

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from September 2004

BNP Media LINX: not your usual connection; greetings and salutations, faithful reader. I bring you the latest and greatest the world of Internet technology has to offer.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... Practical business information is a precious commodity; concise and current information is even more valuable, as the print issues of ICS that you receive each month will attest. You demand a resource of the highest caliber for the latest...

Maintaining wood floor coverings; unprotected wood floor coverings have an inherent sensitivity to moisture. All wood floors have a component know as cellulose, which acts like a sponge and absorbs moisture. A raw wood floor without any protection can absorb moisture right out of the air.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
September 1, 2004... In certain climates, this could cause a floor to warp. If standing water is left on a wood floor, the grain will swell and become discolored. Warping, buckling and cracking can all occur in severe conditions. Because of this, all wood...

Advertisement.(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... "The Most Powerful Event In The World For Carpet Cleaners Brings You... Best Selling Author And Speaker, Mark Victor Hansen! Chicken Soup For The Carpet Cleaners Soul Promises '101 Ways This Will Be YOUR Most Profitable Year Ever!' You'll Also...

Biocide use and IICRC Standards.(IEQ Q&A)
September 1, 2004... Q: I recently read that the IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration Standard and the IICRC S520 Mold Remediation Standard are in conflict about whether the use of biocides is appropriate. If this is true, which document should I follow? A:...

Color Repair.
September 1, 2004... So you are considering adding color repair to your menu of service offerings? There are some very good spot-dye kits, manuals, and training videos that can help get you started. However, there is no substitute for the two-day IICRC Color Repair...

Little things that make a big difference: sometimes it's the little things that can make a big difference in building a successful business.(Building a Profitable Business)
September 1, 2004... A courteous smile, a little extra care in moving or placing furniture, taking steps not to let the cat out, ensuring the proper placement of corner protectors, or cleaning the little entry mat at the front door. These are all things that...

Extech introduces Flat Surface pH Meter.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Ecology Works Anti-Allergen Solution is a plant-based, stain-free, non-toxic 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.(Tools & Equipment)(Brief Article)
September 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...

Esteam looks to make stains Vanish.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Esteam introduces the Vanish Spray Pack. Formulated to make stains from coffee, fruit juice and red wine disappear, Vanish meets the specifications for use on stain-resistant carpet, the company said. The Spray Pack automatically mixes the...

Harvard Chemical improves spotter.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

Advance introduces compact scrubber line.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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,...

EnvirOx cleaner is Green Seal certified.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... [H.sub.2]Orang[e.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]Orang[e.sub.2] Concentrate 117...

KS International brings surface protection to market.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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. ...

Novatek introduces negative air machine.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Novatek's negative air machine features a 2-hp motor for a consistent flow rate and to ensure utilization of all available filter media, a special eight-point motor/cage mount to prevent motor and cage shifting, and standard 24-by-24-inch HEPA...

Advance becomes the industrial Adgressor.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Advance announces the introduction of the Advance Adgressor line. As the only rider scrubber in the industrial marketplace with a modular scrub-deck system, according to the company, the Adgressor offers eight different options, in disc or...

Firewash fits a "Niche".(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Firewash from Niche Technologies is formulated to neutralize and remove soot from all surfaces, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Firewash can be applied with a spray bottle or pump sprayer to any soiled area for the removal and...

Butler offering cube van for contractors.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Butler Corp. is offering a cube van for carpet-cleaning and disaster-restoration contractors that require a spacious cargo area to conveniently organize and transport additional hoses, dehumidifiers, air movers and other related supplies...

IAS puts fungal contamination to the test.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The MycoMeter-Test method from Indoor Air Solutions is a field-portable system to detect and quantify fungal contamination on surfaces, distinguish background levels of mold from active growth and more. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

ThermaPure turns up the heat.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... ThermaPure is a heat technology deployed in buildings to kill insects, mold, bacteria, viruses and other organisms, in addition to providing a preventative benefit through structural drying. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The patented process...

Kaivac introduces disaster-and-flood recovery system.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Kaivac introduces the KaiSump, a patent-pending machine the company says converts a No-Touch Cleaning System or wet/dry vacuum into a "continuous" disaster-and-flood recovery system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed specifically to...

Steam Way improves Odor Eliminator.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Steam Way International has improved its Odor Eliminator. Designed for use on a variety of odors, including smoke, skunk, mildew, fuel oil spills, tear gas and more, Odor Eliminator encapsulates and eliminates the odor molecules, instead of...

Hydro-Force keeps water supply at hand.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Hydro-Well from Hydro-Force is a 100-gallon freshwater reservoir tank intended to eliminate the need to users to search out a freshwater supply when cleaning. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Constructed of polyethylene, the Hydro-Well...

Bridgepoint aims for maximum fiber protection.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Bridgepoint's Maxim is a water-based fluorochemical protector. Combining soil- and stain-resistant technologies with the company's fiber-protection expertise, Maxim "wicks well and dries quickly because it uses very little water," according to...

Bio-aerosol sampler keeps users up to date.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The BioAire Model B520 controlled flow-sampling pump from A.P. Buck, Inc., provides more than six hours of continuous bio-aerosol sampling, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No tools are required, and "the quiet operation...

The Warrior is ready for battle.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Truckmounts and Cleaning Solutions introduces the Warrior 18 truckmount. Featuring a Little Giant water heater, a CAT pump and Sutorbilt blower technology, the Warrior 18's open-frame design allows for "simple maintenance, simple gauges and...

Studebaker drives new filter system to market.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Studebaker Enterprises introduces the SureView Filter System. Constructed of Lexan, the unique dome design of the filter allows the operator to both view and demonstrate the flow of dirty cleaning solution. At the same time, the SureView's...

Infrared thermometer takes a different view.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... E Instruments Group introduces the new MiniRay 100L and 100XL portable infrared thermometers. Both models provide laser pinpointing to easily identify the measured surface area, feature reading ranges from minus 20 F to 999 F, and are "ideal...

Disinfectant 100 percent natural.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Sensible Life Products introduces Benefect, what the company describes as "the first and only 100 percent natural disinfectant." Benefect is made from biodegradable, renewable, botanically pure plant extracts with aromatherapeutic vapors,...

Tennant enters the wireless age.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Tennant Co. introduces the 3610 Cordless Vacuum/Sweeper, a battery-powered machine that operates at 61 decibels with a 24-inch cleaning path. The 3610 features two-stage filtration to keep dust contained; height-adjustable folding...

HydraMaster truckmount feeling a little blue.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The Spitfire 3.2 truckmount from HydraMaster is now "HydraMaster Blue." The Spitfire 3.2 features a 16-hp Briggs & Stratton engine, Tuthill Competitor Blower and Triplex Plunger water pump. The Spitfire 3.2 features 1,000-PSI capability,...

IQAir unveils the ParticleScan Pro.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... The ParticleScan Pro from IQAir "is the world's first particle counter designed for IAQ," the company said. The counter uses an active pump to draw in air, then uses laser diode technology to calculate the number of particles in the laser...

Hydro-Force takes technology to the edge.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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. Ergonomic handgrips on the flex-mounted handle allow the user to put the right...

Clarke unveils latest upright vacuum.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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. Available in four sizes, the Cyclone offer a...

Foster introduces Mold-Resistant Sealer.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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. The fast-drying, water-resistant sealer is specially formulated with...

FLIR ThermaCAM provides full service.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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 cleanroom conditions. The...

Sanitaire looks to cut time with backpack vacs.(Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

Earth-Gard HyperOx is green seal certified.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Earth-Gard HyperOx Multi Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser from Fuller Brush Commercial Products is the first offering from the company's Earth-Gard line of "environmentally smart" cleaners. HyperOx is formulated with natural citrus oils and...

Bridgepoint, ABS Group make the jump.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Bridgepoint Systems and the ABS Group are releasing two new modules for the Jump Start technical training series. Jump Start Carpet Cleaning takes the technician from introduction at the door through the finishing and drying steps of the...

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

Testo puts IR thermometers to the test.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Testo introduces the new 825 Series Non-Contact Thermometers, compact infrared thermometers designed for the HVAC industry. Testo's infrared technology "enables safe and quick measurements of moving, live or very hot surfaces up to 750...

Ignite introduces software for service companies.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... Ignite System software is a management tool designed for residential, disaster-restoration and commercial service companies. Developed by a ServiceMaster franchisee/owner, the system can be used by "any type and any size of business regardless...

Calendar of industry events.
September 1, 2004... Conventions & Trade Shows 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...

Pricing residential cleaning services; any time there is a gathering of carpet cleaners, one of the principal topics of discussion will be the issue of pricing. Some prefer to charge by the room, some by the square foot, some by the hour, and some by the job.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
September 1, 2004... I am confident that there is no single manner of pricing that is correct for all cleaners or for all customers; each individual must determine which pricing method works best for him or her. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The room pricer often...

The ICS product & literature guide.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 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...

HydraMaster releases new Boxxer[TM] 427.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2004... Seattle based HydraMaster recently announced the release of the company's newest model in its progressive line of Truckmounted Carpet Cleaning Systems, the Boxxer[TM] 427. The new 427 has been in a low-volume production mode during the...

Butler Corporation.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2004... The Butler Corporation offers a cube van for Carpet Cleaning and Disaster Restoration Contractors that require a spacious cargo area to conveniently organize and transport additional hoses, dehumidifiers, air movers and other related supplies...

Rotovac.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2004... The Rotovac Powerwand for carpet cleaning replaces the manual scrub wand and can be used with any portable extractor or truck mount. The cleaning heads counter-rotate to produce 1.500 multi-directional extraction cleaning passes per minute. The...

Allstate insurance.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2004... We offer a full insurance package designed for carpet cleaning and restoration specialists. This program is available through participating Allstate Agents. Special program features include care, custody and control, attractive prices, flexible...

Five keys to success in the cleaning business.
September 1, 2004... Successful carpet cleaners face the same problems the complainers do. They have trouble finding competent workers. They too face stiff competition. Yet the successful contractors manage to overcome these day-to-day aggravations and find a...

New ways to slice the pie.(To Your Success)
September 1, 2004... "Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing." --Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) Pricing is as much an emotional issue as a financial one. Putting a price on your services reflects your ego, self-image, past...

Stressing residential IAQ: are you educating your residential clientele about the ever-growing problems associated with poor indoor air quality?(Notes from the Trenches)(Indoor Air Quality )
September 1, 2004... I've done quite a bit of traveling this past year, and I was surprised by the number of cleaners who didn't have a clue as to what IAQ actually means, much less how many of the services their companies provide can go a long way toward improving...

CURE celebrates grand opening of new headquarters.(News & Information)(CURE Water Damage)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... CURE Water Damage, a national flood-damage restoration services franchisor, celebrated the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters in Seattle, July 30. CURE founder and CEO Rick Stonell and his wife, CURE CFO Lisa Stonell, presided over...

XTREME TEAM holds first meeting at Connections Conference.(News & Information)
September 1, 2004... The first meeting of Kurt Bolden's XTREME TEAM was held July 15 at the Connections Conference in Clearwater, Fla. The XTREME TEAM concept, according to Bolden's Manufacturing Inc., is "to once and for all organize a national team of...

Strategies for Success now available in Pennsylvania.(News & Information)
September 1, 2004... Jon-Don's "Strategies for Success" intensive training seminar will be available at the company's new facility in Langhorne, Penn., Sept. 20-24. The five-day seminar features a combination of financial procedures and customer-service...

InfraMation 2004 set for October.(News & Information)
September 1, 2004... InfraMation 2004, the world's largest infrared users' conference, will be held in Las Vegas, Oct. 4-8, at The Orleans Hotel. The event will be the fifth consecutive Thermographers' Conference held by the Infrared Training Center and FLIR...

IMACC turns contractors away to protect commitment.(News & Information)(Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Independent Mitigation and Cleaning/Conservation network, in order to maintain its commitment to providing high-quality claims mitigation services, has turned away nearly one-fifth of applicants for membership in its first 90 days of...

Connections Conference a rousing success.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The inaugural Connections Conference and Exhibition at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach, Fla., July 15-17, surpassed all expectations for the 500-plus attendees who made the trip to the Gulf Coast event. A technical...

URA holds L.A. Chapter meeting.(News & Information)(Unified Remediators Association)(Los Angeles)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Los Angeles Chapter of the Unified Remediators Association held its most recent meeting at the Holiday Inn in Van Nuys, Calif., July 28. The evening's featured speaker, Richard Scarborough of Environmental Inspections + Solutions, gave...

Carpet Buyers Handbook announces free Web site link program.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Carpet Buyers Handbook announces a free Web site links program from its site, carpetbuyershandbook.com, to the home page of independent carpet cleaning professionals. According to Michael Hinton, author of carpetbuyershandbook.com,...

BASF establishes new service center.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... BASF has opened its new Carpeting Technical Service Center in Dalton, Ga., with what the company describes as "improved, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment that enhances the company's capabilities to support customers with application...

Cleanco adds to distributor network.(News & Information)(Cleanco Truckmounts )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Cleanco Truckmounts has added three new companies to its distributor network from across the United States. Dothan, Ala.-based American Clean Care, Cleaning Supply Network of Pensacola, Fla., and Oregon City, Ore.'s Bottom Line Distributing...

Advance launches online ordering.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Advance recently announced the addition of two pieces to the Customer Zone, the company's online dealer information site. Web-based ordering and warranty registration are now available to Advance dealers on the Advance Customer Zone. ...

International Ozone Technologies Group receives award.(News & Information)
September 1, 2004... International Ozone Technologies Group, Inc., of Delray Beach, Fla., a manufacturer of ozone generators, titanium-dioxide-based photo-catalytic oxidizers and ultraviolet sterilizers, was awarded the "2004 Up & Coming Vendor of the Year" award...

Scot Labs welcomes Timothy Roach.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Timothy Roach has joined Scot Laboratories in the position of senior chemist. Roach will support existing technical staff primarily responsible for developing carpet care products sold under the Scot's Tuff brand name. [ILLUSTRATION...

ASCR provides insurance coverage to contractors.(News & Information)(Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration is addressing the issue of obtaining insurance coverage at affordable rates with the ASCR Environmental/ Drying Insurance Program. The new program will be launched at the ASCR "All...

Sanitaire Commercial Sales team named.(News & Information)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Sanitaire now has a team dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of commercial cleaning customers and distributors. The Commercial Sales team includes Tony Van Oudheusen, leading the team as national sales director commercial products;...

IICRC advanced designations: I attend industry conventions, trade shows and meetings on a regular basis, representing the IICRC. It is my job to bring clarification to issues and to promote the use of IICRC registrants and firms.(IICRC President's Corner)
September 1, 2004... I often attend these functions on my own, eager to learn and stay in touch with what is going on in this forever-changing industry of ours. I do this to keep up with, and hopefully stay ahead of, my competitors. That's why I'm amazed when I...