ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from September 2005

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from September 2005

Still has that new-car smell: it would be quite difficult, if not impossible, to dispute the idea that ICS Cleaning Specialist holds up the Connections Events in something of a, um ... positive light.(Editorial Comment)
September 1, 2005... Yes, we clamor and clang, we rant and rave, we shout from the rooftops and swing from the rafters in total, complete, 100 percent support of the Connections Conference and Exhibition down in Florida and the Connections Convention and Trade Show...

Oh, to do it all over again ... part II.(To Your Success)(Editorial)
September 1, 2005... "You choose, you live the consequences. Every yes, every no, every maybe, creates the school you call your personal experience." --Richard Bach I've never claimed to be real smart. However, I am very stubborn. In fact, I credit much of...

A restoration contractor's guide to Contractors Pollution Liability insurance.
September 1, 2005... The introduction of universal mold exclusions in 2003 created significant gaps in insurance coverage for restoration contractors and their customers. To fill this new gap in insurance coverage, restoration contractors are being asked to provide...

Is it dry?(Free from Moisture)
September 1, 2005... The well-trained restorer knows that a project is complete when the customers are satisfied, the structure and contents are clean, odors are normal, and the affected materials are dry. A vital question, therefore, is, "What does dry mean?" ...

Handling customer complaints: you've done everything right: bought the very best equipment, taken the necessary IICRC classes, and selected the proper chemicals for the various jobs you perform.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
September 1, 2005... You also have a couple of years' experience under your belt and a lengthy list of satisfied customers that keep you busy. Then one day a small, hardly noticeable problem with your machine results in a light-colored olefin Berber being left a...

Myths, fables and facts about vacuum systems.
September 1, 2005... Never has any subject in the industry been discussed as much, and understood as little, as vacuum systems and how they affect carpet cleaning. It is no wonder that confusion reigns when you really study the often-misunderstood complexity of...

Biocides and antimicrobials.(Interview)
September 1, 2005... Q:: Why is it that people sometimes refer to the chemicals used to kill mold and bacteria as biocides, and at other time antimicrobials? I thought that there was a difference between the two. A: The IICRC S500 Standard and Reference Guide...

Maintaining engineered wood flooring: wood flooring has been making a dynamic surge in the floor covering market for the past 10 years.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
September 1, 2005... A sub-class, engineered wood, is cropping up in many different environments: residential, commercial, retail and more. As a result, the floor maintenance technician can expect to be required to clean and maintain these floors. Engineered...

Water Out unveils new super dryer.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The YD9000 Super Dryer from Water Out was unveiled at the company's annual convention on Marco Island, Fla. A self-contained 9,000 CFM super dryer, the YD9000 sits on a 30-foot trailer. It has its own generator and fuel supply, providing...

U.S. Products takes on floods.(Products)
September 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 a pact with El Diablo.(Products)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

Calendar of industry events.(Calendar)
September 1, 2005... Conventions & Trade Shows SEPT. 23 - 25: CONNECTIONS CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001 OCT. 17-21: INFRAMATION 2005 Las Vegas. Call (866) 477-3687 OCT. 18 - 21: ISSA/INTERCLEAN 2005...

Sterifab labeled for upholstery and more.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Sterifab is "the accepted protocol for mattresses, upholstered furniture, wheelchairs, hospital beds, gym mats, carpets," and more according to the company. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Available in pints, gallons and 5-gallon containers,...

U.S. Products crowns a king.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The Ace TurboDryer from U.S. Products is the "King of Air when it comes to air movers, carpet dryers and ventilators," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ace features airflow tested at 2,000 CFM and a low amp draw of 1.5...

Jordan David introduces Spiderz.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Spiderz Over-The-Shoe High Traction Footwear from Jordan David is designed "to provide superior slip resistance in virtually all slick conditions, from water and oil to grease and animal fats," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

ProTeam offers near-HEPA filtration at lower cost.(Products)
September 1, 2005... ProTeam's Backpack Vacuum High Filtration Disc "approximates HEPA-type filtration at a fraction of the cost," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to ProTeam, the disc operates at almost the same efficiency as HEPA...

Eliminating paperwork in HindSite.(Products)
September 1, 2005... HindSite Software is a business management tool designed to eliminate the traditional paper work order, and increase professionalism and consistency in the field, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HindSite allows the technician...

Betco adds dual-motor vacs to lineup.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The DM1400T and DM1800T are the two newest additions to Betco's equipment line. Both dual-motor upright vacuums--one with a 14-inch cleaning path and one with an 18-inch path--offer an onboard tool kit that includes a telescoping wand for...

Aqua Mix removes the efflorescence.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Eff-Ex from Aqua Mix is an efflorescence remover "made possible through Aqua Mix's breakthrough EX-2 technology," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A non-toxic, non-flammable, heavy-duty cleaners designed as an alternative to...

Kent simplifies wide-area, multi-surface cleaning.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The Blue 32 walk-behind battery-powered sweeper from Kent is "self-propelled to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity, and versatile for cleaning both hard-floor surfaces and carpets," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Interlink offers restoration supplies.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Interlink Supply offers a wide variety of equipment and accessories for restoration work. The Dust Mask is "essential in reducing exposure to particulate matter found in many restoration and cleaning situations, the company said, and are...

ProBlast takes aim at coatings.(Products)
September 1, 2005... ProBlast's Coating Removal System sports a user-friendly design to give the operator total control at the nozzle. The stainless steel blast pot and system was designed and tested by blasting professionals, is now available to all contractors....

Spartan introduces the AquaSport program.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The AquaSport Waterborne Wood Floor Care Program from Spartan Chemical consists of five products developed to meet VOC regulation guidelines in all 50 states, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The AquaSport brochure provides a...

Bridgepoint offers restoration cleaning solution.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Hard Power from Bridgepoint Systems is "a hard-hitting, general purpose restoration cleaner designed to penetrate the worst soil and grease on almost any surface," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Formulated for fire and flood...

Butler goes for maximum effect.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Maximum Liquid Enzyme from Butler is "an exclusive, concentrated, maximum performance pretreatment in an easy-to-use liquid that instantly dilutes with water to penetrate, break down, digest and decompose caked-on proteins, fats, oils, starches...

Manual teaches small-contents restoration.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Omegasonics has introduced its Ultrasonic Fire Restoration Procedures Manual specifically for the fire- and water-restoration industry. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The manual has detailed instructions for cleaning "virtually every type of...

Kleenrite gives you an Edge.(Products)
September 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 liquid-chemical metering and more....

IR camera now available for rent.(Products)
September 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...

AquaStar introduces the Dusterator.(Products)
September 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...

Benefect line gets new Carpet pre-spray.(Products)
September 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...

ICEsonic takes aim and blasts away.(Products)
September 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. ...

Studebaker takes a test drive.(Products)
September 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...

Full Circle Chemical introduces traffic lane cleaner.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Full Circle Chemical introduces Accelerate, a new traffic lane cleaner that the company said, "works wonders on residential applications and is safe for fifth generation carpets." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 1:32 dilution rate makes...

JWC unveils its latest wand.(Products)
September 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...

Scot Labs introduces FoamDry SR.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Scot Laboratories introduces Scot's TUFF FoamDry SR Encapsulating Brush & Bonnet Cleaner with StainResist. Blending detergents, emulsifiers and advanced polymers to remove dirt, eliminate soil-attracting residues and minimize wicking, FoamDry...

Insurance Co. offers Workers' Comp Program and more.(Products)
September 1, 2005... The Jordan Company Insurance Professionals is offering the Exclusive Carpet Cleaning Workers' Compensation Program, as well as an automobile policy that the company says, "will insure your truck mounted equipment," and a General Liability...

Pullman-Holt system holds some attraction.(Products)
September 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...

Westpak USA sees the "Shape of the Future".
September 1, 2005... The "Shape of the Future" is the theme of a new catalog introduced by Westpak USA. The catalog reviews the company's product offerings by section, each of which is color-coded, and features easy-to-find part numbers. The catalog also...

Intellibot debuts robotic vacuum.(Products)
September 1, 2005... Intellibot Robotics LLC is set to launch the IV 800 vacuum, the company's latest robotic floor care product introduction, following on the heels of the IS 800 scrubber. The IV 800 Intelligent Vacuum is designed specifically for carpeted...

Tornado vacuum makes points in study hall.(Products)
September 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...

Credentials: the term "credential" is defined in my dictionary as, "that which entitles one to confidence, credit, or authority. "It is based on the same Latin root as "credible," which is defined as "capable of being believed, worthy of confidence, reliable.".
September 1, 2005... This whole concept of credibility. and credentials has become a major issue in the cleaning and restoration service industry. Consumers, insurance companies, and even government agencies are asking more than ever before for standardized,...

BNP Media lends many hands to Habitat For Humanity build.
September 1, 2005... Habitat For Humanity International's motto is "A hand up, not a hand out." Dozens of employees lent their hands--and hearts--to build BNP Media-sponsored House #20, one of 31 houses dedicated June 24 as part of HFHI's Jimmy Carter Work Project...

A CAD to remember: a cad is defined as an ungentlemanly man, a label no carpet cleaner wants to be stuck with. But the CAD, or Customer Appreciation Day, is one of the professional's best tools. Product demonstrations, food, games, and a general atmosphere of fun help reaffirm the cleaner-supplier relationship.(Focus on Chemicals)
September 1, 2005... I was lucky enough to be able to attend a CAD thrown by Dennis Iverson, owner of A&I Services in Santee, Calif. I was privy to witness an event that required planning above and beyond what I thought it would take for what seems little more, on...

Commercial carpet cleaning conundrum--part 1: the Carpet and Rug Institute commissioned a survey of residential and commercial consumer attitudes toward carpet. Know what they found?
September 1, 2005... Given a choice, and money being no object, 41 percent of residential consumers would opt for wood flooring in their homes. Pretty alarming. However, there is hope for carpet manufacturers and cleaners alike, since most of those wood floors are...

Is it hot or is it not? Change is inevitable. I remember the first air mover I ever saw. It consisted of an old furnace blower and motor with some sheet metal, all screwed together.(Gordon Hanks, Bridgepoint Systems)
September 1, 2005... When I first started doing water-damage restoration 30 years ago--flood sucking in those days--the only tools we used to ascertain the level of damage were our tennis shoes. If the socks inside our shoes got wet, we knew it was a pretty wet...

When to say "No Thank You": while good, competent cleaners never want to turn away or decline a job, there comes a time in every business when it makes good sense to do just that.(Notes from the Trenches)
September 1, 2005... A professional never wants to admit he or she may be 'out of their league' but even the most experienced vet can find themselves in that situation. Many years ago while I finishing up a large carpet-cleaning job, the homeowner asked me if I had...

XTREME open house hits on all cylinders.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The XTREME OPEN HOUSE XTRAVAGANZA held in Noblesville, Ind., July 16, saw stormy skies and the occasional downpour, but good preparation, high spirits and two really big tents kept the party in high gear. Tours of the new XTREME TEAM...

Dri-Eaz dedicates facility to Myers.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Dri-Eaz officially named its education center in Nashville, Tenn., the James C. Myers Education Center "in honor of Jim's steadfast commitment to advancing education within the restoration industry," the company said. Myers died May 4 of...

ProTeam announces new president, COO.(Industry)
September 1, 2005... ProTeam announces that Matthew M. Wood has been hired as president and chief operating officer for the company. Wood will oversee the daily sales and operations of the Boise, Id.-based vacuum manufacturer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wood...

Jon-Don throwing multiple CADs.(Customer Appreciation Days )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Jon-Don is putting together Customer Appreciation Days at three of its locations across the country. According to Jon-Don, the CAD "celebrates their dedication to their customers in an event celebrating what is most important to the company......

DKI hires national sales director.(Industry)
September 1, 2005... Disaster Kleenup International, Inc., has hired Joseph Caroccio as its new national sales director to spearhead the company's sales efforts nationally. "We are delighted to add an individual with Joe's industry experience and relationships...

SCRT announces scholarship program.(Industry)
September 1, 2005... The Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians now offers its "Regular Member" companies a scholarship opportunity designed to help advance training and education for company owners and staff. $500 per quarter will be awarded in...

Scot Labs approved as Interlink vendor.(Industry)
September 1, 2005... Scot Labs has been approved as an Interlink Supply Network vendor. The company offers a full line of carpet care products "specifically formulated for the performance needs of professional carpet cleaners," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION...

ARCP to host convention at ISSA.(Association of Residential Cleaning Professionals)(International Slurry Surfacing Association )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Association of Residential Cleaning Professionals will host its second national ARCP Convention and Educational Conference in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN Las Vegas 2005, Oct. 18-21, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. "We are...

New insurance package available to IICRC-certified firms.(Industry)
September 1, 2005... The IICRC Board of Directors has approved an IICRC/ARMRN-sponsored insurance program for qualified IICRC-certified firms. The new opportunity is intended to help restoration contractors address their new insurance needs. The American Risk...

Violand holds successful Management Summit.(Violand Management Associates)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Violand Management Associates' Executive Summit in Canton, Ohio, June 23-24, provided the owners of cleaning and restoration companies "the same executive-level, hard-hitting training that Fortune 500 companies enjoy, but geared to small...

New Advisory Board for Ashkin Group.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... The Ashkin Group, LLC, announces the formation of a new Health and Environmental Advisory Board. The board will help the group broaden its focus into other fields and industries while remaining true to its original goals and mission--advocating...

Morantz holding bi-annual Seminar in Atlantic City.(Industry)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Morantz Ultrasonics will hold its bi-annual Firesonics Seminar at The Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ, Nov. 14-15. Attendees will learn how to ultrasonically clean electronics, antiques, collectibles and more. Pricing, packouts,...

Apprentice training now a reality for the IICRC: the IICRC is in the process of implementing another groundbreaking move to help firms further along the educational trail with the introduction of the IICRC apprentice training program.(IICRC President's Corner)
September 1, 2005... Past IICRC President, IICRC instructor, and long-time advocate of entry level/basic skills training Mike West said, "Getting staff and newly hired people involved in your firm's training or certification system builds career-minded employees."...

HydraMaster corporation.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... HydraMaster's CDS[TM] System Improved HydraMaster has announced the mid-year release of a package of improvements and refinements designed to enhance the reliability and performance of their popular CDS Direct-Drive truckmount systems. Included...

Butler corporation.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... The Butler System is available in a cube van for carpet cleaners and disaster restoration contractors who require a spacious cargo area to conveniently organize and transport additional hoses, dehumidifiers, air movers and other related...

Spartan Chemical Company.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... Spartan Chemical Company Inc., announces the introduction of AquaSport, waterborne wood floor care products that meet VOC regulation guidelines in all 50 states now and for the future. AquaSport consists of: * AquaSport Wood Floor Finish...

Cleanco Truckmounts new for 2005.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... Cleanco Truckmounts have expanded their vehicle install specifications to meet the growing demand for direct drive reliability in larger payload trucks. The Cleanco Compact can now be installed into diesel powered General Motors W-Series and...

Rotovac.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... 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...

Meyer & Sons, Inc.(Product & Literature Guide)
September 1, 2005... Earn attractive profits in a fast growing market. Air duct cleaning is one of the fastest growing segments of the indoor air quality industry. Everyone from homeowners to building managers quickly realizes the importance of healthier indoor...

Vehicle of the month.(Brief Article)
September 1, 2005... Name: James Clark Company Name: Modern Power Vac Furnace Cleaning Address: #4, 16327 - 130 Avenue City: Edmonton State: Alberta, Canada Zip: T5V 1K5 Phone: (780) 475-6484 Vehicle Make/Model/Year: 2004 Ford F350...