ICS Cleaning Specialist articles from September 2006

ICS Cleaning Specialist archives from September 2006

Bargains, bargains everywhere; What with the last year's worth of interest rate hikes, stagnant wage growth and the home-equity coffers running dry, the time has come for that most reliable of consumers to lead the shopping charge: enter the bargain hunter.(Editorial Comment)
September 1, 2006... Now, this is not the value shopper I have mentioned in previous articles. The value shopper is unafraid to spend money on quality goods and services; she just wants to be sure she is getting her money's worth. Produce a quality product and back...

Re: CRI Seal of Approval.(Letter To Editor)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Dear ICS, I have been asking some questions lately about the CRI Seal of Approval Program and how it relates to cleaners like myself. My company has been in business for 27 years. I have five truckmount carpet-cleaning machines. All my...

Re: in memoriam of John Malone.(Letter to Editor)(Letter to the editor)(Obituary)
September 1, 2006... Dear ICS, It is a very humbling experience to write about a special person of John's caliber especially when he died so young and had so much going for him in his life. John was a very spiritual person. His kindness and ability to make...

Searching for the needle in the haystack.(To Your Success)
September 1, 2006... "Amazing things happen when you make people feel valued as individuals, when you dignify their suggestions and their ideas, when you show your respect for them by allowing them to exercise their own wisdom and judgment and discretion."...

A guide to CPL insurance.
September 1, 2006... Contractors Pollution Liability was invented for hazardous waste contractors working on Superfund sites in the mid 1980s. This insurance is necessary to fill the gap in liability insurance coverage created by the Absolute Pollution Exclusion in...

Know when to fold 'em: an important part of success in the cleaning industry is to know "when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em." Occasionally, walking away from a job may be the wisest move you can make.(Carpet Cleaning Basics)
September 1, 2006... The decision to refuse a job may be based on equipment considerations, training shortfalls, manpower shortages, payment concerns or even just a "gut feeling." In cases where you don't have the equipment required to complete a job...

Enter sandman.(IEQ Q & A)
September 1, 2006... Q: I have a question about sanding as it pertains to drywall. I know that the S520 standard does not recommend this practice, but I am preparing to assist on a job where another remediator has suggested it. Specifically, he suggested...

Thermography: claims adjudication's science of the future.
September 1, 2006... Millions of dollars worth of building defect litigation is going on today, and water intrusion, which can result in mold growth, is a major issue. Infrared thermography--the non-destructive diagnostic technology that allows one to detect...

Ugh! That came out of my carpet?(The Gadget Man)
September 1, 2006... There are probably at least a few of you reading this article who currently, or have in the past, run the bucket brigade for carpet cleaning. Portable extraction machines typically need to be filled with cleaning solution and then emptied of...

The real basic skills: everywhere I travel and have occasion to converse with service-business owners, the conversation always seems to eventually wind up on the challenge of finding and hiring good people.(Building a Profitable Business)
September 1, 2006... Considering that in a cleaning and/or restoration service company labor is generally far and away the largest item on the "expenses" side of the business ledger, it's no wonder that business owners are concerned about finding, hiring and...

Stop tearing out hardwood floors!(using hardwood flooring is advantageous)
September 1, 2006... If you've read my articles before, you know that I lean toward minimally invasive drying. This article is no different: if you're a contractor who thinks he can make more money by replacing and repairing, put down the magazine and go get busy...

HydraMaster unveils new product catalog.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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)
September 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)
September 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...

Butler introduces a truckmount detergent.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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,"...

Bridgepoint releases new TES trailer.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

NCL takes on spots and stains.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

U.S Products unleashes a Torrent.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Torrent 1200-PSI Industrial Hard-Floor and Carpet Cleaner from U.S. Products features an HT Technology Triplex Plunger Pump, direct auto fill/dump feed, and dual top-mounted three-stage vacuum for improved airflow and increased water...

CleanBrain announces Pocket PC release.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... CleanBrain Software Inc. has released CleanTelligent, the company's tracking system, to Pocket PC [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CleanTelligent is a customer service and complaint-tracking program designed for the cleaning and janitorial...

Microban won't let the bedbugs bite.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Microban X-580, EPA-registered for use on mattresses, kills bedbugs and other insects using "flower power," a naturally derived insecticide, the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One application kills insects, mold, mildew, bacteria...

White Magic goes Pro.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... White Magic Inc. has released the Pro-1200HV High Vacuum Direct Carpet Cleaning System. The machine uses the same heat technology as the standard Pro-1200, but cleans at 20" Hg of vacuum lift. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system has been...

Tile-cleaning.com offers a wider horizon.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Tile-cleaning.com offers hard-surface and other cleaning specialists an opportunity to expand their businesses by using aggressive online marketing techniques to bring potential customers to its online directory, where customers search for...

Filmop dumps the bucket.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Total Mop from Filmop Srl is a bucketless microfiber mop. The Total Mop dispenser snaps onto a lightweight aluminum mop handle and holds enough cleaning solution or disinfectant to cover up to 5,000 square feet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Moldstat goes after odors.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Moldstat HVAC from Theochem Laboratories is a highly concentrated product specifically designed to eliminate foul and musty odor at their source, specifically those associated with mold; smoke; flooding; cooking; spoiling; or animals in areas...

Rasa Rejuvenator offers dyeing alternative.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Rasa Rejuvenator from Rasa Floors allows cleaning professionals the ability to offer clients an alternative to traditional carpet dyeing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The system's CarpetDressing is misted on after the carpet is cleaned...

BR Vario at home in the kitchen.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The BR Vario cylindrical floor machine from Tornado Industries "is perfect for cleaning commercial kitchen floors," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The machine features two contra-rotating brushes at each end. The technology...

Earlex introduces manual carpet shampooer.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Model 280 carpet shampooer from Earlex is not designed to replace existing electrical carpet shampooers; it is designed to be used for small spills, for upstairs, or for people with apartments or RVs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Kent Razor combines size and productivity.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Kent Razor SV17 walk-behind automatic scrubber features a 17-inch scrub deck and "easily cleans aisles and other congested areas," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SV17 comes standard with two 12-volt rechargeable gel...

NSS introduces ride-on scrubbers.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Champ ride-on auto-scrubbers from NSS are "highly maneuverable machines designed for simple, safe operation, with an open operator compartment that provides maximum forward visibility," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Champs...

Butler introduces carpet rinse.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Butler's Maximum Carpet Rinse is a "maximum performance, mildly acidic neutralizer, anionic, with a non-foaming formulation for use after wet cleaning to help stabilize dyes, prevent browning, dislodge urine residues and reduce yellowing," the...

TES causing a stir.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Thermal Energy System from Bridgepoint Systems is designed to reduce structural drying time on jobs big or small. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TES and the Reets Evaporative Method concentrates heat on the water trapped inside. The TES...

Injectidry's unveils "G" Series portable power distribution centers.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Injectidry introduces the "G" Series portable power distribution centers. Range and dryer adapters connect easily to household current, allowing an easy way to operate more equipment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The power distribution boxes...

Novozymes unveils new carpet care technology.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Novozymes Biologicals announces a new technology for the carpet care market, incorporating a surfactant system and a promicrobial package. An advanced pH-neutral formulation is harnessed to a promicrobial package selected for its ability...

Mytee adds to product line.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Mytee Products has added the Water Hog Model 4000 and an electrical converter kit to its product lineup. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Water Hog is an electric-powered power washer featuring a 1,200-psi fully adjustable pump with an EZ...

Spartan Chemical offers GS-40-certified products.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

Advolution delivers gloss and productivity.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

Enviro-Solutions unveils Portable-Pro.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The Portable-Pro foam-on/rinse-off cleaner from Enviro-Solutions "works with all Enviro-Solutions concentrate cleaners for all kinds of surface-cleaning tasks," the company said. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Enviro-Solutions,...

E Instruments introduces data logger.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The MiniLog T+RH (Temperature & Humidity) Data Logger from E Instruments is designed to meet the requirements of a multitude of service professionals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MiniLog T+RH features TRLog Software and PC interface...

Radal introduces risk-management products.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Radal Technology provides a variety of innovative sensor-based technologies for numerous markets and uses. The company's speech-messaging units, which can be programmed to verbally alert occupants of wet floors or other slip-and-fall hazards,...

Dryvex unit takes on flooded buildings.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 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...

Marketdata dissects carpet-cleaning industry.(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... Marketdata Enterprises recently completed an update of its market research analysis "The U.S. Carpet Cleaning Industry (July 2006, 4th Edition)." The report was prepared utilizing a comprehensive variety of primary and secondary information...

New tool from Maker Co. is "Handy".(Products, Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2006... The patent-pending Handy Spotting Tool from The Maker Co. has two refillable chambers for spot removers, one on either end. It also has a place for a gum-removing tool (not included), and a clip so the technician can hook the tool to his belt...

Conventions & trade shows.(Calendar of Industry Events)(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... Sept. 21-23: Connections Convention and Trade Show Las Vegas. Call (888) 881-1001 OCT. 4-7: ISSA/Interclean USA Chicago. Call (800) 225-4772 FEB. 7-9: SURFACES Las Vegas. Call (972) 536-6323 Now you can...

Wood floor cleaning and maintenance: natural, solid-wood floor coverings are in a league of their own when it comes to beauty and uniqueness. The cut of the wood and the flow of the grain give an air of elegance to any facility.(Hard Floor Maintenance Opportunities)
September 1, 2006... Even footsteps on a solid wood floor resonate with a sound like no other. Unfortunately, like all floors, they will eventually succumb to the effects of erosion and show signs of wear. The degree of erosion will be determined by the environment...

Product & Literature Guide.
September 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...

New carpet and IEQ concerns: I get calls from time to time from consumers, mostly women, and especially moms with allergy-prone children and older adults with respiratory problems, asking about new carpet installation in the homes and commercial buildings they occupy, i.e. retirement homes and day care centers.(The Inspector Knows Best)
September 1, 2006... Seems the occupants complain about perceived respiratory problems caused from the "odor" given off by the newly installed carpet. Many consumers also believe that they are in danger of an allergic reaction from exposure to the latex in the...

Mining your market niche.
September 1, 2006... Like the Forty Niners who worked the fields of California and exclaimed, "there's gold in dem dar hills," the multi-billion-dollar restoration service industry provides unlimited opportunity for success to persons who have the right combination...

Hydro-Lab holds trailer-mounted trying systems school.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Hydro-Lab played host to a first-ever trailer-mounted drying systems school at Bolden's Manufacturing in Noblesville, Ind., July 26-28. Six manufacturers--Air Quest Systems, Concepts & Designs, Stultz Air Technology, Water Out Drying Corp.,...

IAQA launches online career center.(Industry News & Information)(Indoor Air Quality Association)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... In response to increased demands by employers and recruiters, the Indoor Air Quality Association has introduced a new interactive job board called the IAQA Career Center. By visiting www.iaqa.org and clicking on "Career Center," employers...

LMCCA announces alliance with ISSA.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... The Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association recently announced an alliance partnership is now in place with the ISSA. The partnership gives the LMCCA and the ISSA "the opportunity to work together on educational issues and future research...

NCL appoints new brand manager.(Industry News & Information)(National Chemical Laboratories, Curtis L. Gregg)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... National Chemical Laboratories has appointed Curtis L. Gregg to the position of NCL brand manager. Gregg has more than 20 years' experience in the sanitary maintenance industry, and will be responsible for product and program development...

Sporicidin named Vendor of the Year.(Industry News & Information)(Sporicidin International Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Sporicidin International of Rockville, Md. recently received the Vendor of the Year Award from ServPro Industries. "Sporicidin is our No. 1 mold remediation and IAQ product for our 1,200 franchises," Gary Slagle, ServPro professional...

Air Quest back to 100 percent.(Industry News & Information)(Air Quest Systems)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Air Quest Systems has made a 100 percent recovery from storm damage sustained last year from Hurricane Katrina, the company said. The company was able to back to normal business operations within 10 days after the storm; however, it had...

ServiceMaster convention a great success.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... With ServiceMaster Clean DR Training Director Pete Duncanson looking on, IICRC Vice President of Marketing Ruth Travis presents Patti Moorman of Ames Iowa, owner of ServiceMaster of Story County, with an award recognizing her as the IICRC's...

ISSA launches health and safety Web site.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... The ISSA has created a one-of-a-kind Web network dedicated exclusively to the protection of the health and safety of workers in the cleaning industry. The site, at www.issa.com/osha, offers five topics pages, focusing on Exposure to Blood...

Butler System is now in Canada.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... The Butler Corporation recently announced that Ralph Gerhards, owner of Priority Response Marketing in Ottawa, Ontario, will be offering the Butler System and the complete line of Butler Maximum Cleaning Products for sale in Canada. ...

Mitchell promoted to president and COO at JP Maguire Associates.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... Marc Mitchell was recently promoted to president and COO of JP Maguire Associates, according to Disaster Kleenup International. Most recently the company's vice president and operations manager, Mitchell began work at JPMA in 1996 as a...

ADCO PRO CAD a HIT!(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... More than 100 carpet cleaners and restoration professionals perused equipment from manufacturers like Masterblend, BLUEline Equipment Co. and CTI at ADCO PRO'S July 28 customer appreciation day in Denver [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Disaster Relief golf tourney a smashing success.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... Able Restoration recently hosted the First Annual Disaster Relief Golf Tournament to benefit the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, Southeast Area to rousing success, grossing more than $23,000. "The reception we received here today...

Carpet Complete, Quick-Spot gain CRI Seal of Approval.(Industry News & Information)(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... EnvirOx's Carpet Complete Carpet Cleaner and Quick-Spot Carpet Spot Remover hydrogen peroxide-based carpet cleaning products have be awarded the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval, "signifying their effectiveness in removing difficult...

Host manufacturer announces Green Seal sponsorship.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... Racine Industries recently announced its sponsorship of Green Seal Inc.'s Cleaning Service Standard. "At Racine Industries, we are dedicated to contributing to a cleaner environment inside and out," Racine President and CEO Quentin Rench...

Vaportek publishes new product guide.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Vaportek's new 15-page Product Guide is designed in a unique format that mimics a comic book. Intended to convey "an image of powerful, effective odor-control products, as well as point to the environmental friendliness of the Vaportek line,"...

More Floods moves to new facility.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... More Floods, Inc., has moved into a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Lenexa, Ks. The new facility will serve as both warehouse and headquarters for More Floods and Power Dry, More Floods' water damage company. "The rapid growth of More...

IICRC hosting S500 workshops.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification has begun hosting a series of one-day workshops across the United States designed to review and teach the extensive updates and information in the new ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard...

Prochem earns CRI Gold Seal of Approval.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... Prochem's Everest truckmount, utilizing Axiom Clean Pre-Spray and Detergent and Axiom Clean Pre-Spray and Free Rinse, has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute, signifying that it meets the highest standards for...

U.S. Products extractor receives CRI Gold Seal of Approval.(Industry News & Information)(Carpet and Rug Institute)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Agitator 20 low-moisture carpet extractor from U.S. Products was recently awarded the Carpet and Rug Institute's Gold Seal of Approval for Deep Cleaning Systems--the top designation given to cleaning systems that demonstrate the highest...

Jon-Don opens lucky No. 7.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Despite the flirtations of a small tropical storm, Jon-Don's recent opening of a new St. Petersburg, Fla. location went off without a hitch. "We had a building to retrofit and a tropical storm breezed through just as we were putting the...

BNP Media launches Site Prep magazine.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... BNP Media, the parent company of ICS Cleaning Specialist, recently announced the launch of Site Prep magazine, a supplemental publication written for professionals involved with construction site preparation, including...

Magic Wand opens new distribution center.(Industry News & Information)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Magic Wand Co. has opened its South Central Distribution Center in Denton, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. With this new location, Magic Wand "will reach nearly all its customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and the larger surrounding cities in Louisiana,...

Top speakers, experts on tap for Dri-Eaz Symposium.(Industry News & Information)
September 1, 2006... Dri-Eaz and the Connections Convention and Tradeshow are pairing up for the largest restorative drying event ever. On Sept. 20-21, Dri-Eaz will host the Restorative Drying Symposium at the Las Vegas Hilton, bringing world-renowned speakers and...