Duraclean Journal of Marketing, Management and Technical Topics

The Certified “S” model pile brush has a 4.5” diameter reel type brush with either tampico (natural) or nylon bristles. For most applications the tampico brush is the best since it is more dense than the nylon brush and is more aggressive in debris removal. The nylon bristle can withstand moisture and there are some cleaners that use the pile to work in presprays into the carpet prior to cleaning or for grooming the carpet after cleaning. NOTE: In both of these applications the vacuum is not running.

The reel brush is self-leveling so the depth of brushing varies based on the height of the pile.

Brush options: tampico or nylon

It gets down to the base of the carpet fibers to break up any caked, embedded soils and dry particulate matter which are then swept into the sand trap area of the pile brush.

Underside of Certified pile brush showing the tampico reel brush (top) and the sand trap (bottom)

The sand trap is used to hold the heavy, extracted particles such as:

• Pebbles
• Paper Clips
• Sand
• Tacks

The vacuum motor is located in the pile brush head so it’s close to the carpet and maximizes the removal of the smaller, lighter particles which are deposited into the vacuum bag.

Vacuum motor is the dome shaped component on the right side of the pile brush unit's head (facing you) - the brush drive motor is on your left

Benefits of Pile Brush Use
What the Certified “S” Pile Brush can do is to:

• Improve indoor air quality.
• Enhance the performance of cleaning solutions.
• Help remove traffic pattern area.
• Restore breathability back into the carpet.
• Break up and remove deeply embedded soil in the carpet.
• Add life to commercial or residential carpet.
• Groom the nap.

Following are three photos showing a typical cycle of looped commercial type carpet. The first shows brand new carpet where the pile is uniform, undistorted and has a lot of breathability.

Carpet after 12 months of foot traffic

The third photo shows the restoration of the carpet pile after the use of a pile brush which makes the pile appear to be more uniform through the brushing, sweeping and vacuuming action. The appearance is greatly improved.

Carpet after pile brushing

Third Party Endorsement of Pile Lifting
The 1998 Building Service Contractors Association (BSCAI) Carpet Guide (still available in print) says that “The pile brush type vacuum will remove deeply embedded soil, and open up a nap more than a regular, lightweight vacuum. Usually, a pile brush machine will be used weekly on traffic lanes, monthly on all carpeted areas, and always just before any cleaning process. The pile brush vacuum is a dual purpose machine because it is used both to maintain commercial carpet and to clean.”

Note the lifted fibers in front of the pile brush

Shaw Industries, one of the leading manufacturers of carpet says, “Using a pile lifter in traffic lanes just prior to cleaning will remove the deeply embedded soil and open up the pile so the hot water extraction can be more effective. After using a pile lifter, the final step…will be less difficult.” Additionally, Shaw’s recommendation specifies “Use a pile lifter…in high traffic areas.” Shaw’s description of a pile brush fits the Certified “S” Model Pile Brush perfectly. It is “an upright two motor vacuum with a large, adjustable, gentle brush with a motor, a high suction vacuum motor, and a sand trap.”

Use of the Pile Lifter
Suggested areas of use:

• Traffic lanes and heavy pivot areas in hallways and in front of reception areas.
• Entrances into buildings.
• Elevator areas.

Frequencies of use:

• Always the first step in restorative cleaning.
• Minimum of once a week. More frequently with heavy foot traffic and wear.

Ordering Information

To order the Certified "S" Model Pile Brush go to: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=8400

Labels: Carpet Cleaning, Equipment, Technical

Now Available - Low Cost Limited Accident & Sickness Insurance






An Affordable Alternative to Traditional Major Medical Guarantee Issue With No Medical Evidence Required!



Features:

• Guarantee issue for eligible employees & dependents


• No participation requirements


• First dollar coverage - no deductible or coinsurance


• Includes PPO Access - No penalties for using non-network providers


• Employer determines class(es) of eligible employees


• No coordination of benefits


• 6 month pre-existing condition limitation - applies to hospital and surgery benefits only


• Benefits are assignable


• Employer cost can be as affordable as $29.50 per employee per month

Benefits

• Physician Office Visit


• Diagnostic Testing


• Hospitalization


• Surgery-inpatient & Outpatient


• Anesthesia


• Prescription Drug Discounts


• Insured Generic Drug Coverage Available


• Accident Medical Expense


• Emergency Room


• Rehabilitation Facilities


• Wellness Benefits


• Maternity Included


• AD & D


• Vision Care


• 24 Hour Nurse Hotline


• Optional Dental Plan Available

To obtain information on the Limited Accident & Sickness Insurance Plan, contact Mass Marketing Insurance Consultants, Inc. (MMIC).

Toll Free Phone: 1-800-349-1039

Toll Free Fax: 1-877-349-0105

E-mail: quotes@mmicinsurance.com

Labels: Announcements, Insurance, Medical

Surviving the Winter with Prevention and Proper Action

The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR that deals with considerations in regard to working in cold weather. With record or near record low temperatures across the U.S. it's important to prevent exposure. You also need to know the signs of exposure and how to handle situations if they occur.

Adverse Health Effects
Working in a cold weather environment can result in adverse health effects on human performance and health. These may include:

• Thermal discomfort


• Increased strain


• Decreased performance


• Cold-related diseases


• Injuries

Cold can also affect several other factors in the workplace regarding the modification or aggravation of the risk of common hazards and increasing the risk of cold-associated injuries. Two of the more extreme dangers of prolonged work in cold environments are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is a severe reaction that the skin has to cold and can lead to permanently damaging fingers, toes, the nose and ear lobes. The symptoms of frostbite are:

• Loss of feeling (numbness)


• Whitish skin


• Occasional blisters

If medical help is not readily available the recommended treatment is to slowly re-warm the affected areas. That should be done by rubbing them with your hands or use a heat source, not to soak then in hot water.

Hypothermia occurs when the body becomes cold and the body's core temperature is below 95 degrees F. Symptoms include:

• Uncontrollable shivering


• Drowsiness


• Disorientation


• Slurred speech


• Exhaustion

Workers suffering from this exposure should be kept as warm as possible until medical help arrives. If body temperature is allowed to continue to drop, unconsciousness or even heart failure may occur. The recommended procedure is to start to warm up the torso first and the follow with the arms and legs. Get the person into dry clothing if possible. Hypothermia victims should not be given any alcohol, hot beverages or food.

More information on frostbite and hypothermia follow.

Guarding Against Exposure
Whether your employees are working indoors or outdoors your employees need to be aware of the hazards that are associated with exposure to heat and cold in addition to how to guard against those problems and recognize the symptoms of distress. There is the fact that there are some individual tolerances that vary with temperature extremes. But without adequate precautions there comes a point when anyone can become ill and that could lead to serious or even fatal results from a failure to recognize these hazards.

As an employer your responsibility is to see that normal working conditions don't put your employees' health at risk. There are times when working conditions are less than ideal such as doing repair work in bad weather, working in confined spaces and high heat areas such as crawlspaces and attics, and so on. When you can't change or control conditions then the next best option is to inform the workers how to protect themselves from uncomfortable or dangerous temperatures.

When considering safety and health training the key points to bring out are hazard recognition, hazard protection and procedures to follow in the case of exposure.



Generating Checklists

Safety experts BLR (http://www.blr.com/) recommend that you consider checklists that cover how to:

Prevent problems:

• Limit the exposure to cold, especially when the weather is windy or humid.


• Show extra caution if the employee is elderly, overweight, has allergies or poor circulation.


• Be especially aware if the employee smokes, drinks or takes medication.


• Be aware that problems can still arise in above-freezing temperature conditions.


• Be aware that problems can arise when touching a subfreezing object.


• Before going into the cold avoid bathing, smoking or drinking alcohol.

Wear layers of loose, dry clothing:

• Wear cotton or wool underlayers.


• Wear a waterproof top layer.


• Make sure to cover head, hands, feet and face.


• Dry or change out wet clothing immediately.


• Keep moving in the cold.


• Take regular breaks in heated areas.


• Move to a warm area when feeling very cold or numb.


• Drink a warm nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverage.

Know symptoms of frostbite:

• Feeling uncomfortably cold.


• Feeling numb.


• Feeling tingly, aching or brief pain.


• Skin color changing from white to grayish yellow to reddish violet to black.


• Skin blisters.


• Unconsciousness.

Acting quickly when frostbite strikes:

• Get medical attention.


• Don't rub body part or apply heat lamp or hot water bottles.


• Don't go near a hot stove.


• Don't break blisters.


• Warm frozen body part(s) quickly with sheets or blankets or warm (not hot) water.


• Exercise warmed body part(s) but don't walk on feet if they are the affected body parts.


• Elevate frozen body part(s) and cover with sterile cloths before moving.

Know symptoms of hypothermia:

• Feeling cold.


• Pain in extremities.


• Shivering.


• Numbness and/or stiffness.


• Poor coordination.


• Drowsiness.


• Slow or irregular breathing or heart rate.


• Slurred speech.


• Cool skin.


• Puffy face.


• Disorientation.


• Apathy.

Act quickly when hypothermia strikes:

• Call for medical help.


• Give victim artificial respiration if needed.


• Move victim into a warm area.


• Get victim out of frozen, wet or tight clothing.


• Bundle victim in warm clothes or blankets.


• Have victim drink something warm (no caffeine or alcohol).

Labels: Cold Weather, Personnel, Safety Compliance, Safety Management

#9384 Wand Kit for Spraymaster IV (and II & III)

The kit has two different "wand" lengths that can be inserted into the trigger valve quick-connect. One is a short assembly that can be used for upholstery applications. The fact that it is so short allows the user to get into tight space situations which is ideal for automobile and trucks, especially when trying to treat the carpets. The short wand assembly is also convenient for stair applications of soil releasers and topical treatments. The 23" long wand is just the right length for carpet applications.

The wand assembly may also be used for dry solvent-based product applications such as for Durashield SB and Soil Releaser SB (formerly "Heavy Duty Soil Releaser").



NOTE: Dry solvent-based products may only be used in Spraymaster III and IV cabinets. The Spraymaster II's pump is only compatible with water-based products.




The spray wand kit includes:

• Trigger valve with Viton female quick-connect and various hardware for connection to the convenient 10 ft. (extended length) self-coiling solution hose.


• Upholstery nozzle "wand" insert with 50015 Teejet.


• 23" long stainless steel carpet wand extension with 8004 Teejet.

NOTE: The kit does not include any modifications/hardware that you will need to make to connect it to the cabinet of your choice.

The kit costs $132.00. You can order through our product catalog at: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=9384

#1135 Durashield Plus

Durashield Plus is now available for purchase and has been improved. The improvement is the result of a search to find a replacement for the component that makes Durashield Plus so unique in regard to freeze/thaw performance. The original component first was unavailable for a period of several months and once it did become available again the cost of it increased significantly.

In regard to those two issues Duraclean did not want to sell its franchise system a product (Durashield Plus) that would not be able to survive freeze/thaw cycles without the component which would have then added $15.00-$20.00 to the price of a gallon! In response Duraclean and our product formulator worked in conjunction to find a replacement component that would provide the proper freeze/thaw characteristics and be at least equal in soil/stain protection performance to the original formulation. After a series of investigations we were finally able to accomplish that and keep down the product cost.

Initial tests conducted show that we have met those product standards. In fact, the freeze/thaw performance exceeds what we anticipated. Before the original product would separate upon freezing but then would go back into solution once it was thawed and shaken. The revised product doesn't separate at all upon freezing and thawing. Soil and stain tests to date show at least an equal performance in regard to fiber protection.

To order Durashield Plus you can go directly to our product catalog at: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=1135-1

Labels: Durashield, Durashield Plus, Soil and Stain Repellents, Teflon

Employers Must Pay for PPE...Sometimes








The following article is a condensation of the "Safety News Alert" newsletter regarding the OSHA rule that took effect on February 13, 2008 that requires employers to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) for their employees.


Major Provisions to the Rule

When you have regulations covering such a broad and complex area, the "employer pays" PPE is rife with exceptions and clarifications. OSHA adopted the rule to clarify that under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act employers are responsible for provide (at no cost to their employees) the PPE as required by OSHA standards to protect the employees from workplace injury and death. The rule which employers were required to implement no later than May 15, 2008 does not require them to provide PPE where non had been required before. The final rule may be found at: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=20094&p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER



The PPE payment provisions apply to most private sector workplaces. There are 21 states that are approved by OSHA to administer their own safety and health rules for private sector workplaces and additional 3 states administer OSHA-approved regulatory programs for public sector workplaces only.


What PPE is Covered?

Employers must pay for PPE whenever an OSHA rule explicitly requires that employers must provide and pay for PPE, for example, respiratory and noise protection. Employers must pay for the following types of PPE when used by employees exclusively for in the workplace. You can find even more at http://www.safety.blr.com/:

• Electrical protection: electrically insulated tools, rubber insulating gloves
• Chemical protection: chemical resistant gloves/aprons/clothing, encapsulating chemical protective suits
• Foot protection: metatarsal foot protection, rubber boots with steel toes, shoe covers-toe caps and metatarsal guards
• Eye and face protection: nonprescription eye protection, prescription eyewear inserts/lenses for full-face respirators, goggles, face shields, laser safety goggles
• Head protection: bump caps, hard hats
• Hearing protection
• Hand/arm body protection: non specialty gloves (payment is required for PPE to protect from dermatitis, severe cuts/abrasions; payment is not required if they are only for keeping clean or for cold weather with no site-specific hazard consideration)
• Respiratory protection
• Skin protection: barrier creams (unless used solely for weather-related protection)
• Fall protection: ladder safety device belts, window cleaner's safety straps

Exempt PPE

Employers are not required to pay for the following that are not worn exclusively by the employees for protection from hazards:

• Nonspecialty safety-toe protective footwear (provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off of the jobsite): steel-toe shoes, steel-toe boots
• Nonspecialty prescription safety eyewear (provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off of the jobsite)
• Everyday clothing: long-sleeved shirts, long pants, street shoes, normal work boots
• Ordinary clothing and skin creams used solely for protection from the weather: winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, sunscreen
• Back belts
• Dust masks and respirators worn under the voluntary-use provisions of the PPE standard
• Uniforms that are not PPE
• Items worn to keep clean for purposes not related to safety or health
• PPE already owned and used voluntarily by the employee

PPE Selection

The new rule does not require employers to provide a selection of PPE from which the employees may choose their equipment other than the existing requirements in the respirator and noise standards.

Labels: PPE, Safety Compliance, Technical

The fibers in STAINMASTER brand carpet are different. They are created for beauty and performance. Made from nylon 6,6 which has unique molecular structure STAINMASTER carpet fiber is fuller, more resistant to crushing, less likely to to snag or unravel, repellent to stains and dirt and is long lasting. To further protect these multidimensional fibers from soils and stains fiber producer Invista discovered that the unique self-cleaning quality that the leaves of the lotus flower exhibit would be their inspiration for the newest technology.

Lotus Flower

By mimicking the lotus leaf's ability to prevent soil particles from sticking to its surface, Invista's specially designed LotusFX Fiber Shield technology makes it difficult for soil to stick to the carpet fibers, helping to keep STAINMASTER carpets cleaner longer. Invista claims up to 30% cleaner than other carpets based on testing of carpets of comparable construction, styles and colors. Invista is also able to use 75% less fluorinated polymer since the new chemistry improves upon the efficiency of the fluorine compounds.

A computer graphic of a lotus leaf surface showing droplet and particle suspension

With LotusFX Fiber Shield technology most liquid spills bead up on the carpet fiber's surface making it difficult for them to penetrate. This technology works to make STAINMASTER carpets easier to maintain and allows them to keep their stylish beauty. Depending upon the carpet manufacturer, the wear warranty on STAINMASTER carpet is anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Its stain and soil warranty lasts between 7 and 15 years. Invista claims that this treatment in addition to the STAINMASTER fiber allows the carpet to last up to 50% longer.

LotusFX cut-pile carpet example

Following is a link to consumer maintenance of STAINMASTER carpet: http://www.stainmaster.com/carpet-care/carpet_maintenance.jsp

Note the recommended cleaning interval of the carpet. Think about that in your marketing efforts in cleaning in addition to the fact that you have a CRI "Seal of Approval" carpet cleaning product in our Fiber-One: http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial-customers/cleaning-and-maintenance/seal-of-approval-products/cleaning-solutions-list.cfm?product_type=0&manuf_id=0

Labels: Soil and Stain Repellents, Stainmaster, Technical, Teflon

Labels: Personnel, PPE, Safety Compliance

Selling Used Equipment Through This Journal






You can now sell your used equipment through this Duraclean Journal. All that you need to do is contact Bill Ondratschek through his e-mail at billo@duraclean.com. When you want to sell an item you should specify:

Labels: For Sale, Used Equipment

Good Deal on a Hydramaster Truck Mount





Joe Bartz of Belvidere, IL is selling his truck mount. Following is his description, price and contact information:

• 2005 Chevy extended white cargo van with 2005 4.8 CDS with Salsa package.
• 961 hrs on truck mount
• 43467 miles on truck
• 2” trailer hitch with 7-way wiring
• Back up alarm
• Keyless run
• 110 gal. fresh water tank
• 90 gal. waste tank
• Electric vac hose reel
• Live solution hose reel
• Shelf for air movers
• Shelf for chemicals
• Glass in side swing doors
• Glass in rear doors
• 200’ 2” vac hose…blue
• 200’ solution hose…blue

No wand or stair tool is part of the sale.

Everything is in excellent shape.

$ 26,900.00 OBO

Contact Joe Bartz at: 815-544-9244 or jbartz@duraclean.us

Note: all sales, remaining equipment manufacturer warranties, product claims are strictly between the seller and the buyer. Duraclean International has no involvement or responsibility in these transactions.

Labels: For Sale, Truck Mount, Used Equipment

Hydramaster Hydranotes

The following are service suggestions from Hydramaster which can be applicable to a wide variety of truck mount brands and models.

Rough Running Motor

When diagnosing an engine that is running rough or appears to be under powered, one of many possibilities is that one of the cylinders may not be firing correctly. While this could be either an electrical problem or a mechanical issue, there are a couple of quick and easy ways to find out which cylinder is not firing.

The first method is to remove the spark plug wires one at a time while the engine is running. While the machine is at idle or low speed, you should observe a change in speed when the wire is removed from the cylinder that is firing properly. Before moving onto the next cylinder, reattach the previous plug wire. If a plug wire is pulled and nothing changes, then that cylinder is not functioning properly.

The second method is using a handheld infrared thermometer. One with a laser pointer on it works best as they are easier to aim. Point it at the surface of the head directly adjacent to the spark plug of each cylinder. The temperature should be equal on all cylinders if they are working properly. If you find one that is running cooler than that one should be the culprit. Now that you know which one is not working, you will be able to investigate why the cylinder is not firing. This could be due to lack of spark, fuel, or compression. Each of these items will need to be checked individually. This can be done with 2, 3 or 4 cylinder engines.

Blower Daily Lubrication

There is always confusion on how to lubricate the blower on a daily basis. Use the following to ensure proper blower life:

• Place the machine under a full vacuum load - (use the top surface of a cap from a lube can).


• Spray your lube into the lube opening for 5 to 7 seconds.


• Allow the bl0wer to run an additional minimum of 2 minutes under load. This allows the lubricant to be pulled into the blower to lubricate the lobes and case.


• Use Penzguard Z7 or equivalent. WD-40 is now an acceptable lubricant per Tuthill.

Blower Maintenance

The workhorse of a truck mount carpet cleaning machine is probably the vacuum pump (or as it is better known, the blower). However, even with knowing that this is very critical part of the machine, it is one of the most abused - because of the lack of regular and proper maintenance. On blowers that have oil baths on both ends it is easy to remember to change both at the same time. On blowers that have an oil bath on one end and grease fittings on the other, the service interval may be different. Check the manual for the blower to be sure. Also, remember that only 2 or 3 pumps or until you see some grease ooze out of the vent may not be enough. You have to keep pumping grease in until you see new, clean grease come out of the vent. This can take 20 to 24 pumps of a grease gun for a large blower!

Winterizing Your Equipment

As the cold weather sets in across the U.S., you need to be reminded to freeze guard your equipment. That includes wands, rotary extractors (such as RX-20s), hoses and various cleaning hand tools. If you only freeze guard your truck mount and neglect the tools, you can experience burst water valves on hand tools and split hoses - both can lead to embarrassing situations in a customer's home.

You can winterize your equipment with Duraclean's Freeze Guard: http://www.duracleanfranchise.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=1179-1

Labels: Hydramaster, Technical, Truck Mount