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05/11/2014

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04/08/2014

Do you need a carpet touch up in time for the holidays? Give us a call to see our special pricing.

03/13/2014

Four Tips for Selecting the Right Carpet

I have always been a methodical shopper. I compare things like price per unit and nutritional facts on products at the grocery store all the time, much to the dismay of my fellow shoppers.

It can be confusing to shop around trying to find the best product, and flooring is no exception. It can be a daunting task to find the best style, color, and type of carpet for your home, but Doug Berjer, a product manager for carpet cleaning equipment manufacturer CFR Corporation, recently released some helpful tips on CleanLink.com on selecting the right carpet.

Here are his tips with some added advice from the Carpet and Rug Institute:
VOCs: Most carpets are now manufactured with fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These carpets have a reduced impact on building users and the environment.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a concern for many people as they can be found throughout homes, including in carpet. Thankfully, CRI’s Green Label Plus program certifies that carpet is among the lowest VOC-emitting products in your home. Look for the GLP logo (above) when you’re shopping for new carpet.

Padding: Typically, carpeting requires a layer of padding to help protect the carpet and reduce wear.

Choosing the correct pad also adds extra comfort and support for feet. VOCs are also an issue with carpet padding, but CRI’s Green Label program certifies that carpet padding is a low-VOC emitting product.

Read the warranty: Carpet warranties are often long and complicated; however, they are a must-read before making a selection.

Carpet manufacturers’ warranties are full of information about best practice, including cleaning and maintenance. When reading the warranty, mark important sections for future reference.

Cleaning: Many carpet manufacturers recommend their carpets be cleaned using the extraction method to protect the warranty.

Carpet cleaning is the best way to keep your carpet beautiful and lasting and CRI recommends carpet be professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. For a full list of Seal of Approval service providers in your area, click here.
It is best to be informed when making an investment in carpet and with these tips you will be prepared to make the right purchase.
criblog.org

03/10/2014

Toxic vs. Hazardous: The Issue of Coal Fly Ash

Coal fly ash is used in many home building supplies.
As a former chemist and toxicologist, I have a pretty good understanding of the difference between a substance which contains toxins but does not pose a health risk and a toxin-containing substance that should be considered hazardous.

I’ve noticed over the years that the definitions of toxicity and hazard are frequently confused, both in popular understanding and among government regulators. This last fact can have dramatic impacts on policy decisions.

Let’s look at an innocuous example; water. Water is an element necessary for life that we need to consume every day, but water can be harmful to someone who can’t swim, for example.

So, even the most useful substances can become hazardous under the “right,” or wrong, conditions.

This comes to my mind because of recent concerns raised by the environmental community concerning coal fly ash.

For those who aren’t familiar with coal fly ash, it’s basically a component of the generation of electricity made from coal. Looking at it under a microscope, coal fly ash is essentially small glass beads.

Currently, coal fly ash is being “captured” at coal-fired power plants and is reused in the production of materials designed for the building industry, such as cement and bricks, wallboard, and in some instances, carpet backing. This process provides a way to recycle and reuse material that would otherwise be sent to landfills.

Why is there a concern then?

Around five or six years ago, some impounded coal ash held in collection pits was accidentally released into a stream when an earthen dam failed, causing environmental damage for many downstream residents.

That was definitely a problem, but the event generated a movement to regulate coal fly ash and to label it as a hazardous substance.

It’s very clear that the answer isn’t to ban the use of coal fly ash altogether, or classify it as a hazardous substance, but rather to regulate coal fly ash impoundment appropriately.
criblog.org

02/24/2014

4 Reasons to Have Your Carpet Cleaned Regularly
The internet is filled with carpet cleaning advice that sometimes seems so crazy it just might work. However, before you use any cleaning solution or home remedy, it’s best to consult a trusted source like CRI.

CRI’s Seal of Approval Program certifies carpet cleaning equipment, products and service providers to make sure you are able to keep your carpet in tip-top shape.

Superior Steam Cleaners, an SOA certified service provider in Ellicott City, MD, recently created their own consumer guide filled with advice for consumers about the best practices for carpet care.

One section of interest was 4 Important Reasons to Clean Your Carpet Regularly, which featured some good reasons for having your carpet periodically cleaned by a professional.

Here is their list with some added advice from CRI:

1. Appearance

CRI: The appearance of your carpet might be the most obvious reason to have your carpet cleaned, however that doesn't make it any less important. Professional cleaning removes those spots and stains that you may not be able to remove otherwise.

2. Indoor Air Quality

CRI: Indoor air quality is a major issue today for the many people who suffer from asthma and allergies, but carpet acts as a filter and keeps dirt from recirculating. Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning are a way of cleaning that filter of dust, allergens and other particulates.

3. Investment

CRI: The floor covering you choose is an important investment in your home and professional cleaning helps to protect that investment. Along with regular vacuuming, Professional cleaning keeps carpet from “uglying out,” or having to be replaced before fulfilling its useful life.

4. Warranty

CRI: This is a reason many people might not consider, but many carpet manufacturers’ warranties recommend having your carpet cleaned by a professional. Look over your warranty for the details on how often the carpet should be professionally cleaned.

These are just a few of the many reasons it is necessary to have carpet professionally cleaned and CRI appreciates Superior Steam Cleaners for advising consumers on the importance of professional deep cleaning.
Criblog.org

02/10/2014

Asthma, Allergies, Carpet and Flooring: Great Carpet Advice for Asthma/ Allergy Sufferers from Carpet Cleaning Professional

Of all the scientific research about asthma and carpet vs. hard flooring, professional opinion on asthma and allergy and technical information dispelling myths about carpet and allergies or asthma I have written about on the CRI Blog, the most popular and most frequently read article since we started publishing in April, 2009 comes from a carpet cleaning professional.

Written by David Gruttadaurio of UBS Clean Care in Indiana, the article, Great Carpet Advice for Asthma/Allergy Sufferers is an entertaining balance of professional knowledge mixed with some of the best common sense advice on the subject I have ever read. Gotta love a straight-talking Hoosier.

The first question he asks readers is:

Is ripping out the carpet the answer for asthma and/or allergy sufferers?

To which he replies,

“This is what I do know for sure - only 12 people out of 100 clean their carpeting… ever. Of that number, about a third chooses to do it themselves. Vacuuming? Most people say they vacuum every week. The honest ones tell me they’re lucky to vacuum the carpets once a month...

How many people would tolerate their hard surface flooring (tile, wood, etc.) having spills and food and mud and grease all over it… and then keep it that way for years!...

Is it any wonder that health issues are aggravated by an unhealthy and bacteria infested carpet? It’s not the poor carpet’s fault. All it needs is routine maintenance.

How routine? Vacuum it twice a week with a quality vacuum that has high-efficiency micro-filtration bags. Micro-filtration bags will trap even the tiniest of particles, such as dust mites and their f***s, to keep it from becoming airborne.

Then have it professionally cleaned at least once a year (preferably twice a year). Every major carpet manufacturer recommends this same routine."

Thank you David. And if you are looking for a vacuum that removes soil, contains that soil in the machine, and does all of that and takes care of your carpet in the bargain, look no farther than the list of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval-certified vacuums on the CRI website.

Next, David tackles the question of hard versus soft floors and what difference they make to the quality of the air indoors. (Spoiler alert: He talks about dust mite doo-doo.)

The flooring construction issue: hard vs. soft. Which is better for allergy or asthma sufferers?

“Many people feel that since hard flooring is… well, hard… that it’s a more sanitary surface since there is no place for the dust to settle. And this is true. But if you are an allergy or asthma sufferer, this is really bad news.

The very ‘complaint’ that people have about carpeting is actually its best characteristic: The fact that it has soft and fuzzy fibers make it act like a filter or a sink. It traps and holds all of the junk and contaminants we haul in to our homes on our clothing and shoes.

Hard floors cannot do that. The dust (a lot of which is dust mite do-do) has nowhere to land so it’s constantly airborne and being breathed in.

In fact, one way to prove that to you is to watch the air in a home when the sun is shining through a window. With clean, carpeted surfaces, you see some dust in the air, but not much. In a home with hard floors, you see much more dust because there is less surface in the home that holds onto dust.
Even if your vacuum doesn't have a good filter bag, these dust-mite allergens disappear from the air about 20 minutes after vacuuming. This is because they are heavy enough that they’ve settled back down into the carpet. And if the vacuum uses micro-filtration bags or if it has a HEPA filter, the allergens are efficiently removed before even becoming airborne during vacuuming."

David outlines the following two options for asthma or allergy sufferers:

#1: Have carpet in the home hold onto contaminants, keeping them away from your breathing space, and remove these contaminants with regular vacuuming and cleaning...

#2: Have hard floors in the home, which do not hold contaminants but instead allows them to "hang out" in the air, likely triggering allergen reactions from the occupants...

Here’s the bottom line of living with carpeting: Your carpet is a terrific filter. But you gotta clean it! If you don’t, the pollens, dander, dust, etc. will build up until your carpet is completely overrun with this stuff, aggravating allergies, asthma and many other breathing conditions.”

Thank you, David, for contributing so much good information in a readable and believable way. How does it feel to be Number One at talking about dust mite number two?
CRIBlog.org

01/30/2014

Is Self-Cleaning Carpet a Possibility?

Despite what we may predict, technology in the future always has a way of surprising us. Long before the digital revolution, the thought of a phone that could transmit and receive calls from anywhere in the world was a laughable idea. Now mobile phones that can do just that are a part of everyday life.

It makes me wonder what the future of carpet might hold in terms of new technologies.

Apparently Bill Griffin, owner of Cleaning Consultant Services Inc., beat me to the punch. In a recent article in the professional cleaning website CleanFax Digital Edition, Mr. Griffin explores the possibility that, sooner or later, we will have the option of putting what he calls, “self-cleaning carpet” in our homes and businesses.

What?

Well, perhaps not carpet that magically transforms overnight like in a fairy tale, but new technologies and innovations that will revolutionize how things, including carpet, can become clean.

Specifically, Griffin refers to treatments such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂). “Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is applied to a surface in such a way that when the surface is exposed to UV rays (sun or light), oxidation takes place, killing living organisms and basically bleaching the color out of the soil. The soil isn’t gone, but it is no longer visible and microbial growth is inhibited. This is similar to the reaction when bleach is applied to a surface or acid spotter is applied to rust.”

So far used primarily in hard surface products, a new generation of TiO₂ compounds is being developed for flexible materials, like fabrics and carpet.

“Other technologies have also made advances in the last 10 years that bring self-cleaning closer to reality. This includes such things as robotics, super-hydrophilic and phobic coatings, nanotechnology and bionics, bio-mimicry (lotus effect/texturization/micrometric architecture of surfaces) and hybrid water (oxidation, ionization, cavitation, v***r).”

The benefits to these new cleaning processes and products? According to Griffin, “lower maintenance costs and longer life cycles, green and sustainable benefits, less water and chemical use, and ease and effectiveness of cleaning.”

And, while the idea of “self-cleaning” may initially sound like bad news to a cleaning professional, it’s not necessarily an unwelcome development, he says.

“Some of the new technology may be integrated into cleaning equipment and treatments for homeowner and commercial use. Imagine a truckmount wand or vacuum cleaner with a UV light instead of, or in addition, to water v***r jets.”

But don’t expect to see “self-cleaning” carpets in a showroom anytime soon, Griffin says – changes like these are years away. But do keep cleaning and maintaining your carpets, using good equipment and products like those listed in the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval carpet cleaning testing program.

There are exciting new advances on the horizon for carpet, even though we don’t know exactly what shape they will take. One thing is sure: CRI will continue to provide valuable, science-based information on how to care and maintain the carpets you live with.
CRIblog.org

01/21/2014

Preparing For Winter's Wrath
It’s winter now, and we all know that winter can take a toll on our health and our spirits, and it can also wreak havoc on our homes, our cars and our places of business.

One of the most frequently asked questions posed to us at CRI is how we can best protect carpets and hard surface flooring when the weather turns wet, slick, and messy.

Business owners and retailers seem particularly concerned about this issue, as most of them have very heavy traffic flow through their public entryways.

The most important thing to consider when you’re choosing your flooring is to realize that while aesthetics are definitely important, you should be very concerned about the outside environment and what impact heavy foot traffic may have on your interior flooring.

There are a number of “protective entry area systems” that exist as the first line of defense against outdoor elements being tracked indoors. What a consumer chooses to use depends on the type of facility and flooring that needs to be protected.

Depending on its intended usage, a system can be as simple as using “walk-off mats” that can be changed out regularly to employing a more permanent system, one that is designed for its pleasing aesthetics as well as its functionality.

Choosing the right “mat” system is not all that difficult, but an important consideration with mat systems, especially those that are loose laid, is the ability for them to stay in place and lie flat. While you want to protect the flooring, you don’t want to jeopardize the safety of those coming in and out of a building and risk the chance of “facilitating” a “trip and fall” accident.

We’re lucky to live in a pretty moderate climate — most of the time — but we still have our share of winter woes. The good news is that there’s a correct product for just about every application. You just have to know what will work best for your situation.
CRIBlog.org

01/13/2014

Do you need a carpet touch AFTER the holidays? Give us a call to see our special pricing.

01/08/2014

Carpet Care: The Importance of Vacuuming

The Carpet and Rug Institute frequently promotes the best ways to care for and maintain carpet, and today we’re going back to basics by focusing on the importance of vacuuming.

Vacuuming is one of the best ways for you to take care of carpet and get the most out of your investment in carpet. This is something we teach a lot at the Carpet and Rug Institute because vacuuming is also one of the easiest ways to take proper care of carpet.

Growing up, I was never much for vacuuming, but now that I am an adult with my own place I understand just how important it is to vacuum on a regular basis to keep carpet looking great and lasting.

CRI President Werner Braun often makes the comparison that you wouldn’t buy a new car and not change the oil. Vacuuming carpet is very similar to changing the oil in a car in that it is an integral part of regular maintenance and keeping it in tip-top shape.

Regular vacuuming removes soil and dirt that can damage the carpet fiber and therefore reduce the useful life of the carpet. Maximizing the life of carpet also maximizes its sustainability. Consistently vacuuming and fulfilling the intended life of your carpet means not having to replace it and is the best way to keep the carpet “green.”

Vacuuming frequency is another vital aspect to remember in terms of carpet care as certain areas of carpet should be vacuumed more frequently than others. CRI recommends vacuuming daily in high-traffic or pet areas, twice weekly in medium-traffic areas, and weekly in light-traffic areas

Lastly, the vacuum you use is important, too. CRI certifies vacuums through the Seal of Approval program, which tests vacuums on the criteria of soil removal, dust containment and surface appearance change.

By following these vacuuming tips, you will not only be keeping you carpet clean, but also keeping it beautiful and long lasting.

Vacuum on
CRIblog.org

01/07/2014

Protect your carpet color
In addition to frequent vacuuming, its important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.

Cleaning systems target the soils that result from cooking v***rs, air pollution, and tracked-in dirt. The particles of oily soil deposited on carpet fibers can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

01/06/2014

Stain, Spot, and Spill Removal Tips | Shaw Floors

Handy Link for the dreaded spill/stain!
No carpet is stain proof, but since many are stain resistant, you have time to act. It is very important to treat your specific spill as accurately as possible. For example, a water-based substance will require a different cleaning method than an oil-based substance. We have provided cleaning methods for over 40 potential spills, so be sure to select the one that most closely matches.
http://shawfloors.com/cms/home.aspx?DN=ecb3c2bf-7515-4484-9646-fb99065e374c

No Carpet is Stain Proof, but since many are Stain Resistant, you have Time to Act. It is Very Important to Treat your Specific Spill as Accurately as Possible.

01/05/2014

Have you checked your warranty? Some manufacturers require a cleaning schedule and vacuuming schedule to be in place to be eligible for their warranty--have you checked yours?

01/04/2014

Clean your area rugs
If you use area rugs on your carpet, be sure to clean them regularly, and make sure you clean and restore the pile of the carpet underneath as well. Also, be sure to check area rugs for colorfastness before placing them on carpet because the color in some rugs may bleed through. After cleaning your carpet, allow it to dry completely before replacing rugs.

01/03/2014

Don't track dirt inside
Placing walk-off mats outside all entrances will help absorb soil and moisture and trap excessive dirt, sand, grit, oil, asphalt, or driveway sealer that might otherwise be tracked into the home. Clean mats on a regular basis so they don't become sources of soil themselves.

01/02/2014

Use a quality carpet pad--
A good carpet pad not only gives better resilience and comfort underfoot, it can extend the life of your carpet, especially on stairs. Because some carpets carry warranties with specific density and thickness requirements, be sure and review your warranty before purchasing your pad. Explore varieties of carpet pad.

12/30/2013

I've been asked by friends to explain some different types of carpet, so here are some materials that are popular:
The four basic fibers used in carpets today all have their individual strengths. Even more importantly, they all make excellent carpets. Your ultimate choice will be determined by the characteristics that are most important to you..
Nylon
has been the most commonly used carpet fiber since the early 1960's. In overall performance characteristics, nylon is the most versatile of all fibers, providing excellent flexibility in creating a variety of carpet styles. Nylon can be found in a wide range of both cut pile and loop pile styles. It is durable, resilient, and receptive to dyeing for color versatility and uniformity; many new nylon yarn systems are also exceptionally soft. Though not inherently stain resistant, most nylon carpets feature a stain-resist carpet treatment for protection against household spills and stains.
Polyester
Polyester offers exceptional softness and color clarity, and it is also naturally stain and fade resistant. While polyester is not as inherently resilient as nylon, carpets made of polyester fiber will perform well if appropriately constructed. Thanks to technological advances in yarn processing and improved carpet construction techniques, polyester's purported weakness as a high-performance fiber has been largely overcome. When properly twisted and tufted, today's polyester yarns perform much better than in years past.
Polyester styles are good choices for low - to medium - traffic settings such as bedrooms. Polyester carpet styles typically represent good value.
Polypropylene-olefin
Unlike other fiber types, polypropylene will not absorb water and must therefore be solution dyed (pigmented) to impart color. Solution dyeing is a pigmentation process in which color is actually built into the fiber when it is formed, or extruded, thereby becoming an inherent part that cannot be removed from the fiber. The color will not fade, even when exposed to intense sunlight, bleaches, atmospheric contaminants, or other harsh chemicals or elements. However, since it is not as resilient as other fibers, polypropylene is normally used in loop pile constructions in which there is less need for superior resiliency.
PTT -Triexta Polyester
PTT (Polytrimethylene Terephthalate - Triexta) is a polyester fiber, first patented in 1941, but it was not until the 1990's, when Shell Chemicals developed a low-cost method of producing high-quality 1,3-propanediol (PDO), the starting raw material for PTT, that commercial production of the company's Corterra polymers was possible. Shaw introduced the first BCF PTT (Corterra) residential carpet in the United States in 2001.However, due to technical issues, PTT cannot be treated with a stain and soil resistance system, and the yarn's lack of repellency can make cleanup of spills difficult. Many oil-based stains are extremely difficult to remove.
Source:shawfloors.com

12/25/2013

Thank You, I'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

12/24/2013

Is this on your Christmas List?
Tips for Housetraining Your Puppy
Tips for keeping your dog behaved and your home clean, the article features information from Georgia-based veterinarian Dr. Chris Stearns and professional dog behaviorist Stephanie Daughtrey. The experts advise owners to be patient and stay upbeat and, armed with a little knowledge and the right cleaning products, the process with go a lot easier.

1. Know potty triggers

Triggers are typically feelings of excitement, like when visitors arrive, and particular times of day, like after he wakes up or right before bed. Puppies will need to go after eating and/or drinking – usually within 15 minutes.

2. Establish a routine

Find a designated “potty patch” outdoors so your dog can associate that space with doing his business. Start by leash walking the pup to that spot so he can focus before spending any time playing.

Consider keeping him on a leash inside too. If he starts to squat to urinate, clap or make a sharp sound that will stop him in the act. You can transfer him outside to finish and praise him there.

Give them a treat when they go potty outside – that reinforces the good behavior right then and there. Praise them with a happy tone of voice.

3. Avoid indoor accidents

Puppy will need to go outside every one or two hours. It’s the owner’s responsibility to provide plenty of time outdoors, otherwise if left unattended for extended periods; a puppy will find a place to piddle.

Close exists to other rooms with doors or baby gates so puppy can’t explore the unused parts of the house.

4. Clean messes immediately

It’s important to remove both the stain and the odor so puppy won’t use the spot as a scent marker for future accidents. Start by blotting or scooping to remove as much solids or liquids as possible. Then treat the mess with a pet stain and odor remover that has the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval. Each certified product that features the national trade association’s seal goes through rigorous testing in an independent laboratory, so you can be confident you’re treating the stain, removing the odors, and protecting the integrity of your carpet.

If your carpet becomes deeply soiled from multiple accidents and dirty little puppy paws, you may want to consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner. For those with allergies, frequent vacuuming and regularly-scheduled cleaning will remove virtually all embedded allergens and pet dander. Certified CRI Seal of Approval service providers have the experience needed to treat stains, remove odors and leave carpet looking like new.

5. Spay or neuter

Unneutered dogs typically urinate more in the house as an action of marking their territory, so it’s something every caring pet parent should consider. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for the right time to spay or neuter your dog.

And enjoy your new puppy!

- Bethany CRI Blog.org

12/18/2013

Periodic Professional Carpet Cleaning

Here's what most warranties say about professional cleaning:

"Routine maintenance is essential to maintaining your warranty. Over time, normal foot traffic and soiling will cause a change in any carpet's appearance. Professional extraction, either alone or in combination with cleaning, is required to maintain your warranty. This service must be performed by a trained professional occasionally to refresh the texture and rejuvenate the fibers in your carpet. Please retain your receipts for proof of maintenance should a warranty claim arise. "

It makes sense that regular vacuuming and prompt clean up of spills is important for routine carpet maintenance. But why do manufacturers' warranties also require annual deep cleaning by a professional carpet cleaner? That's because of two destructive forces that normally affect every carpet - "soiling" and loss of "texture."

Soiling is the build-up of dirt particles and other similar materials that cling to your carpet's fibers. Despite regular vacuuming, these particles and materials accumulate within the carpet pile and result in a gradual dulling of the carpet's color. It takes deep extraction cleaning with powerful equipment and quality cleaning solutions at least annually to remove this accumulated material. An important aspect of professional carpet cleaning is that it leaves no residue.

Over time, foot traffic also causes a change in the appearance of your carpet by changing its texture. Hot water extraction, either alone or in combination with a cleaning, refreshes the texture of the carpet by "resetting" the twist of the fiber. Texture retention warranties recommend hot water extraction performed by a trained carpet care professional at least every 1 1/2 to 2 years.

Today's carpets are made mostly from yams of nylon, polyester and polypropylene - tightly twisted little plastic tufts of high technology that present new cleaning challenges.

Professional carpet cleaning today calls for a thorough understanding of, among other things: fibers and fabric types, carpet construction and proper installation techniques, soil types and degrees of soiling, carpet location and "traffic" patterns, the use of professional cleaning equipment and correct application of advanced pre-treatment, cleaning, rinsing and post-treatment solutions.

Carpet cleaners today are specially trained and even earn advanced degrees called certifications - in carpet and upholstery cleaning technology, carpet repair and reinstallation issues, carpet coloring, odor control, water and fire damage restoration, spot and stain removal, etc. Plus we stay current on health and safety issues, governmental regulations and compliance issues, and good business practices.
topnotchcarpetclean.com

12/16/2013

ISSA/Interclean 2013: Seeing the Future of the Cleaning Industry

I have seen some cool things in my life: the Rock of Gibraltar, the White House, Peyton Manning from five feet away. However, none of those hold a candle to the things I saw on my recent trip to ISSA/Interclean.

ISSA/Interclean is an annual tradeshow hosted by ISSA - The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association - at multiple cities across the world. Their 2013 North American tour stop came on November 19-21 in Las Vegas, NV. I attended as part of my job duties with the Carpet and Rug Institute and its Seal of Approval testing and certification program for carpet cleaning products and equipment.

It’s hard to completely describe the show other than mind-blowingly massive with a side of awesome.

This was my first trip to ISSA/Interclean and I was overwhelmed by the experience of seeing so many different cleaning products with such diverse applications. I never considered the fact that escalators needed to be cleaned, but there is a machine that does it. I also never considered how many different ways you can design a hand soap dispenser. I had to resist the temptation to put on a commercial backpack vacuum and run around like a Ghostbuster. (Who you gonna call?)

One of my favorite exhibitions from the show was the Intellibot (pictured above), an automated robotic deep cleaning system. After seeing it first hand, I was thoroughly impressed and glad to hear that it will soon be submitted for testing in the CRI Seal of Approval program.

Another positive of the show was to see the Seal of Approval logo so prominently displayed on many of the products at the show, including new SOA products from HOS-USA, SquareScrub and VersaClean.

The beach ball continued
to float on the air from the fan.

Pat Jennings, CRI’s Director of Standards and Specifications, and I heard an impressive number of success stories from equipment manufacturers and end-users who participate in the SOA program, including a facility manager at a small regional airport who won a green award by utilizing only SOA-certified products.

Overall, it was a great experience and I am looking forward to returning to next year’s event. If you have the chance, I would encourage you to attend as it is a great event with a lot of opportunities for networking and education. If attending a commercial cleaning tradeshow is not and never will be on your bucket list, then maybe just give a thought to the men and women and the companies who spend their careers and resources finding new and better ways to keep our public spaces clean. When you think about what the world would be like without them, it makes me appreciate their efforts even more.

- Paul criblog.org