It positions cleaning professionals, such as those tasked with microbial contamination prevention and remediation, along with commercial floor cleaning, as front-line health protectors.

By adopting competencies tied to real-world health outcomes, the industry can move from appearance-based cleaning to measurable disease prevention.

Cleaning is now a public health intervention

For decades, cleaning has been judged by how spaces look, smell, and feel. But science, and recent global outbreaks, have made something clear: Cleaning is not about appearance. It is a core public health intervention.

In public health, Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) are trained professionals who interrupt disease transmission through case investigation, contact tracing, and connecting people to care. This includes cleaning for health. Every day, cleaning professionals clean vomit, diarrhea, blood, and saliva on surfaces. They clean rooms where people have been coughing and sneezing for hours. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these specialists are essential to stopping infectious diseases at their source.

Now, a major shift is underway: The Certified in Disease Intervention (CDI) certification program, developed by the National Board of Public Health Examiners and supported by partners including the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, is formalizing this workforce.

For the first time, this certification pathway is directly relevant and accessible to the cleaning industry.

A new workforce model: Environmental Disease Intervention Specialists

The traditional DIS model focuses on people. The cleaning industry focuses on environments. Now we are combining both: Environmental Disease Intervention Specialists (EDIS). These professionals:

• Identify environmental sources of disease transmission.
• Interrupt exposure pathways (surfaces, air, water).
• Apply evidence-based cleaning and disinfection practices.
• Verify outcomes using measurable indicators.

This model aligns directly with recent research findings showing that DIS roles are uniquely positioned at the intersection of data, fieldwork, and human interaction. The same is now true for cleaning professionals.

Why certified in disease intervention matters for the cleaning industry

The CDI certification is more than a credential; it is a standardized competency framework built from real-world job tasks. The CDI Exam Content Outline defines six domains of practice that translate directly into cleaning for health:

1. Planning and environmental risk analysis

• Identify high-risk surfaces and environments.
• Assess contamination pathways (touchpoints, aerosols, fomites).
• Prioritize cleaning based on transmission risk.

Outcome: Reduced exposure to infectious agents.

2. Interviewing and behavioral engagement

• Communicate risks to occupants and staff.
• Train workers on proper cleaning, disinfectant product use, and PPE..
• Address barriers to compliance.

Outcome: Improved adherence to infection prevention practices.

3. Field services and intervention

• Perform targeted cleaning and disinfection.
• Select safer, effective products (e.g., EPA Safer Choice certified products).
• Apply correct dwell times (wet contact time) and techniques.

Outcome: Effective removal or inactivation of pathogens.

4. Surveillance and data collection

• Use ATP testing, Indoor Air Quality Monitors, and environmental monitoring.
• Track cleaning performance and contamination levels.
• Document interventions and outcomes.

Outcome: Measurable verification of cleanliness.

5. Collaboration and systems integration

• Work with facility managers, healthcare teams, and public health.
• Align cleaning protocols with outbreak response plans.
• Integrate with IAQ and building management systems.

Outcome: Coordinated, system-wide disease prevention.

6. Outbreak response and emergency preparedness

• Scale cleaning during outbreaks (e.g., norovirus, influenza, COVID-19).
• Implement enhanced protocols for high-risk pathogens.
• Support rapid response and containment.

Outcome: Faster interruption of transmission during outbreaks.

From tasks to outcomes: Redefining “clean”

One of the most important insights from public health is this: Interventions must be tied to outcomes. Not activities.

Traditional cleaning asks:

• Was the floor mopped?
• Was the surface wiped?

Disease intervention asks:

• Did we reduce transmission risk?
• Did we interrupt the chain of infection?

This shift requires new competencies. The core competencies for the cleaning workforce are:

1. Epidemiologic thinking: Understanding how diseases spread through surfaces, air, water, and human behavior.
2. Risk-based decision making: Prioritizing cleaning where it matters most; not everywhere equally.
3. Product and chemical literacy: Selecting safer, effective products based on:
   • Pathogen type.
   • Surface compatibility.
   • Human health impact.
4. Verification and measurement: Using tools all the time, such as ATP meters and IAQ monitors, to validate outcomes.
5. Communication and trust-building: Engaging occupants and workers to ensure compliance and transparency.
6. Adaptability in complex environments: Operating across healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, and public venues.

Lessons from public health: A workforce under pressure

Research on Disease Intervention Specialists highlights critical challenges:

• Increasing workloads.
• Insufficient training pipelines.
• Under-recognition of their role.

The cleaning industry faces the same issues. By adopting a Certified Disease Intervention-aligned model, the cleaning industry can:

• Professionalize the workforce.
• Create clear career pathways.
• Standardize training and certification.
• Improve recruitment and retention.

The opportunity: Defining cleaning as a health service

The emergence of CDI represents a broader shift. From cleaning as a maintenance function to cleaning as a health intervention system. In this model:

• Cleaning professionals are not just workers. They are disease intervention specialists.
• Buildings are not just spaces. They are determinants of health.
• Outcomes are not visual. They are measurable reductions in risk.

A call to action

The tools, frameworks, and certification pathways now exist. The question is no longer whether the cleaning industry should evolve, but how fast it will move. Adopting the Certified in Disease Intervention framework provides a clear path forward:

• Train the workforce using standardized competencies.
• Certify professionals in disease intervention principles.
• Measure success through health outcomes.

Public health has long understood that stopping disease requires more than medicine. It requires intervention at the source. In the built environment, that source is often the surfaces we touch and the air we breathe. Cleaning professionals do not just clean spaces. They protect people. And they need to be recognized for that. We can do this by defining the standard of practice for the profession.

Visit the Certified in Disease Intervention website for .

The post From Cleaning to Disease Intervention appeared first on Cleanfax.

A Growing Public Health and Safety Risk

Illicit drug residues pose unique and serious risks to occupants, workers, and first responders. Substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and methamphetamine can remain on surfaces, furnishings, HVAC systems, and building materials long after drug activity has ceased, creating ongoing exposure hazards through dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation. Beyond the human cost, drug use, manufacturing, and distribution create environments contaminated with drugs, chemical residues, and hazardous substances. The S900 Standard was developed to address these risks by defining science-based, field-applicable procedures that protect human health while ensuring defensible remediation outcomes. The standard establishes the first nationally recognized consensus framework for safely assessing, containing, cleaning, and disposing of hazardous residues associated with illicit drug activity and related chemical byproducts.

A Consensus-Based National Benchmark

ANSI approval confirms that the S900 standard was developed through a balanced, consensus-based process incorporating input from restoration professionals, industrial hygienists, public health experts, regulators, and other stakeholders.

With the ANS designation, the S900 standard serves as a national benchmark that can be referenced by restoration and environmental remediation firms, insurance carriers and claims professionals, public agencies and housing authorities, law enforcement and emergency response organizations, and courts and regulatory bodies.

To create the S900 standard, the IICRC convened a group of industry experts known as the consensus body (CB). The CB initiated the development process by researching existing documentation related to illegal drug cleanup and decontamination. During this review, the CB identified a substantial lack of current, scientifically sound guidance. Much of the available material was dated and some of it was found to be inaccurate due to advancements in science and changes in industry practices. As a result, there was limited reliable background information upon which to base illicit drug residue remediation procedures.

What the ANSI/IICRC S900 Standard Covers

The S900 Standard describes the procedures to be followed and the precautions to be taken when organizing the work for a project involving the remediation and cleaning of a site that is contaminated by precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste. The standard assumes that all scenes have been released by law enforcement or regulatory agencies. Sites requiring cleanup from precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste require a working knowledge of the subject matter in the contents as per the S900 standard.

Projects involving contamination from precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste require a working knowledge of the chemical, physical, and toxicological hazards that may be present. The S900 standard establishes a framework for evaluating risks, implementing appropriate engineering and administrative controls, selecting and using personal protective equipment, and performing decontamination and waste handling in a manner that protects workers, occupants, and the environment.

The standard further emphasizes the importance of proper project planning, hazard assessment, containment, ventilation, and verification processes. Due to the complex and potentially hazardous nature of these environments, individuals performing this work should be appropriately trained and competent in accordance with applicable regulations and industry guidelines.

Introducing Exposure Levels

Similar to other IICRC standards, S900 incorporates a classification system to define levels of contamination. For example, the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration uses Categories 1, 2, and 3, while the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation uses Conditions 1, 2, and 3. Since the S900 standard applies to a broad range of drug-related hazards, the standard introduces exposure levels (ELs)-a classification system based on the potential risk to individuals within a contaminated environment.

ELs must be determined by a qualified individual and drive every aspect of the remediation process, including planning, controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Exposure levels are categorized as:

• EL-1 (Low Risk): Cannabis grow sites, fertilizers, and pesticides
• EL-2 (Moderate Risk): Drug residues such as heroin and cocaine
• EL-3 (High Risk): Drug manufacturing and distribution sites
• EL-4 (Extreme Risk): Fentanyl and carfentanyl manufacturing and distribution sites

Note: Carfentanil is the internationally recognized (INN/USAN) spelling used in scientific, medical, and regulatory literature. The spelling “carfentanyl” is incorrect where it likely comes from confusion with Fentanyl, which ends in “-fentanyl.”

Once the EL is established and agreed upon, the S900 standard provides guidance on appropriate remediation procedures. As the exposure level increases, so do the requirements for analysis, planning, engineering controls, and PPE. The S900 clearly outlines the minimum PPE requirements for each exposure level.

The S900 standard also establishes the following distinct work zones to limit the spread of contamination:

• Hot Zone: Area where contamination is present; appropriate PPE is required, and all contents are considered contaminated.
• Warm Zone: Contamination control area, including decontamination corridors; appropriate PPE is required.
• Cold Zone: Clean area used for staging, medical monitoring, and rehabilitation.

Central to the S900 standard is the requirement for Job Hazard Assessments (JHA) and Work Hazard Assessments (WHA). These assessments are critical for determining the appropriate exposure level. The standard also defines and delineates the roles of a qualified person and a competent person, both of whom play essential roles in assessing risk and determining proper remediation protocols.

The S900 standard covers the following subject matter:

• Principles of precursors, drug residues, and associated chemical waste cleanup
• Safety and health
• Inspection and preliminary determination, site characterization
• Levels of contamination
• Administrative procedures, project documentation, and risk management
• Competencies
• Limitations, complexities, complications, and conflicts
• Cleaning technologies
• Equipment and supplies
• Structural remediation
• Vehicles and other machinery remediation
• Contents remediation
• Packaging, transport, and disposal of waste
• Verification of cleaning

Implications of the ANSI/IICRC S900 Standard

The S900 standard represents a significant step forward for the restoration industry. It brings clarity to a complex hazard, helps protect workers, and establishes a defensible, industry-recognized approach to drug-related contamination. For contractors operating in this space, understanding and applying the S900 will be critical as regulatory scrutiny, liability concerns, and safety expectations continue to grow.

It is important to note that the S900 is a performance standard, not a step-by-step procedural manual. It provides a framework that allows contractors to apply appropriate techniques based on site conditions and risk levels.

The ANSI/IICRC S900 Standard for Professional Remediation of Illicit Drug Residues, Drug Precursors, and Associated Chemical Waste is available through the and will be supported by future training, certification, and industry education initiatives.

Authors

• Richard Driscoll, S900 Consensus Body Chair
• Paul Pritchard, S900 Consensus Body Vice Chair
• Patrick Moffett, S900 Consensus Body Member

The post ANSI/IICRC S900: A New Standard for Professional Remediation of Drug-Related Contamination appeared first on Cleanfax.

The entire industry is in a bit of flux, explained Bill Griffin, president of Cleaning Consultant Services Inc. in Seattle. Changes are occurring in labor, surfaces, chemicals, customer expectations, budgets, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

“If you’re not staying on top of that and continuing to educate yourself as a manager or owner and training your employees to deal with the most recent surfaces, then you’re going to be having some troubles,” Griffin said. “It just gets expensive. You can damage a floor really quickly by using the wrong processes.”

Griffin advised starting hard floor care by reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance, care, and warranty. If any problems occur, the manufacturers will either stand behind the claim or decline it, he explained.

Labor problems

Labor is the No. 1 problem, said Taf Baig, owner of Magic Wand Co. in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Often, owners do not adequately train team members, and employees can become liabilities. Employee burnout is also real and must be addressed before it affects productivity. Additionally, scheduling too many employees for pre-cleaning or setup consumes time and money.

Equipment breakdowns, failure to fix equipment, and bringing too much equipment to a job also reduce productivity. For example, some cleaners will use whatever equipment is available when a machine breaks down.

“Low-production machines will just kill time, and that costs you money,” Baig said. Infrequent maintenance usually displaces problems, he added, leading to more serious equipment malfunctions.

Additionally, chemistry is often ignored.

“Chemistry really cuts your cost down quite a bit,” Baig said. “If you have the correct chemistry, the cleaning time will be reflected in that because the chemistry is going to do the work. The problem is that people don’t really understand [chemistry] that much. They’re almost afraid of it.”

Additionally, owners must provide team members with written expectations and instructions that can be enforced. “It gives them the ability not to forget a lot of the things that are important,” Baig said.

Time and money

Bob Merkt, owner of Kettle Moraine Professional Cleaners Inc. in West Bend, Wisconsin, speaks often in his training about production killers because it’s all about time and money. “Sometimes it’s not hours; it’s minutes that you save,” he explained.

Merkt breaks hard floor cleaning into three categories: pre-cleaning, cleaning, and post-cleaning. Cleaning professionals often overlook pre- and post-cleaning procedures that gobble up person-hours and are unproductive. To avoid wasting time, during pre-cleaning, a team member must go to inspect the job and test the floor for cleanability and results.

“Test cleaning the floor is going to eliminate a million problems,” Merkt said. “… You have a good idea what it’s going to take to meet the customer’s expectation, and the customer will have a realistic look at the end result.”

Another production killer at the beginning of the job is failing to obtain all pertinent information, such as entry issues. To manage the indoor environment, Merkt advised asking questions, including: How are we getting in? What is our alarm code? Where are the lights? Where’s the breaker box? Where’s the water source? Will there be any security issues? Will the air conditioning be shut off?

“Much of our work is done at night and on weekends,” he explained. “If we’re applying a coating or a finish or a sealer of some sort and the indoor environment is not such that is conducive to rapid drying, you may be sitting on a floor that’s taking forever for that finish to dry.”

Merkt also recommends having a clear understanding of what you expect from your customer and what the customer expects from you. For example, is the customer or the cleaner moving the contents, and what does that entail?

“I’ve walked into jobs where the customer said, ‘We got it all ready,’” Merkt explained. In reality, Merkt’s team moved everything, while the customer had moved only a few chairs and garbage cans.

“You have to set that expectation,” he said. “What are you moving so that you can plan accordingly if you’re the one expected to move it, and you can get enough manpower in there and enough time.”

Managing teams

Regarding labor, Merkt has also seen companies spend thousands of dollars a year on developing a prep-and-landing team. Instead, Merkt advised that if you are going out to do a big job, such as at a school or healthcare facility, where you need eight employees, not all of them need to meet at the shop.

“All of those people do not have to load the van and get everything ready for this assignment,” he explained. “When you bring them to your facility, you have to pay them from the time they get there. If you have a prep team, it only takes one or two people, three in some cases, to load the equipment, get there, and have everything all set up. Then you assign the workers to show up at the appropriate time after you have all that prep work done. They walk in, they jump on a machine, and they’re going instantly.”

By having people show up to the job when you properly plan for their arrival, you can let them go when they need to as well.

“If you have six people standing around, and they can’t go because Johnny is not done with his task and he’s driving the van, or we only have one van, then you’ve got people standing around doing nothing,” Merkt said. “When they’re done, they can go.”

Additionally, when a team member finishes using a piece of equipment, they can clean and prepare it for the next job.

“A production killer is taking it back to the shop and leaving it sitting there until the next time you need it,” Merkt explained. “It’s all gunked up, and you’ve got to clean it before you go.”

Smarter planning

Organizing, managing, and assigning crew members to their tasks is essential.

“Don’t leave it up to the crews,” Merkt said. “Everybody has their area of expertise, and this guy may be better at that, or this guy may be better at this. You want to assign the task to the person best suited for it. And of course, establish the flow of work. You, as the manager, should understand we’re starting over here, we’re going to end over here, and do we need to do certain areas first?”

Merkt emphasized that pre- and post-cleaning procedures are essential to increasing productivity.

“At the end of the day, when you look at how many man-hours it took you to do the job, and then you divide that by what you make, you go, ‘Wow, I hardly made any money,’” Merkt said. “‘Well, if I could eliminate six, seven, ten man-hours on the job, I might have broken even.’”

Bonus Video Content

The post Productivity Killers Lurking in Hard Floor Care appeared first on Cleanfax.

The Three Categories of Staining

To treat a stain effectively, you must first categorize the contaminant:

• Synthetic & Oil-Based: Includes grease, motor oil, paint, gum, and cosmetics. These are often the easiest to resolve with the right solvent.
• Biological: Organic matter such as food, vomit, urine, feces, and mold.
• Dyes: Ranging from natural food tannins to artificial colorants, these are generally the most difficult stains to “move.”

Know Your Canvas: Fiber Identification

The “strongest” spotter is only effective if it doesn’t destroy the carpet.

• Nylon: A petroleum-based synthetic, yet it is subject to water-based dye stains that require industry-recognized dye removers.
• Other Synthetics (Polyester, Triexta, Polypropylene): These fibers rarely take on water-based dye stains; they are far more susceptible to oils.
• Wool: Highly sensitive to strong alkalinity and chlorine bleaches. It is a myth that products for wool must stay between pH 5.5 and 8.5; the pH of a product does not reveal its total alkalinity. However, a pH meter is essential to avoid disrupting the manufacturer’s dye locks, which are often set between 4.0 and 5.5 (sometimes as low as 2.5). Wool is more tolerant of oxidizers than reducers.
• Silk: A protein fiber that requires extreme care. It is highly susceptible to dye stains and sensitive to both acids and alkalines.

The Technician’s Toolbox: Chemistry & Catalysts

Successful spotting requires a “triple threat” of chemical agents:

1. Solvents: Categorized by volatility and polarity (Wet, Semipolar, and Nonpolar/Dry). Use the “like dissolves like” rule. Dissolving is a physical change, not a chemical reaction. Use semipolar citrus gels for gum and oily food residues, while true dry solvents handle inks, paint, and cosmetics.
2. Ionizers (Acids & Alkalines): These neutralize chemical opposites and frequently create a chemical reaction. Strong ionizers should be reserved for specific stains, such as using a strong acid for rust (since metallic oxides are alkaline).
3. Bleaches (Reducers & Oxidizers): These destroy dye stains via chemical reaction.
   • Mild Reducers (e.g., Sodium Bisulfite): Effective against coffee, tea, and cellulosic browning.
   • Strong Reducers: Generally used against red synthetic dyes.
   • Mild Oxidizers (e.g., 3% Hydrogen Peroxide): Effective against blood, mustard, and fresh urine.
   • Strong Oxidizers: Generally effective against oil-based dyes, blue dyes, and natural dyes.

Safety Note: Exercise extreme caution when switching between chemical opposites. To avoid creating poisonous gases or violent reactions, measure reactivity with the appropriate meter, rinse thoroughly with water, re-measure, and then neutralize with a weak version of the opposite chemistry.

Mechanical & Electromagnetic Energy

• The Bone Scraper: Used to agitate the spotter into the stain. Always work from the edge toward the center to prevent “bloom.”
• Terry Towel & Spotting Brush: Use a “tamping” motion through the towel to absorb and adsorb the liquefied stain.
• Steamers/Irons: Heat acts as a catalyst for reducing bleaches and softening latex paint. Caution: Avoid heat on protein stains (blood, feces), as it can “cook” the substance into the fiber.
• UV Light (360nm–380nm): A catalyst for oxidizing bleaches. A high-output UV light is far more effective than a standard inspection blacklight for accelerating results.

Identification & Diagnostics

A client’s history is helpful, but professional testing is vital.

• Texture/Odor: Dye stains typically have no texture. Food stains are often crusty when dry but become gummy when wet. Scent helps distinguish petroleum, biological, or chlorinated products.
• Electronic pH Meter: Indicates the presence of water-based substances. Normal soil sits at 6.1–6.7; most foods and beverages are acidic (4.0–5.5).
• Electronic ORP Meter: Measures Oxidation-Reduction Potential in millivolts (mV). Normal carpet reads 50–250 mV. Negative values indicate reducing agents; high positive values indicate oxidizers.

Methods of Removal

• Oily Stains: Apply solvent, agitate, and blot/extract. Ensure proper ventilation. Avoid over-applying dry solvents on tufted carpets to prevent delamination.
• Biological & Mold Stains: For mold, always dry HEPA vacuum first to remove loose spores before applying liquids. Oxidizers (like hydrogen peroxide) are preferred because the effervescence physically lifts fungal structures to the surface.
• Food Stains: Alkaline spotters “saponify” fatty acids, turning the stain into soap. Oxidizers are also effective because food is a reducing substance. Enzymes are the ultimate products for organic matter but are deactivated by harsh chemicals, dry solvents, or improper pH/temperature ranges.

Precision Over Power

Professional stain removal is a balance of chemistry and patience. By utilizing diagnostic tools and respecting the fiber type, you move from “guessing” to “knowing.” This expertise builds your reputation as a restoration specialist, allowing you to command the premium rates that make spotting the most profitable part of your day.

The post Mastering the Science of Stain Removal appeared first on Cleanfax.

“Back in the day of vocational tech and DECA, in order to get out of high school, you had to have a job,” Brennan said. So he took a position at a cleaning company across the street from his home, logging a few hours each afternoon and working weekends. What started as a ticket to early dismissal became the foundation of a 30-year business.

In 1994, the owner of that company offered to sell. Brennan bought him out, kept the customer base, and put his first name on the door. has been serving Clarksville, Tennessee, and the surrounding region ever since.

“All my customers knew my first name, and I didn’t want to lose that,” Brennan said. “I couldn’t come up with a really good marketable name, so I just used my first name because no one knew what my last name was.”

Just don’t call it Thomas’s. “Nothing’s more aggravating than that extra S,” he said.

From carpet to catastrophe response

Brennan quickly learned that cleaning work often led to something bigger.

The company started, as the name suggests, with carpet cleaning. Brennan describes it as a business built on instant gratification. You arrive at a home that needs cleaning, you work your equipment, and two hours later, the homeowner is smiling. The feedback loop is immediate and satisfying.

Restoration came later, and somewhat naturally. “You’re sucking up water as part of the cleaning process,” Brennan said. “So then Mrs. Jones, who went squish, squish, squish to the bathroom at three in the morning, gives us a call and says, ‘Hey, I know you’ve got that machine, can you come out here and help me?'” That call became a new branch of the business.

Today, Thomas handles water damage, fire and smoke remediation, mold removal, hard floor care, and more—all from a base in downtown Clarksville, serving customers across Tennessee and southern Kentucky.

The team is the backbone

Brennan is quick to point out that the company’s reputation rests on the people he sends into homes. One technician has been with him for 15 years. Another joined at age 16 and is now 27.

“They are the backbone of the business,” Brennan said. Finding the right people, he added, isn’t always about work experience. His longest-tenured young technician came through a personal connection. Brennan had gone to high school with his technician’s mother. “References don’t have to be work references,” he said. “It could be somebody from your church.”

Once hired, the standard is straightforward: Treat every job as if it were your great-grandmother’s home. “Not just your house,” Brennan said, “because I’ve seen some sloppy houses in my day. We want to make sure it’s treated at a little higher regard than we would even treat our own.”

Customers who call Thomas reach someone who can explain exactly what’s happening and why. “We’re small enough that you still talk to the owner,” Brennan said. “We want people to know that this is someone’s home. It’s their largest investment. It’s where they’re raising their children.”

When the work really matters

Some jobs leave a longer impression than others. Brennan recalled a fire job where his crew carefully cleaned soot off a canvas painting, a Mother’s Day gift that was signed by the whole family. On another fire job, they saved a grandmother’s quilts. That customer has sent homemade fudge to the Thomas office every Christmas since 2009.

Those moments reflect what restoration work is: a service delivered to people in genuine crisis. When a home floods or burns, families are not just dealing with property damage. They are navigating insurance claims, temporary displacement, and the loss of irreplaceable items, often all at once.

Navigating the insurance maze

Restoration work also means navigating the insurance system alongside homeowners, and Brennan has seen how that pressure can be compounded by the claims process.

He described a job in which an insurer wrote a US$16,000 check to an elderly homeowner with $80,000 in damage. “Had she not gotten hold of somebody competent enough to talk to the insurance company for her,” he said, “she probably would not have been able to repair her home.”

His advice to homeowners navigating a loss is simple. Don’t just accept the first number. Interview the companies coming into your home. Ask around. And if an adjuster tries to hand you a check at the door, find someone who can speak to the full scope of the damage on your behalf.

Not every adjuster operates that way, Brennan was careful to note. “We have a great group of adjusters that I would almost call friends,” he explained. But the uninformed homeowner is vulnerable, and he has seen the consequences.

Old-school roots, new-school awareness

Thomas still sends thank-you cards after every job. They still do postcard mailings. These are not nostalgic gestures. Brennan believes they work, and that some of the old methods are making a quiet comeback in a world saturated by digital noise.

He is also candid about the challenge posed by tech-savvy newcomers who may build a polished online presence that outshines their actual work. “They can make themselves look a lot better than they are,” he said. “If they have a nice website and blogs, it’s hard to differentiate yourself, especially to new clients.” He was quick to point out that this is not always the case, and great examples of young entrepreneurs who are both tech-savvy and dedicated to the art of restoration exist.

His answer to this challenge is still face-to-face credibility. Given the chance to meet someone—a potential customer, an insurance adjuster—he backs himself. If given the opportunity to speak with somebody, listen to their concerns, and try to help them, Thomas Carpet Cleaning and Restoration will most likely get the job.

The leave behind

Ask Brennan what he wants people to say about him when he eventually steps back from the business, and he doesn’t hesitate long. He wants to be remembered as someone who was fair. Someone who never tried to get one over on anybody.

“I always tried to do the right thing, to help them,” he said. “And hopefully don’t call me any bad words.”

In Clarksville, the name Thomas still means something, because for three decades Brennan has built a business the old-fashioned way: by showing up when people need help.

And every Christmas, the fudge keeps coming.

Listen to the podcast version below:

The post Building a Restoration Company the Old-Fashioned Way appeared first on Cleanfax.

“Improving the air quality of our nation’s workplaces will make workers healthier and our society as a whole more resilient in the face of public health challenges,” Beyer said. “This will also benefit employers and workers by reducing sick days, creating a cleaner and more comfortable work environment, and lessening the risk of long-term health conditions. The pandemic illustrated the dangers of airborne respiratory diseases and the importance of adequate indoor ventilation and indoor air quality, but the improved HVAC and air filtration systems necessary to improve air quality can be expensive to install and maintain. This bill would incentivize building owners to perform IAQ inspections and upgrades, which would make workers healthier and safer from future airborne disease outbreaks.”

“The Airborne Act delivers a win-win: healthier indoor environments and stronger American jobs,” Fitzpatrick said. “By pairing targeted tax incentives with prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards, this legislation drives real investment in modern air quality and HVAC infrastructure while supporting skilled workers and the next generation of the trades. I’ve long worked to advance policies that protect public health while strengthening our workforce, and this bill builds on that commitment—recognizing that safer buildings, good-paying jobs, and economic resilience go hand in hand. It’s how we improve public health and grow our workforce at the same time.”

The Airborne Act would:

• Incentivize commercial building owners to conduct IAQ assessments of their properties by providing them with a US$1 per square foot tax credit, not to exceed the cost of conducting the assessment.
• Incentivize commercial building owners to upgrade their HVAC and/or air filter systems to reach ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2022 or Standard 241-2023. The tax credit for air filter upgrades is equal to $5 per square foot, and $50 per square foot for HVAC system updates, limited to 50% of the total project cost. These amounts are increased to $25 and $250 per square foot for air filters and HVAC systems, respectively, if the work is performed in compliance with the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Create a Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency voluntary certification program for property owners to certify that their properties comply with the IAQ standards listed above.
• Eligible recipients also include nonprofits, and for certain public properties, the credit is transferable to the appropriate private entity carrying out the upgrade.

The post Bipartisan Airborne Act Reintroduced appeared first on Cleanfax.

1. Remove excess residue (scrape or blot).
2. Choose a solvent compatible with the soil (one that will dissolve the soil).
3. Work in, agitate (using appropriate tools, such as a scraper or brush).
4. Rinse thoroughly (using hot water extraction, if possible).
5. Ensure the carpet is left clean and dry.

First steps

Begin by inspecting the area. If possible, determine the type of carpet fiber and check for colorfastness. Many slimes are made with glue, activators, and colorants, so watch out for sticky residues and potential dye stains. Putties will have an acid silicone base, which gives them the stretch and bounce effect.

The physical step is to remove as much of the slime or putty as possible. If it’s fresh, use a scraper or dull tool to lift and scoop, following the direction of the carpet pile if working on a cut pile carpet. If the slime or putty is rubbery or smeared, some cleaning professionals are successful with freezing with a “freeze spray” found in most distribution locations, or cooling it substantially with a bag of ice, to harden it up and then break it apart for easy removal of the sulk of the soil.

Choice of solvent

This is where it gets tricky.

Slime is typically a water-based polymer and may respond better with water-based solvents to start with, as the ingredients in slime may not respond to dry solvents. For slime, use hot water, an acid spotter, some detergent solution and work in and see if there is any dissolving action occurring. If so, keep cleaning.

Putty, on the other hand, as mentioned earlier, is usually silicone-based. Water-based solvents won’t have much effect. A dry gel solvent will work on the residues remaining after the bulk is removed with freezing and/or scraping/scooping.

Use solvents carefully. Using standard spot-cleaning techniques, blot instead of scrub, and work from the outside toward the center to prevent spreading. Take your time. Putty and slime are sticky, and patience is needed for complete removal.

If you feel you have removed all visible, physical soil from the putty or slime, and you still see color, it may be time to use color-safe bleaching agent because dyes have no doubt penetrated the fibers. Follow directions carefully.

Final steps

Once the putty or slime is gone, hot water rinse to remove remaining residues and/or cleaning products. Even the slightest residue remaining can attract soil over time, especially in traffic lanes.

Finish by grooming and drying the carpet. Use a carpet rake or groomer to reset the pile, use an airmover, and ensure the spot is dry all the way to the backing.

The ANSI/IICRC S100 Standard for Professional Cleaning of Textile Floor Coverings is a resource for challenges such as slime or putty, as it includes proven spot and stain removal techniques that work on many soils.

The post Slime and Putty in Carpet: A Step-by-Step Removal Guide appeared first on Cleanfax.

The department’s  investigated a whistleblower complaint by the terminated employees of Rise Construction LLC, owned by Jivar Foty, and Niko Group LLC, owned by Jessica Foty.

The two employees alleged they were fired after raising concerns to the owners about lack of training, asbestos certification, and personal protective equipment, along with concerns of illegal dumping of asbestos. OSHA found that the terminations were in retaliation for making protected complaints under the , the , and . It ordered reinstatement of the two employees and payment of more than US$200,000 in back wages and interest, as well as compensatory and punitive damages.

OSHA enforces 25 whistleblower statutes that protect employees from retaliation for reporting potential violations involving safety, health, environmental protection, and other public interest concerns.

The post Texas Whistleblowers Fired Over Asbestos appeared first on Cleanfax.

Start with Parts

First things first: Before starting your maintenance efforts, make sure you’re familiar with the parts of the machine. Not all pressure washers have the exact same parts, of course, but they all contain basic components such as a pump, unloader, relief valve, hose, and gun assembly. They also have either a motor or an engine. Hot washers have additional parts that cold washers do not, including a heating coil and float tank. Check the owner’s manual for diagrams and detailed descriptions.

How much maintenance is required for pressure washers will vary greatly. Some of the cheapest machines on the market are practically disposable–they are lubed for life, meaning that they aren’t designed to have the oil changed or have other regular maintenance tasks performed. Once these units die, there is very little hope to resuscitate them. Professional-quality pressure washers are much more maintenance-friendly.

Basic Daily Needs

Like most pieces of equipment, a pressure washer should be inspected daily. Users should take a few minutes to look over the high-pressure hose and supply hose for leaks, kinks, cuts, abrasions, or bulges. For electric-powered machines, check the GFCI drop cord for visible damage.

Before starting up the unit up, always be sure to check the pump oil and adjust it to the correct level if needed. If the machine is gas-powered, use this opportunity to check the engine oil and fuel levels. Also, flush the water system before installing the pressure tip at the end of the gun assembly to prevent any existing materials from possibly clogging.

If any detergent was used while pressure washing, make sure to clean out the soap compound by running clear water through the injector before storing the unit.

Periodic Maintenance

The best way to extend the life of a pressure washer is through daily preventative maintenance, but there are also less frequent procedures that should not be neglected. Depending on how often you’re using the machine, these periodic checks may need to be done weekly, monthly, or just a couple times a year.

Check the hose and fittings for any water leaks. If you find that a leak exists, simply change the hose or fitting. Always think safety first: Shut off the unit before attempting to fix leaks, keeping in mind that the leaking water is still under high pressure and could potentially injure the operator.

Every pressure washer has a pump, but there are two drive types that turn those pumps–a belt drive or a direct drive. Belt-driven machines are designed to last longer than direct-driven; however, drive-drive units are coupled directly to the engine crankshaft and require no special maintenance. By contrast, belt-driven models should be checked over occasionally for wear and to ensure proper tensioning of the belts.

For portable units, users should periodically inspect the tires also and give them a quick cleaning to remove caked-on mud or other material in the tread. Next, check to make sure the tires are properly inflated and have adequate bearing lubrication.

If your pressure washer is powered by an engine, remember that the engine, of course, has its own maintenance requirements as well, including checking the oil and air filter. Always refer to the separate engine owner’s manual for more information to ensure it’s running in top working order.

Troubleshooting

In addition to routine maintenance procedures, it’s also a good idea to understand some basic troubleshooting techniques for when unexpected issues arise. In many cases, a problem may stem from a clogged or dirty part, and the solution is simply either cleaning or replacing the part.

If you hear strange noises, that could signal a variety of concerns. A noisy pump could be an indication that the inlet screen and float tank screen are plugged, which can be fixed with a quick cleaning. A noisy pump could also be alerting you to a lack of oil.

Another common noise you might hear is a chattering sound, which either means that the water is too hot or the water supply is too low. A vibrating noise can mean indicate air in the system or the possibility that some debris is stuck in the valves.

If the engine is making abnormal sounds, check the oil level and adjust it if needed. Losing engine power is another possible issue. If this happens, a dirty or clogged air filter is a likely culprit. Check the filter status, then clean or change it.

On hot pressure washers, the heating coil may become clogged and experience lime buildup if not cleaned regularly. Simply use cleaner to de-lime the coil, and that should allow water to flow at the correct level.

Putting Away for the Winter

In northern climates where pressure washers won’t be used for the winter months, the equipment should be properly prepared for storage. Freezing water can easily destroy a pump, so it’s crucial that antifreeze is run through the system.

Start by mixing an appropriate antifreeze solution for the typical winter temperatures in your area. Next, remove the pressure tip from the gun assembly. For cold-water units that don’t have a float tank, you must attach a section of garden hose to the inlet of the unit. Attach a funnel to the other end of the hose and pour the antifreeze down the funnel while the unit is running. For models with a float tank, simply pour the antifreeze into the tank.

For both cold and hot pressure washers, allow the antifreeze to flow through the bypass system. Next, pull the gun assembly’s trigger – then shut down the unit as soon as antifreeze comes out of the nozzle. Leave the antifreeze in the system while it’s stored for the winter.

When it’s time to use the machine again in the spring, turn the pressure washer on and pump out the antifreeze into a clean container. To clear any lingering antifreeze, flush the system with clean water before operating. This will also help purge internal air pockets and prevent motor damage.

Stay on Schedule

Keeping your pressure washer properly maintained is pretty quick and easy, all things considered, yet too many users don’t give a maintenance a single thought until their machine stops working as intended. Rather than waiting to deal with problems until they interrupt your work or require expensive repairs, considering sticking to a basic service schedule to keep your pressure washer in top shape. Your machine will thank you by providing years of consistent, powerful performance.

The post Basic TLC Keeps Pressure Washers Productive appeared first on Cleanfax.

While an airport spokesperson said the tunnels get routinely cleaned, this will be the first time they are deep cleaned. A deep cleaning can include overhead utilities, structural surface at height, and low-use service corridors, .

BELFOR will provide specialized environmental cleaning services for various locations of the baggage tunnels and basement areas at DEN. The contractor will perform all necessary testing required to identify environmentally compliant cleaning procedures. BELFOR also will provide all required cleaning technicians, equipment, and supplies to perform the specialized cleaning services by industry standards and will dispose all material afterward.

The deep cleaning supports DEN’s strategic plan Vision 100 by protecting critical underground infrastructure, reducing safety risk, and ensuring reliable operations as DEN scales to 100 million passengers.

The Denver City Council also to Wright Choice Inc. to keep the tunnels clean for five years. DEN’s maintenance contract with Wright Choice includes the removal of trash, dust, debris, soot, graffiti, and other surface contaminants along with providing services such as pressure or power washing. The agreement aims to support a clean, safe, and functional environment.

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