In this issue:

Missed the last issue? You can read it in full here…

Prochem Europe is consolidating its growing partnership with the National Carpet Cleaners Association (NCCA) in a joint promotion initiative at next month’s Cleaning Show in Manchester.

The National Carpet Cleaners Association is the only nationally recognised trade association dedicated to the cleaning of carpets, hard flooring and soft furnishings.

Cleaners can now take NCCA membership exams with Prochem. These are held at the end of the upholstery courses in Chessington, Surrey.

Now, Prochem has invited colleagues from the association to share the stand at April’s Manchester Cleaning Show at Event City, April 11-12^th 2018.

Powermate 1200

Stand D10 features a wide range of Prochem Europe products including new-to-market touchless restroom cleaning system, CR2 Multi-Surface and the Powermate 1200.

A newcomer to Prochem’s portable machines offer, the CR2 Multi-Surface is a versatile ‘touch-free’ restoration system that not only does away with the need for mops and brushes, but – with the addition of a carpet wand or upholstery tool – can also be used for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Portables accessories and attachments from Prochem Europe are expanded further by the new Powermate 1200, a lightweight easy-to-manoeuvre extraction machine power wand with self-levelling cylindrical 2500 rpm brush, 12” vacuum head and 25 ft. power cable.

Prochem portables on show include the Endeavor 500, Polaris 800 and Steempro Powermax, with external in-line Heat ‘n’ Run heat exchanger, along with a selection of the company’s industry-acclaimed specialist cleaning solutions including Fresh Breeze Odour Neutraliser, Extraclean, and Fluoroseal CF.

Join us – drop your business card into our on-stand prize draw to win a training course!

More information on joining the NCCA with Prochem training at this link

https://cleaningshow.co.uk/

Looking for the most innovatory cleaning technology and solutions in 2018?

Look no further – this latest product catalogue from Prochem Europe includes key new releases for 2018.

New to market in the portable machines section is our CR2 Multi-Surface.

A truly versatile ‘touch-free’ restoration system, this not only does away with your need for mops and brushes, but – with a carpet wand or upholstery tool – can also be used for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Endeavor 500

This powerful unit has a powerful 500 psi pump with built-in auto chemical feed system for cleaning and pressure washing. It also offers an optional Heat ‘n’ Run system to further boost cleaning performance.

More on this fantastically-versatile machine in this issue …

Next up that’s new this year: the already-acclaimed Endeavor 500 unit now featuring a new 2-Stage 8.4” vacuum motor.

With a high pressure 500 psi induction drive piston pump and high airflow 8.4” vacuum motor, the Endeavor 500 matches the performance of a small truck mount unit. That’s packing a ton of power for a portable.

Portables’ accessories and attachments are expanded further by the new Powermate 1200, a lightweight easy-to-manoeuvre extraction machine power wand with self-levelling cylindrical 2500 rpm brush, 12” vacuum head and 25 ft. power cable.

Also new to accessories this year is the S-Bend Stair Wand, a short 36” handle 2-jet wand for easy cleaning of stair treads.

Sapphire 370SS

Already Britain’s principal supplier of truck mounted extractor cleaning technology (no-one has a bigger range) Prochem Europe is also introducing the Sapphire 370SS featuring a new look with carbon fibre-style detailing and a backlit front bezel.

It’s the smallest machine in cubic size available from us. That means it needs as much as 50% less cubic space than competitive models, thereby freeing up precious space in the back your van for more tools and solutions.

New truck mount accessories this year feature the Sapphire HOSS 700 truck mount cleaning tool.

Engineered to maximize carpet cleaning performance and reduce dry times, the HOSS 700 cleans at 700 passes per minute, delivering solution at precise rates and agitating thoroughly to dramatically improve cleaning results.

Also, the down force created by the HOSS 700 combined with optimized vacuum flow results in maximum extraction, reducing carpet dry times by up to 30% compared to standard cleaning wands.

Finally, truck mount accessories, and a big welcome to the Sapphire Titanium S-bend and Sapphire Wand Glide.

The S-Bend benefits from high-strength ultra-lightweight titanium construction to reduce operator fatigue. Four and six-jet manifold provides superior coverage.

Available in two size options, the Sapphire Wand Glide reduces drying times and prompts fatigue-free cleaning via a precision-fit polymer glide that makes cleaning strokes almost effort-free.

Check out the new Prochem Europe Catalogue, available at your local Prochem distributor and via this download link

Meet us at the Manchester Cleaning Show in the UK this April; we are also exhibiting at Amsterdam’s Interclean in May!  More on these important events in this issue.

Guy Scott (2^nd from right) and the team …

Another 40^th anniversary for a Prochem distributor, and this time we’re in St Albans where Mel Scott started his business back in 1978.

A former Initial Services area manager, Mel opted to go self-employed as a window cleaner while selling new vacuum cleaners as a side-line, with a specialism in school contract cleaning.

As ever, an approachable personality won friends in his customer base and Mel soon found himself expanding their business. In 2008, Scott & Sons opened their shop on the town’s Old Watford Road.

Son Guy is operations director now, ably helped by wife and co-director Joanne, while their daughter Rosie works as Guy’s PA. They have a staff of 200 to look after that includes 12 sales and service personnel.

Scott & Sons’ shop front…

Selling and servicing is what this family business excels in. How are they celebrating their 40^th? “Well, really by getting on with it,” laughs Guy. “We might lift a glass or two but we’re so busy I imagine we shall be working!”

Scott & Sons have amassed considerable experience in the domestic and commercial cleaning sectors throughout St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead and surrounding areas.

Around 60% of the business comes from the commercial sector and the company caters for jobs of all sizes, fielding a wide range of professional equipment to tackle carpet cleaning, window cleaning, cleaning product supply and pest control in the locale.

Guy’s company stocks all the Prochem Europe ranges and share an excellent working knowledge of cleaning practices. A full-time on-site engineer looks after machine service and repair needs and the company is launching a new e-commerce web site shortly at 1^st4cleaningsupplies.co.uk.

Scott & Sons prepare for take-off!

Asked how he sees the market going in 2018, Guy suggests: “It’s going to be the usual challenge. But businesses that invest in knowledge to improve customer service will meet that challenge head-on and we expect upholstery and floorcare will continue to generate revenue for our business.”

Having the right service partners working alongside you is paramount to achieving success in Guy’s book and Prochem Europe has been supplying Scott & Sons for much of its life.

“First rate products first and foremost” he says. “Fluoroseal, Fibre & Fabric Rinse, Crystal Green, Trafficlean, Stain Pro, Solvall are all popular chemicals amongst our customers and Prochem cleaning machines do well across the board.”

Training inevitably comes up in conversation. “That’s hugely important,” says Guy. “We cascade our BICSc training program down to our staff so they understand colour coding and COSHH regulations, and consequently are even better qualified to deliver the highest quality cleaning services for our clients.

“Phil Jones from Prochem visits regularly to train in-house here, and many of our staff have also been on Prochem courses in Chessington.

“This type and sheer level of mutual support between us and Prochem goes a long way to explaining how important it is to judge and choose your suppliers on the basis of more than just cost.”

www.scott-sons.co.uk

The tub vac has become a go-to solution for most everyday folk tasked with cleaning up dust, dirt, small floods, spillages, etc. whether in a domestic or commercial situation.

But as always, it pays to shop about when sourcing a tub vacuum cleaner for professionals (note: that last word!).

We’re talking something like the Provac, a real quality product designed for the pro user that comes in three different sizes, starting with the 814.

With its usable 12 Litre capacity and a 1100W motor, it is a very powerful but light machine weighing in at 8.5 Kg and comes complete with a 3m hose, plastic suction tubes and various floor tools including a squeegee tool.

Next size up: the 829 has a usable 18 Litre capacity and again that powerful 1100 W motor. It comes complete with a 3m Hose, stainless steel S – bend suction tubes and various floor tools, and also includes the squeegee tool.

Finally, the largest of the three is the Provac 931 with a 22 Litre usable capacity but now sporting an even more powerful 1450 W motor.

It comes complete with a trolley that allows the tub to be tilted without removal from the trolley for ease of emptying, a 3m hose, stainless steel S-Bend suction tubes, various floor tools, as well as the all-important squeegee tool.

Each machine has a stainless steel tub for greater durability, stability and longer life and the added benefit of being dual-functional, being able to pick-up excess water from spills, leaks and floods and slurry from hard floor cleaning, as well as straightforward dry vacuuming.

As we said, these are tub vacs for professional cleaners. Smiley faces optional!

Provacs:               

New-look Legend GT on show at Interclean 2018

Amsterdam beckons and Prochem is showcasing new-to-market technology at the city’s ISS Interclean event in May.

On show will be the innovatory CR2 Multi-Surface, a versatile ‘touch-free’ restoration system for washrooms and restroom areas that does away with the need for mops and brushes and – with the addition of a carpet wand or upholstery tool – can also be used for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

Also on show is the Endeavor 500 unit now featuring a new 2-Stage 8.4” vacuum motor. A phenomenal performer with a high pressure 500 psi induction drive piston pump and high airflow 8.4” vacuum motor, the Endeavor 500 matches the performance of a small truck mount unit.

Truck mount cleaning is a strength of Prochem’s and this year we’re exhibiting the latest addition to the range in the Sapphire 370SS.

The smallest machine in cubic size available, needing 50% less cubic space than competitive models thereby freeing up precious van space, the brand new 370SS features a new look with carbon fibre-style detailing and a backlit front bezel.

With it, the company is exhibiting the new-look Legend GT truck mounted carpet & upholstery cleaning system.

Powered by the air-cooled 23 hp Kohler Command engine, the newly-simplified design and patented heat exchange system are paired up with the industry’s most reliable components.

The stainless steel grille and wrinkle finish plastic coated frame are rust and corrosion resistant and the forklift pockets provide for ease of vehicle installation and transfer.

New truck mount accessories include the Sapphire HOSS 700 truck mount cleaning tool: engineered to maximize carpet cleaning performance and reduce drying times, the HOSS 700 cleans at 700 passes per minute, delivering solution at precise rates and agitating thoroughly to dramatically improve cleaning results.

Furthermore, the down force created by the HOSS 700 combined with optimized vacuum flow results in maximum extraction, reducing carpet dry times by up to 30% compared to standard cleaning wands.

Interclean showcases 800 exhibitors in 11 halls and takes place alongside new event, Healthcare Cleaning Forum.

Come and see us! We’re exhibiting in Hall 5 on Stand 259 at the show at the city’s Europaplein venue, May 15^th – 18^th 2018.

Prochem Europe is to launch a new touchless cleaning technology for restrooms and other wet areas that also can be used on carpet and upholstery.

The CR2 Multi-Surface is a versatile ‘touch-free’ restoration system that not only does away with the need for mops and brushes, but – with the addition of a carpet wand or upholstery tool – can also be used for carpet and upholstery cleaning.

The unit combines a pressure washer with a powerful vacuum system for areas where traditional methods of cleaning like mopping are ineffective.

It all works by breaking down loose dirt and grime from porous surfaces and hard-to-reach areas so that they can be effectively removed using the squeegee and vacuum system.

The introduction of the CR2 comes on the back of 12 months test-marketing at Prochem Europe to ascertain its potential for the UK market.

Says sales manager, Phil Jones:  “We showcased it at the last Cleaning Show here in the UK and the response was unequivocally positive.

“Like all the best solutions, this system embodies a relatively simple technology that enables the cleaning of toilets, urinals, and restroom floors without the user getting his or her hands dirty.

“There’s no need even for chemical mixing as the solutions container fits to the machine case for automatic dosing during operation.”

As well as practical, the CR2 meets growing demand for hygiene technology products, in particular for application in the healthcare, food preparation and hospitality sectors.

Says Phil: “These user sectors are strongly driven by legislation and demand for ever-higher standards of cleanliness, hygiene, health and safety and in turn, reductions in resource with a greater adoption of recycling.”

The CR2 Multi-Surface machine has a powerful 500 psi pump with built-in auto chemical feed system for cleaning and pressure washing and offers an optional Heat ‘n’ Run system to further boost cleaning performance.

A three-stage vacuum system enables swift and effective water and soil recovery. A built-in wand and hose caddy system makes the CR2 easy to transport with all necessary tools required to site. A wide range of optional carpet and upholstery cleaning accessories further broadens its application to multi-surface restoration, as and when required.

The CR2 – at work!

1998: an ambitious, fast-growing cleaning and hygiene supplier signs up to distribute Prochem products to cleaners, schools and businesses along the South Coast of England.

Fast forward 20 years: and there’s no ‘coasting’ at CJS Portsmouth.

The 37-staff strong business, based in the heart of this buzzing port city and naval base, operates a fleet of five trucks from modern premises comprising a 14,000 sq ft warehouse, machine repairs, sales and administration areas servicing a wide range of customers from Dorset to East Sussex and up into the South of London.

The Board of Directors, from left to right:  Dave Gray, Operations Director, Terri Gray, Managing Director, Dave Baker, Chairman and Keith Churchill, Sales Director

CJS began life over 40 years ago as Clearsea Janitorial Supplies in the nearby town of Southsea. Owner Dave Baker – today, company chairman – had gone into window cleaning. His cheery ‘can-do’ attitude soon made him his customers’ ‘go-to’ solution for the broader range of cleaning needs, too.

CJS grew steadily but surely, moving premises within the region as it out-grew each, shifting from small shop to larger industrial park unit. Its customers grew, too, expanding from the local contracting market to schools, healthcare, offices and factories as well as leisure facilities and industrial premises.

5,000 products in store …

Today, it offers in excess of 5,000 different products with stock lines ranging from chemicals, to paper products to machinery to tabletop to janitorial products, maintained to a high standard on a FIFO (First in First Out) philosophy.

But that’s the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in relation to what else goes on at CJS. “We’ve broadened our offer over the years to take in COSHH advisory services, ATP/SWAB testing for infection control, customer stock and audit controls, as well as machine repairs and maintenance,” says Tina Stiles, Marketing Manager

“We also advise on training. In fact, Prochem Europe’s sales manager, Phil Jones is on our Ask-The-Expert advisory panel.”

That’s another good idea from CJS. Got a cleaning question that you can’t seem to find an answer for? Need advice on what solution is best for a particular cleaning problem?

Visit www.cjsportsmouthltd.co.uk/ask-an-expert/ and tap into an accumulated wealth of knowledge and insight from CJS and supplier experts like Phil as to what products and methods are best suited to help improve cleaning results.

“Prochem is an enormous help to us and our customers,” says CJS Sales Director, Keith Churchill. “From the start we’ve benefited from their knowledge, training and of course a first rate product range.

“They field some terrific solutions, notably for us, the likes of Extraction Plus, Crystal Green, Fresh Breeze Odour Neutraliser, Trafficlean, Urine Neutraliser – and all the machines sell well, too.

“We send our own teams to Prochem Europe for training at Chessington and recommend that our customers go to these, too, because in my view training boosts confidence and ability.”

CJS seem well set for another two decades of growth and development.

www.cjsportsmouthltd.co.uk

A one-day (C1) training course at Prochem Europe teaches how to identify fibres, recognise different types of backings and carpet construction, test the stability of dyes, and choose the right chemicals for both cleaning & stain removal.

Double up with a second day and your business is underway.

A Prochem 2-day (C2) carpet cleaning course brings hands-on experience of carrying out a full survey; learning how to sell your service and sell it well through correct pricing and timing of jobs; joining in with your colleagues to discuss health and safety issues, waste disposal, insurance and get the answers to questions that you want to raise.

You also get to see stain removal techniques and learn more about rug cleaning, dyes, sanitising and protector treatments.

This two-day package approach to learning about carpet cleaning works particularly well for those wanting to take their NCCA membership exam with Prochem, all you need to do now is attend an upholstery course (within six months).

Last year saw the numbers of cleaners training with Prochem Europe increase heavily.   A large percentage of this increase is down to this new initiative with the National Carpet Cleaners’ Association (NCCA).

50 years old this year, the national trade association helps to support, grow and inform the carpet and fabric cleaning trade, as well as the general public, and Prochem has been proud to support it as a corporate member for over 40 years.

Last year, NCCA entrance examinations started to be held at Prochem’s Training Academy in Chessington for delegates attending a package of one-day (C1) carpet course and our one-day (U1) upholstery course.

The idea went down particularly well with cleaners operating in the south east of England as it saves having to go up to the Midlands to attend the NCCA’s Leicestershire headquarters.

Our advice would be to get on a Prochem C1 or C2 carpet cleaning course and from there, ideally as soon as possible, attend a U1.

Directly following the U1 course (that afternoon), we then hold the one-hour NCCA exam: multiple-choice, and only costs £30.

Questions are split between subjects covered on the carpet course as well as upholstery questions. Question papers are then sent to the NCCA for marking.

If you pass the exam, you are invited to join the association and become an associate member.

You have up to 6 months to attend the U1 course, following your carpet 1 or 2 day event, but take our advice – it is far easier to retain information, ready for the exam, if you can do the two courses as close together as possible.

Once you have taken and passed the exam and become a member of the NCCA, you can use that membership to move yourself up in your clients’ estimation of the quality of the clean and professional service you are going to offer.

There will always be carpet cleaners under-cutting your prices, but people do also buy on quality too! Cheap prices do make people think twice before committing.

It’s time to tap more revenue potential from the jobs you do. Look at our website for training course details and choose a C1/U1 combination and begin the journey to becoming an NCCA member.

You can read about the benefits at www.ncca.co.uk/benefitsofmembership

More on Prochem training here

If you are going to make a go of business, then you have to look at expanding your service offer.

It’s a simple enough ethos – and it’s certainly sustained the hugely successful career development of carpet cleaner Stuart Kerr.

If his name if familiar that’s because Stuart gets reported regularly in the news – including here at Prochem Europe, where he is a regular customer for machines and solutions.

Swift’s latest acquisition, the Prochem Legend GT

Established in 1992, Swift Cleaning Services moved into truck mount cleaning back in 1998 with a Prochem Performer.

He next moved into a business unit with offices and storage at Yateley in Hampshire where he bought three Prochem Legends and set off specialising in cleaning carpets, curtains and fine fabrics.

One Windsor hotel became a customer – next, so did the big house over the road!

Back then Stuart outlined the Swift Cleaning philosophy.

“We never turn a job down and always go for the best materials and back-up, which is why we use Prochem machines and chemicals.

“All of our staff are truckmount-trained by Prochem and all wear uniform.”

This is a guy who does not let the grass grow under his feet. Spotting the huge potential of truck mounts, he next started a fire and flood restoration business.

Restorations (UK) has subsequently de-flooded, cleaned and decontaminated thousands of properties across the UK, ranging from single rooms to large supermarkets, offices and schools.

Son Lewis, working on a large commercial fire damaged warehouse

Today, Stuart operates a fleet of 18 specialist vehicles equipped by Prochem.  He recently expanded the fleet further with the acquisition of three Prochem Endeavors and a Legend truck mount extractor.

And the boss is still tweaking the business model.

His latest venture is equipment hire and business reinstatement.

Reinstatement = restoration to former glories!

“We rent out drying equipment, mostly to domestic customers, businesses, property rental agents, carpet cleaners and other flood restoration companies looking for a short-term DIY solution that they can apply themselves,” he tells us.

“And the reinstatement business is, I guess, an inevitable outcome of getting homes and business back on their feet after a fire or flood.

Son Josh, working on building repairs and reinstatement

The aim of our new Building Repairs team is to restore client property to its former glory. Simple.”

Stuart also has offices in central London and Manchester.

Now that his sons, Lewis and Joshua, are working for him, some succession planning would appear to be in place for when (or should that be, if?) this cleaning dynamo decides to put his feet up!

www.swiftcleaning.com

www.restorations-uk.com

www.swift-drying.co.uk

Many of us imagine stone floor to be almost unbeatably hard to damage, but it still does require maintenance.

Built-up soil, oil and grease, limescale, efflorescence (whitening) and cement residues are the enemy.

Neglect a stone floor and you have a problem which can be expensive to put right.  Properly protected and maintained, however, its beauty and functionality can be unparalleled.

As ever, Prochem is on the case when it comes to resolving specific cleaning needs.

A257 Stoneclean is a formulated acidic detergent that will effectively remove lime scale, grease, grout stains, effervescence and general staining from many types of stone floor such as quarry tiles, ceramics and other acid resistant flooring.

(But do not use Stoneclean on polished marble, terrazzo, travertine, granite or limestone flooring or other acid sensitive natural stone composites, unless pre-testing indicates that the surface can be cleaned without damage or discoloration.)  Always read the directions for use.

To start, as ever, pre-test in a small inconspicuous area with a diluted solution to make sure it’s going to be fit for your purpose.

Next, dilute 1 part Stoneclean to 10 parts water for general cleaning. Here (right), it’s being applied with a rotary machine fitted with a scrubbing brush, but it can also be applied by mop, sponge or brush.

Scrub the surface well with a brush or pad, and then allow a sufficient dwell time of between five and 15 minutes for the cleaning action to be fully effective.

Now use a wet pick-up vacuum (see the item on tub vacs in this issue) to take up the slurry and rinse thoroughly with plenty of clean water before mopping dry.

Finally, check out the result of cleaning stone with Stoneclean!

And here are some extra tips:

• Stoneclean can be used undiluted (subject to testing) to remove heavy limescale.
• It’s also very effective for cleaning safety flooring.

Finally, if you are working on porous flooring, finish off by treating it with Prochem’s R603 Stone Seal solution: it provides a water-resistant seal that will not change the appearance of the floor.

Happy customer!

Got stuck on a technicality? Let us help …

Q

“Yesterday, I completed a clean on a house and the carpets smelt of stagnant water (it turns out the client had tried a DIY job on the carpets that hadn’t worked). I started with a thorough brush, rake and vac. I then pre-sprayed with S709 Multi Pro, extracted using B109 Fibre & Fabric Rinse with B124 Odour Fresh added. The lady has emailed me this morning saying she can still detect the odour”.

A

The stagnant smell is probably bacteria. I’d suggest going back with B125 Clensan®, spraying it down, leaving 15 minutes and re-rinsing out with B109 Fibre & Fabric Rinse with B124 Odour Fresh added to the solution.

And some from the archives!

Q

“I cleaned a carpet and now the customer is complaining that the carpet has a pungent fishy smell. What can I do to get rid of the smell?”

A

If the smell is not due to slow drying, it could be that adhesive in the construction or adhesive which is gluing the carpet or tiles to the subfloor has been upset by the cleaning process. This is a difficult situation to remedy. Use B124 Odour Fresh, A222 Smoke & Odour Neutraliser, or another product from Prochem’s range of deodorisers, and ensure fresh ventilation is provided. The odour should improve with time. Avoid over-wetting in future cleans!

Q

“I have an end-of-tenancy clean to do and the previous tenant had dogs and also smoked. How do I get rid of the smell?”

A

Clean in the normal way but add A222 Smoke & Odour Neutraliser to the cleaning solution. It can also be sprayed onto the carpet and rinse-extracted. For dog odour problems, try cleaning the area where the dog is known to have been lying with S710 Trafficlean or any other pre-spray and the solvent additive B845 Citra-Boost in order to eliminate natural oils from the dog fur which will have transferred to the carpet or rug.

Then, rinse-extract with B109 Fibre & Fabric Rinse.

Q

“I cleaned a carpet and now there are straight black lines running the length of the room. What can I do?”

A

If the lines are running in the same direction as the floorboards and are evenly spaced, these lines will probably be draught marks. The carpet does not have an impervious layer and sheet polythene should have been laid, when the carpet was fitted, to prevent these air filtration marks. They have most likely been revealed by the cleaning process or brought up through the carpet from the underlay during extraction.

Clean with A217 Ultrapac Renovate or B171 Filter Out and then rinse-extract with B109 Fibre & Fabric Rinse. Advise the customer that the draught marks will come back unless the carpet is re-laid on an impervious sheet.

More Prochem Customer Carpet Cleaning Qs & As here