CHICAGO—Tornado, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment and supplies, introduces a new lightweight, powerful and “green” backpack vacuum cleaner. The new machine, called the PV6 Pac-Vac Vacuum, weighs less than 11 pounds, has superior noise-reducing systems, yet is powered by a 1.9 HP motor, which delivers static lift of 90 inches and airflow of 120 cubic feet per minute. According to Mark Cuddy, Tornado’s director of sales, eastern region, engineers of the PV6 series placed considerable emphasis on developing a vacuum that could help bolster productivity, while being environmentally responsible at the same time. “The machine has been field tested...

NATIONAL REPORT—Metolius One Distributing introduces its Gray Out, Non-Skid Surface Cleaner, a new product designed for the problem of discolored non-skid surfaces of bathtubs and showers. This patent approved new product cleans without any abrasives, works on any surface, and is 100 percent organic, biodegradable and nontoxic. According to Metolius, tubs and showers gray because minute deposits work like seed crystals and promote more and more accumulations, which polymerize. The gray color actually comes from small amounts of dirt and skin-flakes, entrapped as the oils polymerize. Polymerization is a result of the oils’ exposure to the oxygen in...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Vamoose, which has been independently tested and verified as the only commercially available odor eliminator with long-term odor removal for cigarettes, pipes and cigars by organically converting the sources of the odors, is now available in service kits for commercial service companies. Service companies, franchise service groups, hotels, motels and restaurants can now easily purchase complete treatment kits and add additional service offerings for room treatment of tobacco odors. Vamoose, when used properly, completely eliminates all second-hand tobacco odors with the patented Novexium technology which molecularly combines with the tar and nicotine molecules deposited by smoking. It converts...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Housekeeping is critical to the success of today’s hospitality operations. The most basic guest expectation is a clean room, and with increasing media coverage of hotel cleanliness, it’s essential to know how to manage the people and processes that make the housekeeping department function. The newly-published third edition of Managing Housekeeping Operations, from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (EI), presents a competency-based approach to directing the day-to-day operations of this department, from big-picture management issues to technical details for cleaning each area. The third edition of this EI textbook has been completely revised, with more than 100...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes T2 Site Amenities as a Green Product Directory partner. The Highland Park, Ill.-based company offers recycling containers from the top manufacturers, with a choice of fiberglass, steel, sustainable hardwoods, marble and slate construction. T2 offers recycling products for high profile areas, guestrooms and “behind the scenes” areas. Recycling containers can be customized for each property’s needs. Benches and planters are also available. The company’s website includes product, pricing and ordering information. Go to www.t2-sa.com, e-mail info@t2-sa.com, or call (847) 579-9003.

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces its new Untouchable Containers and Lids. The new Rubbermaid Untouchable Containers and Lids provide hands-free, hygienic disposal of waste for more efficient recycling. “Rubbermaid’s mission is to provide products that help end-users work smarter,” said Christen Brooker, product manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products. “And we’ve made that possible with the new Untouchable Container Bottle/Can and Paper Lids which allow for more efficient waste collection that fits into any recycling program.” The Untouchable Containers offer an integrated liner cinch for easy one-step can liner retention that eliminates knot...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), a leader in durable facility maintenance solutions, introduces its new Deluxe Paneled Carts—making waste and linen management smart and stylish. With faux mahogany finished doors and panels, the Rubbermaid Deluxe Paneled Carts feature ergonomic handles which help reduce worker strain, making it comfortable to use and easy to maneuver. Flexibility is built-in with RCP’s high quality nylon bags or optional Triple Waste Bag Holders that allow segregation of waste and recycling. And because it’s Rubbermaid, the carts’ all plastic and aluminum construction make it easy to clean as well as chemical- and salt-water resistant. ...

CAMARILLO, CALIF.—Hygiena has just released its newest rapid detection equipment system, the SystemSURE Plus ATP hygiene monitoring system. This new sanitation monitoring system is used to gauge performance of cleaning processes and to verify that cleaning has been done. The SystemSURE Plus detects both microbial and non-microbial contamination in just 15 seconds, allowing cleaning professionals to verify cleaning and record the results. For more information, visit www.hygiena.net.

DALTON, GA.—The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recently announced the first commercial vacuums to earn certification under its new Seal of Approval/Green Label testing program. An independent testing laboratory certified that the vacuums meet high industry standards for soil removal, indoor air quality and carpet fiber protection. This announcement coincided with the 2007 ISSA/Interclean trade show in Orlando, Fla., where CRI showcased the newest addition to its Seal of Approval program for carpet cleaning solutions and equipment. Nearly 300 products carry the CRI Seal of Approval. The Proteam Sierra CM and the TTI Rubbermaid prototype earned the highest gold...

MINNEAPOLIS—Tennant Co. recently introduced ech2o (pronounced “echo”), a new cleaning technology that electrically activates plain tap water, making it behave like a powerful detergent without any added chemicals. The new ech2o offers significant customer advantages including lower costs, ease of use, improved operator safety, plus an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Its cleaning effectiveness is proven to be the same or better than general purpose cleaners, without the negative environmental impact and health issues associated with producing, packaging, transporting, using and disposing of traditional cleaning chemicals. The new ech2o begins as water and ends as water. “Our new...