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IEHA, UMass TURI, and The Housekeeping Channel (HC) to Test, Recognize Green Products

 

 

Note: The program below is being piloted with IEHA, to be followed by a pilot with The Housekeeping Channel.

How Effective Are ‘Green’ Cleaners? New Program Will Test and Recognize Top Performers

 

TURI, IEHA Offer Manufacturers Evidence of Effectiveness

WESTERVILLE, OH—To promote cleaning products that are both green and effective, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) have launched a program to test and validate high performance products.

The fee-based program will test soil removal efficacy of hard-surface cleaning products—both those certified as green by third-party organizations such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, and EcoForm, as well as products with green attributes—and recognize products that perform well in standard and customized cleaning tests.

“While it is accepted that lower-toxicity, environmentally-preferable or green cleaning products are better for human health and global ecosystems, the question remains: Do such products clean well when compared to conventional or even other green products?” says Beth Risinger, CEO and Executive Director of IEHA.

Products accepted into the program will be tested using a variety of scientific methods and devices producing a detailed analysis of product performance. Manufacturers can use this information to improve their formulations as well as promote their products.

“For institutions and consumers, the value we provide is unbiased performance testing to enable product selection based on objective data rather than on anecdotal information,” says Jason Marshall, laboratory director of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell. “For vendors, products that are effective cleaners will have a clear scientific basis for associated marketing claims.”

Manufacturers of cleaning products that qualify after testing will be entitled to display the IEHA "High Performance Cleaning Product" designation and logo.

“The logo will mainly serve as a way for purchasers to determine at a glance those products that clean well, but it also may be used by manufacturers for marketing purposes with certain restrictions,” says Risinger. “This is really about performance, not marketing, but products that are validated in this program have a powerful marketing tool at their disposal.”

IEHA and TURI are now accepting applications from manufacturers who wish to have their products evaluated.

For more information on test procedures, performance benchmarks, or to apply for testing, please contact Allen P. Rathey, President, InstructionLink/JanTrain, Inc. at (208) 938-3137 or (208) 724-1508 (mobile), arathey@jantrain.com.

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State’s capitol, Columbus. IEHA provides its members with an array of professional development, educational, and certification opportunities. For more information, visit www.ieha.org.

About the Toxics Use Reduction Institute

 

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell provides research, training, technical support, laboratory services and grant programs to reduce the use of toxic chemicals while enhancing the economic competitiveness of local businesses. The TURI Laboratory tests the performance of both industrial and janitorial cleaning products to encourage companies, institutions, and product formulators, to choose and develop safer substitutes. To learn more, visit www.turi.org/laboratory.

 

 

 

NEHA - Housekeeping Channel Partnership to Improve Home Cleanliness and Health

 

 

Boise, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) have announced a collaboration that will bring consumers the research necessary to help them make informed decisions to keep their homes clean and healthy. The Housekeeping Channel is an online resource dedicated to keeping consumers up-to-date with the latest cleaning tips and techniques. The relationship furthers NEHA’s mission to “provide a healthful environment for all.”

Now, visitors to The Housekeeping Channel will be able to access environmental health science data in easy-to-read articles pertaining to related health risk areas in their homes. Articles will cover topics such as indoor air quality, dust containment, toxic substances, children’s environmental health, emerging pathogens such as the swine flu and MRSA, and pest management.

“Consumers often clean for appearance and do not understand the potential health implications of using particular cleaning products or processes,” said Nelson E. Fabian, Executive Director and CEO of NEHA. “From asthma triggers to the long-term implications of toxic chemical exposure, there are a variety of potentially harmful agents associated with cleaning in the home. By increasing accessibility to NEHA research, consumers will have the information necessary to make educated decisions to keep their homes clean and families healthy.”

"HC exists to help consumers clean, protect and enhance their home environment using proven processes and practices from experts," said Allen Rathey, President of The Housekeeping Channel. "Our relationship with NEHA is a clear extension of this mission, and we are gratified to be aligned with them and to help bring their expertise to mainstream consumers."

As a part of the agreement, Fabian will serve on the advisory board of The Housekeeping Channel. Serving as the Executive Director of NEHA for more than 25 years, Fabian has achieved several accolades, including the Journal of Environmental Health’s “One of the Nation’s Top 15 Leaders in Environmental Health” in 2007. Recently, Fabian has focused on the topic of pandemic outbreaks, giving numerous presentations on the subject and authoring online courses for environmental health practitioners.

“The direct correlation between cleaning and environmental health is becoming apparent to more consumers,” added Fabian. “This relationship will bring consumers the information they need to make informed decisions that will help keep their homes safe and healthy.”

About Housekeepingchannel.com
 
The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

About NEHA

NEHA is a non-profit association for environmental health professionals. Since 1937, NEHA has been working to advance the environmental health profession, and thereby improve the human environment in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the world, to create a more healthful quality of life for us all. NEHA’s 4,500+ members practice their profession in the public and private sectors as well as in academia and the uniformed services, with a majority being employed by state and local health departments. In partnership with the National Center for Healthy Housing, NEHA offers the Healthy Homes Specialist Credential. This credential tests an individual’s understanding of the connection between health and housing, enabling a holistic approach to identify and resolve problems that threaten the health and well being of residents. For more information about the National Environmental Health Association, please visit www.neha.org.

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary

 

 

Boise, ID - For more than five years, visitors have continued to flock to http://www.HousekeepingChannel.com for news and information about products and processes used to clean and maintain their homes. Steadily growing since its launch in August 2004, the site is now frequented by an average of 55,000 unique visitors monthly or nearly 700,000 unique visitors annually and has become a leading consumer and professional resource for “better, faster, healthier” cleaning and housekeeping.

“Web sites tend to be effervescent, fizzling out in just a short period of time,” said Allen Rathey, president of The Housekeeping Channel. “The growth of The Housekeeping Channel can be attributed to a strategic business plan and long-term educational approach that offers it freedom from the volatility of traditional dot com models. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we look forward to its continued maturation as we look for new and innovative ways to improve upon the resources and content available to our visitors.”

Since its inception, The Housekeeping Channel has become a favorite Web site of journalists, achieving recognition in several notable mainstream media outlets, including Real Simple, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, PC Magazine, Women’s Health, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and many others. In November 2005, it cultivated a relationship with ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” enabling The Housekeeping Channel to help improve the cleanliness of the home environment for families in need.

The addition of 90 key industry experts to its advisory board has been another contributor to its ongoing success. The site offers an unbiased and holistic approach to cleaning and housekeeping, as its content is authored by professionals in a variety of industries, including health and medical, home care, gardening and interior design. Experts featured on the site have earned a reputation for their no-nonsense advice and practical wisdom.

"When visitors come to The Housekeeping Channel, they can expect in-depth reviews and honest information about the products and processes they need to keep their homes clean and healthy," said Rathey. "With third-party affiliates like the Carpet and Rug Institute, IICRC, NEHA and others, The Housekeeping Channel not only keeps users informed as to which products and methods should be used to clean their homes, but it also provides the scientific data and research to show why they should be used.”

To meet the increasing mobile demands of its visitors, The Housekeeping Channel established a relationship with Sprint in 2005 to make its content available on their SprintVision wireless platform. As the site continues to evolve, it is considering new digital media strategies to further enhance the content available. From user-generated “how-to” videos to additional avenues for user interaction, the site will continue to meet the needs of its visitors.

“As we forge into the future, The Housekeeping Channel will continue its forward momentum, adapting to the increasingly mobile needs of our users,” Rathey added. “In addition to different delivery vehicles, we will continue to explore new relationships with industry experts and allied associations to ensure we continue to maintain our position as the leading online consumer and professional resource for better, faster and healthier cleaning and housekeeping.”

About HC
 
The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) - in collaboration with the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) -  strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

 

 

 

IEHA Endorses and Promotes Roizen and Oz Book, YOU: The Smart Patient

 

 

Westerville, OH—Since properly educated patients are safer patients, the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) will promote the healthcare guide, YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment, by Dr.'s Roizen and Oz, to both trade and consumer audiences in 2009-2010.

With the success of The New York Times Bestsellers, YOU: On a Diet, YOU: The Owner's Manual, YOU: Staying Young and YOU: Being Beautiful, Michael F. Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. (a regular guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show) authored YOU: The Smart Patient, in conjunction with The Joint Commission, the nation's largest accreditor of healthcare organizations. The authors teamed with The Joint Commission and Joint Commission Resources (JCR)—the not-for-profit publishing, consulting and educational affiliate of The Joint Commission—to develop the book.

YOU: The Smart Patient urges patients to get involved in their healthcare. The book gives patients clear, definitive information on topics such as creating a health profile, choosing doctors, preparing for a hospital stay, and avoiding medication errors. YOU: The Smart Patient also discusses the role of the Joint Commission, as well as the importance of Joint Commission accreditation, along with its National Patient Safety Goals, the Speak Up™ Campaign, Quality Check™, the Universal Protocol and other tools focused on improving patient safety and the quality of care. It offers key advice about where patients can go for healthcare when traveling abroad, and the importance of looking for The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval when choosing a healthcare organization.

The book—published by Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.—mixes humor and illustrations to provide concrete guidance to patients in safely navigating the healthcare system.

According to Beth Risinger, CEO/Executive Director of IEHA: “Every consumer should read this easy-to-digest guide before they or their loved ones enter a healthcare facility. Being well-informed means being well-prepared and this book prepares both professionals in the healthcare sector and the average patient about what to expect and how to optimize the health and safety of a hospital stay.”

“YOU: The Smart Patient encourages patients to be active members of the healthcare team and identifies steps to take to obtain the most effective and safe treatment possible,” says Karen H. Timmons, President and CEO, Joint Commission Resources. “JCR appreciates the IEHA's support and help in spreading the word about this indispensable patient guide.”

IEHA will offer copies of the Roizen and Oz book, YOU: The Smart Patient: An Insider's Handbook for Getting the Best Treatment, to its membership and the public through its Web site at www.ieha.org. IEHA's partner, The Housekeeping Channel (HC) (www.housekeepingchannel.com) will provide free promotion for the book, as will The Healthy House Institute (HHI) (www.healthyhouseinstitute.com). In related efforts, IEHA and HC recently authored the mini-book, Infection Control for Dummies (Wiley) and The Housekeeping Channel published the IEHA article, “How to Find a Clean and Healthy Hospital.”

“IEHA supports The Joint Commission's mission to help the public find safe, clean healthcare facilities,” says Risinger. “Our members within the healthcare field are advocates for Joint Commission accreditation and are dedicated to the mission of providing a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment. Promoting this unique and helpful book is an extension of that mission.”

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons employed in facility housekeeping at the management level. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State's capitol, Columbus. Executive Housekeepers are managers who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. They supervise staffs ranging from a few to several hundred people and handle budgets from a few thousand dollars to millions. IEHA provides members with an array of channels through which they can achieve personal and professional growth. Some are: leadership opportunities; resource materials; certification; employment referral service; a Technical Question Hotline (1-800-200-6342); networking; an annual convention and trade show, including several educational sessions; and a monthly trade publication, Executive Housekeeping Today. Please contact IEHA's Association office at (800) 200-6342 for more details, or go to www.ieha.org.

About The Joint Commission

 

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission's mission is to continuously improve the safety and quality of care provided to the public through the provision of health care accreditation and related services that support performance improvement in health care organizations. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 16,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards. Visit www.jointcommission.org.

 

 

 

Clean Green to Save Green this Spring

 

 

Keep your home clean, green, and healthy. Housekeeping tips from experts save money, time, and the environment.

 

BOISE, ID—Few can resist the primordial urge each spring to throw open the windows and tackle a winter’s worth of dirt and dust, but this year many will make changes to their spring cleaning ritual.

A recent survey by the Soap and Detergent Association* found the current economy has people looking for ways to save on cleaning costs. However, a large percentage of respondents said they are more concerned than ever about adopting environmentally preferable practices. Since some green cleaning products are still more expensive than traditional formulations, those two goals may seem to be at odds with each other.

But that isn’t necessarily the case, says Allen Rathey, founder and president of The Housekeeping Channel. According to Rathey, cleaning green saves money in more ways than one.

“We believe that green, cleaning, and health are inextricably intertwined,” says Rathey. He points out that keeping a home relatively free of dust, toxins, and harmful microorganisms will help to avert allergies, asthma, infectious illness, and indoor toxicity. “That cuts down on healthcare costs,” he says. “It’s preventive medicine.”

One of the greenest—and cheapest—ways to keep your home clean is to stop dirt at the door.

“We emphasize prevention—big mats, tight vacuums, dust removal rather than rearrangement, and improving air quality,” Rathey says. “All of these methods save time and money and protect health.”

The following preventive measures from The Housekeeping Channel will help you keep your home clean, green, and healthy this spring without spending a fortune:

• Use large, bi-level mats—those with a raised surface to scrape soil off shoes, and a recessed surface to trap soil away from shoe soles—outside each entrance to catch the dirt before it comes in.
• If you smell dust coming from your vacuum, consider buying microfilter bags for it, having it serviced, or buying a tighter unit with better filtration (also see the Carpet and Rug Institute Web site for guidance on choosing the right vacuum). Take care when emptying the dustbin or bag, so you don’t release dust back into the air. (Try shaking out the dust cup or filter bag inside a plastic trash bag, keeping the trash liner closed until the dust settles.)
• Avoid using scented cleaning products or air fresheners to mask odors. These may actually introduce chemicals into the air that irritate lungs.
• Consider tossing, selling, or donating items that clutter your home and collect dust, or keep them in a display case or glass-enclosed cabinet to make cleaning easier.
  

 

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

*Source: 2009 National Spring Cleaning Survey, conducted by Echo Research, Inc. for the Soap and Detergent Association. www.cleaning101.com/newsroom

 

 

 

Protect Your Investment in Wool Carpet, Rugs by Hiring Certified Firms

 

 

Find IICRC-Approved WoolSafe Service Providers and Specialists Online at HousekeepingChannel.com

 

BOISE, Idaho—If you’ve purchased wool carpets, rugs, or even upholstery, you’ve made a wise—and significant—investment in the beauty and longevity of your home décor. The soft, natural fibers of wool are durable and resilient, resisting matting, crushing and soiling.  And wool ages gracefully, retaining its original appearance for years longer than many synthetic fibers.

 

However, proper care is essential to its longevity. Use of the wrong cleaning methods or cleaning products can cause unsightly and sometimes permanent damage and shorten its useful life. To maximize your investment and ensure your wool flooring or upholstery remains serviceable and attractive for decades, hire certified professionals with specialized training in the care of wool.

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an ANSI-accredited non-profit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry, has recently approved the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist online training course for two Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to provide registrants with additional education and training in the care of wool.

 

Homeowners can find IICRC-Certified and WoolSafe Approved Service Providers listed in The Housekeeping Channel’s Home & Cleaning Services Finder.  The IICRC partners with HousekeepingChannel.com to educate consumers about the importance of proper cleaning and hiring certified cleaning companies.

 

“HousekeepingChannel.com lists IICRC-Certified and WoolSafe Approved firms to help consumers find companies qualified to expertly care for their wool-rich furnishings,” says Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Housekeeping Channel. “We want them to know about the expertise of IICRC technicians, especially those who have taken courses through WoolSafe.”

 

The WoolSafe program has been available in Great Britain and a handful of other countries as an in-person classroom  training course. The new online training program makes it readily accessible in North America and around the world.

 

The course offers instruction in proper cleaning methods specific to wool or wool-rich carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The topics participants learn about include:

• The history and characteristics of wool
• Wool fiber structure and cleanability, as well as its limitations
• Potentially damaging chemicals and cleaning methods
• Spot removal and other cleaning challenges, along with solutions
  
  

Upon successful completion of the course, the participant earns the WoolSafe Fabric Care Specialist designation. His or her company is eligible to apply to become a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. A WoolSafe Approved Service Provider may use the WoolSafe logo in its advertising and promotional materials. 

 

To ensure you are hiring cleaning technicians with specialized knowledge to preserve the beauty and longevity of your high-value wool, look for IICRC Certification, the WoolSafe logo, or search the listing of qualified service providers at www.housekeepingchannel.com, www.iicrc.org, or www.woolsafeusa.org.

 

About the IICRC

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit standard writing and certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5,300 Certified Firms and more than 45,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors. Please visit www.IICRC.org or www.CertifiedCleaners.org for more information.

 

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual  information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

 

About WoolSafe

 

The WoolSafe Organisation is an independent testing and certifying body, which began in 1991 as a testing and certification program for carpet maintenance chemicals. By 1998, it had grown to encompass professional carpet cleaning and inspection represented in countries on four continents. WoolSafe was the first organization to perform independent testing and accreditation of cleaning products, and train cleaning companies in best practices regarding the use of approved products. WoolSafe remains involved with the development of national and international standards and codes of practice. For more information, see www.woolsafe.org, or its North American site, www.woolsafeusa.org.

 

 

 

Shopping for a Vacuum Cleaner? Know What You're Buying! Internet Site and Rating System Can Help

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - Before spending hundreds of dollars on one of the many high performance vacuum cleaners that proliferate the market, savvy shoppers turn to the Internet to research their choices.

 

The Housekeeping Channel releases the first in a series of residential vacuum cleaner reviews conducted in collaboration with The Carpet and Rug Institute.
In an effort to provide consumers the information they need to make wise purchasing decisions, The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is rolling out the first in a series of vacuum cleaner reviews produced in collaboration with The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

“This step is part of our effort to continually improve our reviews and content,” says Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Housekeeping Channel, “and part of CRI’s effort to help consumers clean and maintain their carpets better.”

Its first participant, the Oreck XL Platinum Upright, was found to be a top performer with a score of 9.4.

It earned a Gold designation in CRI’s Seal of Approval program, which is based on scientific laboratory testing for soil removal, indoor air quality impact, and carpet wear. Housekeeping Channel field testers gave the vacuum cleaner high marks based on usability factors important to the home consumer.

“The reviews combine the CRI Gold, Silver or Bronze Seal of Approval rating criteria with our assessment for an overall score,” explains Rathey.

According to the review, the Oreck XL Platinum Upright is a good choice for consumers who are looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner with excellent cleaning ability. At 9 lbs., the Oreck is suitable for most users, and especially people with two-story homes or those with physical limitations. Its light weight is due, in part, to the absence of onboard tools, which Oreck addresses by including a separate handheld canister vacuum with attachments, which field testers say works very well.

Other conclusions reached by reviewers:

• Quiet operation, even at high speed setting
• Excellent soil and pet hair removal
• Excellent dust containment and virtually dust-free bag changes
• Ergonomic handle
  

 

To see the full review, http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/r_146-Oreck_XL_Platinum_Upright_Vacuum

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content (See: http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/aboutus.php).

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

CRI is a non-profit trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 95 percent of all carpet made in the United States, as well as their suppliers and service providers. It conducts primary research, gathers data from other sources, and distributes informational materials on a variety of subjects related to carpets and rugs. CRI is a source of science-based, factual carpet information for consumers, writers, interior designers, specifiers, facility managers, architects, builders, building owners and managers, installation contractors and retailers. Visit www.carpet-rug.org.

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Partner on Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) announced that it will collaborate with The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) to review residential vacuum cleaners that have earned CRI’s Gold, Silver, or Bronze “Seal of Approval” designation.

The new series seeks to arm shoppers with essential information to make wise purchasing decisions when selecting a vacuum cleaner. A recent survey reported in The Wall Street Journal revealed that 70% of Americans consult product reviews or consumer ratings before making buying decisions. More specifically, the survey showed that 58% of shoppers would do significant research before buying a vacuum cleaner.* Shoppers get new, reliable source for online product research.

The reviews will combine the results of field tests performed by HousekeepingChannel.com staff with CRI’s scientific laboratory testing.

CRI measures soil removal using NASA-enhanced x-ray fluorescence and assesses indoor air quality according to strict criteria for dust containment. The testing also evaluates each vacuum cleaner on how well carpet retains its appearance after extended use.  

HousekeepingChannel.com staff will test the vacuum cleaners by performing typical tasks on various surfaces, providing a comprehensive view of the complete out-of-the-box user experience under real-world conditions. A final rating will be calculated based on Effectiveness, Ease of Use, Durability, and Value.

“This new series of reviews further reflects our commitment to helping people achieve cleaner, healthier homes,” said Allen Rathey, president of The Housekeeping Channel, LLC. “The extensive testing done by CRI’s Seal of Approval program, combined with our real-world testing, will provide consumers with essential information to choose high quality vacuum cleaners, optimize carpet care, and improve the indoor environments of their homes.”

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse. HC is a respected source of information relevant to cleaner, healthier homes, and has been cited or quoted by national media including US News and World Report, Newsweek, Real Simple and major news outlets. HC’s Advisory Board helps ensure the technical accuracy of its content.

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is a non-profit trade association representing the manufacturers of more than 95 percent of all carpet made in the United States, as well as their suppliers and service providers. It conducts primary research, gathers data from other sources, and distributes informational materials on a variety of subjects related to carpets and rugs. CRI is a source of science-based, factual carpet information for consumers, writers, interior designers, specifiers, facility managers, architects, builders, building owners and managers, installation contractors and retailers.

*Source: The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2009; Mark Penn with E. Kinney Zalesne, “Microtrends: New Info Shoppers"

 

 

 

IEHA Secures an Option-to-Buy The Housekeeping Channel (HC)

 

 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) has recently taken their partnership with The Housekeeping Channel® to the next level by securing an option-to-buy the popular consumer Web site (www.housekeepingchannel.com).   The Housekeeping Channel  strives to be the Web's most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation, plus practical and technical information validated by an Advisory Board of scientists, medical doctors, sustainability, and other experts.

The IEHA plans to exercise its option in October 2009, and then take steps to complete the purchase. Until the purchase is complete, and thereafter, Allen Rathey, HC’s Founder and President, will strategize with IEHA and implement mutually-agreed-upon steps to transition the look, feel and intent of HC to serve IEHA’s long-term branding and marketing interests. Once the acquisition is complete, IEHA will have exclusive rights to the domain name, trademarks, and all intellectual and other property of the HC.  Rathey will be retained in a management capacity during the transition period and beyond, to solidify and further develop the success of The Housekeeping Channel and IEHA.

According to Rathey: “We are excited to be working with the IEHA to further our mission to be the leading consumer housekeeping Website, and to begin a long-term initiative designed to expand awareness of IEHA’s role in caring for the public’s “Home Away from Home™” in places such as hospitals, hotels and schools, as well as to directly touch the lives of consumers where they live.  As The Housekeeping Channel continues to grow - with approximately 650,000 unique visitors in 2008 alone - we believe it will constitute an effective ‘calling card’ to the home consumer.”

“IEHA is extremely pleased with this remarkable opportunity that will further enhance and validate the IEHA brand to both the industrial and public sectors,” says Beth B. Risinger, CEO/Executive Director of IEHA. “This extraordinary decision to move toward purchase of The Housekeeping Channel (HC) demonstrates strong commitment and vision by the IEHA Board of Directors to provide value to its members by directly reaching and influencing the public.”  According to Risinger, the planned HC acquisition also provides a platform for deepening industry partnerships with the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), Cleaning Management Institute (CMI), and other organizations interested in promoting excellence and cleaning’s positive impact on consumers.

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons employed in facility housekeeping at the management level. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State’s capitol, Columbus. Please contact IEHA’s Association office at (800) 200-6342 for more details, or visit www.ieha.org.

 

 

 

Entertain Without Stress: Online Tool Removes the Guesswork from Removing Carpet, Upholstery Stains

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - Go ahead and invite Cousin Al this year. The new Stain Removal Wizard at HousekeepingChannel.com - produced in collaboration with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) - gives step-by-step instructions for removing virtually any type of stain from carpets and upholstery.

Whether it’s brown gravy on the new rug or Al’s leaky ballpoint pen on the sofa, this free online tool saves time and frustration when cleaning up after messy guests. Users simply select the type of stain from a menu of options and the Stain Removal Wizard guides them through steps for effective removal.

Treatments use inexpensive, readily-available products. The Wizard also gives “next step” recommendations for particularly troublesome stains.

“We believe the Stain Removal Wizard will be helpful to consumers, eliminating the guesswork from their toughest cleaning dilemmas,” said Allen Rathey, president of HousekeepingChannel.com.

Recommendations are based on proven, effective methods. Developed in conjunction with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the Stain Removal Wizard incorporates the accumulated knowledge of over 42,000 restoration and cleaning professionals.

Access the Stain Removal Wizard:

http://www.housekeepingchannel.com/stain_removal_wizard
 
“This is just one more way our partnership with the IICRC helps consumers to recognize and value the extensive technical knowledge and professional standards of IICRC-certified firms,” Rathey said.

Visitors to HousekeepingChannel.com can also access a database of certified IICRC firms when more extensive cleaning or disaster restoration is needed.

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of factual information for consumers and media on achieving a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, news and reviews regarding the latest innovations in the cleaning industry, time-saving systems and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About IICRC

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit certifying body for the floor and carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and disaster restoration industry. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5200 Certified Firms and more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 33 countries. The IICRC sets consensus standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. Locate IICRC-Certified Firms at www.certifiedcleaners.org.

 

 

 

Infection Control For Dummies® Released

 

 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Infection Control For Dummies® is a pocketsize book providing simple cleaning and disinfection strategies to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms.

It turns out, mom was right. According to Infection Control For Dummies, washing hands for 20 seconds and paying special attention to fingertips and nails will help prevent and control infections. Infection Control For Dummies (Wiley, 2008) is a free 48-page, pocket-size handbook that helps consumers and environmental service professionals identify basic microorganisms, understand infection transmission, use cleaning techniques to keep infection at bay and understand labels and product claims.

Authored by J. Darrel Hicks, R.E.H., current President of the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), and director of environmental services, St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, MO, the booklet provides practical tips for fighting bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes. For example:

• Cleaning is always the first and best line of defense, since removal of pathogens is better and less toxic than killing them. Also, many disinfectants (including bleach) do not work effectively until the surface is free from organic soil – dirt, blood, etc.

• Microfiber mops and cloths are among the most effective cleaning weapons against harmful microorganisms because microfiber has increased surface area and space to hold microsoils.

• Antibacterial products are not the same as disinfectants. Antibacterial products will kill bacteria but not viruses, which cause colds and flu.

Housekeepingchannel.com, a leading consumer resource for cleaning information, partnered with IEHA to help create Infection Control For Dummies. “We are concerned about growing public health issues, such as MRSA in schools and hospitals, and community-acquired infections, and wanted to help the more vulnerable segments of the population, the children and the elderly,” said Allen Rathey, Housekeepingchannel.com president. “Both organizations saw the need to educate consumers and environmental service professionals about proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques to prevent the spread of infection.”

Leading microbiologists, healthcare practitioners and housekeeping experts reviewed Infection Control For Dummies content for technical accuracy. The publication was made possible by funding from Spartan Chemical Company, Inc., located in Maumee, OH, and by the support of the IEHA membership.

Infection Control For Dummies is available free to consumers nationwide; a $4.50 shipping and handling fee per book is required. Consumers can order the publication at http://www.ieha.org/consumers.php or by calling 1.800.200.6342.

About Housekeepingchannel.com

 

Housekeepingchannel.com is a focused consumer and media resource for the cleaning, motivation, home organization and indoor environment categories. The organization is frequently consulted as a source of factual information for articles in women’s, family, consumer and general interest publications. Housekeepingchannel.com strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About International Executive Housekeeper Association

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus member organization for housekeeping management. Executive housekeepers are managers that direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities, including upscale hotels, hospitals, schools, and other public places. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.

About For Dummies®

 

With near universal name recognition, more than 150 million books in print, and over 1,000 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series. With loyal customers around the globe, For Dummies enriches people's lives by making knowledge accessible in a fun and easy way. Described by the N.Y. Times as "more than a publishing phenomenon, but a sign of the times," For Dummies spans topics from health to history, music to math, sports to self-help, technology to travel, and more. The Dummies brand franchise has expanded with an extensive licensed product line, including DVDs, software, consumer electronics, cooking, cleaning and automotive products, craft and hobby kits, games and more. For information, visit Dummies.com. For Dummies is a branded imprint of Wiley.

# # #

EDITOR’S NOTE: For copies of the book or to schedule an interview with the author, journalists and bloggers can contact Jennifer Manocchio at 910.772.1688 or jennifer@sweeneypr.com.

 

 

 

IICRC – Housekeeping Channel Partnership Offers Additional Benefit for Certified Firms

 

 

VANCOUVER, Washington - The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (www.IICRC.org) recently formed a partnership with The Housekeeping Channel (www.HousekeepingChannel.com) to further educate consumers seeking information for their home cleaning and restoration needs. The Housekeeping Channel is a Web site dedicated to keeping consumers up to date with the latest cleaning tips and techniques. The partnership facilitates the IICRC’s continuing efforts to educate homeowners about the benefits of contracting certified professionals.

Now, as an added benefit to Certified Firms, companies can register their IICRC Certification number when submitting their business information for The Housekeeping Channel’s Home & Cleaning Services Finder. Once verified through the IICRC’s database, the IICRC logo will appear next to their listing.

“By creating this opportunity for our Certified Firms, the IICRC is offering them another potential channel for new business,” said IICRC President Ruth Travis. “This partnership also continues to promote the IICRC as the industry guardian, reminding consumers of the importance of hiring Certified Firms and Technicians.”

To register on the Web site, Certified Firms can visit http://homeservicesub.housekeepingchannel.com/ to create a username and password for the site or login using a previously created account. Once registered, users will click on the “Add a New Home & Cleaning Service” link. Users will be led to a form to enter their company information and their IICRC Certification number.

The Housekeeping Channel has an average of 50,000 unique visitors per month, of which 58 percent are women. In 2007, the site reached more than a half a million unique visitors and is on track to surpass that record in 2008. The site is known for offering practical home cleaning advice from cleaning experts, professional executive housekeepers and cleaning services, environmental service professionals, doctors and scientists, and organizational and time-management consultants.

For more information on becoming an IICRC Certified Firm, visit www.IICRC.org. To view IICRC content on the Housekeeping Channel, visit www.HousekeepingChannel.com.

About the IICRC

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an ANSI-accredited non-profit standard writing and certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5,300 Certified Firms and more than 45,000 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors. Please visit www.IICRC.org or www.CertifiedCleaners.org for more information.

About The Housekeeping Channel

The Housekeeping Channel (www.HousekeepingChannel.com) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

 

 

 

Coming Summer 2008 - Infection Control For Dummies

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is pleased to be working with The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) and Wiley Publishing, Inc. to research and publish a new For Dummies® book - Infection Control For Dummies - authored by IEHA's President J. Darrel Hicks and slated for publication in early Summer 2008. The custom mini-book will be designed as a concise, authoritative guide to preventing and controlling infectious illness at home and work. The content, written in the friendly Dummies style, will be reviewed for technical accuracy by leading microbiologists, healthcare practitioners, and housekeeping experts. The publication is being made possible by generous funding by Spartan Chemical, Maumee, OH and with the support of IEHA membership.

Important: The book will be made available as a public service for a small shipping and handling fee. Supplies are limited. Pre-orders are being taken by IEHA. Contact Beth Risinger at brisinger@ieha.org.

About HC

 

The Housekeeping Channel is a focused media and consumer resource in the cleaning, motivation, home organization and indoor environment categories that is frequently consulted by the online and print press as a source of factual information for articles in women’s, family, consumer and general interest publications. The Housekeeping Channel strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus member organization for housekeeping management. Executive housekeepers are managers that direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities, including upscale hotels, hospitals, schools, and other public places. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.

About For Dummies®

 

With near universal name recognition, more than 150 million books in print, and over 1,000 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series. With loyal customers around the globe, For Dummies enriches people's lives by making knowledge accessible in a fun and easy way. Described by the N.Y. Times as "more than a publishing phenomenon, but a sign of the times," For Dummies spans topics from health to history, music to math, sports to self-help, technology to travel, and more. The Dummies brand franchise has expanded with an extensive licensed product line, including DVDs, software, consumer electronics, cooking, cleaning and automotive products, craft and hobby kits, games and more. For information, visit Dummies.com. For Dummies is a branded imprint of Wiley.

 

 

 

The Housekeeping Channel (HC) and the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Collaborate to Help Consumers Clean Up

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is collaborating with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) (www.iicrc.org) and (www.certifiedcleaners.org) to provide outreach to consumers seeking expertise for their home restoration needs, including carpet cleaning, oriental rug care, mold remediation, and cleaning for health and allergy prevention. IICRC has among its registrants more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 33 countries. With this new partnership, the consumer will benefit from Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) information based on IICRC technical standards and literature, and will be helped to locate IICRC Certified Firms to address cleaning challenges.

“A partnership with The Housekeeping Channel allows the IICRC to continue to educate consumers about important professional cleaning, restoration and inspection topics. This information ranges from proper methods of maintaining flooring and upholstery to ridding a home of mold contamination to properly restoring a home damaged by smoke, water or fire,” said IICRC President Ruth Travis. “This partnership helps enable the IICRC to fulfill its duty as a standards setting and certification organization, leading homeowners to qualified, trained and certified professionals who will provide quality service.”

“The Housekeeping Channel is pleased to associate itself with the exceptional depth of expertise represented by the IICRC,” said Allen P. Rathey, president of The Housekeeping Channel. “This will greatly benefit consumers seeking expert help to clean, restore, and maintain their homes, while ensuring a safer, healthier indoor environment.”

As part of the annual agreement between IICRC and HC, IICRC Registrants will receive a complimentary listing in the HC Home Services Section, the IICRC logo and a link to the IICRC Web site (www.certifiedcleaners.org) will appear on content pages throughout the Housekeeping Channel site, and IICRC tips and information will be featured on HC content pages, including the HC Home Page. Other joint outreach activities are also planned.

About The Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel (www.housekeepingchannel.com) strives to be the Web’s most comprehensive storehouse of information and resources to help households everywhere achieve a cleaner, more organized and healthier indoor environment. The site provides how-to tutorials, plus news and reviews regarding the latest innovations from the cleaning products industry to improve the home environment. Resources include time-saving systems, tools and motivation for keeping a better house at the click of a mouse.

About IICRC

 

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit certifying body for the floor and carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning and disaster restoration industry. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 5200 Certified Firms and more than 42,000 Certified Technicians in 33 countries. The IICRC sets consensus standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. Locate IICRC-Certified Firms at www.certifiedcleaners.org.

 

 

 

IEHA Acquires Exclusive Two-year Promotional Program Agreement with The Housekeeping Channel® Web Site: 'Home Away from Home' Outreach Planned

 

 

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), a 3,500-plus member organization for management level professionals employed in facility housekeeping, has entered into an exclusive two-year promotional program agreement with The Housekeeping Channel (HC), a leading online provider of in-depth content and quick tips for better, faster and healthier housekeeping.

Beth Risinger, IEHA CEO/executive director explains that the association’s members are professionals in healthcare, hospitality, educational, state, and other large facilities who provide their expertise to ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

“Like The Housekeeping Channel, we are dedicated to best practices in housekeeping and the development and promotion of processes to clean, protect and enhance indoor environments. Through our agreement with The Housekeeping Channel, we have the opportunity to reach out to consumers and provide expert information regarding better, healthier housekeeping and infection control for persons at home, children at school, hotel guests, hospital patients, and others in their ‘home away from home.’”

As part of the agreement, HC will provide site-wide banner advertising and prominent logo placement for IEHA. IEHA professionals will provide visitors to the HC site tips to make their homes cleaner, safer, healthier, and more inviting.

Allen Rathey, The Housekeeping Channel founder and president, says the agreement is “designed to help IEHA promote its members’ skills to the consumer by tapping the growing reach of The Housekeeping Channel to create greater public awareness. We are pleased to associate ourselves with the unique expertise of IEHA, and believe it will be a great asset to our audience seeking professional insights into better housekeeping.”

About IEHA

 

The International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) is a 3,500-plus member organization for senior facility housekeeping management. The non-profit was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the state’s capitol.

Executive housekeepers are managers who direct housekeeping programs in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities. They supervise staffs ranging from a few to several hundred people, and handle budgets from a few thousand dollars to millions.

IEHA provides members with an array of channels through which they can achieve personal and professional growth, including: leadership opportunities; resource materials; education program designation; employment referral service; a technical question hotline (1-800-200-6342); networking; an annual convention and trade show including several education sessions; and a monthly trade publication, Executive Housekeeping Today.

About Housekeeping Channel

 

The Housekeeping Channel® is an online consumer resource for better, faster and healthier housekeeping. More than 40,000 unique visitors spend as much as an hour on the site each month investigating home cleaning, care guidelines and advice. Founded in 2004, The Housekeeping Channel can be accessed at www.housekeepingchannel.com and on more than 16 million Sprint phones.

 

 

 

New Housekeeping Channel Advisory Board Member: Beth B. Risinger, CEO/Executive Director of the International Executive Housekeepers Association

 

 

BOISE, Idaho - The Housekeeping Channel (HC) is pleased to welcome Beth B. Risinger, CEO/Executive Director of the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), Inc., Westerville, Ohio, to its Advisory Board.

Risinger has been with I.E.H.A. since 1987. The International Executive Housekeepers Association (I.E.H.A.) is a 3,500-plus professional member organization for persons employed in facility housekeeping at the management level. The organization was founded in 1930 in New York City, and is now located in Westerville, Ohio, a suburb of the State's capitol, Columbus.

 

 

 

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