Bane-Clene® News and Views

Friday, May 09, 2025

MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 12, 2024, in The United States of America and many other countries around the world.

It is an honoring of the Mother of a family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence mothers have had and continue to have on our society.

Mother’s Day can trace its roots to ancient Greek, Roman and Christian traditions; also Native Americans believe in the tradition of Mother Earth. All of these traditions have taken on their own type of celebration and recognition.

The modern Mother’s Day began in the USA in 1911. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday which would be recognized on the second Sunday of May.

The Bane-Clene^® family sends our love and blessings to Mothers everywhere.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Friday, May 02, 2025

WASTE WATER DISPOSAL

The dirty recovery water from Hot Water Extraction (HWE) systems must be disposed of in a specific manner. The regulations vary across the country, but there are obvious common sense rules that should be followed:

NEVER dump into the street, driveway or parking lot.
Do NOT dump into a storm sewer, creek or other body of water.

All Bane-Clene detergents, such as Preface^®, TLS^® 2000, PCA™ Formula 5, LCA^®-256, Super LCA™ and Booster™ are fully biodegradable.

Our deodorizers and spotters, except Saf-T-Solv™, are also biodegradable.

The pH of the waste water with Bane-Clene chemicals is normally 7.5 to 8.5, eliminating the requirements in most municipalities calling for neutralization.

We do suggest contacting the local authorities to apprise yourself of any and all regulations.

Before dumping into yours or any other SANITARY sewer system always filter out solid material so as not to clog drains, pumps, etc. Dumping into a septic system is risky; it requires plenty of excess capacity.

Friday, April 25, 2025

INSECTICIDE RESIDUES

Frequently our callers, especially from Florida, complain about the extreme difficulty in removing insecticide residues from carpeting. The problem is especially difficult when insecticide has been applied to a carpet in a vacation home or trailer. If the place is closed up for the off-season, the owners return to find a unpleasant odor and stains from the insecticide.

Insecticides are applied to control insects such as roaches, fleas, bed bugs and spiders. Insecticides are usually organophosphates or carbamates some are chlorinated. The solvents and emulsifiers used are very strong and do not evaporate under usual conditions.

The organophosphates turn some red dyes to blue, leaving a dark blue to green spot. Other red dyes fade, resulting in a light blue to green spot. Accumulation from repeated treatment eventually cause discoloration.

Simple hot water extraction (HWE) won’t remove all of the odor and residue because the insecticide has decomposed and reacted with the carpet fibers.

We suggest applying Preface^® at the high end of its dilution ratio to the entire area. Allow the product to work on the residue for ten (10) minutes. Then the carpet should be thoroughly cleaned using the HWE method. Any remaining residue may be removed with Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Solvent Spot & Stain Remover. However, unfortunately options are limited if color changes have occurred.

We always recommend testing a small inconspicuous area, this way results are visible and if there has been a color change the customer can be apprised and given the opportunity to decide whether you should continue or not. At this time a release is also a prudent idea. The last thing we want is to be blamed for causing and or making the problem worse.

Friday, April 18, 2025

FLEAS/MITES/BED BUGS

The afore mentioned bugs are a frequent problem. How can we remove them and can we apply insecticides to help?

In some states, unless you are a licensed applicator, you cannot legally apply insecticides. However, we do know that hot water extraction (HWE) cleaning will physically remove all loose objects from carpeting. Which would include bugs and their offspring.

Prior to a thorough cleaning, any old animal bedding or contaminated articles of clothing, etc should be removed and destroyed.

After cleaning spray Steri-Fab on all contaminated areas. Besides the carpeting, furniture, mattresses that have been cleaned. Also spray sleeping quarters of animals, floor areas, around baseboards, windows, doors, etc. Be sure to spray all possible areas where fleas, dust mites and bed bugs may have thrived. Surfaces and objects should remain wet for ten (10) minutes after application.

Additional Anti-Microbial and Pest Control Information:

Friday, April 11, 2025

WHY USE PHASE I™ AND PHASE II™

Phase I™ and Phase II™ represent a generation of dual action odor control concentrates. Both have the unique ability to deodorize as well as remove the source of bad odors.

Offensive odors are not masked by Phase I and Phase II. Rather, by a complex chemical reaction, odors are treated chemically and neutralized. Then a germicide combines with the carpet to retard the source of the odor. This wintergreen-scented dual system is regarded as one of the best available in the carpet cleaning industry today.

Phase I is mixed directly with the cleaning solution, normally one ounce per gallon of water, Phase II is ready to use and is sprayed directly on the carpet, injected into the backing and pad, or atomized into the air or under the carpets for tough deodorizing jobs involving smoke, mildew, animal odors and rancid odors.

As with all Bane-Clene^® products, Phase I and Phase II contain no Butyl Cellosolve, phenolics, Formaldehyde, harsh chemicals or toxic material.

Related Odor Control Deodorizer Products:

Air Fresh Odor Counteractant by Pro’s Choice
Injection Kit For Pet Odor Treatment
MediClean® Disinfectant Spray
Molecular Modifier by Pro’s Choice
Pet Urine Odor and Stain Control Training CD
Odor Barrier by Pro’s Choice
Odor Eliminator by Pro’s Choice
OS-1 Odor, Stain & Soil Remover by Pro’s Choice
OSR Cat and Dog Urine Odor and Stain Remover by Pro’s Choice
Ozone Odor Control Machines
Pet Problems Brochure
Phase I™ Deodorizer
Phase II™ Deodorizer
Phase V™ Deodorizer
Rug Restorer Pet Urine Treatment for Natural Fibers by Pro’s Choice
UPT+ Pet Urine Pre-Treatment by Pro’s Choice
X-Cide Odor Killer by Pro’s Choice

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, April 04, 2025

WICKING

Wicking is blamed for a variety of problems. Knowing what wicking is, what causes it and ways to prevent it are extremely important for a carpet cleaner.

As carpets dry after cleaning, the fibers dry from the tips. As the moisture evaporates from the tips, any foreign material in the pad, backing and fibers rises vertically along with the water until it reaches the surface. If this material dries on the tips the result is the appearance of stains or dark areas that were not there before cleaning. These stains are commonly referred to as browning.

If spills and or residue from previous cleanings has been detected during the cleaning process, then browning may be prevented by treating the effected area with Brown Out^®. Always use proper application techniques. If a problem occurs after cleaning, then Brown Out^® can be used to neutralize the browning. After removing the browning thoroughly rinse the effected area and reapply the Brown Out^® according to instructions.

To minimize wicking problems, avoid over wetting the carpet during cleaning. The use of Preface^® as a pre-spray will avoid over wetting. Most spots and stains are removed during the regular cleaning process when good techniques, equipment and chemicals are employed.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Get 'Em Dry

There are several reasons that Bane-Clene Systems get carpets so dry:

1. Cleaning Agents, Pre-Sprays and Spotters

Specifically designed for the system. They were developed and are used in our own service company. They are safe, effective and economical.
These are Bane-Clene’s own proprietary brands and patented formulas. They are updated and monitored by our In-House chemist.

2. Temperature, Pressure and Recovery

Optimum water pressure is set to safely and efficiently loosen soil and ground in dirt. The cleaning solution is delivered at a temperature hot enough to remove stains but yet safe for all fibers.
Positive displacement Vacuum System recovers dirty water, leaving the carpets 95% + residue free and virtually dry.

3. Operator Techniques

Proper technique is taught so that carpets are not over wet and are left slightly damp to the touch with minimal drying time. This is achieved by a philosophy of 2 dry strokes for every wet stroke. This facilitates drying time and the importance of leaving carpets virtually residue free.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, March 21, 2025

TLS 2000^® Heavy-Duty High-pH Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for Extremely Dirty Commercial Carpet

TLS 2000 prespray degreaser is an extremely strong, high alkaline, highly concentrated liquid formulation. This heavy-duty traffic lane spotter contains grease emulsifiers and saponifiers, wetting agents, water softeners and grease-dissolving solvents.

The amount of TLS 2000 over other pre-sprays needed was cut at least in half. Results were better, liquification of grease occurred faster and carpets were cleaner and brighter.

These results were obtained even though TLS 2000 contains NO Butyl Cellosolve, enzymes, free caustic or chlorinated solvents. All of which could cause allergy and toxicity, as well as waste water disposal and pollution problems.

TLS 2000 is environmentally safe and is one of the many “green” products Bane-Clene^®

TLS 2000 was specifically formulated for cleaning greasy restaurants, extremely soiled commercial carpets, trashed apartments and olefin carpet fiber.

Articles and Information on Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Videos on Cleaning with Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Related Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotter Prespray Products and Applicators:

Citrus APS™ Spotter.
Injection Sprayer for Easier Application of Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotters.
Multi-Sprayer^® Deluxe Electric Sprayer
Olefin Preconditioner Carpet Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for oily soils, especially on olefin carpet
Preface^® Prespray/Traffic Lane Spotter improves cleaning without the risk of overwetting.
Pro-Zyme+ Grease Digester and Protein Prespray for restaurant, kitchen, dining room carpets.
Spray 1™ Electric Sprayer
Stainless Steel Pump-Up Pressure Sprayer
TLS 2000 Heavy-Duty High-pH Prespray / Traffic Lane Spotter for Extremely Dirty Commercial Carpet

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, March 14, 2025

Mystery Spots

Most acne medicines (and many other medications) contain Benzoyl Peroxide which gradually forms Hydrogen Peroxide, especially in contact with water, and can eventually leave bleach spots in carpets and rugs.

Professional Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

IF FRESH and the carpet dye is not yet bleached out or color changed:

DO NOT GET WET WITH WATER INITIALLY.
Scrape up the medication.
Blot with Saf-T-Solv™ Dry Volatile Spotter.
Treat with ChlorX Bleach Neutralizer by Pro’s Choice to neutralize the bleaching action.
Leave on the area at least 15 minutes to neutralize the benzoyl peroxide
Thoroughly extract.
Dry blot the area.
Let the customer know that bleaching may occur later and suggest greater care in not getting the medication on carpet in the future.

IF OLD and the benzoyl peroxide has already affected the carpet dye:

Thoroughly soak the bleached area with ChlorX Bleach Neutralizer to neutralize the bleach.
Allow 3 minutes dwell time prior to your color restoration.
Rinse out the anti-chlor.
Very important: Remove as much moisture as possible before you begin your color restoration.
Spot dye where necessary with the CMC Color Modifying Cosmetics.
If you are correcting a spot on gray carpet, you will be using the Gray/Black CMC.
If you are correcting a spot on a tan or brown carpet, you will be using the Tan/Brown CMC.
Apply a conservative amount of Pro-Solve NE to the bleached fibers and rub the fibers lightly with the CMC to transfer color onto the fibers.
Work the color into the fibers with a Carpet Shark. NOTE: Pro-Solve NE is not the same product as Pro-Solve Liquid!
If excess color is applied, dampen a terry towel with Pro-Solve NE and wipe away the excess color.
Once dried, Pro’s Choice CMCs are considered semi-permanent. However, an aggressive solvent will remove them.
Spray the area heavily with Red Relief or Red 1 which will act as an anti-chlor solution. Leave on the area at least 15 minutes to neutralize the benzoyl peroxide and thoroughly extract.

Homeowner Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

If the stains are older and have bleached the color from the carpet, a professional will be required to re-dye the bleached out areas.
If fresh, it is very important to act as quickly as possible before the peroxide starts bleaching the colors.
Use a dull knife or spoon to remove as much as possible. If the medication is a liquid, blot up as much moisture as possible with a paper towel.
Blot with a solvent-based product for grease, oil and tar removal, such as Carbona and Afta on a white towel. Important: Do not apply directly to the carpet to prevent damage to the backing.
Blot with a solution of 1 teaspoon maximum of liquid HAND dish washing detergent per cup of lukewarm water.
Blot with a solution of 2 tablespoons of household ammonia per cup of water.
Blot with a solution of 1 cup of WHITE vinegar per 2 cups of water blot with lukewarm water with a white towel.
Blot dry with a dry white towel - it is extemely important that all moisture and medication is removed.
A professional such as Bane-Clene Systems^® may be required to re-dye any bleached out area.

Friday, March 07, 2025

Understanding the Nature of Soil and Dirt

Citrus APS is a high-solvency, biodegradable, highly active spot & stain remover and traffic lane spotter for carpets, rugs and upholstery.

In order to fully understand how extraction cleaning works, it is necessary to understand what it is you're trying to remove: SOIL.

Soil can be defined as an unwanted substance which detracts from the like-new appearance of a surface.

The purpose of cleaning carpet is to restore this new appearance and also to prolong the life of the carpet.

Soil falls broadly into five major groupings: surface litter, dry dust, grit, wet soils and oily soils.

Surface litter is easily removed. The other soils react differently with the carpeting. Gritty soil (like sand and other abrasives) will get deeply imbedded into the carpet, where they will grind away the life of the fibers. Dust left unattended attract oily soils. Wet soils (spills, stains and mud) change chemically with time to make their removal difficult. Oily soils (like cooking oils, gum, tar, etc.) attract more dust and grit. Bane-Clene^® Systems consist of just the right combination of water pressure, water temperature, chemical energy and technique to provide the optimum cleaning of all these types of soil without any harm to the carpet fibers.

Friday, February 28, 2025

Proper pH Cleaning

Whether we’re talking about cleaning carpet, upholstery, hard surfaces or even trucks, all other things being equal, the higher the pH (potential of hydrogen) the better the cleaning.

Alkaline detergents more readily neutralize soils, which are usually acidic and also more readily saponify cooking grease and cooking oils. Saponification is the chemical reation of fatty materials with alkaline materials to form soap and glycerin.

Certain stain-resist nylon carpets cannot be cleaned at a pH above 10. Some carpet fibers require a neutral pH.

Oriental Rugs or wool carpeting should not be cleaned at a high pH.

Upholstery that is wet cleanable should also not be cleaned at a high pH. This will avoid browning and/or dye bleeding.

A quick dreview of pH:

7.0 is neutral.
Above 7 is alkaline.
Below 7 is acidic.

Our service technicians follow a simple rule. If you do not know the exact fiber content of what you are cleaning, test the fabric in an inconspicious place.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Treating Carpets for Ice Melt "stains"

Winter time is obviously upon us. Copious amounts of Ice Melt or other ice melting products are being used.

When tracked in, they either leave a white sticky residue or can turn a carpet yellow.

These problems can be easily resolved.

Vacuum up as much of the powder as possible.
Use a applicator or brush to apply undiluted Brown Out^®.
Leave the Brown Out on the area to be treated for at least 15 minutes or until the stain has disappeared.
Flush with water using one (1) wet and two (2) dry strokes with the cleaning head. It is important to thoroughly remove all the Brown Out.
Repeat the process if necessary.
After you are done, clean the carpet using PCA™ and Booster™.
Apply Sta-Clene^® or Bane-Guard™ Carpet Protector!

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, February 14, 2025

WHAT WE WANT

The Beatles wrote “All You Need Is Love” - that expression is certainly enough in many aspects of our lives. With that thought, in mind let’s explore some other wants that will give us what we need

People normally want to do the right thing. To treat others with respect and courtesy and in turn to be treated the same way.
To find better ways of doing things and accomplishing tasks. This makes people feel more important and needed.
To achieve goals of which they can feel proud. While all the time including others trying to achieve the same goal, thus encouraging team building and accomplishment
To earn respect and recognition for what they are and for what they achieve either individually or part of a group.

Many times What We Want may not be attainable the first time we try. But the goal should be to achieve as many as possible and then to keep trying.

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog^®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times^® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene^® Team.

Friday, February 07, 2025

EXTRAS

Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer.

We have all read and seen articles about the large number of customers who are dissatisfied with the service and or products they receive.

Beyond implementing the obvious practicesx

Showing up on time.
Employing prompt and clear communications.
Being courteous and thoughtful.
Being attentive to the customers needs.

Beyond presuming the above and other standard business practices are employed, what else can be done?

Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer.

Offer additional services at a discount if done during this service trip.
Clean door mats at no additional charge.
If the customer lives alone or lacks the ability to remove furniture tabs, offer to return and remove them.

These are but a few of the Extras that will allow you to stand out and above your competition. Certainly there are others based upon clientele, geographic area and other statistical factors.

Ultimately learning to use Extras to your advantage will add to your success and profits.

Friday, May 09, 2025

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Friday, April 18, 2025

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Friday, April 11, 2025

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Friday, April 04, 2025

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Friday, March 28, 2025

There are several reasons that Bane-Clene Systems get carpets so dry:

Friday, March 21, 2025

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Videos on Cleaning with Carpet Traffic Lane Spotters:

Related Carpet Cleaning Traffic Lane Spotter Prespray Products and Applicators:

Friday, March 14, 2025

Professional Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

Homeowner Method to Treat Acne Medicine Bleach Stain on Carpet:

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Friday, March 07, 2025

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