Contents Restoration Archives - Morantz Ultrasonics

Musical Instrument Cleaning with Morantz Ultrasonics

Musical instrument cleaning is an in-demand business. Whether you are an instrument repair technician, an instrument retailer, or a cleaning company, this is a great add-on service.
Many of our ultrasonic machine owners find that although they did not intend to clean musical instruments, they encounter them during the course of their business.

Cleaning a French Horn in the Morantz Z-56 Ultrasonic Machine

If you are offering soot and smoke damage contents cleaning , it is inevitable that you will need to clean musical instruments in homes and commercial facilities. If you deal with antiques and/or electronics, at some time you will be asked to clean these types of instruments. Most recently, our customers who focus on medical disinfection are being called on to clean instruments for schools that are demanding instrument infection control. For all of these reasons, it is worthwhile exploring this market and learning the proper cleaning techniques.

Tuba cleaning in the Morantz Z-56 Ultrasonic Machine

Here are some general tips for ultrasonic cleaning of musical instruments*:

Brass and other metals:
Most instruments that are brass will need to be inspected to determine if lacquer is already starting to peel off. The older the instrument is, the more likely you will see this. If it is peeling, temperature and intensity need to be kept low to avoid further damage. For other metal instruments, the temperature of cleaning should usually remain at room temperature.Before cleaning, instruments should be disassembled as much as possible. Remove all slides and buttons. If you find these parts are stuck, go ahead and clean the whole instrument in the machine for a minute, pull it out, and see if you can then loosen these parts enough to disassemble them. Then place all parts back in the machine for another 2-3 minutes. Note that you do not have to remove the felt or leather pads prior to cleaning, but if these need replacing, it’s best to go ahead and remove them at this time.Clean in stages: Pre-wash, Ultrasonic Wash, Rinse and Dry
For best results, pre-wash your instruments in a high alkaline cleaning solution such as Morantz Synergizer. This will remove oil, dirt and other build up. For the Ultrasonic Wash, you should use an acidic, descaling solution to work on the build up (from saliva) frequently seen on brass instruments. One of our favorite products is Tesch Classic Brass Cleaner. Click through for information and ordering information and view a video here on Tesch products.

Clean scale off instruments with the proper cleaning solution

Rinse the instrument with deionized water.
Dry with the Morantz Blow Dry Gun or other appropriate drying tool.

The Morantz Blow Dry Gun used to quickly dry a trombone

To watch a video of ultrasonic cleaning the above pictured trombone, click here.

To watch a video of a cleaned trumpet being dried with the Morantz Blow Dry Gun, click here.

Woodwind and String Instruments: Yes, you can clean these too if you keep the temperature and intensity low and dwell time to seconds. Only an alkaline solution should be used on these instruments (no descaler!). They also need to be dried quickly and completely as soon as they are cleaned. We recommend you use the Morantz Blow Dry Gun.

Clarinet cleaned with Ultrasonics

Electric and Electronic Instruments: Yes, you can clean these instruments too, but be sure to use only alkaline solution (no descaler!). As with all types of electronics cleaning, these instruments must be rinsed with deionized water, dried immediately and thoroughly with the Morantz Blow Dry Gun, sprayed with Morantz Miracle Chemical to displace any extra moisture, and placed in the Morantz Drying Cabinet (or equivalent drying room) for a minimum of four hours.

Electric Guitar cleaned with Ultrasonics

For Disinfection: Schools usually clean all of their instruments over the Summer, so it’s a great time to start discussing your service with them. If you have Morantz equipment, you may already know how our equipment has been tested and proven for disinfection. In the field, you can check your cleaning work with an ATP meter. This will let you know if there still anything “live” on the instrument that could be viral, bacterial or otherwise problematic.

ATP Meter displaying test results

Take before and after photos. When you are given an instrument to clean, take a good, high definition photo prior to cleaning. Take another when the job is complete. Not only will your customer appreciate seeing what a great job you did for them, but you can use these for marketing your service. Post on social media, your website, as well as taking them with you on prospective jobs. Remember that a picture is worth 1000 words.


Before Ultrasonic Cleaning


	After Ultrasonic Cleaning

Morantz manufactures a wide variety of models of machines that can be used for instrument cleaning, but our most popular models are the Z-56 “Bubba” and the Z-97 “Brother” models. Mouthpieces on brass instruments can also be cleaned in our line of SZ table top size cleaners. Click here to download our catalog and learn more.

*This article does not take the place of training. Training is free of charge to all Morantz customers. If you want to learn more, be sure to contact your Morantz representative at 215-969-0266..

Soft Contents Restoration & Cleaning with Gadue’s Dry Cleaning

For years, the restoration industry has been celebrating the success of ultrasonics for cleaning hard goods. However, what many people don’t realize is that with the proper ultrasonic equipment, you can also clean soft contents such as stuffed animals, fabric window blinds and curtains, dolls, sports equipment, bags, area carpets and many other items. Gadue’s Dry Cleaning in Vermont recognized this opportunity and they have graciously shared their Success Story with us (photos below are courtesy of Gadue’s and examples of their work).

Before and After: A doll cleaned with Morantz Ultrasonics

In 2015, Melissa Gonyon, Gadue’s Restoration Sales and Marketing Manager, attended Crawford’s Contractor Connection expo in Orlando, Florida where she saw Morantz Ultrasonics equipment in action. She and Aline Gadue, President and third-generation operator, were convinced that ultrasonic cleaning was the answer to growing the restoration division of their business. They ordered their equipment, set up their facility and got to work.

Gadue's Contents Restoration facility complete with the Morantz SM-200 Super System (and bubbles on the walls!) — Gadue’s Contents Restoration facility complete with the Morantz SM-200 Super System (and bubbles on the walls!)

After a year of utilizing ultrasonic cleaning, Melissa tells us, “We originally purchased our Morantz Ultrasonics equipment to aid in cleaning associated with our Fire, Smoke and Water Restoration Division. It has worked very well in this department. Our company is able to offer a service that was not previously available in our state. It has blown away insurance adjusters with the savings of cleaning items rather than having to replace them.”

Wicker basket before and after ultrasonic cleaning

Melissa continues, “We have also found that using ultrasonics to clean items we typically use conventional dry cleaning methods for provided more successful results. An example is wedding gown cleaning. Vermont brides end up in some not-so-clean spots seeking that perfect Vermont setting for their wedding photos. The result is a train and dress bottom that has literally been dragged through the mud. We use our ultrasonic equipment to concentrate on the bottoms, prior to the finish cleaning process, to ensure we remove all the dirt.”

This wedding dress had wine stains sitting on it for 4 years! Amazing before and after photographs of ultrasonic cleaning results

Melissa also tells us, “With ultrasonics, we now have the ability to expand our scope, and accordingly, our current customer base. By offering cleaning of items such as baby gear, sports equipment, window treatments, blinds, golf clubs and bags, and more we have reached beyond traditional dry cleaning customers.”

Leather handbag before and after ultrasonic cleaning

“We recently signed a deal to clean all of the sports equipment and uniforms for Vermont’s first professional indoor football league, The Vermont Bucks. We are very excited for this opportunity and are looking forward to the doors that this may open for us with other organizations such as universities and athletic programs across the state.”

Before and After photo of a soot damaged sports jersey, a cherished possession of one of Gadue's customers — Before and After photo of a soot damaged sports jersey, a cherished possession of one of Gadue’s customers

Aline and Melissa recognized that marketing their new technology was going to be critical to their success. From the beginning, they created information packages, banners and more; all boasting about their ultrasonic technology.

Even the Gadue's vehicles boast about their Ultrasonic Cleaning Technology — Even the Gadue’s vehicles boast about their Ultrasonic Cleaning Technology

Gadue’s is thrilled to be able to restore more types of items than ever before, including personal, cherished possessions, items that were previously considered to be a loss and even items that they would not have even considered cleaning. That’s because Gadue’s knows that cleaning with ultrasonics is faster, easier and restores better than any other process. As a result, Gadue’s is creating new profit centers and increasing revenue. Congratulations to Gadue’s Dry Cleaning on their success with ultrasonic cleaning!

Aline Gadue (far right), Melissa Gonyon (second on left), and the crew at Gadue's Dry Cleaners after completion of ultrasonic training — Aline Gadue (far right), Melissa Gonyon (second on left), and the crew at Gadue’s Dry Cleaning after completion of ultrasonic training

All photos above are copyrighted and property of Gadue’s Dry Cleaning. These cannot be used without their permission. If you would like to view more before and after photos like these, please visit: Before and After Ultrasonic Cleaning photo album.

We’re Featured in R&R Magazine

Morantz Ultrasonics has been featured in R&R (Restoration and Remediation) Magazine. If you’re considering starting or growing a Contents Cleaning division, this article contains words of wisdom on where you should start. Click here to read the original article (even if crossed out you can click through) or read below.

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Is It Right For You? by Lisa Morantz

If you are considering ways to improve your current contents restoration business or the possibility of entering into the realm of contents cleaning for the first time, there are many questions to be explored. One option to think about: ultrasonic cleaning technology.

Ask around, there’s a lot of good news about ultrasonics. You’ll find it’s a thoroughly tried and tested technology around for about 40 years. Industry experts discuss its meticulous and efficient cleaning capabilities. Business owners tout ultrasonic cleaners as highly valued tools for increasing profitability. Insurance companies recognize the cost savings of ultrasonics, and some even insist restoration companies use ultrasonics in order to receive new contents jobs.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and some guidance on how to consider and answer: Is ultrasonic cleaning right for you?

1) Is my company big enough?

This question usually refers to the number of content jobs a company is currently handling. In other words, are there enough jobs each month to justify the investment? Consider this another way: Are you satisfied with the number of jobs you are bringing in or would you like more work? And, are you profitable enough with the work you are doing?

If you’re looking to expand your contents business, this should be planned growth. Set goals, and determine what you need to achieve those goals, including equipment. The reality is insurance companies give contents jobs to companies they know can handle them. If you can show adjusters you can perform these jobs with efficiency, handle multiple jobs at once, take on contents that were previously considered a loss, reduce secondary damages and residual issues, and also save them money… you will get more work!

This is one of those, “if you build it they will come” scenarios. Successful businesses make targeted investments in the proper ultrasonic cleaning systems, and then market it well. It’s a proven formula for success in contents restoration.

If you’re only looking for improved speed and quality, there is ultrasonic equipment for this too. No one will argue hand cleaning contents is difficult. For items with crevices and other hard-to-reach areas, it is even more problematic. As a result, there are frequently odor and corrosion issues where items need to be re-cleaned. Hand wiping is also tedious and time consuming work. Because it is so labor intensive, with labor being the biggest cost for any company, it is expensive work. This means many companies are currently doing a lot of work for little profit. It’s frustrating.

Fortunately, there are ultrasonic tools for these companies, too. These machines are typically smaller, but just as powerful as well as portable and can serve as a launching point for growth once owners begin to realize more profit.

2) Do I have enough employees?

In many cases, individual ultrasonic machines can be operated by a single employee, but that doesn’t mean you’re working efficiently. Employees are also needed to unpack boxes of contents, inventory them, prep, wash, dry, and repack. With a single employee, you can get the job done, but that employee becomes a bottleneck. However, you don’t necessarily need a single employee for each step. Many profitable ultrasonic cleaning businesses can work effectively with two to four employees. This keeps overhead low, but doesn’t depend on one person to do everything.

3) Do I have enough space?

Ultrasonic cleaning and contents restoration does not require a tremendous amount of space. While some companies with expansion plans may want to relocate to a larger facility, most only need to use their current space more efficiently. Sometimes all it takes is a little reorganization, better lighting, a fresh coat of paint and some creativity.

There are more ultrasonic equipment options available today than ever. One size does not fit all. Guidance should be provided by your contents equipment manufacturer or supplier to help you choose the right equipment for your space, electrical capacity, drainage, etc. Many will even help you design your space and provide you with floor planning.

If you are a company with a goal to diversify services and grow ultrasonic cleaning as a major division or department, keep in mind more equipment may be necessary as well as space.

If you are a newer or smaller company, it may be necessary to minimize the space you use. A smaller ultrasonic machine may be the answer to help in being nimble, flexible, helping with cash flow and allowing you to maximize your profits. Your strategy should include some planning for future growth and deciding if you want to reinvest your new-found profits towards additional space or future equipment.

In most cases, you should plan on a minimum of 500 square feet. This space will not only be for equipment, but for storage of both dirty and cleaned items, racks for drying, tables for packing/unpacking, etc. With a little extra attention to detail, you can easily turn your cleaning area into a “show room” to bring adjusters and other customers through for demonstrations and classes. This is terrific marketing that will grab their attention and brings the “wow” factor.

Don’t let the perception that you can’t start offering the ultrasonic cleaning service until your space is perfectly planned out stop you from moving forward. Start simple and see what works best.

4) Should I just sub out contents work?

Some companies are currently sub-contracting their contents work because they don’t want to deal with these questions or invest in equipment. Companies taking on this contents work are profiting tremendously! The question is: would you like to re-capture this profit? Take a look at how many dollars are going out the door and think about what that would mean for your company. Better yet, maybe you would like to become THE contents company to which everyone else subs their work.

5) What about training and support?

Ultrasonic equipment utilizes sophisticated technology. Accordingly, it is critical the machinery you work with is designed for ease of use and is supported by the manufacturer or supplier. While training is available from most manufacturers and some industry experts, “hands-on” training is critical and truly the best way to learn.

Additionally, many restoration companies prefer to have an instructor come to them so employees receive individualized training and attention on their own equipment. When these employees become comfortable using the equipment, they’ll look forward to using it and use it more effectively.

Finally, no single training program or class can account for all the different items and scenarios that occur in contents cleaning. Be sure your manufacturer/supplier offers on-going, expedient, and ideally, free-of-cost answers to all of your questions.

6) Can I afford it?

We’ve already discussed the labor savings, the efficiencies, the marketing capabilities, etc., but there is one more factor to consider: additional markets.

One of the great things about ultrasonics is its ability to clean so many different types of items. When not busy with fire restoration and you have some down time, why not diversify? Clean sports equipment, electronics, industrial parts, window blinds, medical equipment and more. If you haven’t explored and marketed these other options, you are leaving the proverbial money on the table.

An investment in ultrasonic equipment can run anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 (your manufacturer/supplier should work with you to determine your budget and needs). Most companies are reporting return on investment within the first quarter of ownership.

With profit margins averaging over 50 percent, ultrasonics is a serious tool for business and worthy of serious consideration.

Want to learn more about how Morantz Ultrasonics works for Soft Contents Cleaning? Click here (even if it shows as crossed out you can click through) to read another great R&R magazine article.

Facility Planning: Planning for Success with Ultrasonic Cleaning

When preparing your facility for ultrasonic cleaning there are a lot of decisions you need to make in order to create a space that is efficient and allows you to more quickly realize profit. Here are a few things to consider.

A Morantz customer’s facility with the SM-200 Super System, Drying cabinet, tables, and more. This space was optimized for equipment and work flow.

Where to Start

Space planning starts with figuring out the goals for your ultrasonic equipment and your business. If you’ve already established your goals, then you’re in a great position, but even if you haven’t, there are some basic questions you should ask yourself.

The answers to these questions will help determine your approach to space planning and will help you determine what equipment you need and how you should use it. Some questions should include the following:

What do you plan on cleaning?
Is your goal to become a specialist or a cleaning “hub” for a specific type of item in your area? Or, are you just trying to clean items more quickly and easily?
Are you expanding your services?
Do you currently have a customer base for a certain type of item ultrasonic cleaning can lend itself too? If so, are you also interested in the possibility of expanding into other markets (i.e. window blinds and curtains, contents restoration, industrial parts cleaning, medical cleaning, sports equipment cleaning, etc? )
Does your business do something other than cleaning?
For example, are you a manufacturer who needs a better way to clean parts and components? Are you looking for an alternative method for maintaining equipment?
Do you plan to work primarily from your facility or will this be a mobile business?
Having a plan for operation is critical. If most of your work is done at a customer’s site, how you approach planning your facility will be different than if most items will be brought to your facility for processing.
What stage is your business in?
Are you a new start up? Do you have existing cash flow? Are you an established company making a planned investment?

Defining Your Space Needs

How you use your space depends on your goals and the type of company you are.

Established Companies

If you are an established company with a goal to diversify services and grow Ultrasonic Cleaning as a major division or department, more equipment may be necessary as well as space. Most likely you will need a defined workspace that may require at least 500 square feet. This not only includes space for equipment, but for storage of both dirty and cleaned items, racks for drying, tables for packing/unpacking and more.

Newer Businesses

If you are a newer or smaller company, it may be necessary to minimize the space you use. Being nimble and flexible will help with cash flow and allow you to maximize your profits. Your strategy should include some planning for future growth. That means you need to decide if you want to reinvest income in additional space and/or more equipment.

Determining Your Infrastructure

The following are additional factors that you need to consider. These factors will also help you determine the equipment that may work best for you in your current circumstances.

Electricity

Know the service your facility currently has installed and determine whether that service can be modified (if needed). For example, most Morantz Ultrasonic Systems are available in 110v and 220v models and typically require a 20amp service.

You’ll need to answer the following questions:
What electrical current do you have available?
Do you have 110v, 208v, 220v or a combination?
How many separate circuits do you currently have?
How many amps?
What electricity are you willing or able to install?
Will you need a landlord’s or other approval to make modifications?

Water

Water is the cleaning medium for Ultrasonics. Specifically, Ultrasonics requires soft water to achieve it’s most effective cleaning.

Customers should investigate their water source and determine the following:

Is your water source city or well water?
Is the water hard or soft?
Will you be working primarily on-site (using your customer’s water)?

Hard Vs. Soft Water

It’s not uncommon for facilities to have hard water. Fortunately, it’s easy to soften hard city supplied water with Morantz products. For a variety of reasons, well water is not a good medium for ultrasonic cleaning. This may require installing a water softening system or utilizing outside water. This is something you want to plan for, not be surprised by later.

Drainage

You want to be able to fill your equipment and drain easily. This can be as simple as using a hose to fill the machine(s) and opening the ball valve drain on each machine for drainage.

DO plan to use separate hoses to drain your tank(s) than you use for drainage. The inner surfaces of drainage hoses can be contaminated, and you want to fill your tanks with clean water.

DON’T become paralyzed to move forward due to a perception that you can’t start offering the cleaning service if you don’t have the filling and draining of the tanks perfectly planned out. Start simple. If you would like to install more permanent fixtures throughout your facility for filling and draining, great. Sometimes it’s best to wait until you have your equipment in the place you want it before making these installations. Give yourself some flexibility and see what works best.

Water Temperature

If possible, use hot water to fill your machine(s), but consider the following:

Do you have access to hot water?
Do you have enough hot water to fill your equipment?
If you don’t have hot water, the machine will need to heat the water. Do you have enough time to heat the water before beginning work?

Cleaning Accessories

Do you have all the right equipment to help you perform the work quickly and easily? Time is money and you need to be prepared for each job. While Morantz offers multiple accessory Kits designed specifically to help you get the job done quickly and easily, there are additional accessories that you may need to consider.

Air Compressors
Older Morantz machines include Morantz’s pneumatic lifts (as of 2017, most are electric). You will need to supply compressed air for the pneumatic lifts to operate, and for newer models, pre-wash machines still use air compressors for the bubbling action. When planning your space and electricity, don’t forget to consider what you may need to run your compressor(s). Also, many compressors are noisy. You may want these behind a wall, in a closet or case to muffle sounds.

Unpacking/Packing Tables
For most applications (including window blind cleaning, parts, restoration and contents cleaning), you will need a workspace to process items both before and after cleaning. This is where you will unpack and repack the items, prepare them for cleaning and inspect them for damage or unexpected contamination. Make sure you have space for the tables you are considering using.

Packing Materials
Most items will need to be packaged in some way after cleaning. You may want your packaging materials such as paper, plastic, bubble wrap and boxes over or near the tables.

Sink:
If you are not using the Morantz Pre-Wash or Rinse tanks, having a sink nearby can be extremely useful for many cleaning applications. Consider having a sink large enough to fit the size baskets you are using with your machines.

Drying Tools and Drying Space
You will need to dry whatever you wash. While some items can drip or air dry, other items may need to be dried much faster. For quick drying, the Morantz Blow-Dry Gun is a great tool, but you may need to do a more thorough drying. In that case, the Morantz Drye Rite and Ozone cabinet can be a great solution.In some circumstances, you may want to build your own drying room. This will allow you to dry many large items at once. Regardless of your drying method, you will need to consider space, item placement, electrical and ventilation requirements.

Drye-Rite — Pictured left is the Morantz Blow Dry Gun and right is the Morantz Drying and Ozone Cabinet. Both tools dry items within minutes.

Hang and Dry — An area to hang and dry blinds, curtains, area carpets and more may be necessary depending on the service you are providing.

Storage
Will you be storing items after cleaning? If so, will you need to store items for the short or long term? If you don’t have storage space available, you might want to consider off-site storage. Whatever your storage decision, be sure that the items are stored in a safe and climate controlled facility (if necessary).

Storage2 — Crates/Vaults used primarily for storing contents from fire and water damaged items.

Ask Morantz for Professional Help

The abovementioned questions are critical to allow you to efficiently plan your space. The more prepared your space is, the faster you can process jobs and realize a profit. We can also assist you with Best Practices and provide guidance to your organization.

Please be sure to discuss your goals with your Morantz representative before ordering your equipment. We want to help your company make informed decisions and plan for your growth and success.

And don’t forget; this is a free service to our customers.

How to Get Started

We want your space planning to be quick and easy, but in order for us to help you, there are some things that you can send us to help speed up the process. These items will also help us figure out and make suggestions about what equipment will work best at your facility, maximizing workflow and account for additional items you may need to install.

If you don’t have all of these items, let us know and we can discuss making arrangements to acquire them. These items include:

Facility Measurements
Please be thorough and note locations of existing doors, electrical outlets, conduits, plumbing, drainage and water sources, fixed structural elements and equipment or other potential obstacles that will have to taken into consideration.
Photographs
Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. They also help us see exactly what we’re talking about and allow us to better understand your facility’s available space and existing layout. When taking pictures, wide-angle pictures of the entire space are preferred as well as close-ups of necessary elements that need to be worked around (i.e. existing fixtures, closets, etc.).

If you want Morantz to help you plan your facility, or if you have any questions about planning, please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can discuss your needs and help you plan for success. We want you to profit from your equipment and receive your “Thumbs Up”.

Call us at 215.969.0266.

FEATURED SUCCESS STORY: AmeriDri of Colorado Springs

Incorporating Ultrasonic Contents Restoration into AmeriDri’s Fire Restoration Services Brings in Big Business!

The AmeriDri staff proudly shows off their Training Certificate from Morantz Ultrasonics

Joe Crivello, owner of AmeriDri in Colorado Springs, CO knew he needed a better system for Contents Restoration. Although his staff works very hard, cleaning by hand was just taking too long. Not only that, items were not getting fully cleaned and the types of items he could clean was frustratingly limited. To make matter worse, all of this was impacting his profits.

According to Joe, “I began researching Ultrasonic equipment and Morantz came highly recommended to me. I wanted a piece of equipment that I could grow with, yet would not take up a great deal of space, would work with my current electrical capacity in my facility (110v), and that would be affordable. Luckily the Morantz M-115 “Mighty One” fit all of my requirements.”

Cleaning Crystal and Glassware during training with the Morantz M-115 "Mighty One" Ultrasonic Content Cleaning Machine — Cleaning Crystal and Glassware during training with the Morantz M-115 “Mighty One” Ultrasonic Contents Cleaning Machine

When Joe took delivery of his machine, he immediately got to work telling his customers about all of the new contents he could clean for them. “I was so excited to be able to offer electronics cleaning as part of our services,” said Joe. “When I started to actually get the jobs to clean Electronics in house, I knew it was time to train my staff properly on all the techniques using this amazing machine. We were so excited; Lisa Morantz personally came to our facility to perform our training. Lisa worked with my staff on multiple jobs that we had waiting. Everything from crystal to stuffed animals to computers was covered, and that was just the beginning. My staff was so excited they began bringing in personal items from their desks and cars to learn what else we can clean.”

Joe continues, “Something else that I learned during our training session is that we can now maintain own restoration equipment in our M-115 machine. This has made cleaning our equipment an easy process and is a huge time saver!”

Joe’s staff absolutely loves the Mighty One’s pneumatic lift. This feature alone helped with the staff’s “buy in” because it makes cleaning easy by lowering items into the tank and raising them out with the touch of a lever. “I was sold on this important feature as I didn’t want my staff dealing with heavy lifting,” He said. Plus, Joe recognizes the benefit of processing 4 contents baskets at once. This capability moves the cleaning along at a very fast rate.

“During training, Lisa spent time discussing my facility layout and made specific suggestions to improve our workflow,” said Joe. “This was one of the advantages to having her come out and spend time with us. Plus, Lisa covered all aspects of our business, not just the ins and outs of the equipment. My manager and I even reviewed our marketing strategies with her. Lisa made several recommendations on selling the service that I plan to incorporate into my business.”

Joe has also incorporated iCAT, Morantz’s software partner, into his process. With these professional tools in place, AmeriDri has been experiencing tremendous growth, and more importantly, can handle the growth with ease.

Joe Crivello, Owner of AmeriDri, giving his Morantz "Mighty One" the thumbs up. — Joe Crivello, Owner of AmeriDri, giving his Morantz “Mighty One” the thumbs up.

Congratulations to Joe and AmeriDri and best wishes for their continued Success.

SUCCESS STORY: Kleena of Australia increases business by 200% with Morantz Ultrasonics

Meet Mick Bantoft, owner and operator of Kleena in Queensland, Australia (kleenabc.com.au). Over the past 8 years, Mick has used Morantz Ultrasonics to create an entirely new niche market for his company cleaning curtains, microfiber cloths, trolley covers, privacy curtains, blinds, soot damaged contents and other hard to clean items for hospitals and hotels.

Shaking Up Business

In 2006, Mick Bantoft knew he had to shake up his curtain cleaning business or risk losing it. He flew half way around the world to attend a cleaning tradeshow in search of the “next big thing,” something that would help grow his business. During his browsing, he saw the Morantz Ultrasonics cleaning systems. Immediately, Mick knew he had found what he was looking for. “I was completely amazed with what I was seeing. Fabrics, like the ones I clean were being put into the machine and came out cleaner than I could ever get them, and all within seconds,” Mick said. Mick decided then and there to learn as much as he could about ultrasonics. A short time later, he was on a plane to Philadelphia to see all that Morantz had to offer. After a few days at Morantz H.Q., Mick ordered his first set of machines, a Morantz 3-in-1 System, and got to work.

Kleena staff unpacks curtains to prepare them for cleaning.

“The learning curve was short and once my staff and I really began to understand the full capabilities of these machines, the excitement and work continued to grow.” said Mick. “I focused primarily on blinds and curtains in my first year because it was my client base. I was able to process existing jobs in a much shorter amount of time which generated higher profit margins and left me time to explore and promote other types of cleaning.”

Kleena’s drying area. Rolling racks can be wheeled into their Drye Rite XL (see below).

Branching Out

Mick and his staff soon returned to Morantz H.Q. and attended a Morantz’s Firesonics® Seminar where they learned more about how to use ultrasonics to clean soot and smoke damaged items including electronics. “Very few people offer content cleaning in Australia. I knew this was a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. As soon as I started promoting it, the work came so quickly I ordered a SM-200 Super Mighty One from Morantz to dedicate to the contents side. I also purchased a golf club cleaning machine to promote content cleaning and other services at tournaments and meetings.” Mick added, “When I realized how useful the pneumatic lift on the SM-200 was for lifting heavy items, I started using it for curtain cleaning and it made a huge difference! My female employees were struggling with lifting wet, heavy curtains out of the tank, but the lift made this process of lifting and draining very easy.”

Kleena’s custom SM-200 with Blind Inspection Rack and Flip Out Work Table for Curtains.

A Better Drying Process

As both his curtain cleaning and content cleaning businesses continued to grow, Mick knew he needed a better drying process. “While some curtains can air dry, other types need to be dried quickly or else browning starts to appear. Electronics also must be dried quickly and at higher temperatures. I had seen the Morantz Drye Rite cabinet, loved it, but needed something much bigger to accommodate all I had to dry on a daily basis. I had Lisa (Morantz) build me what is now the Drye Rite XL. It’s a full, room size dryer complete with Infrared Heat and Ozone for deodorization. We have both our contents and our curtains on rolling racks and roll them in and out. It’s incredible and has increased my productivity tremendously!”

Click here to see a video of Mick’s Drye Rite XL.

Hospitals Took Notice

In 2010, Mick started seeing a significant increase in work from local hospitals. When he presented the data from Morantz’s independent testing (testing confirmed that ultrasonics not only sanitizes, but disinfects), hospitals really took notice. Mick tells us, “MRSA and C-Diff are big issues for hospitals. Morantz’s testing set a new standard that no other method of cleaning could touch. Now I had the capability of offering services well beyond privacy curtain cleaning. With my equipment, I clean wheelchairs, slings, trolleys, trolley covers, bed-side tables, microfibers, patient restraints… Some of the items they give me, I don’t even know what they’re for! The work orders keep growing and I keep bringing on new hospitals.”

Mick demonstrates the cleaning capabilities of Morantz Ultrasonics at a hospital with the portable Z-56 “Bubba”

Expanding… Again!

Business was growing so fast that Mick needed to expand yet again. After moving to a larger and newer building, he spoke to Lisa Morantz about adapting one of Morantz’s newer models, the SM-200-XL which had primarily been used for industrial parts cleaning, to suit his needs. “We put our heads together and came up with unique features which makes the new SM-200-XL a hybrid machine with all the best features Morantz has to offer,” said Mick. “I now use this model for everything I do and couldn’t be more pleased. It’s been terrific for all the new curtain cleaning and lamp shade work I am getting from hotels.”

Kleena’s SM-200-XL machine cleaning slings and blinds.

Growing by 200%

By 2014, since meeting Morantz, Mick has increased his business by 200%. His processes with the Morantz machines can now be duplicated around the country, and that’s just what he intends to do. Mick has just completed a new deal to bring Morantz Ultrasonic equipment, and his know-how, to a major Australian cleaning franchise.

Congratulations to Mick and the entire team at Kleena. Best wishes for your continued success.

Mick Bantoft gives his Morantz equipment a “thumbs up.”

Crawford Contractor Connection Conference & Tradeshow in San Antonio, TX

Morantz Ultrasonics will be exhibiting at the Crawford Contractor Connection Tradeshow this May 21st and 22nd.

If you would like to see a live demonstration of our equipment in coordination with our partners from iCAT, please visit with us at:

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX

Booths 448-450

Call for information on passes and show discounts: 215-969-0266

See you there!