The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval program tests the effectiveness of carpet cleaning products and certifies those products that remove difficult stains or a sufficient amount of soil without damage to the carpet. Not all products clean well enough to earn this distinction; the blue and green CRI Seal of Approval helps customers recognize that they are buying quality products.
Not all cleaning equipment and solutions achieve the same results. Independent testing has shown that various cleaning detergents and spot removers clean no better than water. More seriously, they can leave a sticky residue that attracts soil at a faster rate. Also, the equipment used to clean carpet varies widely in its ability to remove soil, recover water and maintain a carpet’s appearance.
Effective carpet cleaning helps maintain the life and beauty of the carpet. This means customers get more enjoyment out of their carpet — and more value for their investment.
Customers should know that some large carpet companies have announced they will require the use of Seal of Approval products as part of their carpet warranties in 2007. Also, helping carpet maintain its life-cycle cuts down on its premature removal to landfills. And that benefits everyone.