CRI Expands Testing Program for Seal of Approval

Dalton, GA, Feb. 12, 2010--The Carpet and Rug Institute has expanded its Seal of Approval testing and certification program by adding two new testing categories and expanding the existing extractors and deep-cleaning systems testing programs.

The changes were approved by CRI's Cleaning and Maintenance Issues Management Team.

Pet Odor and Stain Testing

A new pet odor and stain category has been added to the Seal of Approval Solutions program, joining the existing spot remover, pre-spray and in-tank solutions testing categories.

Plans for the pet stain category have been ongoing for several years, said Gary Asbury, whose company, Professional Testing Laboratories, developed the testing program and will conduct the tests on behalf of CRI. One of the primary challenges, Asbury said, was finding consistent sources of animal urine and feces to ensure uniform testing results. For example, he found his source for cat urine by ordering bobcat urine from a hunting supply wholesaler, but for vomit, he ultimately settled on creating a synthetic formula.

Personnel test multiple samples of each pet stain and odor product, using a program developed by General Motors to test the odors of various components in automobile interiors.

"There is extreme demand in the marketplace for these kinds of products," said CRI President Werner Braun. "Having three pets of my own at home, I appreciate the value of a product that works."

Platinum Level for SOA Systems and Extractors

Another enhancement is the addition of the Platinum Level of performance for the Extractors and Deep-Cleaning Systems programs. The Platinum level is reserved for the equipment or equipment plus cleaning solution combinations that remove ninety percent or more of available soil.

Energy Efficiency Rating for Vacuums

The Energy Efficiency Rating for Vacuums option for the SOA Vacuum testing program came about in response to a major retailers interest in labeling its vendors vacuums according to their energy efficiency. The new energy testing evaluates a vacuum's energy use in relation to its cleaning effectiveness, and can be performed as an optional test or as part of the regular Seal of Approval vacuum testing.

For large commercial operations like hotel chains, office complexes and conference centers, switching from low-efficiency to high-efficiency vacuums would significantly lower energy consumption per each vacuum used, resulting in substantial cost savings over the course of a year. CRI President Braun says he expects testing under the new energy program will begin soon.