Good Housekeeping, CRI, To Review Vacuums

Boise, ID, Feb. 3, 2009 -- The Housekeeping Channel and the Carpet and Rug Institute will collaborate 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.

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."