Vancouver, WA, May 4--In July 2004 the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) launched a new consumer web site designed to offer resources and advice to help consumers make informed choices about cleaning and restoration projects.
Since its launch, www.certifiedcleaners.org has enabled consumers worldwide to access helpful tips and advice from one central location.
This web site seems to be a resource much needed by consumers, as evidenced by the amount of traffic the site has generated and the volume and variety of questions received from the public. Since it became available, the site has been frequented by hundreds of internet visitors, averaging 1,000 visits a day. For many visitors to the web site, this is the first time they have had the opportunity to get answers about cleaning and restoration from a trained industry professional.
Home and business owners alike have taken advantage of the IICRC’s online "cleaning and restoration industry guardians" to learn reliable tips from the industry’s top professionals. Also popular with consumers is the online referral search engine that allows them to locate the nearest certified firm serving their residential area.
The site is organized by topics including carpet cleaning, mold remediation and fire/smoke/water damage restoration. It also provides consumers with relevant health information and links to related industry sites.
Another popular feature of the site is the Consumer Opt In/Feedback section, which allows consumers to direct specific questions to an IICRC representative who is trained to answer any questions regarding cleaning and restoration concerns.
"Through the launch of this Web site, we are able to communicate with consumers on a one-to-one level," said Ruth Travis, vice-chair and marketing director for the IICRC. "Never before has it been so easy for consumers to get answers to their most pressing problems from a certified professional. The questions we’ve received from consumers cover the widest range of issues you can imagine including: how to clean suede upholstery, how to clean up sewage back-flow, how to get tree sap out of carpet, how to dry mattresses after flooding, how to clean wool Oriental rugs, how to clean and deodorize a gasoline spill in an SUV, what to do if you suspect mold in your home, how to find a good professional cleaning or restoration service provider, and many other related topics."
The IICRC is committed to providing the public with the most comprehensive repository of cleaning and restoration advice and will continue to maintain www.certifiedcleaners.org as the consumers’ one-stop resource for professional advice from industry experts.
The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is a non-profit certifying body for the flooring inspection, floor covering and specialized fabric cleaning and disaster restoration industries. Organized in 1972, the IICRC currently represents more than 3,675 Certified Firms and more than 33,750 Certified Technicians in 30 countries. The IICRC, with participation from the entire industry, sets standards for inspection, cleaning and disaster restoration. IICRC does not own schools, employ instructors, produce training materials, or promote specific product brands, cleaning methods, or systems. It approves schools and instructors that meet the criteria established by the IICRC. IICRC also serves as a consumer referral source for Certified Firms and Inspectors.
