To qualify for the Seal of Approval/Green Label, vacuums must undergo a stringent testing process at an independent laboratory that measures three key performance criteria: the amount of soil removed, the containment of dust and dirt within the machine, and carpet fiber protection. Vacuums receive bronze, silver or gold ratings. Gold indicates that the vacuum meets the highest standards of soil removal and ambient air quality.
“We could not be more pleased that the carpet industry is distinguishing truly effective vacuums from those that do not perform well or may even damage carpet fibers,” said Mike Ryan, Sales Engineer at Mastercraft.
“Our focus is on satisfying our customers. And the gold Seal of Approval is proof that our product delivers.”
The vacuum testing protocol for household and commercials carpets uses sophisticated x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to measure the precise amount of soil removed from a carpet sample. XRF was developed by private industry and enhanced by NASA for the Space Shuttle program.
“Regular vacuuming with a CRI-approved machine is one of the best ways to help maintain the life and beauty of a carpet,” said Werner Braun, CRI president
“Carpet also traps dust and other air pollutants that fall to the floor. So regular vacuuming also helps remove these from the indoor environment.”
CRI created its Seal of Approval/Green Label to combine the indoor air quality protection of its Green Label vacuum testing and certification program with the enhanced cleaning standards of its Seal of Approval Program. The soil removal standard for a bronze rating is 10 percent greater than the standard used in CRI’s previous vacuum testing program, and the standards for silver and gold ratings are even higher. Also, gold-rated vacuums must meet a new, higher ambient air quality standard.
Underscoring the value that carpet manufacturers place on quality cleaning products, some of the largest manufacturers have tied their warranties to the use of CRI Seal of Approval-certified cleaning products.
In addition to certifying vacuums, the CRI Seal of Approval program sets extraction test methods and performance criteria for spot removal, pre-spray and in-tank cleaning solutions; deep cleaning extractors; and deep cleaning systems (extractors and cleaning solutions used in combination). These products are used in residential, commercial and institutional settings. In addition, CRI certifies green cleaning chemicals and recognizes Seal of Approval service providers.