The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recently developed a testing and certification program for carpet chemicals to make the product specification process easier for cleaning managers.

The Seal of Approval Carpet Cleaning Products Testing Program has three categories: carpet spot-removal products, pre-spray carpet-cleaning products and in-tank carpet-cleaning products. These products will be tested for cleaning efficacy, resoiling, pH, optical brighteners and colorfastness to light. A pass/fail criterion is used. The products that pass will be listed on the CRI Web site and can display the “Seal of Approval” on their product label.

“We know that there are chemicals for cleaning and spotting in the marketplace that are just not very good and some will actually harm the carpet,” says Carroll Turner, technical services manager, CRI. “The labeling aspect of the program will make it easier for facilities managers to select independently tested products meeting the standards for the programs.”

Products are now being tested and the program will be introduced at the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Convention in November.