The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), Dalton, Ga., has added a pet odor and stain category to its Seal of Approval (SOA) testing and certification program and also expanded its existing extractors and deep-cleaning systems testing programs.

The new product category protocol will test products marketed specifically for pet stain and odor removal on their ability to remove tracked-in dirt, urine, feces and vomit stains, as well as related odors. To receive the SOA for combating malodors, products must perform three times better than plain water when tested 72 hours after initial cleaning. For the staining component of the testing, products must perform equal to or better than plain water, without causing change in the carpet's color or encouraging accelerated resoiling.

As for changes to its other programs, CRI has added a Platinum level of performance for the Extractors and Deep-Cleaning Systems programs. This level is reserved for equipment or equipment plus cleaning solution combinations that remove 90 percent or more of available soil.

CRI also added an Energy Efficiency Rating for Vacuums option for the SOA Vacuum testing program, which evaluates a vacuums energy use in relation to its cleaning effectiveness. Switching from low-efficiency to high-efficiency vacuums could significantly lower energy consumption per each vacuum used, resulting in cost savings.

EcoLogo Launches Hand Sanitizer Certification

EcoLogo has launched its first green standard for hand sanitizers (also known as instant hand antiseptic products). The standard is designed to help purchasers and end users identify products with minimal environmental and health impacts.

To receive certification, products must meet the minimum biobased content standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) BioPreferred program.

Iowa Considering Green Cleaning Legislation In Schools

Iowa could be the next state to mandate green cleaning in schools. Under a bill that passed the Iowa House, schools would be required to at least conduct an assessment regarding the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products. Any district that hasn't opted out of the law would have to use the products beginning July 1, 2012.

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. The state already has similar rules for state government buildings.




POSTED ON: 3/29/2010