Google 'Carpet Cleaning Solutions' For CRI's SOA Listings

"Go ahead, Google us" says CRI's Werner Braun. Search on 'carpet cleaning solutions' leads to Seal of Approval (SOA) listings.

On July 15, 2011, the Dalton, Georgia Daily-Citizen newspaper ran a column by Carpet and Rug Institute President Werner Braun titled, “Go Ahead, Google Us”.

The article talks about using the Internet to find great solutions for keeping carpets clean using CRI Seal of Approval-certified vacuums, cleaning solutions, cleaning systems, equipment and service providers. According to the article, typing the term “carpet cleaning solutions” will lead a searcher to the Seal of Approval (SOA) listings. What's most important in delivering 'carpet cleaning solutions'? Vacuums which the CRI tests and certifies.

Under the SOA program, vacuums are tested for how effectively a machine removes and contains soil, without damaging the carpet. According to the article:

“These three steps are important because carpet acts like a trap, keeping dust and allergens out of the air we breathe. Simply put, what falls to the carpet (dust, pet dander and many other particulates that we breathe in) tends to stay trapped in the carpet until it is removed through vacuuming or extraction cleaning.

Something new we’re testing for is how well vacuum cleaners remove dust mites. For an improved indoor air quality (IAQ) it is important that vacuums remove all dust mites, and not just trap and hold them.

Vacuums that pass the SOA testing are labeled at the Bronze, Silver or Gold level, depending on the percentage of soil removed. A recent development is the testing for dust mite removal as well as soil.

The CRI Seal of Approval program identifies effective carpet cleaning solutions and equipment that clean carpet right the first time and protect a facility’s carpet investment. Not all products clean well enough to earn the Seal of Approval distinction, so look for the blue and green CRI Seal of Approval as proof that you are purchasing or using a quality product.

So later today when you “Google” the Carpet and Rug Institute, make sure you click on our website, www.carpet-rug.org, where you can find a full list of these products (from vacuum cleaners to spot removers). Because just like Google suggests, we’re known for our carpet cleaning solutions, and are here to help you with all your carpet cleaning questions and needs.”

Thanks, Werner.

~Bethany