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Cleaning solutions can help keep your carpet looking its best between professional deep cleanings, but not all products in the marketplace have the same cleaning effectiveness. That's why you should consider only buying cleaners with the blue and green CRI Seal of Approval. It's an objective assurance that a cleaning solution is up to the job.
Spot removers, pre-spray (before machine use) and in-tank (for machine use) solutions receiving the CRI Seal of Approval pass a stringent set of tests that are administered by an independent accredited laboratory.
The Seal of Approval program tests for:
- Efficacy (the ability to remove stains)
- Resoiling (whether the product attracts soil at an accelerated rate)
- pH (excessively acid or alkaline products can affect dyes and fibers)
- Optical brighteners (can adversely affect color, appearance and performance)
- Colorfastness to light (residues on pile yarn can accelerate color change)
Water is used as a control standard. This means the performance of a product is measured against the performance of water for all of the criteria outlined above.
Spot testing program takes on the toughest stains
Staining agents tested include: mustard, ketchup, hot black coffee, grape juice, permanent marker, chocolate syrup, dirty motor oil and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) synthetic soil.
Cleaning efficacy is based on a product's ability to remove soil and thereby improve the appearance of the carpet. The differential soil level between the cleaned sample and control is rated instrumentally and by a panel of three independent technicians using the AATCC Gray Scale for color change.
Rate of resoiling is evaluated by applying the test product to a standard carpet sample. Then, by applying synthetic soil in accordance with ASTM D-6540. The differential soil level between the cleaned sample and control is rated instrumentally and by trained technicians.
Pre-spray and in-tank products pass multiple spectrophotometer (measures reflected light intensity) readings.
As with spot removing products, pre-spray and in-tank products are applied to carpet according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Other Testing Criteria
Similarly, spot removers, pre-spray and in-tank products are tested for pH levels, optical brightness and colorfastness to light. Some cleaning products which are extremely acidic or alkaline can adversely affect dyes and certain carpet fibers. Seal of Approval certified products have more neutral pH levels. They limit optical brighteners because such additives are known to affect fiber color, appearance and long-term performance. Finally, Seal of Approval carpet cleaning solutions must show that they do not contribute to residue on pile yarn that can accelerate color change.
The bottom line: Seal of Approval cleaning solutions effectively remove stains and soil without adversely affecting the appearance or the performance of the carpet — which is a wise investment for consumers.
The Housekeeping Channel has made a commitment to feature CRI Seal of Approval products in the HC Tools section. Look for them there or, for a complete listing, visit:
