by Rebecca Walker — February 22, 2010—The Carpet and Rug Institute announced that it has expanded its Seal of Approval testing and certification program by adding two new testing categories and expanding the existing extractors and deep-cleaning systems testing programs.
New to the program are a Pet Odor and Stain Category, a Platinum Level for Extractors and Systems, and an Energy Efficiency Rating Option for Vacuums.
The pet odor and stain category has been added to the Seal of Approval Solutions program, joining the existing spot remover, pre-spray and in-tank solutions testing categories. The new 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 and related odors.
Another enhancement to the Seal of Approval program is the addition of the Platinum Level of performance for the Extractors and Deep-Cleaning Systems programs. The Platinum level is reserved for the equipment or equipment plus cleaning solution combinations that remove ninety percent or more of available soil.
The Energy Efficiency Rating for Vacuums option for the SOA Vacuum testing program came about in response to a major retailers interest in labeling its vendors vacuums according to their energy efficiency.
The new energy testing evaluates a vacuums energy use in relation to its cleaning effectiveness, and can be performed as an optional test or as part of the regular Seal of Approval vacuum testing.
For more information, see the Carpet and Rug Institute Web site.
