
CRI Certified Cleaning Solution - Only The Best Pass The Test
The CRI Seal of Approval program was launched in 2004 to test the cleaning effectiveness of spot removers, pre-spray and in-tank cleaning chemicals. To identify which cleaning solutions work best, CRI and an independent laboratory use scientifically accredited cleaning standards. To earn the Seal of Approval, spot removers and pre-spray/in-tank cleaning solutions are tested on the following criteria:
- Overall cleaning effectiveness - This ensures that the product removes soil and spots better than plain water
- Rate of resoiling - This ensures that the product does not attract dirt to the cleaned areas faster than the rest of the carpet
- pH - A more neutral pH ensures that carpet dyes and fibers are not adversely affected
- Surface texture change - The product must leave the carpet pile minimally changed after repeated cleanings
- Optical brighteners - None is allowed, as they can leave some patches of carpet lighter than the rest
- Colorfastness - Products must not be so aggressive that they cause a color change in the carpet
Water is used as a control standard. This means that the performance of a product is measured against the performance of water, for all of the criteria outlined above.