While browsing our wide selection of products, you may have noticed that some of our vacuums either have a written or imaged-based seal of approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) . In turn, you may have found yourself scratching your head at such a distinction. If this is you, sit back, relax, and get ready to hear the scoop on this nifty symbol shared by commercial and household vacuums alike.
In a general sense, the Carpet and Rug Institute is a national trade association that identifies and certifies superior carpet cleaning equipment. These include commercial vacuums, household vacuums, and extractors. To earn the CRI Seal of Approval, vacuums must pass independent laboratory tests that measure soil removal, dust containment, and surface appearance change. Based on the calculated results, vacuums that pass will be awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold rating.
The first aspect of vacuum cleaner performance that is tested by CRI professionals is soil removal. Since 2005, CRI has used NASA-enhanced x-ray fluorescence technology to measure the amount of soil removed from carpet. The "soil" that is removed is formulated out of five particulate compounds that resemble soil. These compounds are iron oxide (Fe³O⁴), zinc oxide (ZnO), strontium carbonate (SrCO³), yttrium oxide(Y²O³), and zirconium boride (YrB²). This "soil" is tested out on 3 samples of 0.123 inch loop carpet, and 3 samples of the appropriate residential or commercial cut pile carpet. To measure the amount of soil picked up and left behind, a XRF handheld unit is raised at a set height that systematically scans the 263 mm X 1003 mm sample for three minutes. The amount of soil removed is then assigned percentages that correlate to a bronze, silver, or gold rating. To qualify for bronze, 40 - 49% of the soil mixture must be removed. To qualify for silver, 50 - 54% of the soil mixture must be removed. Lastly, to qualify for gold greater than or equal to 55% of soil must be removed from the carpet sample.
The second aspect of vacuum cleaner performance that is tested by CRI professionals is dust containment. In this experiment, researchers gauge how well a particular vacuum retains dirt and debris after it has been trapped inside the bag or dust cup. This test is conducted using three samples of 263 mm X 1003 tufted cut pile carpet that is 0.56 inches in height. The vacuum that is being tested will glide back and forth over the sample for 10 minutes while a real time Aerosol monitor detects any particulate emissions. After ten minutes, the vacuum is shut off, and the device will continue to monitor for emissions for an additional 4 minutes. Once the test is completed, the numerical data, which was recorded every 10 seconds, is analyzed by researchers to come up with an average concentration for particulate emissions.To pass, a vacuum must not release more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air. To be awarded a gold rating, a vacuum must not release more than 35 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air. If your average is above 35, your performance in the soil removal test will determine if you're assigned a silver or bronze rating.
The final aspect of vacuum cleaner performance that is tested by CRI professionals is surface appearance change. The tested vacuum is required to pass over a 30.5 X 30.5 cm sample 200 or 900 times depending on whether or not the product is meant for residential or commercial use. If it's for residential use, the sample will weigh 25 ounces and have a pile height of 0.470 inches. If it's for commercial use, the sample will weigh 30 ounces and have a pile height of 0.281 inches. The number of passes is meant to resemble one year of typical vacuum use. To pass, there must be no more than a one-step change when comparing the test sample and control sample against each other. Assessors, in which there are three, are trained to detect any discoloration, matting or fuzzing.
If a vacuum passes all three tests, it earns the distinct honor of being placed on the certified vacuum list, which is available for public viewing on the Carpet and Rug Institute website. Many canister and upright models we sell have earned this distinction.Sirena's water vacuum, ProTeam's RunningVac canister, and Oreck's U2000R-1 upright all take home the gold. Fuller Brush's Mighty Maid, Panasonic's MC-UG725, and the Sanitaire SC888K are rocking the silver. Lastly, Bissell commercial vacuums like the BGUPRO14T and BG1000 are styling in bronze.
So what does the CRI Seal of Approval mean for you? Well, it guarantees that the vacuum you're contemplating on purchasing has been through its paces. Rest easy knowing that allergens will be kept locked away, and that superior indoor air quality is here to stay.So take a look around our site. Don't be shy,and if you need help deciding, pick up the phone and dial 1-866-972-8227 and speak with a trained vacuum specialist. We are here seven days a week to answer any and all questions you have no matter how big or small.
