Get Out More Dirt

The most important part of carpet maintenance is cleaning and removing accumulated dry soil.  The removal of dry soil will improve the air quality indoors, extend the life of the carpet, and help maintain the carpet.  Regularly maintaining the carpet is one thing; being sure the right equipment is on hand is another.

The Green Label

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has developed a green label testing program.  The performance protocol was developed with the goal of protecting indoor quality, keeping surfaces as clean as possible, and all without spitting dust back into the air.

This program helps identify vacuum cleaners that meet three different types of criteria:

1. Removing soil.
2. Keeping dust out of the air by containing it within the filtration bag and the machine itself. 
3. It doesn't damage the carpet and helps to keep the appearance looking good.

Tests for determining the certification of a vacuum were developed by carpet and vacuum experts and reviewed by scientists with experience in maintenance and the quality of indoor air.

Soil removal

Soil removal protocol requires that the cleaner removes a specified quantity of solid from the test carpet in four passes.

Dust containment

Protocol for dust containment will dictate the amount of dust particles released into the surrounding air by the action of the brush rolls, through the filtration bag, and any leaks that come from the system.  The vacuum cleaner cannot release more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air to pass.

Carpet retention

The testing protocol for appearance retention requires that the unit not adversely affect the appearance of the carpet, based on a year of normal use.

If the cleaner meets all of the above requirements, the manufacturer may then display the official CRI Green Label on its brand of vacuum.  The CRI tests canister, upright, wide area and walk behind vacuums.

Matching machines

Looking for the Green Label is the first step in providing longer carpet life and cleaner air for the home or office.  Next select the proper vacuum for a specific area.  Think of the vacuum like you would a screwdriver; a Phillips head screwdriver won't remove a flathead screw.

In larger open areas a wide area unit or sweeper will produce excellent results, while increasing productivity.  The average 14 inch upright vacuum can clean 3,000 square feet per hour, while an average walk behind will clean approximately 40,000 square feet per hour, and also lift the carpet pile in high traffic areas where the carpet fibers are subject to crushing and matting.

A two motor upright vacuum cleaner is a great choice for executive offices, lobbies, conference rooms, and break areas.  This unit will provide grooming of the fibers in the carpet and removal of dry soil.  Most uprights with two motors will also have removable hoses and on board accessories for cleaning other areas as well, such as vents and chairs.

Also think about the needs of the user.  Managers should look for units with ergonomic features, especially if the unit will be used for long time periods.  If the unit is not ergonomically designed, it could result in operator injury.  Any user should avoid using a cleaner that could result in injury.