Host von Schrader, through its parent company Racine Industries, has received the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval for its Host Spot Remover and for two deep-cleaning systems.

The CRI Seal of Approval is awarded to carpet cleaning products that pass standard tests administered by an independent, accredited laboratory.
Independent testing for deep cleaning systems includes looking at the amount of soil removed, the amount of water left in the carpet samples, and the impact of cleaning procedures on carpet fibres and appearance.

Extraction systems that exceed average soil removal standards receive a bronze rating. Spot remover testing is performed on a number of the toughest known substances to remove: yellow mustard, fruit juice, hot black coffee, chocolate, permanent marker, motor oil and synthetic soil.  Standard performance ratings are used to rate the efficiency of the product and measure any colour change or resoiling. “We recognise that the carpet industry is working to distinguish effective carpet cleaning products from those that do not perform well and from those that damage carpet fibres," said Geoff Greeley, director of marketing and training for Racine Industries. "Our focus is on satisfying our customers."

Werner Braun, CRI president, said: "The Seal of Approval programme addresses the issue of carpet cleaning effectiveness by testing and certifying only those products that meet high performance standards. This not only helps customers recognise quality products, it also helps them understand the best methods for preserving the life and beauty of their carpet."  Underscoring the value that carpet manufacturers place on quality cleaning products, a few manufacturers have announced that they will require the use of CRI-certified products as part of their warranties.

Efficiency is also a major part of ‘green’ cleaning activities: if it doesn't work, it isn't green. Adding the CRI certifications to their environmental certifications ensures that those cleaning with the Host Dry Carpet Cleaning System are not only trusted to be environmentally friendly, but also assured that the job will be well done. Host claims to be the only carpet cleaner that is both Green Seal certified and USDA certified as bio-based.

Mike Egerton, managing director of Host von Schrader, said: “Effective carpet cleaning is essential to keeping carpet looking good. This saves on premature replacement and allows people to enjoy the many benefits of carpet."