Technical Bulletins and Papers

Seal of Approval General Testing Information

• SOA Test Carpet Specifications

Seal of Approval Cleaning Solutions Test Program Protocols and Criteria

• SOA Test Criteria for Solutions
• SOA S-100 Preparation of Solution and Test Method for pH and Optical Brightner
• SOA S-101 (CF) Colorfastness Test Method
• SOA S-200 (CE) Test Method for Cleaning Effectiveness of Pre-Spray and In-Tank Solutions
• SOA S-201 (RS) Test Method for Resoiling of Pre-Spray and In-tank Solutions
• SOA S-300 (CE) Test Method for Cleaning Effectiveness of Encapsulate Solutions
• SOA S-301 (RS) Test Method for Resoiling of Encapsulate Solutions
• SOA S-400 (CE) Test Method for the Evaluation of Cleaning Effectiveness of Spot Remover and Pet Stain & Odor
• SOA S-401 (RS) Test Method for Resoiling of Spot Remover and Pet Stain & Odor Solutions
• SOA S-402 (O) Test Method for Evaluation of Odor Removal

Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Extractors Test Program Protocol

• CRI Test Method 118 Laboratory Test Procedure for Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Extractors.

Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Systems Test Program Protocol

• CRI Test Method 119 Laboratory Test Procedure for Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Systems.
• CRI Test Method 120 Standard Laboratory Test Procedure For Evaluating Cleaning Effectiveness of Commercial Carpet Cleaning Chemicals, Cleaning Equipment or Complete Cleaning Systems.

Seal of Approval Interim Maintenance Systems Test Program Protocol

• CRI Test Method 121 Standard Laboratory Test Practice For Measurement Of Surface Appearance Change Of Textile Floor Covering As A Result Of Interim Maintenance.
• CRI Test Method 122 Standard Laboratory Test Practice For Efficacy Evaluation of Interim Carpet Maintenance Systems.

Seal of Approval/Green Label Vacuums Test Program Protocols

• CRI Test Method 112 Standard Laboratory Test Procedure For Evaluation of Vacuum Removal of Solid Particulate From Carpet.
• CRI Test Method 113 Laboratory Test Procedure For Quantifying Respirable Particulate From Vacuuming Carpet.
• CRI Test Method 114 Standard Laboratory Practice for Carpet Surface Appearance Change Due To Vacuuming.
• CRI Test Method 115 Standard Laboratory Test Practice For Determining the Power Use Effectiveness of Residential and Commercial Vacuum Cleaners.

• Antimicrobial Carpet Treatments Antimicrobial additives are used in a number of products available to the consumer. Some manufacturers promote the incorporation of these products into their carpets as preservatives, while other manufacturers do not. The intent of this paper is to discuss some of the regulatory requirements applicable to the use of these treatments, types of treatments that are used, pertinent test methods, and the role of proper maintenance in controlling bio-contaminants in indoor environments…
• Americans with Disabilities Act The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became effective January 26, 1992. The ADA was updated May 2012. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that people with disabilities have access to employment, public accommodations, government services, transportation, telecommunications, and commercial facilities…
• Carpet and Indoor Air Quality Many factors determine the indoor air quality of homes and buildings. Most new interior products may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The extent of the effect on indoor air quality is dependent upon the combined emissions from products such as paint, cleaning materials, building materials, furnishings, fabrics, etc. In order to minimize impact, all products should be low VOC emitters with emissions that dissipate quickly…
• Flammability and Carpet Safety The flammability characteristics of building materials, interior finishes, and furnishings are important in protecting human life and property from fire. Such properties greatly influence whether these materials ignite and how they affect the rate at which a fire might spread…
• Flammability of Marine Carpet The regulations and rules for carpet aboard vessels for domestic and international waters are assessed by the U. S. Coast Guard or other Notified Bodies. A Notified Body is a body authorized by the National Administration of a Member State to carry out work in accordance with Marine Equipment Directive (MED), and is a signatory to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Any vessel going into international waters must comply with the provisions of the SOLAS Treaty…
• Formaldehyde Statement 
• PFAS Statement 
• OSHA Hazard Communication Act (223.15 KB)The Hazard Communication Act does not require manufacturers to supply a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on finished carpet…
• Static Control The action of rubbing of two dissimilar materials together may generate static electricity. Walking across a carpet results in rubbing two materials together – the carpet face fibers and shoe sole materials…

• Acoustical Characteristics of Carpet Carpet is an outstanding sound absorptive material. When properly selected, carpet absorbs airborne noise as efficiently as many specialized acoustical materials. Impact sound transmission to rooms below is an acoustical advantage that becomes obvious as soon as carpet is installed over previously hard-surfaced floors. The pronounced “hush” is striking. No other acoustical material performs the dual role of a floor covering and a versatile acoustical aid…
• Average Pile Yarn Density and the Importance of Correct Pile Measurement There are various methods of stating relative density specification for pile carpets. The density formula most often used in the U.S. and favored by CRI is average pile yarn density. It is described in the HUD/FHA publication UM-44d as follows…
• Carpet and Heated Floors The advantages of energy efficiency combined with a distinctly comfortable heat source have made heated floors increasingly popular in cold climes. Often referred to as hydronic or “radiant heated” floors, these floor systems have been popular in Europe for many years…
• Pile Reversal – Watermarking Shading All pile yarn carpet is subject to pile reversal; however, it is most likely to be observed in smooth surfaced, densely constructed, plush type qualities. This phenomenon is difficult, if not impossible, to predict or prevent. Pile reversal creates a permanent change in the carpet’s appearance caused by the difference in the way light reflects off the sides and tip of a yarn as the pile lays in different directions. Shaded areas appear light from one direction and dark from another direction. After a period of use, carpet may look as though water has spilled on sections of the carpet, hence, the term “water marking.” Other terms also commonly used to describe pile reversal are “pooling,” “shading,” and “highlighting.”…
• Roll Crush Roll crush usually appears across the width of the carpet as areas of the pile yarn that have flattened due to the weight of the roll. Areas of crush may appear darker or lighter and usually are identified as widthwise bands. Roll crush is not considered a manufacturing defect. Most roll crush occurs as a result of stacking a large number of rolls on top of one another. Roll crush also may occur during shipping where rolls are loaded several rolls high…

• Carpet on Concrete Balconies From time to time questions are asked regarding the cause of accelerated deterioration of concrete balconies and the role of a floor covering material on the surface, be it carpet, tile, or some other materials. Key factors influencing concrete deterioration include type of sand used in the concrete mix, quality of the concrete, and depth of the rebar beneath the concrete surface. In coastal areas, allegations have been made that less costly beach sand is sometimes used in the concrete mixture…
• Carpet Wrinkles (“Buckles” or “Bubbles”) Wrinkles, which can be unsightly as well as create trip hazards, accelerate carpet wear, and cause the carpet to delaminate are rarely a result of manufacturing. Experience shows that proper installation techniques greatly reduce the potential for wrinkling…
• Guidance for Restretching to Remove Buckles, Wrinkles, and Bubbles Buckles, wrinkles, and bubbles normally do not occur with properly stretched-in carpet. If wrinkles do occur, proper stretching with a power stretcher, following these recommendations should correct the situation…
• Peaked Seams in Stretch-In Carpet Installation Seam peaking can be a frustrating carpet installation problem for both the installer and the consumer. Although seams in carpet are necessary and common, many consumers expect them to be invisible, which in reality cannot be guaranteed…

• Carpet Beetles Carpets manufactured today mainly utilize synthetic materials. Synthetic fiber carpets do not provide a food source for carpet beetles – unlike natural fibers such as jute and other plant based materials Wool yarns used in carpet are normally treated with insect resistant chemicals to help prevent attacks by beetles and other insects. Infestations of beetles and other insects should be handled by professional pesticide technicians. More than one treatment may be necessary, as the unhatched eggs may not be killed by the initial application. If treatment is necessary, make certain that the chemicals used in the treatment will not discolor or damage the carpet. It is important that the pest control firm be knowledgeable in dealing with textile attacking insects and carpet…
• Carpet for Clubhouses Permitting Only Soft Spikes Since only soft spike golf shoes are permitted in most clubhouses, consider these points when choosing carpet…
• Carpet Spot Removal Procedure for Fruit Flavored and Sport Beverages Spills of fruit flavored and sport beverages usually contain acid dyes that can be removed from carpet using an alkaline detergent solution; either a specialty carpet spot removal product or a solution made with a mild, liquid dishwashing detergent. Prior to using any solution, ensure that it will not void any carpet warranties.  While no carpet is completely stain “proof,” new stain-resist carpet treatments allow most spills to be removed when immediate action is taken and directions are followed carefully…
• Carpet Maintenance and Troubleshooting 
• Dust Mites Dust mites are found in almost every high humidity environment that is capable of supporting plant life. In a survey of homes with dust mites, 60% of the dust mite population is found in the bed, mattresses and pillows, 30% in upholstery, and 10% in carpet…
• Filtration Soiling Filtration soiling is a term used to describe dark, grayish lines that may appear on carpet. This is not a carpet defect, but a situation in which dust, smog, and other airborne pollutants can accumulate on the carpet face fibers in areas with a concentrated flow of air over the carpet or through tiny cracks or other open areas under the carpet. The soiling condition can occur quickly or it may develop over a period of months or years. The level of soiling is dependent upon the volume of air flow and the level of pollutants in the air. Filtration soiling is not dependent on the quality of carpet selected. The condition will obviously appear more pronounced on lighter colorations than darker color tones…
• Pet Urine and Carpet (59.11 KB)Owners of even the best-trained pets will occasionally encounter pet urine accidents and leave urine stains on carpet. Often, the urine is not discovered until long after accident. The types of damage from pet urine can be diverse and are dependent upon the makeup of the urine. Urine content will change over the pet’s life because of the pet’s diet, medications, age, health, sex, and reproductive cycles. Because of these variations, some urine stains may not be removable…
• Recommended Vacuum Cleaner for High Pile Carpet Proper carpet care is essential to long term consumer satisfaction with their floor covering purchase. The use of the correct vacuum cleaner can extend the life of carpet; contain the respirable particles generated by the vacuuming process, not damage to the carpet. The result is a cleaner environment…
• Schools Carpet Maintenance Program

• Discoloration of Certain Resilient Floor Covering Yellowing of certain floor covering products – For years there has been a question relative to the yellowing of resilient floor covering products when exposed to a variety of conditions. While yellowing and surface discoloration can occur due to a variety of conditions, it was alleged that rugs with certain backing materials when placed on the resilient flooring were one of the causes of this phenomenon. Thus, it became incumbent upon the carpet and rug industry to determine its role (or lack of it).
• Florida Schools Carpet Indoor Air Quality Study An Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) investigation project was conducted in 13 classrooms selected from six Florida schools. Teachers and students in seven of the 13 classrooms complained of headaches, stuffed sinuses, sore throats and lethargy. The study found…
• Mold and Indoor Air Quality Mold is a decomposer. Its role in the environment is to consume organic materials and return carbon, which is found in all living matter, back to Earth’s crust. Water and organic matter are absolutely essential for the existence of mold. We can control mold growth and mold spore levels in buildings by keeping interiors and organic materials in them clean and dry…