Since 1992 the Carpet and Rug Institute has pioneered setting limits on carpet’s emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to establish a higher standard for indoor air quality. The Carpet and Rug Institutes explains how this program developed on its blog:

The Green Label program developed out of consumer and governmental concerns about carpet’s effect on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The original standard, developed in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, measured four compounds against an established criterion, as well as total volatile organic compounds, or TVOC.

The CRI is proud to report that as of January 1,2010 all carpet manufacturers have now conformed to these standards and so the Green Label Program has successfully reached its end. Wow, pretty impressive. What now?

Good Bye Green Label, Hello Green Label Plus

The CRI is pressing ahead to establish the highest standard yet for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) by reducing even further the VOCs of carpet and adhesives. Green Label has been replaced with the stronger and more comprehensive Green Label Plus standard.

Green Label Plus, Sets Higher Standard for Indoor Air Quality

According to the CRI Green Label Plus Fact Sheet:

Green Label Plus, a voluntary industry testing program for carpet and adhesive products, establishes the highest standard for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) ever set by the carpet industry. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) created Green Label Plus to identify carpets and adhesives that are tested by an independent, certified laboratory and meet stringent criteria for low chemical emissions.

There is a growing demand to make indoor environments as healthy and “green-friendly” as possible. Choosing the right materials is a critical step. To assist in the process, CRI has created the Green Label Plus program.

Green Label ensures customers they are purchasing among the lowest emitting carpet, adhesive and cushion products on the market.

Green Label Plus is designed for architects, builders, specifiers and facility managers who want assurances that carpet and adhesive products meet the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions.

Searching For Carpeting That Emit Low VOCs For Your Home?

Now it even easier than ever. All carpet currently manufactured by CRI member companies are low-emitting according to the standards of the now defunct Green Label standard. However, if your looking for carpet that meets the very highest IAQ standards then look for the Green Label Plus mark. This newer standard represents the fourth time the carpet industry has voluntarily enhanced the IAQ standard for its products.

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning, your Calgary Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) expert, can recommend outstanding sales consultants in Calgary for more information on carpet that meets the Green Label Plus standard.

Thanks to the work of the CRI and their member companies, carpet IS a low-emitting floor covering.

The Carpet and Rug Institute recently conducted a Survey of Asthma & Allergy Doctors. The CRI reported:

“While many doctors are still recommending carpet removal to their allergy and asthma patients, they were very open to information about proper carpet care and maintenance as a viable alternative to taking carpet out.”

So before you rip out all the carpet in your home you might want to read the latest (May 19, 2008) and most comprehensive report on the subject that backs up the CRI’s position on carpet and asthma.

Toxicologist Dr. Mitchell W. Sauerhoff, Ph.D., DABT has submitted to the International E-Journal of Flooring Sciences a very interesting and comprehensive study that is exploring the controversy surrounding carpet and allergies. The report is found here:  Carpet, Asthma and Allergy – Myth or Reality?

If you don’t feel like reading all 15 pages right away then I will share with you the ending:

“In conclusion, a weight of evidence approach to evaluating existing medical and scientific studies is quite clear. Carpet does not cause asthma. VOC emissions from new carpet do not act as triggers for asthma or allergies. Carpet does not increase the incidence or severity of asthma or allergies in children and adults. From the standpoint of asthma and allergies, well maintained carpet is safe.”

Well maintained carpet requires good vacuuming and proper cleaning.  For an earlier article about good vacuuming and proper cleaning, please go to Successful Vacuuming and also Carpet Cleaning Explained.

What Asthma and Allergy Sufferers Should Avoid When Cleaning Their Carpets?

Asthma and allergy suffers also need to be sure that the indoor air quality is not adversely impacted during the cleaning process. This means avoiding portable cleaning systems that recycle the contaminated air back into your home and cannot deliver the heat necessary to eliminate dust mites which cause allergies. Low moisture systems that do not actually remove soil at the time of cleaning should also be avoided.

Asthma, Allergies and Carpet Cleaning Chemicals

In addition, the cleaning products used must be fragrance free, hypoallergenic and create no VOCs (Volatile Organic Gases). If the carpet cleaning products have a fragrance or strong odor then that is a indicator that the products can negatively impact the indoor air quality of your home. Products that are Envirodesic Approved or Indoor Air Quality Approved are highly recommended.

D-limonene Carpet Cleaning Chemicals and Health Concerns

Many carpet cleaners use D-limonene based cleaners which are strong solvent based cleaners that have a very strong orange smell. Although it is chemically produced from a natural source (orange peel) and is biodegradable, due to its low flash point, it must be treated as hazardous waste for disposal.  D-limonene is a skin and respiratory irritant and is very difficult to rinse completely from the carpet. It can cause serve skin rashes and can also trigger asthmatic attacks.

Natural, Organic and Green has Nothing to do with Indoor Air Quality or Health Safety

This leads to a very important conclusion: ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘green’ does not necessarily mean safe. Green washing is becoming a growing problem. Many organic or green products can adversely impact indoor air quality by releasing VOCs. For an earlier article about indoor air quality please go to An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality. Asthma, allergies and carpet can get along after all. Educated consumers can also now choose professional carpet cleaning that does not negatively impact the indoor air environment of their home.

For additional information please feel free to contact me at Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning in Calgary.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning meets the high standards of the WoolSafe® Organization to become the only WoolSafe® Approved Service Provider in Calgary and all of Western Canada.

WoolSafe® Approved Service Providers Mark

WoolSafe® Approved Service Providers are a network of professional carpet cleaners trained and accredited by the WoolSafe® Organization.

These companies stand out for:

1. being proficient in cleaning wool carpets and rugs
2. having been a carpet & upholstery cleaner for at least 5 years
3. being members of a recognised professional or trade association related to the cleaning industry
4. having attended a WoolSafe® training course and meet other requirements relating to their business and professional associations
5. using WoolSafe® Approved products whenever they clean or maintain wool or wool-rich carpeting
6. ensuring the highest standards in carpet and upholstery cleaning

Only these companies are entitled to use this mark to promote their services.

To find a WoolSafe® Certified Operator near you click here or contact the WoolSafe® Organization.

The WoolSafe® Approved and Green WoolSafe® Approved Marks

These marks can be seen on the packaging and on the information and advertising material of certain carpet maintenance chemicals. Whether it is a product for professionals or for domestic use, it is a sign of excellence. It means that the product had been independently tested against stringent international criteria and found to be safe and effective to use on wool carpets and rugs. Used according to the manufacturers’ instructions, these products will not cause damage to the fibres or colours and will not promote rapid resoiling.

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning uses the most appropriate WoolSafe® approved products for your particular carpet and rug cleaning needs.

The Green WoolSafe® Mark is for environmentally responsible cleaning products. They have to be WoolSafe® approved and also have to meet the requirements of Green Seal or Environmental Choice/EcoLogo for their environmental impact.

All approved products are subject to annual re-evaluation testing to ensure they continue to meet the WoolSafe® requirements.

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning uses products awarded the Green WoolSafe® Mark in its regular cleaning of all wool carpeting. These products are also Indoor Air Quality Approved (IAQ) Certified or Envirodesic Certified to not negatively impact the Indoor Air Quality of your home environment.

In addition, Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning has earned the Certified Firm designation of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the only Calgary company to bear the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval.

Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

Dalton, GA. (May 18, 2009) – The Carpet and Rug Institute once again raises the bar on industry standards by enhancing the Seal of Approval Service Providers program, to encourage carpet cleaning companies to provide a higher level of customer service and satisfaction.

The Seal of Approval program tests and certifies superior performing carpet cleaning solutions, vacuums, deep cleaning extractors and recognizes professional carpet cleaners that exclusively use Seal of Approval products which meet residential carpet warranties. Companies certified as Seal of Approval Service Providers must continue to use cleaning products and equipment tested and certified under the program. Additionally, the enhanced Service Provider program asks that companies agree to uphold certain principles of customer satisfaction and comply with a “code of conduct.”

“Carpet is comfortable and beautiful. But we know that consumers have questions about how to care for carpet over time. Choosing the wrong service provider can be a disaster, since a bad choice may result in poor carpet cleaning results or even damage to carpet fibers,” said Werner Braun, CRI president.

“The Seal of Approval Service Provider program is designed to make carpet cleaning and maintenance easy by helping identify companies who use only superior performing products and equipment and are responsible for the workmanship of the services provided. As a result, customers can feel confident doing business with companies who have earned the Seal of Approval Service Provider Certificate.”

The Seal of Approval also aims to match the right cleaning methods with the right products and strongly recommends that participants are also certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), an independent certification body that sets industry standards for firms and their employees.

CRI has also established a “code of conduct” requiring certified providers to uphold a high standard of accountability, responsibility and customer-oriented service. It also has provisions for carpet manufacturers and equipment and sundries manufacturers, including honoring warranties and providing product usage and cleaning and maintenance information for consumers.

The Seal of Approval program is celebrating its fifth year anniversary in 2009 and has grown to more than 186 participating manufacturers with 471 products certified and nearly 700 service providers.

© Carpet and Rug Institute

Note from editor: Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning the first and only Calgary Carpet Cleaning Company to earn the Seal of Approval Service Provider Certificate applauds the CRI as they make  further changes that raise the bar on industry standards.

Image Courtesy of Mohawk

A couple of months ago I wrote an article about why Mohawk SmartStrand is Smart Choice.

Today, an exciting development was announced that will have a huge impact on the residential carpet industry and gives Dupont and Mohawk well deserved bragging rights.

In a very rare decision by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (whose role is to protect America’s consumers) Mohawk and DuPont have been successful in changing the classification of PTT fiber (DuPont’s Sorona polymer which is used to make Mohawk SmartStrand) as Triexta instead of Polyester.

This means the FTC believes what DuPont and Mohawk have been saying for the past 41/2 years regarding the superior performance of this product. The FTC confirmed today in a unanimous decision that the performance aspects of PTT fibers is so much superior to PET (traditional polyester) that it deserves an entirely new classification.

Remember, the PET polymer is classified as Polyester. The new PTT polymer (also referred to by the proprietary term 3GT as designated by DuPont) is now classified as Triexta.

Welcome Triexta. Why is this important to you the home owner?

Image Courtesy of Mohawk

You will be hearing a lot about this new fiber in coming months and years and so should you. In fact, this is the biggest big news in the textile industry since 1959 when Nylon was classified as a fiber.

Tom Tape, Mohawk’s Residential Flooring Business President talked about the FTC decision in a 15 minute audio interview with Kemp Harr of the Floor Daily and summarized the following benefits of SmartStrand:

1. Fantastic softness. Mohawk constantly hears stories from retailers such as how a customer after feeling how soft the product sample is, puts it under their arm and carries it around the store!
2. Enhanced durability. It is far superior to Polyesters. In some cases, it is even comparable in performance to higher priced Nylon.
3. Permanent stain resistance. (That is why Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning has recommended it in the past to customers for kids and pets.)
4. Sustainability. 37% of the content of SmartStrand is derived from Corn. (Note: Not all Triexta has this bio component – Only Dupont’s Sorona which is used in Mohawk’s SmartStrand.)

Tom concludes by saying: “We are getting closer to finding the ideal fiber for carpets” and “since SmartStrand has been on the the market for almost 5 years, Mohawk feels it has stood the test of time.”

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning invites you to consult your favourite flooring consultant or ask me for a recommendation and “feel” the softness for yourself.

Herman Miller Mirra Basic

A common problem with home offices and work spaces is the effect that the casters or wheels from office chairs have on the carpet interface. Can they both get along?

The repetitive rolling motion increases carpet wear over time. The movement can also in some cases cause delaminating of the carpet. Delamination is the separation of the secondary backing from the primary backing of the carpet which results in a bubbled or rippled appearance. This problem is not repairable. Replacement is the only option.

The Plastic Mat Option

Many choose to use a plastic chair pad for their office or home space. This may seem like a realistic solution but it presents its own problems. Plastic desk mats create an electrostatic charge which is transmitted on to the surrounding carpet fibers. This charge attracts and holds dust particles and at times the fine graphite powder that is released from the castors or wheels. This causes over time black lines around the edges of the plastic mat.

Those Ugly Black Lines

These black lines can be minimized by thorough vacuuming. Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning recommends that the mat to be lifted and the carpet carefully vacuumed twice a week. This and yearly carpet cleaning will keep this problem to a minimum.

There are other visual problems that the plastic mat can create over extended periods of time. When the mat removed there will often be a noticeable color and texture change when compared to the surrounding carpet. This effect is permanent due to the wear and fading of the surrounding carpet.

They Really Can’t Get Along

In summary, using an office chair on traditional carpeting with an underpad is going to cause some damage over time. The two just can’t seem to get along! Your best option is to choose either a commercial glue down carpet, or hard surface flooring for your office space. Bonded leather flooring is very elegant solution. With the help of a great designer or sales consultant this can actually create a more attractive work space for your home environment.

If you have any specific questions on this topic, feel free to contact me at Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning. You may also want to read about soil filtration lines, another frequent problem that occurs in homes.

Teragren Signature Naturals

Bamboo is extremely strong, long-lasting and just plain exotic. Not only gorgeous to look at, it’s also one of the most green and environmentally friendly flooring products on the market today. If that isn’t enough, it also compares favorably to hardwood flooring in price.

Bamboo – the renewable resource

Because it is a natural, renewable resource, bamboo flooring is considered by many to be the logical flooring choice of the future. Categorized as a grass and not a tree, bamboo just might be the world’s most sustainable resource. It is the fastest growing grass and can you can actually watch it grow. Bamboo reaches maturity quickly and is ready for harvesting in about 4 t0 5 years. Bamboo does not need to be replanted after harvesting because its vast root system continually sprouts new shoots. Bamboo accomplishes all of this on it’s own, without the need for machinery, pesticides and fertilizers. Bamboo is also used to control soil erosion and control rain run off. It’s hard to think of anything negative things to say about this remarkable resource.

Processing bamboo for flooring

Though there are over a thousand different kinds of bamboo, not all are suitable for use in flooring. The Moso variety is a common choice for flooring. Once the Moso poles reach about a year in age (40–50 ft high), their main growth stops and they begin to mature. In years two and three, the bamboo hardens. Then, at year 4 to 5 the bamboo is ready to be harvested.

After harvesting, it is boiled in a processing solution to remove any sugars. The bamboo strips are then kiln dried to a specified moisture content,and then glued with low emission glues. After hardening it is ready to be sliced into planks and milled like hardwood flooring. Natural bamboo has a natural blond colour which brings out the bamboo’s beautiful light tones and colour variations. The darker toned carbonized bamboo is achieved by pressure cooking the bamboo which highlights the warm honey-like tones.  The benefit of course is that unlike a wood stain, the colour is present throughout  the entire bamboo plank.

Installing bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring is installed just like hardwood tongue-and-groove flooring, either glued together or nailed down. It typically comes in 3-foot or 6-foot lengths.

Teragren Synergy Java

It is also available with or without the distinctive bamboo nodes visible in the grain. There are many options available depending on the manufacturer.

Most wood products are compared with oak and maple in terms of stability and durability. Northern red oak is usually the standard against which other hardwood floors are measured for stability. Stability refers to the natural contraction and expansion of a wood in different climates over time. Bamboo is 50% more stable than red oak.

Maintaining your new bamboo floor

Maintaining your new bamboo floor is easy. Keep bamboo free of dirt and dust by using a broom, dry mop or a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Use minimal water when cleaning and never use abrasive cleaners. Always follow the directions from the manufacturer of your bamboo flooring. Most non-abrasive hardwood cleaners are suitable for your bamboo floors, but again it always good to check with where your purchased the flooring.

Residential: Private residence, hallway. Flooring: Signature Colors Charcoal. ©2009 Teragren. All rights reserved.

Where to purchase bamboo flooring in Calgary

Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning recommends the beautiful selection of quality bamboo flooring by Teragren. Please contact us for more information.

Not all bamboo flooring is alike. Unlike many bamboo suppliers, Teragren develops and manufactures all their own bamboo products. They directly control manufacturing—and product quality—from one source from harvest to distribution, guaranteed since 1994.

As posted on their website the Teragren difference includes:

• 11 manufacturing and quality-control checkpoints
• Advanced, state-of-the-art equipment that fortifies durability
• ISO 9001:2000 and 14001 certified factories
• Ability to install our flooring over radiant heat

For those concerned about Volatile Organic Gases (VOCs), please read about manufacturing adhesives on Teagren’s Website regarding different forms of formaldehyde found in adhesives and the  widely accepted benchmark  LEED® Green Building Rating System™ IEQ Credit 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials.

So when shopping for bamboo flooring in Calgary, please contact Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning for recommendations on knowledgable flooring consultants that can guide you through the various options for your home.

How many pounds of dirt can this rug hide?

I get asked frequently how often should I have my carpets cleaned? The truth is, there is no particular schedule other than maintaining your warranty valid (most carpet warranties specify every 12 to 18 months). Cleaning frequency really depends on the type of traffic you haveon your carpet and how you maintain it. Maintenance goes a long way in extending the time between cleanings.

I cleaned a house with a light beige carpet a few weeks ago that had never being cleaned and was 13 years old. It looked great! The home belonged to a couple with no kids or pets and who had a excellent vacuuming regime. Some people can get by with professional cleanings every 2 to 3 years, while others need their carpets cleaned every 6 months or so. Appearance alone should not be the determining factor when deciding when to clean your carpet. Today’s carpets are engineered from the fiber up to hide soil. In fact, a tan, residential grade carpet can hide up to a pound of dirt per square foot before it becomes noticeably soiled!

Appearance, reduction of potentially unhealthy contamination that may accumulate in the carpet, and manufacturers requirements to maintain your warranty should all be factors that help you decide how often to clean your carpeting.

A “no shoes policy,” frequent thorough vacuuming, and spotting with a residue-free carpet spotter are all excellent ways for you to keep your carpeting vibrant and healthy and extend the length of time between professional cleanings. Regular cleanings by a certified professional will ensure that you get the full intended life-cycle out of the carpet, deferring expensive replacement costs.

Especially when entering a economic downturn, it makes good economical sense to maintain and extend the life your carpeting. You would be pleasantly surprised to see what a full restoration cleaning can do for an old tired carpet.

If you have recently purchased new carpet for you home, make sure to take note of when the first warranty clean needs to be performed. For more information on the recommended cleaning frequency of the carpet in your home or business, or for more tips on extending times between cleanings, please don’t hesitate to give Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning in Calgary a call.