A peer-reviewed research paper validating the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)’s X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) carpet cleaning test protocol has been published in the March-April edition of AATCC Review, the official journal of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists.

Titled, “X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy Method Development for Quantitative Evaluation of Carpet Cleaning Technology”, the paper is authored by G.H. Asbury of Professional Testing Laboratories and R.F. Shannon of KeyMaster Technologies, Inc.  The seven page report examines the processes used to test and verify the removal of soil from carpet using X-ray fluoroscopy equipment. The paper concludes that XRF measurement is a reliable means of quantifying the amount of test material removed from carpet during cleaning.

CRI has committed to incorporate XRF technology in its testing programs for high efficiency vacuums, carpet extractors and effective carpet cleaning products. “This technology is consistent with CRI’s desire to see the best science applied to cleaning carpet and improving air quality in indoor environments and maintaining the life cycle of carpets,” said Werner Braun, president of the CRI.

“We have made XRF technology a central part of our Seal of Approval programs.”

Michael Berry, Ph.D., former Deputy Director of the EPA’s National Center for Environmental Assessment and a leading authority on Cleaning for Health and indoor air quality stated, “In my 30 years’ experience, the XRF technology is the first scientific approach to quantifying carpet cleanliness that I will stand behind 100 percent.”
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