The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) has changed its name to The Clean Trust. Along with the new name, the organization also unveiled a new tagline: Where professionals find training. And consumers find peace of mind.

Although there is a new name, the purpose of this non-profit certification organization is still to ensure that consumers have access to trusted and trained cleaning professionals by establishing and monitoring certification programs and standards for the cleaning, restoration and inspection industries.

Materials with the new name and an updated design will gradually roll-out. Immediately, our professionals will have new materials, such as new ID cards, an updated overview brochure, patches, decals, etc. Additionally, the new website — TheCleanTrust.org – will launch soon.

To qualify for The Clean Trust certified firm status businesses must demonstrate proof of insurance, maintain a written customer complaint policy with documented follow-up and provide ongoing education and training leading to certification for all technicians. All certified firms are also required to abide by The Clean Trust Code of Ethics. Services provided by The Clean Trust certified professionals range from flooring inspection and cleaning to mold remediation to water and fire damage restoration.

Carpet cleaning product, methods and equipment are improving all the time, but not all cleaning products clean equally well. CRI tested an assortment of carpet cleaning solutions and equipment and found a wide variance in how well these products work — and discovered that some even damage carpet.

The CRI Seal of Approval program identifies effective carpet cleaning solutions and equipment that clean carpet right the first time and protect a facility’s carpet investment.  Not all products clean well enough to earn the Seal of Approval distinction, so look for the blue and green CRI Seal of Approval as proof that you are purchasing or using a quality product.

New carpet can improve the appearance of any room, but how can carpet that is walked on every day continue looking new? To keep your carpet clean, it’s necessary to vacuum regularly with a strong, well-functioning and properly-filtered vacuum cleaner. Unfortunately, due to traffic, children, pets and normal wear, carpet fibers inevitably become soiled, and a dull appearance results. And no matter how much you vacuum, eventually you will need to call a professional carpet cleaner.

Regular professional cleaning using a Certified Firm is as important to your carpet as having a trained mechanic perform routine tune-ups on your car. While your carpet may appear clean on the surface, periodic cleaning by a certified technician can remove what you can’t see and help your carpet retain its fresh, beautiful appearance.

Commercial carpet receives many times the traffic of typical residential carpet. That’s why it’s important to select (fiber, construction, pile design, color) and install commercial carpet that fits a building user’s needs. However, once that carpet is properly selected and installed, its durability and lasting beauty is highly dependent on the maintenance and cleaning program employed.

The first critical component in programmed maintenance and cleaning is routine vacuuming coupled with rapid response to spots and spills. Carpet serves as a “sink” or collection point for everything that is tracked in or settles out of the air. Qualities such as sound absorption, slip resistance and soil-trapping ability makes it the most desirable floor covering in most buildings. Ultimately, however, even the best maintained carpet must be thoroughly cleaned to empty the “sink.”

This is where IICRC-Certified Firms and Technicians come in. They have the equipment, training and experience, not only to empty the “sink,” but also to restore the color and beauty of commercial carpet, while improving overall indoor environmental quality in the building as well.