CRI 204 and 205 for Carpet Makers: Maintenance Standards, Not Product Certificates

The CRI website (carpet-rug.org) features two distinct topics concerning carpets: maintenance and cleaning standards (CRI 204 and 205) and the Seal of Approval program testing cleaning products and equipment. The two address different objectives.

CRI 204 and 205: Care and Cleaning Protocols

According to CRI's official documentation, CRI 204 is the maintenance and cleaning standard for commercial carpet, while CRI 205 is for residential carpet. CRI notes that these two documents define protocols for proper carpet care across all environments, developed with input from knowledgeable manufacturers and the cleaning industry as the sole carpet cleaning standards established and supported by the trade.

In CRI's definition, 204/205 serves as a protocol detailing how to clean carpet; the pages do not describe any certification or credential awarded to the carpet itself.

Seal of Approval: Approval for Cleaning Products and Equipment

A separate initiative, the Seal of Approval (SOA) program, tests the effectiveness of carpet cleaning solutions and machinery. Approved categories include vacuums, extractors, cleaning solutions, deep cleaning systems and interim maintenance systems, alongside a service provider certification path. CRI states that approved products remove soil without damaging the appearance or performance of carpet fibres.

What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?

Carpet exporters should observe two distinctions: referencing the CRI 204 (commercial) or CRI 205 (residential) protocol in product care manuals, and advising customers to use Seal of Approval certified equipment and cleaning solutions. Sales representatives should clearly explain the difference between a care standard and product approval when engaging buyers.

Source: CRI — Cleaning Standards (CRI 204, CRI 205) · CRI — Seal of Approval Program