The most important part of carpet maintenance is
removing and disposing of accumulated dry soil. The
removal of dry soil will improve the air quality
indoors, extend carpet life, and help to maintain
the carpet. Keeping regular maintenance on your
carpet is one thing, although being sure you have
the right equipment on the job is another.

The Green Label
For vacuum cleaners, the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute)
has developed a Green Label testing program. The
CRI developed the performance protocol with the
goal of protecting indoor quality, keeping all
surfaces as clean as possible, and all without
putting dust back into the air.

The Green Label program helps to identify vacuum
cleaners that meet three different types of criteria:
1. Removing soil.
2. Keeping dust out of the air by
containing it within the filtration bag and the
machine itself.
3. It doesn’t damage the carpet and helps
to keep the appearance looking good.

The tests for determining the certification of a
vacuum cleaner were developed by carpet and vacuum
experts and reviewed by scientists with experience
in maintenance and the quality of indoor air.

Soil removal
The soil removal protocol will require that the
vacuum cleaner remove a specified quantity of soil
from the test carpet in four passes.

Dust containment
The protocol for dust containment will dictate the
total amount of dust particles that are released
into the surrounding air by the action of the
brush rolls, through the filtration bag, and any
leaks that come from the vacuum system. with this
test, the vacuum cleaner can’t release more than
100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter
of air.

Carpet retention
The testing protocol for appearance retention will
require that the vacuum cleaner not adversely
affect the appearance of the carpet, based on
a year of normal usage.

If a vacuum cleaner meets all three of the above
requirements, the manufacturer may then display
the official CRI Green Label on it’s brand of
vacuum cleaner. The CRI tests canister and upright
vacuums, wide area vacuums, and even walk behind
types as well.

Matching machines
Looking for that important Green Label is the first
step to providing longer carpet life and cleaner
air for your home or office. The next step is
selecting the proper vacuum cleaner for a specific
area. You can think of vacuum cleaners like
screwdrivers, as you wouldn’t want to use a Phillips
head screwdriver to remove a flathead screw.

In the bigger, more open areas, a wide are vacuum
cleaner or sweeper can produce excellent results,
as well as an increase in productivity. The
average 14 inch upright vacuum can clean at a rate
of 3,000 square feet per hour, while the average
walk behind can clean at a rate of 40,000 square
feet per hour, and also lift the pile of carpet in
high traffic areas where the carpet fibers are
subject to crushing and matting.

The two motor upright vacuum cleaner is an excellent
choice in areas such as executive offices, lobbies,
conference rooms, and break areas. A two motor
upright can provide grooming of the fibers in the
carpet and removal of the dry soil. Most uprights
with two motor setups will also have a removable
hose and on board accessories for cleaning other
areas as well, such as vents and chairs.

Along with the type of area, you should also give
some thought to the needs of the operator. If
you are a manager, you should look for vacuums
with ergonomic features, especially if the vacuum
will be used for long periods of time.

If it isn’t ergonomically designed, it could result
in injury to the operator. At the very least, the
cleaning operator might want to avoid using
vacuum cleaners that could result in injury.
When you are done, learn about
lawn fertilizing schedule at our lawn care blog.

Rumford Gardener GPT3000 2 GardenPro Tools Gloves And Soap Set
 

Rumford Gardener GPT3000 2 GardenPro Tools Gloves And Soap Set

$38.35  $29.50

This great garden tool gift set comes complete with a cultivator and trowel. It also includes a pair of cotton gardening gloves and gardeners soap made from pumice vitamins and vegetable matter. Professional grade gardener s gift set with trowel and cultivator Sturdy trowel and cultivator Includes garden gloves and soap

The Rumford Gardener WCS2500 3pc Polished Aluminum Garden Tool Set
 

The Rumford Gardener WCS2500 3pc Polished Aluminum Garden Tool Set

$35.75  $27.50

Our deluxe 3piece Ascot aluminum tool set is a great starter set or addition to any gardener s collection. The trowel transplanter and cultivator each feature a lightweight balanced design that provides strength as well as a comfort grip and thumb rest. Packaged in a full color gift box. Rumford Green handles. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener RKH4S Kids 3pc Plastic Tool Set with Holster
 

The Rumford Gardener RKH4S Kids 3pc Plastic Tool Set with Holster

$23.73  $18.25

Colorful kids plastic trowel fork and cultivator are the perfect size for little hands. Includes a holster with leater belt loop for carrying the tools in style. Get the whole family gardening with kids tools from The Rumford Gardener. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener PP1500 GardenTuff 3pc PolyGlass Tool Set
 

The Rumford Gardener PP1500 GardenTuff 3pc PolyGlass Tool Set

$27.95  $21.50

GardenTuff tools are made from a proprietary polyglass resin that posses an incredible strength to weight ratio. Along with superior strength the lightweight design includes the patented ergonomic comfortgrip handle for hours of fatiguefree gardening. The GardenTuff trowel is perfect for light to medium digging while the cultivator will break up and prepare soil for planting. Use the transplanter to carefully remove plants from soil for replanting. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable.

The Rumford Gardener GPT1004 2in1 Digging Tool
 

The Rumford Gardener GPT1004 2in1 Digging Tool

$30.38  $22.50

Carry a trowel and cultivator together in one aluminum tool with comfort handle. For over 25 years The Rumford Gardener has been the manufacturer of choice for master gardeners landscapers hobbyists and homeowners. All Rumford tools carry a lifetime warranty and are designed to make your gardening tasks easy and enjoyable. Limited lifetime warranty on tools 5year limited warranty on tote

Rumford Gardener RK1017 Butterfly Kneeler With 2 Tools
 

Rumford Gardener RK1017 Butterfly Kneeler With 2 Tools

$24.05  $18.50

The Rumford gardener butterfly kneeler is a colorful and fun little helper that can help your children enjoy garden work. This set includes a fun butterflydesign knee pad and two colorful gardening tools with wood handles. Designed to keep little knees comfortable the foam kneelers will keep your child s knees protected as they have fun in the garden and the two safe handgardening tools will keep them digging in the garden for hours.

The Rumford Gardener RK1020 Kids Long Handled Tool Set 3Piece
 

The Rumford Gardener RK1020 Kids Long Handled Tool Set 3Piece

$37.13  $27.50

Three tools sized just for kids. Rake spade and hoe feature colorful kidsafe powder coated metal heads and hardwood handles. About 44 long. Get the whole family gardening with kids tools from The Rumford Gardener. Limited lifetime warranty

Lewis Lifetime Tools Bulb Garden Planter BPL6
 

Lewis Lifetime Tools Bulb Garden Planter BPL6

$47.86  $35.45

Bulb and garden planter. Easy twisting action makes a perfect hole for bulbs and bedding plants. Long handle prevents bending so you can plant while standing. 37 x 10 x 5. Length: 37. Width: 5. Height: 10

IMAX 40892 Set of 2 VintageStyle Distressed Garden Tool Equipment Baskets
 

IMAX 40892 Set of 2 VintageStyle Distressed Garden Tool Equipment Baskets

$137.05  $105.42

Set of 2 Garden Baskets. Item #40892Vintagestyle green distressed tool and equipment baskets each feature the word GARDEN and a stylish handleDimensions of each basket:. Small: 10 H x 11 W x 5 D. Large: 12 H x 13 W x 5 DMaterial(s): wrought iron

Lewis Lifetime Tools Garden Kneeler GKS2
 

Lewis Lifetime Tools Garden Kneeler GKS2

$46.96  $36.12

No more stooping bending or sore knees. The Garden Kneeler converts from a comfortable bench for sitting to a cushioned kneeler by simply flipping it over. Sturdy handles provide leverage for standing up. Folds neatly for storage and easy portability. 24 x 11 x 5. Length: 24. Width: 5. Height: 11

Cedar Creek 3020 Garden Tool Holder
 

Cedar Creek 3020 Garden Tool Holder

$70.20  $54.00

Cedar Creek Illinois Inc strives to create beautiful furniture to be used outside or inside. Their wood products are made of Western Red Cedar which resists insect attack rot and weathering extremely well. These tool holders have storage space for 12 long handled tools. They are ideal for the garden shed or garage. Product Dimensions 19 x 20.5 x 30 inches.

Truper Tools 995103 4 Tine Cultivator for Garden Work
 

Truper Tools 995103 4 Tine Cultivator for Garden Work

$30.46  $23.43

4 Tine Cultivator. Truper For Garden Work. Made from the finest materials. Functionality that is Unbeatable. Satisfaction ensured.

Ames Real Tools For Kids Garden Hoe KHM
 

Ames Real Tools For Kids Garden Hoe KHM

$29.89  $22.14

Garden hoe. Real Tools For Kids series. Tool head and handle are kid sized for comfort and ease of use. Lacquered hardwood handle won t splinter. Sturdy steel head is kid tough. 4.50 x 3 head size. 42 handle. Length: 44.25. Width: 4. Height: 4.5

The Rumford Gardener RG3200 3Piece GardenTuff Tool Set with Tool Wrap
 

The Rumford Gardener RG3200 3Piece GardenTuff Tool Set with Tool Wrap

$32.40  $24.00

GardenTuff tools are made from a proprietary polyglass resin that has a high strength to weight ratio. Along with superior strength the lightweight design includes a patented ergonomic comfortgrip handle for hours of fatiguefree gardening. The GardenTuff trowel is perfect for light to medium digging while the cultivator will break up and prepare soil for planting. Use the transplanter to carefully remove plants from soil for replanting. The included canvas tool wrap with 6 pockets provides easy hanging storage for the GardenTuff tools and others.

Filed under: House and Home

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