March 2006
I notice the little box with the IICRC on some of the carpet cleaning ads - what does it mean?
The IICRC or Institute for Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification is the benchmark for professional standards for the cleaning industry. The IICRC is an organization that maintains a directory of professional cleaners who are trained and have industry recognized certification in a variety of cleaning specialties.
Only IICRC Certified Firms are allowed to use this registered trademark. A Certified Firm is a good choice for caring for your home or office. Such firms are committed to protecting their clients by having adequate liability insurance and WCB coverage. They have complaint mechanisms in place. They have made a commitment to continue a program of self-improvement and technical training. Such firms also take an oath not to be deceptive in advertising. At the moment only about 3,500 firms qualify for IICRC Certified Firm status in 30 countries. Not too many when you consider there must be many tens of thousands of carpet cleaners.
An IICRC certified technician is an individual who has received at least some training in the field he/she is working in. By combining educational credits with time “in trade”, a technician can eventually be certified as a journeyman or even a master technician. These credentials are recognized internationally. Mfgrs are supplied with a list of Master Textile Cleaners to facilitate customer service.
IICRC sanctioned courses can be quite technical and are
definitely for those who take their trade seriously. The courses are similar
to college modules, and are followed by a two - hour closed book exam.
During the last few years there has been a concerted effort on the part
of many local carpet cleaning firms to have their technicians
certified, and to qualify for Certified Firm status. This speaks very
well to the professionalism of such businesses. It “raises the bar”
in our industry, and everyone wins. The public has access to better and
better services provided by trained and qualified professionals.
As the public becomes more aware of this - the demand
for services increases as people realize that such quality work prolongs
the life of their carpets, and enhances their surroundings. Shaw Industries,
one of the largest mfgrs of carpet now recommends that IICRC certified
professionals be used to clean their products. Beginning in Jan, 2008,
Shaw will mandate that only IICRC Certified Firms and Technicians be allowed
to perform cleaning on their carpets. Consumers will have to use such
certified cleaners to keep their warranties in effect.
Why would Shaw Industries do such a thing?
Les Graham
Graham’s Carpet Cleaning
952-0318
An IICRC Certified Firm (2005)
questions@theexperts.ca