Bissell Develops Method for Testing Carpet Cleanliness Mar 7, 2011

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Bissell is not trying to push a new industry standard for rating and comparing the cleaning effectiveness of vacuum cleaners; its new test method is for showing consumers how much dirt remains if they vacuum but do not also deep clean carpets.

Research by Bissell Homecare showed Americans do not deep clean carpets because they feel vacuuming alone will keep carpets dirt-free. The floor care appliance OEM said its White Sock Test proves otherwise. A consumer simply puts on a clean, damp white sock and twists it on a high-traffic area of the carpeting for 30 seconds to "expose the hidden filth" in the carpet.

The company is demonstrating the test at the International Home + Housewares Show, going on now (March 6-8, 2011) at McCormick Place in Chicago.

The solution, the company says, is to incorporate deep cleaning into carpet care and maintenance, such as its ProHeat 2X deep cleaner.

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