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Assess Carpet Cleaning Effectiveness With XRF Testing for ASTM F2828

Written by Professional Testing Laboratory Team | Nov 7, 2024 5:37:02 PM

Carpet cleaning efficiency goes beyond surface results. It takes advanced technology such as XRF testing to truly reveal what’s going on beneath the surface. ASTM F2828 provides a standardized way to evaluate how wet extraction systems impact carpet appearance after cleaning. With the controlled lab methods used in ASTM F2828, you can evaluate embedded soil removal and appearance retention to select equipment that will sustain carpet quality.

PTL supports ASTM F2828 assessments with specific testing options, from single-cleaning to multi-cycle appearance retention evaluations, all tailored for commercial and residential carpets.

What Is ASTM F2828 Testing?

The ASTM F2828 standard measures cleaning effectiveness using a wet extraction system on carpets that have been artificially soiled. This lab-based test focuses on visual appearance change to evaluate how well embedded soil is removed, providing a basis for selecting equipment that enhances carpet longevity and appearance. While this standard method is rigorous, it may not perfectly replicate real-world variables found in home or commercial environments, such as varied soil types and carpet textures.

PTL offers three key ASTM F2828 testing options as part of our comprehensive carpet testing services:

  • ASTM F2828 Appearance Retention - Three: Evaluates appearance after repeated cleanings.
  • ASTM F2828 Appearance Retention - Single: Analyzes appearance after a single cleaning cycle.
  • ASTM F2828 Carpet Panels: Assesses cleaning effectiveness on carpet panels, a practical option for facilities managing large areas.

How XRF Testing Enhances Carpet Cleaning Analysis

While ASTM F2828 is instrumental in establishing a baseline for cleaning efficacy, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing takes this evaluation to the next level. As the only independent testing laboratory globally to offer XRF technology for carpet assessment, PTL provides unparalleled insights into cleaning effectiveness at a microscopic level. XRF testing uses non-destructive X-ray technology to examine the chemical composition of carpets, allowing for precise soil and contaminant analysis after cleaning.

By using XRF technology, PTL can conduct in-depth analyses of:

  • Vacuum Efficacy: Reveals how well a vacuum removes deeply embedded particles.
  • Appearance Change: Provides detailed assessments on changes in appearance after cleaning, essential for high-traffic and commercial spaces.
  • Residual Moisture: Determines how much moisture remains after cleaning, which is crucial to prevent mold and preserve carpet integrity.
  • Soil Removal: Quantifies the soil particles removed from soiled cut pile or loop pile carpet samples, ensuring effective cleaning without material degradation.
  • Metals Determination: Identifies any residual metals in the carpet fibers, which can impact both health and appearance.
  • Spectrum Comparison: Conducts side-by-side comparisons of soil composition before and after cleaning to gauge cleaning equipment’s efficacy.

XRF Testing and the CRI Seal of Approval

The Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval (SOA) program certifies carpet cleaning equipment that meets rigorous standards for effectiveness. For extractors, CRI testing criteria include cleaning efficacy, surface appearance preservation, and water removal. PTL’s XRF analysis can aid in achieving SOA certification by scientifically verifying that equipment meets or exceeds CRI’s high standards.

By using XRF technology, we help ensure that equipment designed for both residential and commercial carpet cleaning can effectively remove soil, protect carpet appearance, and minimize residual moisture—helping products stand out in the market.

Contact Professional Testing Laboratory for ASTM F2828 XRF Testing

ASTM F2828 and XRF testing bring clarity to carpet cleaning effectiveness by providing actionable insights into soil removal, appearance retention, and more. PTL stands out as the only independent lab offering XRF testing for this purpose, equipping manufacturers and product developers with detailed, reliable data on cleaning performance. 

The tailored ASTM F2828 testing options and unique XRF analysis capabilities from our NVLAP and PJLA accredited XRF lab can support your products in achieving key certifications, such as the CRI Seal of Approval, while ensuring they meet the high expectations of both residential and commercial users. Get in touch today for impactful test results that will help you ensure your products stand out in the market.