Dalton, Ga. -- Vacuum cleaner manufacturers are doing their part to make cleaning easier and more effective by joining The Carpet and Rug Institute's Vacuum Cleaner Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing Program.

Select Royal Appliance Dirt Devil uprights and Castex backpack models, recognized as leading consumer and industrial brands, are among the most recent to receive the Green Label designation.

Under the voluntary testing program, vacuum cleaners can be approved by The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) as models that have efficient soil removal, keep dust in the machine and out of the air, and keep carpet looking good. Vacuum cleaners, both residential and commercial, are included in the program because they are extremely important for maintaining the indoor environment and carpet.

The year-old program now includes A-1 Built-In Vacuums, Alfred Karcher, Broan-NuTone LLC and Canada, Home Environment Systems, Lindsay Manufacturing, LynMac Co., Miele, Nilfisk-Advance, Nobles Industries, NSS Enterprises, Nu-Tone, Oreck Corp., PowrFlite, Pro-Team, Inc., Regina Home Care, ServiceMaster, Tacony, Tennant Co., Tornado Industries Unisource, and Windsor Industries. All types of units are in the program, including: uprights, canisters, backpacks, and central vacuum systems permanently installed in the home.

Consumers and professionals should look for the bright green IAQ program labels on the vacuum cleaner packaging and merchandise displays when selecting a model.

To ensure the carpet industry standard, vacuum cleaners are tested following a procedure developed by industry manufacturers and peer-reviewed by scientists with expertise in maintenance and indoor air quality. Vacuum cleaners earn the Green Label designation after passing the CRI test criteria for soil removal, dust containment, and carpet appearance retention.

For a full listing of approved vacuum cleaners, visit www.carpet-rug.com or call (800) 882-8846.