DALTON, Ga., Nov 14, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A "Today Show" segment that aired on November 13 alerted consumers about how vacuuming helps remove bad contaminants and allergens from the home, but it failed to mention that not all vacuums perform equally well, says the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

CRI recommends that consumers and businesses purchase vacuums that have been tested and certified through its Seal of Approval Program to ensure that buyers are receiving highest quality. For example, the Oreck U7000 vacuum featured in the Today segment has received a Seal of Approval Gold level certification.

"Not only is it important for vacuums to remove dust and allergens from carpet, but they must also trap the particles they extract inside the vacuum and keep them from recirculating into the air," said Werner Braun, CRI president. "The Seal of Approval was created because independent testing proved that not all cleaning products are equally effective, and some even damage carpet fibers."

Seal of Approval vacuums are given Gold, Silver, and Bronze ratings and can be found at www.carpet-rug.org. In addition to vacuums, CRI's Seal of Approval rates cleaning machines and solutions.

The Seal of Approval program has tested and certified nearly 400 carpet-cleaning agents and equipment. These include spot removers, pre-spray and in-tank solutions, deep cleaning extractors and deep cleaning systems. The new vacuum category combines the indoor air quality standards of CRI's Green Label program with the higher soil removal standards of Seal of Approval.