5.1 Carpet, when exposed to the environment or foot traffic, accumulates soil and biocontaminants during its in-service life. While routine vacuuming may effectively remove dry particulate soils, it has a limited effect on removing or killing accumulated and embedded biocontaminants. In this test method, steps are described to assess test substances for the ability to sanitize carpet.

5.2 This test method compares an inert control solution to a sanitizing test solution for the ability to reduce viable bacteria and fungi inoculated onto carpet samples.

5.3 This test method provides for efficient recovery of surviving bacteria from inoculated carpets.

1.1 This test method is designed to evaluate quantitatively the antibacterial and antifungal activity of solutions for sanitizing carpets.

1.2 Efficacy is reported as the log reduction in viable bacteria and fungi.

1.3 The bacteria used in the test are Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mold used is Aspergillus brasiliensis.

1.4 Knowledge of microbiological techniques is required for this test method.

1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.