4.1 This test method will provide an indication of the effectiveness of the cleaning system at restoring the appearance of an artificially soiled carpet by wet extraction cleaning. The cleaning effectiveness in the laboratory test may not be the same as in home cleaning due to variations in the homes, carpets, soils, and other factors.

4.2 In order to provide a uniform basis for measuring the performance described in 1.1, standardized test carpet, test pad, and test soil are employed in this procedure.

1.1 This test method provides only a laboratory test for visually determining the relative carpet cleaning effectiveness of a wet extraction cleaning system when tested under standard conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to types of upright, canister, and combination wet extraction cleaners and their recommended chemical cleaning formulas intended for cleaning carpets as a primary or secondary function. This test method excludes pre-spray systems or pre-spray treatments.

1.3 This test method is not applicable to upholstery cleaning or bare floor cleaning.

1.4 This test method applies only to the cleaning of embedded soil from carpet, not the removal of surface litter and debris.

1.5 This test method does not directly quantify the amount of soil removed but is visually assessed by employing colorimetric instrumentation.

1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7 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.

1.8 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.