The CRI/CSP (Certified Service Provider) program may be valuable if it were widely advertised by local carpet cleaners around the nation. But only 595 of the estimated 44,532 professional cleaning firms have signed up. Logistically, the numbers are not there to be successful.
The CRI testing program has caused confusion about the real root of consumer discontent with carpet. Most carpet complaints are not about professional cleaners. Nearly all professionals (not just Bane-Clene®) use good products in our services. Otherwise, we do not survive.
Complaints on the internet show that installation woes are still number one with consumers, followed by ill-informed carpet sales types, scheduling snafus and product substitution. There are even cases of retailers in bankruptcy taking deposits and not delivering the carpet.
Complaints about professional cleaners are not about chemicals or equipment. Overwhelmingly, they concern bait and switch ads and rude behavior. I've worked with TV personalities, BBBs and Angies' List exposing some of these. Nearly all other cleaning complaints originate from Do It Yourself, janitorial and in-house operators who use cheap products and unskilled labor.
The original CRI/SOA program for professional cleaners emphasized training, especially in customer relations, and placed the responsibility on industry schools. Certifying cleaning firms through these schools again would bring sorely needed numbers to the CSP program.
I have no suggestions for CRI about the DIY problem or for janitorial services and in-house operations which skimp on product quality and service frequency. They turn over their help too quickly to properly train them. But my answer to the headline question is a resounding, NO!
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