Fall River, MA – January 3, 2007 – XL North has earned the Seal of Approval for Grab Carpet Spotter from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), signifying that it effectively removes even the most difficult stains without any damage to the carpet. The CRI Seal of Approval is awarded to carpet cleaning products that pass stringent tests administered by an independent, accredited laboratory.

“When consumers see the CRI Seal of Approval on Grab Carpet Spotter, they can trust that it will do the job they expect,“ said Edward Sisk, GM of XL North. “We could not be more pleased that the carpet industry is distinguishing truly effective stain removal products from ones that don’t even clean as well as water.”

Independent testing has shown vast differences in the spot and soil removal capability of carpet cleaning products. Various spot removers clean no better than water. More seriously, they can leave a sticky residue that attracts soil at a faster rate.

“Carpet cleaning products that do not perform well create customer dissatisfaction and lead to the mistaken belief that carpet won’t stay clean,” said Werner Braun, CRI president. “The Seal of Approval program recognizes superior cleaning products and sets a high bar for manufacturers so only the best pass our tests.”

Grab Carpet Spotter was tested on a carpet sample with some of the toughest known stains. They include yellow mustard, grape juice, hot black coffee, chocolate syrup, permanent marker, dirty motor oil and synthetic soil. Industry standard performance ratings are used to rate the efficiency of the stain removal and measure any color change or resoiling. Plain water serves as a control on an additional sample of stained carpet.

“Effective stain removal is critical to extending a carpet’s life and appearance. And the Seal of Approval is proof that our product delivers. Our focus is on delivering value for our customers, and we are delighted to see our efforts recognized by CRI,” said Edward Sisk.

The CRI Seal of Approval program sets test methods and performance criteria for four categories of cleaning products: spot removers and pre-spray/in-tank cleaning solutions, deep cleaning extractors and deep cleaning systems (extractors and solutions used in combination). These products may be used in residential, commercial or institutional settings.

Underscoring the value that carpet manufacturers place on quality cleaning products, some of the largest manufacturers have announced they will require the use of CRI Seal of Approval-certified cleaning products as part of future carpet warranties.

About Grab Carpet Spotter/XL North

Grab Carpet Spotter is a general spot remover and pre-treatment cleaner. A unique blend of cleaning agents designed for quick removal of everyday spots. Using a trigger sprayer, this easy to use spotter can be applied directly to the soiled areas then blotted dry with a clean cloth after a few minutes. Apart from Grab Carpet Spotter having superior cleaning capabilities, we are the only carpet cleaning solution that incorporates Fresh-N-Guard™ a patented EPA registered anti-microbial. Fresh-N-Guard offers long term prevention against mold fungus and odor causing bacterial cells. Through this patented formula, Grab Carpet Spotter acts as a fabric preservative and static guard, protecting your carpet from attracting dirt and dust.

About the Carpet and Rug Institute:

The CRI is the leading industry source for science-based information and insight on how carpet and rugs create a better environment—for living, working, learning and healing. The Institute’s mission is to serve the carpet industry and public by providing facts that help people make informed choices. Its best practices promote a balance between social, economic and environmental responsibility for the long term. CRI does this for its industry, yet it strives to be a model corporate citizen for all industries. Learn more at carpet-rug.org.