How to keep carpets and rugs clean

Sometimes you will have found this logo in samples of carpets, rugs and other textiles. With this article we intend to make it as clear as possible the meaning of this logo. Let's go ahead with the explanation! Summary of the text on GUT testing GUT is a system that guarantees high standards of safety, quality and sustainability for textile floor coverings. Also for our custom-made carpets and rugs. Its main focus areas are pollutants, emissions and odors, with strict testing processes that protect both the consumer and the environment.    

1. CONTAMINANTS

GUT strictly regulates the use of chemicals in the manufacture of carpets, rugs and textile coverings to ensure that they are safe for users and environmentally friendly. Key aspects:

• Regulated substances: These include heavy metals, plasticizers, biocides, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and substances of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH.
• Methods of analysis: Both traditional techniques and modern rapid tests are used to evaluate materials for contaminants.
• Measures adopted: GUT establishes limit values for certain substances and bans others to avoid negative effects on health and the environment.

2. EMISSIONS

Advanced building insulation has reduced natural ventilation, increasing the importance of minimizing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other indoor pollutants. Sources of indoor air pollution:

• Compounds detected: Formaldehyde, acetone, benzene, toluene and other solvents from paints, adhesives, furniture and decorative materials.
• Emitting materials: Textile coatings and adhesives used during installation are critical factors.

GUT tests:

• GUT labeled carpets and rugs have low emissions, meeting international indoor air quality standards.
• The limit values established by GUT ensure that these products are safe for both residential and commercial use.

Impact of low emissions: Choosing GUT-certified products minimizes indoor air pollution, especially in enclosed spaces, promoting a healthier environment.

3. SMELLS

Odor control is critical in the evaluation of textile coatings, as odors can significantly influence the well-being of users. Odor tests:

• Methodology: An "odor panel" is used to evaluate the intensity and annoyance of odors perceived in samples of material under controlled conditions.
• Evaluation criteria:
  • Odor intensity: Rated from 1 (no odor) to 5 (very strong).
  • Annoyance level: Rated from -3 (very annoying) to +3 (not annoying at all).
• Standard applied: SNV 195651, which measures the disturbance caused by odors in textiles.

Types of odors detected:

1. New" odor: Arises after installation and diminishes with time.
   • Cause: Emissions of substances applied during production.
2. Persistent odor: Appears after weeks and does not dissipate easily.
   • Cause: Chemical reactions between old or poorly applied adhesives and new materials.
3. Acid and penetrating odor: Intensifies with time.
   • Cause: Degradation of polymers such as SBR or sulfur compounds.

Recommendations for unpleasant odors:

• Ventilation: Essential during and after installation to reduce concentrations of volatile substances.
• Duration of odor: Generally, new odors diminish significantly in the first four weeks if there is adequate ventilation.
• Additional causes: Odors do not always indicate a defect in the product, as other factors in the environment may also play a role.

Current importance of odor testing: Although chemical tests identify contaminants, they do not always reflect the user's perception. The human sense of smell can detect substances at very low concentrations, which reinforces the need for specific tests to ensure well-being. *Explanation of abbreviations

• POPs: Persistent Organic Pollutants
• REACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals
• SVHC: Substances of Very High Concern
• VOC: Volatile Organic Substances
• AgBB: Committee for the Health Evaluation of Construction Materials
• LCI: Lowest Concentration of Interest

Conclusion GUT sets a comprehensive standard for the manufacture and evaluation of textile coatings, focusing on consumer safety and environmental protection. Testing for contaminants, emissions and odors ensures sustainable and safe products, meeting the highest expectations in the industry. GUT certification is a seal of quality that assures consumers that they are purchasing an environmentally friendly, low-emission product that is ideal for both residential and commercial use.