The World Floor Covering Association said it applauds Shaw's upgraded 2007 warranty requiring consumers to maintain their carpets using Carpet & Rug Institute approved products. The trade group also said it fully supports further warranty upgrades in 2008 from Shaw that will require cleaning using technicians certified by the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

"We believe a promotional effort to advise consumers that their carpet can be cleaned and maintained properly is long overdue," said D. Christopher Davis, president & CEO of the WFCA. "We applaud Shaw's effort to be the first to take on this task."

The WFCA said it will alert its retail members about the changes to Shaw's warranty policy. The organization also Shaw to "step up its promotional efforts, including iron-on labels for carpet samples, point of purchase materials, brochures and other printed matter retailers can utilize to communicate this new requirement clearly to consumers."

"The focus should be to clearly communicate these new policies and steer consumers to make the proper choices," said Bob Hill, WFCA chairman. "The Executive Committee of the WFCA is supportive of this because this is all about consumer satisfaction."