Wool cleaning products.
When cleaning your wool carpet, or treating stains, you need to ensure the products you use, are safe.
Products that display the WoolSafe logo have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict requirements of the WoolSafe Certification program. (defensive test) As well as testing for safety on wool, they are also tested to ensure they work as the manufacturer claims. (performance testing).
You can be assured that a Product bearing the "WoolSafe approved" logo has passed the toughest tests.
When cleaning your wool carpet, or treating stains, you need to ensure the products you use, are safe.
Products that display the WoolSafe logo have been independently tested to ensure they meet the strict requirements of the WoolSafe Certification program. (defensive test) As well as testing for safety on wool, they are also tested to ensure they work as the manufacturer claims. (performance testing).
You can be assured that a Product bearing the "WoolSafe approved" logo has passed the toughest tests.
WoolSafe certified operators are trained to a high standard in cleaning wool carpets and rugs. They have been in business for a number of years. Members are fully insured and are members of one or more trade associations.
Wool carpet cleaning specialists.
They must have achieved a high level of recognised training and a minimum amount of experience before they can become a part of the WoolSafe Certified Operator Network. They must also sit and pass the specialised WoolSafe training program. They must use WoolSafe certified products when cleaning wool or wool rich carpets, rugs and upholstery.
Only WoolSafe Certified Operators are allowed to use the WoolSafe trademark logo and be listed on this website.
Wool carpet cleaning specialists.
They must have achieved a high level of recognised training and a minimum amount of experience before they can become a part of the WoolSafe Certified Operator Network. They must also sit and pass the specialised WoolSafe training program. They must use WoolSafe certified products when cleaning wool or wool rich carpets, rugs and upholstery.
Only WoolSafe Certified Operators are allowed to use the WoolSafe trademark logo and be listed on this website.
This page gives you plenty of helpful advise and useful tips
For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe Certified Operator or Registered Inspector logo.
For information on how to clean and remove spots from your carpets and rugs and how to get in touch with WoolSafe Certified Carpet Cleaning Companies or Registered Inspectors please select one of the above options.
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The WOOLSAFE Organisation is supported by quality carpet manufacturers worldwide.
The WoolSafe Certified Operator Network is a network of highly trained professional carpet cleaners and Inspectors who meet the strict criteria set by the WoolSafe Organisation.
THE CARPET USER
SPOT AND STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE
General rules for spot removal
General rules for spot removal
| ● | Soak up liquids with kitchen roll, paper tissues, toilet roll, or absorbent cloth |
| ● | Scoop up or scrape off solids |
| ● | Try to identify unknown spots prior to treatment - if unsure, use solvent first |
| ● | Always work from the edge of the spot inwards BLOT, do NOT rub |
| ● | Apply small quantities at a time, applied to a cloth, NOT directly to the spot; work into the spot with a small brush or sponge |
| ● | Take care with applying solvents to bitumen-backed carpet tiles |
| ● | When using solvents always ensure there is plenty of fresh air ventilation |
| ● | Always thoroughly rinse afterwards if water-based spotters have been used |
| ● | Dry the spot, if possible, with a hair dryer |
For peace of mind click on the WoolSafe Certified Operator logo for professional help.
DIFFICULT SPOTS below are more difficult to remove and may require repeated attempts with stronger spot removers. Some stains you may find impossible to remove completely in which case the assistance of a professional carpet cleaner may be required.
The spot removal charts contain the methods for dealing with accidental spillages and the order in which the treatments should be tried.
The EASY SPOTS chart below contains those spots that come out relatively easily with the methods recommended or when the carpet is wet cleaned.
The EASY SPOTS chart below contains those spots that come out relatively easily with the methods recommended or when the carpet is wet cleaned.
| DIFFICULT Spot or stain |
Try 1st |
Try 2nd |
Try 3rd |
| Artificially coloured drinks | 3 | 6 | |
| Bleach | 3 | 17 | |
| C/heating radiator fluid | 5 | 6 | 16 |
| Coffee | 6 | ||
| Felt-tip pen | 7 or 11 | 12 | 5 |
| Furniture polish | 7 | 5 | |
| Glue/adhesive | 10 | 11 | |
| Ink (fountain) | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Ink (ballpoint pen) | 12 | ||
| Lipstick | 7 | ||
| Milk | 4 | 5 | 15 |
| Nail varnish | 10 | ||
| Paint (oil) | 11 | ||
| Rust | 16 | ||
| Soot | 6 | 5 | 2 |
| Tar (asphalt) | 7 | ||
| Urine (old stain) | 6 | 15 | |
| Vomit | 5 | 6 | 15 |
| Red wine | 1 | 6 |
| EASY Spot or stain |
Try 1st |
Try 2nd |
Try 3rd |
| Blood | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Burn or scorch marks | 13 | 14 | |
| Butter | 7 | 5 | |
| Candle wax | 8 | 7 | |
| Chewing Gum | 9 | ||
| Chocolate/cocoa | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Cola | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Cream | 7 | 5 | |
| Egg | 5 | 6 | |
| Floor wax | 7 | 5 | |
| Fruit juice | 3 | 5 | |
| Gravy and sauces | 5 | 6 | |
| Herbal tea | 3 | 6 | |
| Metal polish | 5 | ||
| Mustard | 5 | 6 | |
| Oil and grease | 7 | 5 | |
| Paint (emulsion) | 3 | 5 | |
| Shoe polish | 7 | 5 | |
| Tea | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Urine (fresh stain) | 3 | 5 | 15 |
TREATMENTS for EASY and DIFFICULT SPOTS
1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues
2. Vacuum clean
3. Cold water
4. Warm water
5. WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)
6. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains
7. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains
8. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron
9. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)
10. Nail varnish remover or acetone
11. White spirit or turpentine substitute
12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)
13. Rub with a coin
14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper
Treatments below are used by WOOLSAFE Approved professional carpet cleaners
15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer
16. Rust remover
17. Carpet re-colouring kit
1. Blot with white kitchen roll or paper tissues
2. Vacuum clean
3. Cold water
4. Warm water
5. WOOLSAFE-approved carpet shampoo solution (diluted)
6. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for water-based stains
7. WOOLSAFE-approved spot remover for greasy/oily stains
8. Absorbent paper or paper tissue and hot iron
9. Chewing gum remover (solvent or freeze type)
10. Nail varnish remover or acetone
11. White spirit or turpentine substitute
12. Surgical spirit (ethyl alcohol or ethanol)
13. Rub with a coin
14. Rub gently with coarse sand paper
Treatments below are used by WOOLSAFE Approved professional carpet cleaners
15. WOOLSAFE-approved disinfectant or deodorizer
16. Rust remover
17. Carpet re-colouring kit
Spot & Stain Removal Guide
It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company.
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on you wool carpets and rugs!
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on you wool carpets and rugs!
For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe-approved logo:
Shading
Shading, also known as pile reversal or – wrongly – water marking, is the effect whereby areas of velour or velvet carpet appear to become lighter or darker in colour than the surrounding area. It is a optical effect, brought about by localised changes in the direction of pile lay and made visible by the way light is reflected off the carpet surface. It is caused by traffic patterns or unevenness in the floor, but is NOT a carpet defect. Loop pile carpets are not affected by this.
Sprouting
Occasionally tufts may appear above the surface of the carpet. Do NOT pull them out, but cut them level with the surrounding tufts with small scissors.
Colour change
The carpet may change colour over time for a variety of reasons, usually due to pile flattening, gradual soiling and slight fading of the dyes used to colour the fibres. A good professional cleaning will usually restore the carpet’s appearance.
Draught marking
Carpets may show increased soiling around the edges of a room, under doors and near air ducts. This is called draught marking or fogging and is caused by the pile fibres filtering out dirt particles from the air blowing under skirting boards or doors, or from ducts.
Fibre loss
Many newly installed carpets, particularly those with a cut or velour pile, tend to lose fibre during the first few weeks on the floor. This effect, called shedding or fluffing, is caused by the way the yarn is spun and the carpet is made. It is no reason for alarm, but a natural phenomenon, which will stop eventually. Just vacuum the carpet a little more gently for the first few weeks and empty the dust bag or receptacle regularly.
Shading, also known as pile reversal or – wrongly – water marking, is the effect whereby areas of velour or velvet carpet appear to become lighter or darker in colour than the surrounding area. It is a optical effect, brought about by localised changes in the direction of pile lay and made visible by the way light is reflected off the carpet surface. It is caused by traffic patterns or unevenness in the floor, but is NOT a carpet defect. Loop pile carpets are not affected by this.
Sprouting
Occasionally tufts may appear above the surface of the carpet. Do NOT pull them out, but cut them level with the surrounding tufts with small scissors.
Colour change
The carpet may change colour over time for a variety of reasons, usually due to pile flattening, gradual soiling and slight fading of the dyes used to colour the fibres. A good professional cleaning will usually restore the carpet’s appearance.
Draught marking
Carpets may show increased soiling around the edges of a room, under doors and near air ducts. This is called draught marking or fogging and is caused by the pile fibres filtering out dirt particles from the air blowing under skirting boards or doors, or from ducts.
Fibre loss
Many newly installed carpets, particularly those with a cut or velour pile, tend to lose fibre during the first few weeks on the floor. This effect, called shedding or fluffing, is caused by the way the yarn is spun and the carpet is made. It is no reason for alarm, but a natural phenomenon, which will stop eventually. Just vacuum the carpet a little more gently for the first few weeks and empty the dust bag or receptacle regularly.
HOUSEKEEPING TIPS FOR CARPETS AND RUGS
Entrance or walk-off mats
The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as it will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.
Protective treatments
Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soiling. These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off.. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required. Carpets that have no protector applied by the manufacturer can be treated after installation on the floor by a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company.
The use of entrance mats at all outside entrances to the house is highly recommended, as it will significantly reduce the rate at which the carpet will soil. They should be of adequate size to allow street dirt to be removed from shoe soles and must be cleaned regularly themselves.
Protective treatments
Many carpets come with a protective fibre treatment to reduce problems with staining and soiling. These treatments, while effective in many ways, are not bullet-proof and will eventually wear off.. Quick response to spills and regular cleaning is still required. Carpets that have no protector applied by the manufacturer can be treated after installation on the floor by a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company.
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WOOLSAFE APPROVED CARPET CARE PRODUCTS
CLEANING PRODUCT SUPPLIERS WOOLSAFE product accreditation is available world-wide to manufacturers of carpet cleaning chemicals, spot removers, soil and stain resist treatments and other products used to maintain or enhance carpets and rugs. Manufacturers interested in endorsement can submit their products to The WOOLSAFE Organisation for testing. Products that meet all the performance requirements are issued with a certificate and suppliers are entitled to display the WOOLSAFE Mark, and one of a selection of approved phrases, on packaging, product literature and advertising material associated with the product. |
For peace of mind look for the WoolSafe Certified Operator logo:
The high level of interest in improving carpet maintenance products and techniques is demonstrated by the fact that many cleaning agent manufacturers have re-formulated products in order to comply with the WOOLSAFE requirements, or to enhance their products' efficiency. All approved products are subject to annual re-evaluation to ensure they continue to meet the WOOLSAFE requirements, or that changes introduced when products are re-formulated, are not detrimental to the performance of the product. |
It is best to engage the services of a professional carpet & upholstery cleaning company.
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!
To get a really expert job done entrust the work to a WOOLSAFE accredited carpet cleaning company. These companies are fully trained, have a reputation for top quality service and use only WOOLSAFE approved cleaning agents on your wool carpets and rugs!
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SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME TABLE
| Soiling Level |
Maintenance |
Spot Removal |
Vacuum Traffic Area |
Full Vacuum |
Maintenance Cleaning |
Restorative Cleaning |
Light |
Light |
Daily |
Weekly |
Weekly |
12 Months |
18 - 24 Months |
Medium |
Medium |
Daily |
Daily |
Every 2 -3 Days |
6 - 12 Months |
12 - 18 Months |
Heavy |
Intense |
Daily |
Daily |
Daily |
3 Months |
6 - 12 Months |
Very Heavy |
Very Intense |
Daily |
Daily |
Daily |
1 - 2 Months |
3 - 6 Months |
| Routine Cleaning |
Download spot removal charts »
Download MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME TABLE »
COMMON ISSUES and FAQ
CARPET AND RUG CARE GUIDE
Regular cleaning will extend the life of your carpet and maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres.
Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur.
When your carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good cleaning, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a carpet cleaning company.
If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE-approved products. Look for this Mark on the bottle or package.
WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining wool and wool-rich carpets and rugs.
Never use any detergents such as dish washing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use.
Although they may clean your carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.
Regular cleaning will extend the life of your carpet and maintain its appearance. Vacuum clean regularly and thoroughly, which removes gritty dirt that can damage the fibres.
Deal with spillages as soon as possible, preferably the moment they occur.
When your carpet or rug reaches a stage where it could do with a really good cleaning, you can either do the job yourself, or you can call in a carpet cleaning company.
If you are considering cleaning the carpet or rug yourself make sure to use only WOOLSAFE-approved products. Look for this Mark on the bottle or package.
WOOLSAFE-approved carpet care products have been independently and scientifically tested and are safe and effective for cleaning and maintaining wool and wool-rich carpets and rugs.
Never use any detergents such as dish washing liquids, soaps or other cleaners recommended for general household use.
Although they may clean your carpet satisfactorily they will almost certainly cause problems such as rapid re-soiling, colour bleeding or other damage to the pile or backing of the carpet.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR CARPET AND RUGS
office@woolsafe.com.au
WOOLSAFE APPROVED CARPET CARE PRODUCTS
For further information contact Woolsafe
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