Since 1991 there has been a means of identifying those products which are safe and effective in cleaning or protecting quality carpets: the WOOLSAFE Mark.

This Mark is your assurance of carpet maintenance product performance. The WOOLSAFE accreditation programme for carpet and upholstery maintenance products is operated worldwide by The WOOLSAFE Organisation.

Which types of product are WOOLSAFE-approved?

The WOOLSAFE programme covers the following products for carpets and / or upholstery:

• shampoos, spray extraction and bonnet cleaning chemicals
• "dry extraction" cleaning / impregnated powder compounds
• crystallising cleaning agents
• spot removers and spill absorption products
• traffic lane cleaners and pre-spotters
• soil and stain resist and soil release finishes
• pile rinsing and neutralising agents
• detergent additives and boosters
• colour restoration products, deodorizers, antistatic treatments

Products are submitted for independent testing to Cleaning Research International, the official Test House, which subjects them to a series of internationally recognised tests to establish that:

• they meet recognised standards of performance regarding cleaning, spot removal or protection against soiling or staining.
• they do not have a deleterious effect on wool carpets regarding colour fastness, quick re-soiling, fibre damage or odour.
• they are safe to use and safe once they have been applied.

Only when a product meets all of these stringent requirements -- and almost a quarter of all products submitted do not -- is it awarded the WOOLSAFE Certificate by The WOOLSAFE Organisation, allowing it to carry the coveted WOOLSAFE Mark

Annual testing

But it does not end there: Once a year each approved product is carefully checked to ensure that it continues to comply with the WOOLSAFE standards. And if a product's formulation has changed in any way it has to be re-evaluated in full.

Professional Cleaners are given the confidence to clean wool - and advanced generation synthetic - carpets, knowing that they are using certified products, which will not only achieve excellent results, but significantly reduce the risk of expense due to complaints.

Carpet Fibre Suppliers can be assured that no damage is done to their fibres, their colours or any applied finishes by the use of unsuitable carpet maintenance products.

Cleaning chemical manufacturers can demonstrate that their carpet maintenance products have been independently tested and have achieved the highest standards in performance and safety.

Carpet manufacturers can, by specifying that only products approved by The WOOLSAFE Organisation are used to maintain their carpets, have peace of mind that the useful life of their carpets are not affected by colour bleeding, bleaching, rapid soiling or fibre damage.

Carpet owners can entrust their carpets and rugs to WOOLSAFE certified carpet cleaning companies who use WOOLSAFE-approved products for cleaning and maintaining carpets made from wool and other quality branded fibres. These carpets represent a sizable commercial investment, and are usually chosen to reflect the image of the company. Such an investment can now be protected by the way the floorcovering is maintained.