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WoolSafe celebrates 20 years of high standards

31st March 2011

On 24 July 1991, after more than a year of discussions with the cleaning chemical industry, carpet fibre suppliers and carpet manufacturers, the first ever WoolSafe Approved certificate was awarded to a carpet-cleaning product from Chemspec.

Now as The WoolSafe Organisation celebrates its landmark 20th anniversary, not only are there around 300 WoolSafe approved products, but also the WoolSafe Accredited Carpet Inspectors scheme, a nationwide network of WoolSafe Certified Operators and offices across the world.

Since its foundation, the emphasis of The WoolSafe Organisation has been placed on the specific maintenance requirements of wool and wool-rich carpets and rugs, because these were considered to most susceptible to aggressive chemicals; but other carpets have benefitted too, particularly ‘advanced generation’ nylon fibres. In essence, all carpets made from pile fibres have merited from The WoolSafe Approved scheme, thanks to the high standards originally setout. Four of the first 20 products approved by WoolSafe are still going strong today, proving that really good cleaning products will stand the test of time despite a competitive market.

In the days of its beginning, WoolSafe expected a 20% failure rate as manufacturers adjusted to the stringent conditions of the testing process, but to this day that rate still remains typical. This shows that even now there are professional cleaning agents that don’t quite deliver what they promise, with many containing characteristics that definitely make them unsuitable for use on certain pile fibres.

Homeowners also face a similar problem, as was highlighted by WoolSafe in 2009 when a well-known consumer organization tested a range of spot cleaners and stain removers. The ‘Best Buys’ turned out to be anything but, as WoolSafe’s own tests showed that three suffered from serious re-soiling problems, which could lead to a vicious circle of cleaning – quick soiling – cleaning. This also highlighted the importance of proper and correct testing as carried out by WoolSafe.

To date almost 700 cleaning and maintenance agents have been tested and more than 300 consumer and professional products from 80 suppliers carry WoolSafe accreditation. These are re-tested every 12 months to ensure the high standards setout at the very beginning by the organisation are still upheld today.

The WoolSafe Organisation may have started out in the last century, but on its 20th anniversary it is as up-to-date and as relevant as it was upon its inception, offering a range of services dedicated to improving the standards of carpet care across the globe.

WoolSafe at the Cleaning Show 2011, NEC

31st March 2011

The WoolSafe Organisation exhibited at this year’s The Cleaning Show, underlining its commitment to further strengthening the WoolSafe brand throughout the professional cleaning industry.

With attendees from every part of the cleaning industry, the show provided an ideal platform for the WoolSafe Organisation to promote the proper care of carpet and rugs through the WoolSafe Approved products programme and the Registered Inspector and Certified Operator’s networks.

“The Cleaning Show is a fantastic way to promote our certification marks, and why it’s important to seek them out. It’s also great to be able to talk about our products and services to such a wide range of industry professionals,” explains Steve Bakker, promotions manager The WoolSafe Organisation. “Not only can we approach members of the industry who use cleaning chemicals on a daily basis, but also those who make decisions at senior management level, encouraging them to make sure that they choose and insist on WoolSafe.”

Throughout the course of the Cleaning Show The WoolSafe Organisation informed visitors on its wide range of services, providing guidance on the correct care of carpets and rugs and also liaised with chemical manufacturers to raise awareness of the WoolSafe Approved products scheme that now features over 300 professional and consumer carpet cleaning products.

WoolSafe Hits the Jackpot in Vegas!

7th October 2010

Paul Bakker, WoolSafe Chairman and Dr. Agnes Zsednai, Managing Director travelled over to Las Vegas recently to attend this year’s Connections Tradeshow  and came away with their hands full of prizes!

The Connections Tradeshow is the only U.S. tradeshow specifically for the carpet cleaning and restoration industry. Each year it attracts attendees and exhibitors from around the globe.

As part of the annual festivities, a lunch is held during which several recognition awards are given out to industry members.

Paul was honoured by LMCCA, the Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association receiving the ‘Presidents Award’ for Excellence in advancing the cause of low moisture cleaning. “The award was a complete surprise” says Paul. “It’s always nice to receive recognition for the work you do. Of course, I hope that when I do finally hang up my boots that the work I have carried out at IWS, Wools of New Zealand and at The WoolSafe Organisation over the past few decades leaves a positive and lasting impression on the Industry as a whole. The WoolSafe Mark is a globally recognised and trusted accreditation for carpet cleaning products and services and is my legacy to the industry” concludes Paul.

The good news didn’t stop there either, Agnes was the surprise winner of a brand-new King Cobra 500 model carpet extractor from U.S. Products “I am thrilled to win the machine” says Agnes “We will be using the King Cobra in our testing lab, where it will be a welcome addition.” Adds Agnes.

So the old saying ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’ doesn’t always ring true. If you’re lucky, you bring something back with you!