How to Clean Wool Carpet
Using the Very Low Moisture (Encapsulation) Method with Encap Plus
Organic soils, such as food spills, beverages, body oils, and general grime from human activity, which is commonly found around pubs, restaurants, offices, community buildings, and childcare facilities, are acidic in nature. To clean them effectively, an alkaline cleaner is required to neutralise and break down these soils. Encap Plus is specifically formulated for this purpose—its alkaline chemistry dissolves organic matter while its advanced polymers encapsulate loosened soil, preventing re-deposition.
Encapsulation cleaning works by surrounding soil particles with a brittle polymer film as the carpet dries. This polymer binds soil and detergent residues into a dry, crystalline structure that easily detaches from the fibre and is removed during the next vacuum cycle. Because it uses very low moisture, carpets dry quickly—typically within an hour—minimising downtime and disruption in busy environments. The process requires minimal equipment and no extraction or rinse steps, making it ideal for routine maintenance cleans between periodic deep extractions. The result is a cleaner, well-presented carpet with extended life and reduced maintenance costs.
Important Note
Cleaning Wool Carpets
When cleaning wool carpets, you must use extra care, as elevated levels of alkalinity and over-wetting can easily damage the wool fibres. Always use a WoolSafe-certified product when cleaning wool products to prevent unnecessary damage.
Dilute 1:32 (30ml/1Lt)
- Premium Performance: Offers superior initial cleaning performance, especially noticeable on denser and higher pile carpets.
- Enhanced Soil Release: Dries to a finer, drier residue, allowing for more effective soil release during vacuuming.
- Specialty Polymer Anti-Resoiling: Contains specialty polymer agents that help prevent resoiling and maintain a cleaner appearance for longer.
- Extended Soil Release: Continues to release soil from carpet fibres over 7-14 days, providing enhanced
- Fibre Safe: safe for use on wool. WoolSafe & Clean Seal Certified.
The Process
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Pre-Vacuum
Thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove dry soil, which makes up around 80% of total contamination. Effective dry soil removal improves cleaning efficiency and overall appearance.
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Prespray
Apply Encap Plus, diluted 1:32 (30ml/1Lt), using a pump-up sprayer or the scrubber’s solution tank. Ensure even coverage and apply enough solution to create a light foam during agitation.
See note 1 below.Â
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Agitate
Agitate using a rotary or oscillating pad machine, making two overlapping passes across each area. For lightly soiled carpet, one pass may be sufficient.
No rinsing or extraction is required—soiling is suspended and encapsulated during this stage.
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Drying
Allow the carpet to dry for approximately 40–60 minutes before resuming traffic. Accelerate drying by improving ventilation or using air movers, fans, or air conditioning.
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Post-Vacuum
After 24 hours, vacuum the carpet to remove the encapsulated soil and polymer residue.
See note 2 below.Â
Further Notes
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Encap Plus coverage
Coverage is typically 1L ready-to-use litres per 3–10m², depending on pile density. When using a sprayer, limit application to 25m² before agitation to prevent premature drying.
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Post Vacuuming
Vacuums with power heads or brushes are most effective. This post-vacuum step can form part of routine maintenance by facility managers or homeowners.
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Booster
Perox can be used as a booster, however, it is not very effective on wool carpets.
- Max 10ml per ready-to-use litre
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Spotting
Conquer is a WoolSafe-certified encapsulating stain remover for carpets and upholstery. The unbeatable multi-task spotting solution effective on a wide range of water based and oily stains.
Where To Buy
Encap Plus
Low moisture carpet cleaning detergent
Low moisture carpet cleaning detergent
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