How to Deep Clean Wool Carpet
Using the Hot Water Extraction (HWE) Method with Performance 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. They bind strongly to carpet fibres and attract further soiling. To remove them effectively, a powerful alkaline pre-spray is required to break down and suspend the contaminants for extraction. Performance Plus is designed specifically for this purpose — The wool-friendly formula effectively breaks down tough soils, making extraction easier. It prevents re-soiling and extends cleanliness.
The Hot Water Extraction (HWE) method is the most effective process for deep carpet cleaning. It combines heat, agitation, and high-pressure rinsing to flush out embedded soil, detergents, and residues from deep within the carpet pile. This method is ideal for restorative cleaning, where a full soil removal is needed, rejuvenating heavily used or neglected carpets and restoring fibre brightness, texture, and cleanliness.
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.
Prespray
Dilute 1:32 (30mL/1Lt)
The wool friendly Performance Plus effectively breaks down tough soils, making extraction easier. It prevents re-soiling and extends cleanliness.
Acid Rinse
Dilute 1:250 (4ml/1Lt)
Rinse Pro enhances rinsing, neutralises pH to protect delicate fibres, prevents resoiling, safeguards fibres, and stabilises dyes. These features help maintain the cleanliness, appearance, and longevity of carpets, particularly natural fibres.
The Process
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Pre-Vacuum
Thoroughly vacuum the carpet to remove dry soiling. (Dry soiling makes up 80% of the soil in the carpet)
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Prespray
Using a sprayer, apply the Performance Plus, diluted 1:32 (30ml/1Lt), evenly across the surface and agitate. Allow the Performance Plus prespray at least 5 minutes dwell time to break down oils, greases, & bonded soils, ensuring they are suspended for effective removal during extraction.
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Rinse / Extract
Using a hot water extraction machine, rinse the carpet with the Rinse Pro to neutralise the carpet fibres preventing damage and leaving the carpet with a soft touch feel.
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Dry / Rake
Accelerate drying by using air movers or ensuring good ventilation. Rake or groom the carpet pile to lift fibres, speed drying, and leave a uniform appearance.
Further Notes
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Pre-Treating Stains
Start with a full carpet clean before tackling individual stains, as many will come out during extraction. However, pretreat stubborn spots with a multi-spotter such as Actichem Conquer before extraction to improve removal success. Always identify the stain type, such as tannin, oil, or protein, and choose the correct spotting solution if needed after extraction.
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Speed up Drying
Speed up drying with air movers, dehumidifiers, or HVAC systems to prevent wick-back and mould growth.
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Booster
Colloidal Boost is a cleaning booster additive. It is a concentrated blend of the best of modern cleaning and stain removal technology. The beauty of Colloidal Boost is that it doesn’t rely on harsh solvents or alkaline cleaning agents, but uses smart chemical technology to achieve it’s brilliant results, making it an ideal product for use in professional carpet and upholstery cleaning.
- 10 – 20ml per ready-to-use litre of prespray solution.
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Spotting
Always identify the type of stain, such as tannin, oil, or protein, and select the corresponding spotting solution. This is made easy with the Actichem Spotting Guide.
Where To Buy
Performance Plus
The ultimate wool safe, multi-task prespray detergent.
The ultimate wool safe, multi-task prespray detergent.
Find a StockistAdditional Resources
Deep Dive Into Carpet Presprays | Webinar Whitepaper
