WOOL EDGE FILTRATION REMOVAL / REDUCTION GUIDE

Understanding Filtration Soiling

Filtration soiling is typically caused by carbon deposits, soot, or fine dust being drawn through the carpet fibres due to pressure differences between the subfloor (underneath the carpet and underlay) and the room’s surface air.
This contamination often appears as dark grey or black lines along skirting boards, under doors, or at the edges of stairs — areas where air movement forces particles through at the weakest point of the carpet.

Step 1: Pre-Vacuuming

• Thoroughly pre-vacuum the affected area to remove loose soil and dust.

• Use an edging tool or crevice attachment to reach right up to the skirting or transition areas.

Step 2: Prepare the Pre-Spray Solution

• Mix WS Upholstery & Fine Fabric Pre-Spray at spotter strength (1:1) — that is, 1 litre of product per 1 litre of water.

Step 3: Apply the Pre-Spray

• Apply a small, focused amount of the pre-spray to the affected filtration soiling.

• Avoid excessive wetting — a light, targeted application is most effective for these areas.

Step 4: Agitation and Edge Cleaning

• Wrap a standard cutlery knife in a white terry towel.

• Using the wrapped knife, scrape along the carpet edge, gently working the pre-spray into the fibres to lift out soiling.

• Reapply WS Upholstery & Fine Fabric Pre-Spray as required, continuing to scrape until the edges are visibly improved.

Step 5: Transfer Remaining Soiling

• Dampen a clean white terry towel with WS Upholstery & Fine Fabric Pre-Spray.

• Use the towel to blot and transfer any remaining filtration soiling out of the carpet fibres.

• This step may require multiple applications and transfers to achieve full removal.

Step 6: Rinse Extraction

• Prepare your rinse solution by mixing WS Stain Repel Rinse at a ratio of 30ml per 10 litres of clean water in your extraction machine’s solution tank.

• Rinse extract the treated areas carefully, ensuring complete chemical removal.

Important:
Make slow, controlled wand passes. For every wet pass, follow up with at least two dry passes to extract moisture effectively.
Always maintain uniform, straight passes — avoid zig-zag or uneven movements, as this can cause pile distortion or “shark’s teeth” patterns, especially on wool carpets, which can be difficult to correct.

Step 7: Finishing and Drying

• Once extraction is complete, lightly groom the carpet pile to restore texture and appearance.

• Allow the area to dry fully, ensuring adequate airflow and ventilation.