Red Relief for Wool offers a safer approach to removing dye stains from wool, at the customer's risk and with their consent. It is a three-part Pro's Choice kit for synthetic food dye stains, such as cordial, fruit punch and sports drinks, in wool carpet and rugs. Pro's Choice note that this includes wool dyed with vegetable dyes. It is made in the USA by Chemical Technologies International (CTI).
Wool is less forgiving than nylon. Pro's Choice say this process needs close attention to detail and patience, and that you should practise on test stains before treating a customer's carpet. For synthetic carpet, the standard Red Relief A&B kit uses a heat-transfer method.
What Is in the Kit
- Part A and Part B: the two halves of the dye remover. Mix them in equal parts to make the ready-to-use solution.
- Part C, CSS: Pro's Choice CSS Colour Stabiliser and Souring Agent. You apply it at the end of the process to neutralise the stain-removal chemistry. CTI's safety data describes its purpose as preventing colour bleed and controlling browning.
Specifications
| Brand | Pro's Choice |
| Manufacturer | Chemical Technologies International Inc. (USA) |
| Type | Three-part food dye stain remover for wool |
| Contents | 3 × 473 mL (A, B and C) |
| Dilution ratio | A and B mixed in equal parts, used as mixed (RTU); CSS diluted 1 part to 3 parts water |
| RTU pH | 6.5 |
| SKU | CS14W |
Directions (Pro's Choice)
- Thoroughly extraction rinse the stained area, then follow with several vacuum-only dry strokes.
- Mix equal portions of solution A and solution B.
- Wet only the stained fibres with the mixed solution.
- Allow up to 10 minutes of dwell time for the stain to disappear or turn light yellow.
- Thoroughly flush and extraction rinse, then follow with vacuum strokes.
- If needed, repeat steps 2 to 5. Pro's Choice allow up to four repeats for severe stains.
- Saturate the area with CSS solution: 1 part CSS to 3 parts water.
- Allow 3 minutes of dwell time.
- Extraction rinse and groom the fibres.
- Dry the area as quickly as possible.
Correction: this page previously showed the standard Red Relief heat-transfer method, which uses a steam iron and treats Red Relief as a two-part product. Pro's Choice's directions for the wool kit use dwell time and repeat applications instead of heat, and finish with CSS. The directions above are Pro's Choice's wool method. Follow the directions on the label of the kit you receive.
Working on Wool
- Test in an inconspicuous area first, and get the customer's consent before you start. The original listing said this, and it still applies.
- Apply to the stained fibres only. Flooding the area spreads chemistry onto dyed fibres that do not need it.
- Be patient with dwell time and repeats rather than adding heat.
- Do not skip the CSS step. It neutralises the stain-removal chemistry, which matters on wool.
- Dry fast. Wool that stays wet is prone to browning.
Safety
Read the safety data sheet before use. The SDS on file is CTI's US edition (February 2023), with a separate sheet for each part. Where Australian classification, transport or disposal requirements differ, the Australian requirements take precedence.
- Part A contains sodium metabisulfite (pH 4.5). CTI note that sulfite compounds can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive people and some asthmatics.
- Part B contains isopropyl alcohol and is classified as a flammable liquid (Category 3; pH 11). Keep it away from heat and ignition sources.
- CSS contains citric acid (pH 3) and is classified harmful if inhaled. Use it in a ventilated area.
- Wear eye protection and gloves, and do not mix any part with other chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a third bottle?
Part C is CSS, a colour stabiliser and souring agent. It goes on last, diluted 1:3 with water, to neutralise the stain-removal chemistry before the final rinse.
Can I use a steam iron to speed it up?
Pro's Choice's wool directions do not use heat. They rely on dwell time and repeat applications instead. Part B is also classified as flammable.
How many times can I repeat the process?
Pro's Choice allow the mix, apply, dwell and rinse steps to be repeated up to four times for severe stains.
Will it remove coffee, tea or wine from wool?
Red Relief for Wool is made for synthetic food dyes. For organic stains such as coffee, tea, wine and urine on wool, see Stain Magic for Wool.
Can I use it on nylon?
For synthetic carpet, the standard Red Relief A&B kit is the usual choice.
Related Products
Documents
Working on a wool rug or a natural-fibre carpet you have not treated before? Contact Carpet Cleaners Warehouse with the fibre, dye type and stain before you order.
