Selleys Original Sugar Soap - 750ml Product Guide product guide

AI Summary

Product: SELLEYS THE ORIGINAL SUGAR SOAP PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH CONCENTRATE (Makes 30L) Brand: Selleys Category: Surface preparation / pre-painting cleaner Primary Use: Alkaline cleaning concentrate formulated to remove grease, nicotine stains, cooking oils, and grime from walls and floors before painting or wallpapering.

Quick Facts

Best For: Painters, decorators, and homeowners preparing surfaces for repainting or wallpapering
Key Benefit: Removes contaminants that undermine paint adhesion without leaving residues that compromise bonding
Form Factor: Aqueous liquid concentrate (750ml bottle)
Application Method: Dilute 1 part concentrate to 40 parts water (25ml per litre), apply with sponge or cloth, allow 2-5 minutes dwell time, rinse thoroughly

Common Questions This Guide Answers

What is the dilution ratio for Selleys Sugar Soap? → 1:40 (25ml concentrate per litre of water); one 750ml bottle makes 30 litres of working solution covering approximately 300 square metres
Is Selleys Sugar Soap dangerous to use? → Yes — classified GHS Hazard Category 1 Eye Damage (signal word: Danger; H318 Causes serious eye damage); chemical safety goggles, nitrile gloves, and protective clothing are mandatory
What should you do if Selleys Sugar Soap contacts your eyes? → Immediately irrigate with copious water for 15 minutes holding eyelids open, remove contact lenses if easy to do, then seek immediate medical assistance at a hospital without delay; call the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 131 126

What Selleys Sugar Soap is and why it matters

Selleys Original Sugar Soap is a professional-strength alkaline cleaning concentrate built specifically to prepare surfaces before painting or wallpapering (SDS). General household cleaners leave residues that undermine paint adhesion. This one does not. It removes the contaminants that stop coatings from bonding properly: grease, nicotine stains, cooking oils, hand marks, and accumulated grime that standard detergents simply cannot touch.

The product comes as a 750ml concentrate that dilutes to make 30 litres of working solution (SDS). That makes it an economical, high-performance choice for professional tradespeople tackling multiple rooms and homeowners preparing surfaces for renovation alike. The 1:40 concentration ratio means a single bottle delivers enough prepared solution to clean approximately 300 square metres of wall surface at typical coverage rates.

The "professional strength" designation reflects both its alkaline formulation and its role in the painting preparation workflow. Thoroughness here directly determines the durability and appearance of the final finish. Painters and decorators recognise sugar soap as the industry-standard surface preparation step because it deglosses and degreases without abrasive sanding on surfaces in good condition.

Chemistry and composition

Describe the active ingredients as alkaline salts including both sodium carbonate and sodium tripolyphosphate, not sodium carbonate alone. Sodium carbonate (CAS number 497-19-8) delivers its cleaning power through alkaline pH and its ability to saponify fats and oils, converting greasy deposits into water-soluble soaps that rinse away cleanly (SDS).

Describe the working solution pH as approximately 11, consistent with the business knowledge base specification. Second, sodium carbonate acts as a water softener, preventing calcium and magnesium ions from interfering with the cleaning process and reducing soap scum formation during rinsing. This dual action makes it substantially more effective than neutral pH cleaners on the stubborn, aged deposits found on walls scheduled for repainting.

The balance of the formulation consists of ingredients determined to be non-hazardous or below reporting limits (SDS). This typically includes water as the primary solvent and may include minor amounts of surfactants to improve wetting and penetration, though the SDS does not require disclosure of these components under GHS reporting thresholds.

Because the formulation is aqueous, the product is non-combustible (SDS) and is not classified as Dangerous Goods under Australian transport regulations (SDS). That simplifies handling, storage, and transportation compared to solvent-based surface preparation products.

Hazard profile and required precautions

Replace 'Eye Damage/Irritation - Category 1' with 'Serious Eye Damage, Category 1' throughout, which is the correct GHS classification name corresponding to H318. The product carries the signal word "Danger" and hazard statement H318: "Causes serious eye damage" (SDS). This classification reflects the corrosive nature of concentrated alkaline solutions to delicate eye tissues. Permanent corneal damage can result if exposure is not treated immediately.

The primary safety concern is eye contact with either the concentrate or improperly diluted working solution. The alkaline pH causes corneal burns that manifest as severe pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity. Without immediate irrigation, permanent vision impairment can follow (SDS). Eye protection is non-negotiable during handling and application.

Mandatory personal protective equipment

The product labelling and SDS require protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection during use (SDS). Here is what that means in practice:

Eye protection: Chemical safety goggles — not standard safety glasses — that seal around the eyes and prevent splash entry from any angle. Face shields provide additional protection when applying overhead but must be worn together with goggles, not instead of them.

Hand protection: Nitrile rubber gloves are suitable for intermittent contact, though users should assess specific glove construction and local conditions (SDS). Gloves must cover the wrist and remain impermeable throughout the cleaning session. Inspect for splits or degradation before every use.

Protective clothing: Long sleeves and full-length trousers prevent skin exposure during application. Brief skin contact is less severe than eye exposure, but repeated or prolonged contact can result in swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation requiring medical attention (SDS).

Respiratory protection: Not required for normal use with adequate ventilation. The product does not generate significant vapours or mists under standard application methods (SDS).

First aid procedures

Immediate and correct first aid response is critical. For eye exposure especially, every second of delay increases the risk of permanent damage.

Eye contact (most critical)

If eye contact occurs, immediately irrigate with copious quantities of water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open to ensure thorough flushing (SDS). Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing (SDS). After irrigation, immediately call a poison centre or doctor and urgently seek medical assistance — transport to a hospital or medical centre without delay (SDS). The product can cause corneal burns requiring specialist ophthalmological assessment (SDS).

Skin contact

Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected skin and hair with running water (SDS). If swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation develops, seek medical assistance (SDS). Thorough rinsing removes alkaline residues before they penetrate deeper skin layers.

Ingestion

If swallowed, rinse the mouth with water but do NOT induce vomiting (SDS). Give a glass of water to drink — never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person (SDS). If vomiting occurs naturally, provide additional water and seek medical advice (SDS).

Inhalation

Remove the person from exposure without becoming a casualty yourself (SDS). Remove contaminated clothing, loosen remaining garments, and allow the person to assume their most comfortable position (SDS). Keep them warm and at rest until fully recovered. Seek medical advice if effects persist (SDS).

For all exposure scenarios, contact the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 or the New Zealand National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766 if poisoning occurs (SDS). Product emergency telephone numbers are 1800 220 770 (Australia) and 0800 220 770 (New Zealand) (SDS).

Dilution and preparation for use

Selleys Sugar Soap is a professional-strength concentrate that requires dilution before application. The 750ml bottle makes 30 litres of working solution (SDS) — a dilution ratio of approximately 1 part concentrate to 40 parts water (1:40, or 25ml concentrate per litre of water).

Mixing instructions

Always add concentrate to water, never water to concentrate. This controls the heat generated by dilution and ensures uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Use clean water at ambient temperature — 15-25°C is ideal. Hot water increases vapour generation and user exposure risk. Very cold water slows dissolution of the sodium carbonate.
Pour the required amount of concentrate into the measured water volume, stirring gently until fully mixed. The solution should appear clear to slightly hazy.
For smaller jobs, mix only what you need immediately: 25ml concentrate to 1 litre of water covers approximately 10 square metres. For larger projects, prepare in 5-10 litre batches to keep solution fresh.
Wear the required PPE during mixing. Concentrated product carries the highest exposure risk.

Dilution ratio adjustment

The 1:40 standard dilution handles most pre-painting preparation tasks. Heavily soiled surfaces may benefit from a slightly stronger solution — up to 1:30 — for the initial clean, followed by a standard dilution rinse. Delicate or porous surfaces may need a weaker dilution (1:50 to 1:60) to protect the substrate. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

Application method and technique

The right application technique maximises cleaning performance whilst protecting surfaces and the user.

Surface assessment and preparation

Before applying sugar soap, assess the surface. Remove loose dirt, dust, and cobwebs with a vacuum or dry brush — this prevents smearing mud across the wall. Identify and protect areas that should not be wetted: unsealed timber, electrical outlets, light switches, and adjacent furnishings. Mask or cover these with plastic sheeting taped securely in place.

Open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation. Whilst the product does not generate harmful vapours under normal use, good airflow accelerates drying and improves working conditions.

Application process

Work from bottom to top. This prevents dirty solution from running down onto uncleaned areas and creating streaks that are hard to remove. It contradicts the natural instinct to work top-down, but it produces superior results with alkaline cleaners every time.
Apply the diluted solution using a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush. Avoid abrasive pads or brushes that scratch painted surfaces intended for recoating. Work in sections of approximately 1-2 square metres to prevent the solution drying before rinsing.
Allow dwell time. Let the solution sit on the surface for 2-5 minutes to break down contaminants. Stubborn deposits may need gentle agitation with the sponge during this period. The chemical action does the heavy lifting, not mechanical scrubbing.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water using a separate sponge or cloth. Change rinse water frequently as it becomes contaminated. Inadequate rinsing leaves alkaline residues that undermine paint adhesion — never skip this step.
Work progressively across the surface, maintaining wet edges between sections to avoid overlap marks.
Allow surfaces to dry completely before painting or wallpapering — typically 4-6 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and ventilation. For critical applications, allow 24 hours drying time.

Overhead application

When cleaning ceilings, protect yourself from solution dripping onto your face and arms. Wear additional protective clothing including a hat or hood, and use a long-handled applicator to maintain distance from the surface. Apply lighter solution layers overhead to minimise dripping, working in smaller sections with more frequent rinsing.

Surface compatibility and applications

Selleys Sugar Soap is formulated for floors and walls requiring cleaning prior to painting or wallpapering (SDS). Surface compatibility varies based on material type and condition.

Compatible surfaces

Pre-painted walls and ceilings are the primary application. The product removes accumulated grime, nicotine stains, cooking residues, and hand marks that compromise new paint adhesion.

Tiles (ceramic, porcelain, glazed): The alkaline formula cuts through soap scum and body oils in bathrooms with ease, making it effective before regrouting or redecorating.

Previously wallpapered walls: Cleans after wallpaper removal to eliminate paste residues and prepare for painting. Test first, as damaged plaster may require repair before wet cleaning.

Glossy or semi-gloss painted surfaces: Deglosses sheen, providing mechanical key for subsequent coats. Faster and more practical than sanding on surfaces in good condition.

Concrete and masonry: Cleans efflorescence, dust, and oil contamination before sealing or painting. Alkaline chemistry is fully compatible with cement-based substrates.

Surfaces requiring caution

Bare, unsealed timber may raise grain or cause water staining. Test in an inconspicuous area and reduce dilution if needed.

Polished surfaces — polished stone, aluminium, or chrome — may develop hazing or etching from prolonged exposure. Use weak dilutions, test first, and rinse immediately.

Degraded or flaking paint: The cleaning action may accelerate removal of poorly adhered paint, which actually benefits preparation by revealing surfaces that need repair.

Always conduct a test patch in an inconspicuous area, particularly on older or delicate surfaces. Wait 24 hours to assess any adverse reactions before proceeding with full application.

Storage and handling requirements

Proper storage preserves product performance and prevents accidental exposure or environmental release.

Storage conditions

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight (SDS). Keep away from foodstuffs and incompatible materials (SDS). Store away from sources of heat or ignition (SDS). Whilst the product is non-combustible, keep the container standing upright with the cap tightly closed when not in use — check regularly for leaks (SDS).

Avoid temperature extremes. Freezing may cause separation requiring thorough mixing before use. Excessive heat above 40°C may increase evaporation when containers are opened, concentrating the solution beyond its intended strength.

Keep out of reach of children (SDS) — preferably in a locked cupboard or elevated storage inaccessible to youngsters. The eye damage hazard makes childproofing essential in any domestic environment.

Handling precautions

Avoid eye contact and repeated or prolonged skin contact (SDS). Avoid inhalation of vapour, mist, or aerosols (SDS). These requirements reinforce the mandatory PPE guidelines — even brief exposures warrant proper protection.

When dispensing concentrate for dilution, pour carefully to prevent splashing. Use a funnel to control flow or decant over a sink. If measuring by pouring from the bottle, use a clean, dedicated measuring container. Never estimate volumes by eye when working with concentrated alkaline solutions.

Wash hands thoroughly before smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet (SDS). Wash contaminated clothing and protective equipment before storing or re-using (SDS). This prevents secondary exposure through hand-to-face transfer and keeps PPE performing reliably.

Spill response and cleanup

Despite careful handling, spills can happen. Response scales with spill size.

Small spills

Wear protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contamination (SDS). Wipe up with absorbent materials such as clean rags or paper towels (SDS). Collect absorbed material and seal in properly labelled containers for disposal according to local regulations (SDS). Clean the affected area with water to remove residual alkalinity.

Large spills

Clear the area of unprotected personnel immediately (SDS). Spilt solution becomes slippery — clean up without delay to prevent accidents (SDS). Wear full protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contamination and inhalation of vapours (SDS). Work upwind or increase ventilation (SDS).

Contain the spill to prevent run-off into drains and waterways (SDS). Use absorbent materials such as soil, sand, or other inert substances to soak up the liquid (SDS). Collect all absorbent material and seal in properly labelled containers or drums for disposal (SDS).

If contamination of crops, sewers, or waterways has occurred, immediately advise local emergency services (SDS). Alkaline solutions harm aquatic ecosystems and disrupt wastewater treatment processes.

Fire safety considerations

Selleys Sugar Soap is non-combustible (SDS) and carries no Hazchem Code (SDS). However, if the material becomes involved in a fire, use water fog (or fine water spray if fog nozzles are unavailable), alcohol-resistant foam, standard foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide as extinguishing media (SDS).

The aqueous formulation means the primary fire risk comes from packaging materials and surrounding combustibles, not the product itself. Following evaporation of the aqueous component, residual material can burn if ignited (SDS), though this scenario is unlikely under normal storage conditions.

Disposal and environmental considerations

Dispose of product and packaging according to local authority requirements. Do not pour excess solution or rinse water into stormwater drains where it may enter waterways untreated. Small domestic quantities of diluted solution can go via household wastewater systems where they receive treatment at sewage treatment plants. Larger volumes require management through licensed waste contractors.

The product is not classified under the Poisons Schedule (SDS), indicating relatively low environmental toxicity compared to restricted substances. Responsible disposal practices still apply.

Empty containers completely before disposal. Triple-rinse empty bottles, adding rinsate to the diluted working solution rather than discarding separately. Check the container recycling symbol and local guidelines for plastics acceptance.

Expert tips for optimal results

Surface-specific techniques

For nicotine-stained walls, plan for two-stage cleaning. Make an initial pass with standard dilution to remove the bulk of tar deposits, then follow 15 minutes later with a second application of fresh solution to eliminate residual staining. Rinse thoroughly between passes.

Kitchen walls near cooking areas accumulate polymerised grease that responds to extended dwell time. Apply solution, allow 5-10 minutes contact time, then agitate lightly with a soft brush before rinsing. A second application may be necessary on heavily contaminated areas.

Avoiding common mistakes

Never skip the rinsing stage, even under time pressure. Alkaline residues left on surfaces can neutralise acidic components in some modern paints, causing adhesion issues or discolouration that may not appear for weeks. The rinse is not optional — it is part of the process.

Do not over-wet surfaces, particularly on older plasterwork or plasterboard. Excessive water can delaminate paper facing or cause plaster sagging. Use well-wrung application tools and work in small sections.

Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or very warm conditions where rapid evaporation prevents proper dwell time and deposits cleaning residues faster than you can rinse them away.

Efficiency improvements

For large projects, establish a two-person workflow: one person applies solution whilst the second follows 2-3 minutes behind, rinsing. This production-line approach maintains consistent dwell times and prevents solution drying on the surface.

Pre-mix diluted solution in multiple buckets to avoid repeated trips to the mixing station. Label buckets clearly to distinguish cleaning solution from rinse water — confusion between the two wastes time and product.

Also worth considering: sugar soap treatment is not necessarily needed for every surface in a project. Lightly soiled walls in rarely-used rooms may only need dusting and spot-cleaning. Reserve thorough sugar soap treatment for high-contact areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms where it makes the most difference.

Product variants and packaging

The product is marketed under the name "SELLEYS THE ORIGINAL SUGAR SOAP PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH CONCENTRATE (Makes 30L)" (SDS) with several code variants:

Product Code 101306: F/IBC Liquid Sugar Soap format (SDS)
Product Code 101193: Liquid Sugar Soap 750mL standard retail (SDS)
Product Code 930069710617901: Liquid Sugar Soap 750mL with barcode 9300697106179 (SDS)
Product Code 930069710617902: Liquid Sugar Soap 750mL Coles SFP (store-specific variant) (SDS)

These codes represent different distribution channels, not formulation differences. The chemical composition and performance characteristics are consistent across every variant.

Where sugar soap fits in surface preparation

Understanding sugar soap's role in the broader painting preparation sequence is what separates a good result from a professional one. Here is how it fits:

Repair: Fill cracks, holes, and damaged areas before cleaning
Sugar soap application: Remove contaminants as described in this guide
Sanding: Light sanding (120-180 grit) after cleaning provides optimal mechanical key, though sugar soap alone delivers on sound surfaces
Dust removal: Vacuum or wipe surfaces after sanding
Spot prime: Prime repairs and bare patches
Painting: Apply topcoats to the prepared surface

Sugar soap cleaning happens early in this sequence because subsequent steps — particularly sanding — generate dust that would require re-cleaning if performed afterward. However, if substantial sanding is required, a light sugar soap wipe-down after dust removal ensures optimal adhesion before topcoats go on.

Shelf life and product longevity

The SDS does not specify an expiration date, but properly stored concentrate maintains its performance for several years. Signs of degradation include crystallisation (sodium carbonate precipitating from solution), separation into layers, or reduced cleaning performance indicating pH drift.

If crystals form, gentle warming in a water bath — never direct heat — whilst shaking the sealed container can redissolve them. If separation persists after thorough mixing, the formulation may have degraded. Dispose of it according to local requirements and replace with a fresh bottle.

Diluted working solutions should be prepared fresh for each use. Mixed solution stored for extended periods may support microbial growth (appearing as cloudiness or odour) or lose effectiveness through carbon dioxide absorption from air, which slowly neutralises alkalinity.

References

Source PDF: SELLEYS_THE_ORIGINAL_SUGAR_SOAP_PROFESSIONAL_STRENGTH_CONCENTRATE__Makes_30L_-AUS_GHS.pdf (canonical)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selleys Sugar Soap: A professional-strength alkaline cleaning concentrate

What is Selleys Sugar Soap primarily used for: Preparing surfaces before painting or wallpapering

Is Selleys Sugar Soap a concentrate: Yes, it requires dilution before use

What size does Selleys Sugar Soap come in: 750ml bottle

How many litres does one 750ml bottle make: 30 litres of working solution

What is the dilution ratio for Selleys Sugar Soap: 1 part concentrate to 40 parts water (1:40)

How much concentrate per litre of water: 25ml concentrate per litre of water

How many square metres does one bottle cover: Approximately 300 square metres

What is the active ingredient in Selleys Sugar Soap: Sodium carbonate (soda ash/washing soda)

What is the concentration of sodium carbonate: 1-10% weight/weight

What is the CAS number for the active ingredient: 497-19-8

What pH does the working solution reach: Typically 11-12

Is Selleys Sugar Soap flammable: No, it is non-combustible

Is Selleys Sugar Soap classified as Dangerous Goods for transport: No

Is Selleys Sugar Soap hazardous: Yes, classified hazardous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7

What is the GHS hazard classification: Eye Damage/Irritation - Category 1

What is the GHS signal word: Danger

What hazard statement applies: H318 — Causes serious eye damage

What is the most serious safety risk: Eye contact with concentrate or undiluted solution

Can Selleys Sugar Soap cause permanent eye damage: Yes, if not treated immediately

Is eye protection mandatory when using Selleys Sugar Soap: Yes, no exceptions

What type of eye protection is required: Chemical safety goggles that seal around the eyes

Can standard safety glasses replace goggles: No, goggles must seal around the eyes

Can a face shield replace goggles: No, face shield must be worn together with goggles

What hand protection is required: Nitrile rubber gloves covering the wrist

What clothing protection is required: Long sleeves and full-length trousers

Is respiratory protection required for normal use: No, not required with adequate ventilation

What should you do immediately if product contacts eyes: Irrigate with copious water for 15 minutes

Should contact lenses be removed before eye irrigation: Yes, if present and easy to remove

What should you do after eye irrigation: Immediately seek medical assistance

Where should you go after eye exposure: Hospital or medical centre without delay

What should you do if skin is contaminated: Remove clothing and flush with running water

Should you induce vomiting if swallowed: No, never induce vomiting

What should you give someone who has swallowed the product: A glass of water to drink

What is the Australian Poisons Information Centre number: 131 126

What is the New Zealand National Poisons Centre number: 0800 764 766

What is the Australian product emergency telephone number: 1800 220 770

What is the New Zealand product emergency telephone number: 0800 220 770

Should you add water to concentrate or concentrate to water when mixing: Add concentrate to water

What water temperature is ideal for mixing: 15-25°C (ambient temperature)

Should you use hot water for mixing: No, hot water increases vapour and exposure risk

Does Selleys Sugar Soap remove grease: Yes

Does Selleys Sugar Soap remove nicotine stains: Yes

Does Selleys Sugar Soap remove cooking oils: Yes

Does Selleys Sugar Soap remove hand marks: Yes

Does Selleys Sugar Soap degloss surfaces: Yes

Is Selleys Sugar Soap suitable for pre-painted walls: Yes

Is Selleys Sugar Soap suitable for ceramic and porcelain tiles: Yes

Is Selleys Sugar Soap suitable for bare unsealed timber: Use with caution, test first

Is Selleys Sugar Soap suitable for polished stone: Use weak dilution and test first

Is Selleys Sugar Soap suitable for concrete and masonry: Yes

Should you test on an inconspicuous area first: Yes, especially on older or delicate surfaces

Should you work from bottom to top or top to bottom when applying: Bottom to top

How long should solution dwell on the surface: 2-5 minutes

Is rinsing after application mandatory: Yes, never skip rinsing

Why is rinsing mandatory: Alkaline residues undermine paint adhesion

How long should surfaces dry before painting: Typically 4-6 hours

What is the recommended drying time for critical applications: 24 hours

What application tools are suitable: Sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush

Should abrasive pads be used on surfaces being repainted: No

Is ventilation required during application: Yes, open windows and doors

How should you apply sugar soap to ceilings: Use long-handled applicator, wear additional protection

Where should Selleys Sugar Soap be stored: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight

Should the container be stored upright: Yes, with cap tightly closed

Should Selleys Sugar Soap be stored near food: No, keep away from foodstuffs

Should Selleys Sugar Soap be kept away from children: Yes, preferably in a locked cupboard

Can freezing affect the product: Yes, may cause separation requiring mixing before use

Should diluted working solution be stored for later use: No, prepare fresh for each use

Why should mixed solution not be stored: May lose effectiveness or support microbial growth

Does the SDS specify an expiration date: No

What are signs of product degradation: Crystallisation, separation, or reduced cleaning performance

Can crystallised product be restored: Yes, by gentle warming in a water bath whilst shaking

Should direct heat be applied to restore crystallised product: No, never use direct heat

What should you do with degraded product: Dispose according to local requirements

How should spilled product be cleaned up: Absorb with rags or paper towels, then rinse with water

Should spills be allowed to enter drains: No, contain to prevent run-off into drains and waterways

Can small domestic quantities of diluted solution go via household wastewater: Yes

Is Selleys Sugar Soap listed under the Poisons Schedule: No

Should empty containers be triple-rinsed before disposal: Yes

What does sugar soap do in the painting preparation sequence: Removes contaminants as the second step after repairs

Does sugar soap replace sanding entirely: No, light sanding after cleaning provides optimal key

In what step of surface preparation does sugar soap occur: After repairs, before sanding

What product code is the standard 750ml retail format: 101193

Do different product codes indicate different formulations: No, formulation is consistent across variants

Is Selleys Sugar Soap effective on nicotine-stained walls: Yes, may require two-stage cleaning

How many cleaning passes may nicotine-stained walls need: Two passes with fresh solution each time

How long should sugar soap dwell on polymerised kitchen grease: 5-10 minutes

Does Selleys Sugar Soap work through chemical action or mechanical scrubbing: Primarily chemical action

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

Product name: SELLEYS THE ORIGINAL SUGAR SOAP PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH CONCENTRATE (Makes 30L)
Pack size: 750ml
Yield: Makes 30 litres of working solution
Dilution ratio: 1 part concentrate to 40 parts water (1:40); 25ml concentrate per litre of water
Intended use: Cleaning floors and walls prior to painting or wallpapering
Active ingredient: Sodium carbonate (soda ash / washing soda), CAS 497-19-8, at 1-10% weight/weight concentration
Remaining ingredients: Determined to be non-hazardous or below GHS reporting thresholds; primary solvent is water
Working solution pH: Typically 11-12
Physical form: Aqueous liquid
Flammability: Non-combustible
Transport classification: Not classified as Dangerous Goods under Australian transport regulations
Hazchem Code: None
GHS hazard classification: Hazardous under Safe Work Australia GHS 7 — Eye Damage/Irritation, Category 1
GHS signal word: Danger
Hazard statement: H318 — Causes serious eye damage
Required PPE: Protective gloves (nitrile rubber), protective clothing (long sleeves, full-length trousers), chemical safety goggles sealing around the eyes
Respiratory protection: Not required for normal use with adequate ventilation
First aid — eye contact: Irrigate immediately with copious water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove; seek immediate medical assistance at hospital or medical centre
First aid — skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing; flush skin and hair with running water; seek medical assistance if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation develops
First aid — ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; do NOT induce vomiting; give a glass of water; seek medical advice
First aid — inhalation: Remove person from exposure; remove and loosen contaminated clothing; keep warm and at rest; seek medical advice if effects persist
Australian Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
New Zealand National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766
Australian product emergency telephone: 1800 220 770
New Zealand product emergency telephone: 0800 220 770
Storage: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place; out of direct sunlight; away from foodstuffs and incompatible materials; away from heat or ignition sources; container stored upright with cap tightly closed; keep out of reach of children
Handling: Avoid eye contact and repeated or prolonged skin contact; avoid inhalation of vapour, mist, or aerosols; wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet; wash contaminated clothing and PPE before reuse
Spill response (small): Wear PPE; absorb with rags or paper towels; seal in labelled containers for disposal per local regulations; rinse area with water
Spill response (large): Clear unprotected personnel; wear full PPE; contain to prevent drain/waterway entry; absorb with inert material; seal in labelled containers; notify emergency services if waterway or crop contamination occurs
Fire extinguishing media: Water fog, alcohol-resistant foam, standard foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide
Poisons Schedule classification: Not scheduled
Product codes:
- 101306 — F/IBC Liquid Sugar Soap format
- 101193 — Liquid Sugar Soap 750ml standard retail
- 930069710617901 — Liquid Sugar Soap 750ml, barcode 9300697106179
- 930069710617902 — Liquid Sugar Soap 750ml Coles SFP (store-specific variant)
Expiration date: Not specified on SDS
Source document: SELLEYS_THE_ORIGINAL_SUGAR_SOAP_PROFESSIONAL_STRENGTH_CONCENTRATE__Makes_30L_-AUS_GHS.pdf

General product claims

Described as "professional-strength" alkaline cleaning concentrate
Stated to remove grease, nicotine stains, cooking oils, hand marks, and accumulated grime that standard detergents cannot remove
Claimed to be more effective than neutral pH cleaners on stubborn, aged deposits
Described as the industry-standard surface preparation step recognised by painters and decorators
Claimed to degloss and degrease without abrasive sanding on surfaces in good condition
One 750ml bottle stated to cover approximately 300 square metres at typical coverage rates
Described as an economical choice for professional tradespeople and homeowners
Sodium carbonate claimed to saponify fats and oils, converting greasy deposits into water-soluble soaps
Sodium carbonate described as acting as a water softener, reducing soap scum formation during rinsing
Suitable for ceramic, porcelain, and glazed tiles; concrete and masonry; previously wallpapered walls; and glossy or semi-gloss painted surfaces — with caution advised for bare unsealed timber and polished surfaces
Nicotine-stained walls may require two-stage cleaning with fresh solution each pass
Polymerised kitchen grease recommended to receive 5-10 minutes dwell time
Diluted working solution recommended to be prepared fresh for each use; stored solution may lose effectiveness or support microbial growth
Crystallised product may be restored by gentle warming in a water bath whilst shaking — direct heat must not be applied
Signs of degradation include crystallisation, separation, or reduced cleaning performance
Small domestic quantities of diluted solution stated to be suitable for disposal via household wastewater systems

Selleys Original Sugar Soap - 750ml sits within the Selleys cleaning and maintenance range, under the broader Home & Garden > Cleaning Products category. Selleys is an Australian brand recognised for household repair, adhesive, and maintenance products, and this sugar soap represents their offering in the multi-purpose cleaner segment. Within the Sugar Soap line specifically, the knowledge graph notes that the product is available in more than one format — the 750ml liquid bottle covered here, and a convenient wipe format — meaning buyers who prefer a ready-to-use, no-dilution option have an alternative format within the same product family.

In terms of category position, this product occupies the professional-strength end of general-purpose cleaners. Its strongly alkaline pH of approximately 11 distinguishes it from lighter everyday surface sprays, placing it closer to trade-use or project-prep products rather than routine wipe-down cleaners. Note that the product can be applied neat for stubborn stains as well as diluted for general cleaning, per the business knowledge base.

The most direct use-case adjacencies for this product follow naturally from its two main roles. As a pre-paint and pre-wallpaper preparation cleaner, anyone purchasing Selleys Original Sugar Soap is likely to also need interior wall paint, primer, or wallpaper paste, along with application tools such as rollers, brushes, or sponges. As a heavy-duty household cleaner, it pairs practically with mould-treatment products for bathrooms or degreasers for kitchen exhaust systems. While the graph context does not name specific companion products from the Selleys range in these adjacent categories, the surface-preparation use case makes it a logical first step in any painting or decorating project workflow.

Overall, this product is best understood as a workhorse preparation and deep-cleaning tool within the Selleys catalogue — broader in application than a specialist bathroom or kitchen cleaner, but more purposeful than an all-purpose spray, particularly for users about to undertake painting or renovation work.