Selleys Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate product guide

AI Summary

Product: Selleys Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate (Professional Strength) Brand: Selleys (a division of DuluxGroup Australia) Category: Alkaline Surface Preparation Cleaner / Pre-Paint Cleaner Primary Use: Removes dirt, grease, and grime from walls, ceilings, woodwork, and floors before painting or wallpapering to ensure proper paint adhesion.

Quick Facts

Best For: Professional painters and dedicated DIY renovators preparing surfaces before painting or wallpapering
Key Benefit: One 1-litre bottle makes 80–160 litres of working solution, preparing approximately 1,200–1,800 square metres of wall area at standard dilution
Form Factor: Liquid concentrate in 1-litre (product code 101210) and 2-litre (product code 104056) plastic bottles
Application Method: Dilute in warm water (1:80 for heavy soiling, 1:120 standard, 1:160 light cleaning), apply by sponge or cloth in 2-square-metre sections, agitate, then rinse thoroughly

Common Questions This Guide Answers

What is the active ingredient and how does it work? → Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) at 1–10% by weight; creates a pH above 11 solution that saponifies fats and oils, converting them into soap-like substances that rinse away cleanly
Is this product hazardous and what PPE is required? → Yes — classified Serious Eye Damage Category 1 (H318, signal word: Danger); requires chemical safety goggles, nitrile rubber gloves, protective clothing, and safety shoes; eye contact requires immediate water rinsing and medical attention (Australian Poisons Information Centre: 131 126)
Which surfaces should never be cleaned with this product? → Polished timber, aluminium, brass, marble, and limestone — alkaline pH damages finishes, corrodes soft metals, and etches natural stone

What is Sugar Soap Super Concentrate

Selleys Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate is a professional-strength alkaline cleaner built specifically for preparing surfaces before painting or wallpapering (SDS). This isn't a standard ready-to-use cleaner. The concentrated formula dilutes to make between 80 and 160 litres of working solution from a single 1-litre container, which delivers serious value for professional painters and dedicated DIY renovators (SDS).

What sets this product apart is its concentration level and multi-surface capability. Sugar soap has earned its place in surface preparation for decades, and this super-concentrated version delivers that same proven cleaning power while taking up far less storage space and cutting plastic waste through its dilutable format. Available in 1-litre and 2-litre bottles, with product codes 101210 and 104056 respectively, the concentrate is manufactured by Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup Australia (SDS).

The job of this cleaner is straightforward: remove dirt, grease, and grime from walls, ceilings, woodwork, and floors before decorating work begins. This pre-paint cleaning step isn't optional — it's what guarantees proper paint adhesion and prevents peeling, poor coverage, and uneven finish. The cleaner works by breaking down oils and soiling that would otherwise sit between the substrate and your new paint or wallpaper paste, undermining the whole job.

Chemistry & Composition

The active cleaning agent in Selleys Sugar Soap Super Concentrate is sodium carbonate, present at 1–10% by weight (SDS). Sodium carbonate — also known as washing soda or soda ash, chemical formula Na₂CO₃ — is an alkaline salt that, dissolved in water, creates a strongly alkaline solution with a pH typically above 11. That high pH is what gives sugar soap its degreasing capability.

The alkaline nature of sodium carbonate allows it to saponify fats and oils, converting them into soap-like substances that rinse away cleanly with water. This tackles common household soiling directly: cooking grease, body oils, cigarette tar, and the general grime that builds up on painted surfaces over time. The remaining 90–99% of the formula consists of ingredients determined to be non-hazardous or below reporting limits, likely including water as a carrier and possibly minor surfactants or chelating agents to enhance cleaning performance (SDS).

The sodium carbonate concentration is high enough to deliver professional-grade cleaning results, but it requires dilution before use. Undiluted, the product carries serious hazards — classified as Serious Eye Damage Category 1 with hazard statement H318: "Causes serious eye damage" (SDS). This classification means the concentrate can cause irreversible damage to eye tissue. Wear the right personal protective equipment every time you handle it.

Dilution Ratios and Coverage

The super concentrate format delivers outstanding value through its dilution capability. A single 1-litre bottle makes between 80 and 160 litres of cleaning solution, depending on the task and level of soiling (SDS). That range gives you real control — adjust the concentration to match the job in front of you.

For heavy stains and seriously soiled surfaces, the product can be used neat (undiluted) per the manufacturer's guidance. For heavy-duty cleaning tasks, a 1:80 dilution (12.5ml concentrate per litre of water) also delivers high-strength results, producing approximately 80 litres of cleaning solution from a 1-litre bottle.

For moderate cleaning of typically soiled walls and ceilings in living areas, bedrooms, or hallways, the standard dilution of 1:120 works reliably (approximately 8ml concentrate per litre of water). This produces 120 litres of working solution from a 1-litre bottle and handles most residential surface preparation tasks with ease.

For light cleaning or maintenance washing where surfaces are relatively clean but need degreasing before painting, the 1:160 dilution (6.25ml concentrate per litre of water) creates 160 litres of solution. This suits new or recently painted surfaces that need only light preparation before the brush goes on.

Coverage rates depend on surface porosity, texture, and soiling level, but as a general guide, one litre of diluted solution typically covers 10–15 square metres of non-porous wall surface per application. A 1-litre concentrate bottle at standard dilution — making 120 litres — provides enough cleaning solution to prepare 1,200–1,800 square metres of wall area, the equivalent of approximately 10–15 average-sized rooms from a single litre of concentrate.

Applications and Surface Compatibility

Sugar Soap Super Concentrate is formulated for cleaning floors and walls prior to painting or wallpapering, but its usefulness extends well beyond that (SDS). Knowing which surfaces respond best to sugar soap treatment means better results and no surprises.

Painted surfaces are the primary application. The alkaline solution cuts through the film of grease and dirt without disturbing sound, well-adhered paint, creating a clean substrate for maximum paint adhesion — essential before any repaint. Use it on both interior and exterior painted surfaces, though test on a small inconspicuous area first if the existing paint is very old or of unknown composition.

New plaster responds well to sugar soap for removing surface dust and residue. Note that it does not neutralise alkalinity — neutralising alkaline new plaster requires a dilute acid wash or a specific plaster neutraliser, not an alkaline cleaner. Use sugar soap for surface cleaning, then address any alkalinity issues with the appropriate product.

Woodwork and trim — kitchen cabinets, door frames, skirting boards, window frames — accumulate grease and handling marks over time. Sugar soap excels at degreasing these areas before repainting, ensuring the topcoat bonds properly. It's particularly effective on gloss-painted woodwork where grease build-up prevents new paint from taking hold.

Tiles — ceramic and porcelain — clean up well with diluted sugar soap before regrouting or painting with specialist tile paint. The cleaner removes soap scum, body oils, and mildew staining that would interfere with grout or paint adhesion.

Concrete and masonry, including garage floors, concrete walls, and rendered exterior surfaces, respond well to sugar soap for removing oil stains, efflorescence (white salt deposits), and atmospheric soiling before applying masonry paint or sealers.

Surfaces to avoid: polished timber (the alkaline solution damages the finish), aluminium and brass (both corrode under alkaline cleaners), and natural stone such as marble or limestone (high pH etches the surface). Test on wallpaper before general use, as it may loosen adhesive.

How to Use Sugar Soap Concentrate

Getting the best results from sugar soap comes down to proper dilution, sound application technique, and thorough rinsing. Work through this process systematically and the surface will be ready for a clean finish.

Preparation: Before starting, remove or cover furniture and protect floors with drop sheets. Remove light switch and power point covers where practical to allow cleaning right to the edges. Open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation throughout the work.

Dilution: Measure the concentrate carefully according to the task. For standard residential surface preparation, add 8ml of concentrate to every litre of warm water (1:120 dilution). Use a measuring cup or syringe for accuracy — guessing dilution ratios wastes product and can create either an ineffective solution or an unnecessarily hazardous one. Always add concentrate to water, not water to concentrate, to control the mixing process and reduce splashing.

Application: Using a clean sponge, cloth, or soft-bristled brush, apply the diluted sugar soap in sections of approximately 2 square metres at a time. Work from the bottom up on walls to prevent streaking — drips running down dirty walls create marks that are hard to remove, but drips on already-cleaned sections rinse away easily. Apply with moderate pressure, allowing the solution to sit on heavily soiled areas for 1–2 minutes to break down grease and grime.

Agitation: For stubborn deposits, use a soft nylon brush or non-abrasive scouring pad to gently agitate the surface. Avoid steel wool or harsh abrasive pads — they scratch paint and create an uneven surface that shows through the repaint.

Rinsing: This is the most critical step. After cleaning each section, rinse thoroughly with clean water using a separate sponge or cloth. Change rinse water frequently — dirty rinse water simply redeposits soil onto the cleaned surface. Any sugar soap residue left on the surface will interfere with paint or wallpaper adhesion and can cause peeling or bubbling. In hard water areas, consider a final wipe with distilled or deionised water to prevent mineral deposits.

Drying: Allow surfaces to dry completely before painting or wallpapering. In normal conditions this takes 24 hours, but allow longer in humid weather or poorly ventilated spaces. Use fans to accelerate drying if needed. The surface should be completely dry to the touch with no cool spots indicating residual moisture.

Equipment cleaning: Rinse all sponges, cloths, and brushes thoroughly in clean water after use. The alkaline nature of sugar soap can degrade some materials over time, so thorough rinsing keeps your equipment in good shape for the next job.

Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment

Selleys Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate carries a "Danger" signal word and is classified as Category 1 for Serious Eye Damage with hazard statement H318: "Causes serious eye damage" (SDS). This reflects the concentrated product's capability to cause irreversible eye injury. Strict safety protocols during handling are non-negotiable.

Eye and face protection is mandatory when handling the concentrate or working with diluted solutions overhead (SDS). Use chemical safety goggles that seal around the eyes — not safety glasses with gaps at the sides. When cleaning ceilings or upper walls where splash or drip contact with eyes is likely, add a full face shield over the goggles. The SDS states clearly: "Wear protective gloves/protective clothing including eye/face protection" (SDS).

Skin protection: While the concentrate can cause skin irritation with prolonged contact, the primary concern is preventing hand-to-eye transfer. Wear nitrile rubber gloves, which the SDS indicates should be suitable for intermittent contact — though users should make a final assessment based on their specific glove construction and working conditions (SDS). Replace gloves immediately if they become torn or contaminated inside.

Body protection: Wear overalls or old clothing covering arms and legs to prevent skin contact, particularly when working with the concentrate or cleaning large areas (SDS). An apron provides additional protection against splashes during mixing.

Footwear: Safety shoes protect feet from spills of concentrated product (SDS). The product also creates slippery conditions when spilled, so non-slip footwear reduces fall risk as well (SDS).

Hygiene: Always wash hands before smoking, eating, drinking, or using the toilet, as the SDS requires (SDS). Even when wearing gloves, alkaline residue can transfer to hands during glove removal. Never touch eyes or face with contaminated gloves or unwashed hands.

First aid responses: The SDS provides specific first aid protocols. If eye contact occurs, immediately rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing, then immediately call a poison centre or doctor (SDS). For skin contact, if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation occurs, seek medical assistance (SDS). The SDS notes that the product can cause corneal burns, which underscores the seriousness of any eye exposure (SDS). In Australia, the Australian Poisons Information Centre is available at 131 126, and in New Zealand at 0800 764 766 (SDS).

Keeping children safe: Keep the product out of reach of children at all times, as stated in precautionary statement P102 (SDS). Store in original containers with secure lids — never in drink bottles or unlabelled containers that could be mistaken for beverages.

Storage and Handling Requirements

Proper storage keeps the product performing at its best and prevents accidents on the job. Store Selleys Sugar Soap Super Concentrate in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight (SDS). Heat and sunlight degrade the container and can alter the product's chemistry over time. Store away from foodstuffs to prevent accidental contamination or ingestion (SDS).

Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent evaporation and contamination. The product is supplied as a liquid in plastic bottles — inspect containers regularly for damage, swelling, or leaks. If a container is damaged, transfer contents to a suitable replacement container and label it clearly with the product name and hazard information.

The product is not classified as Dangerous Goods under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail or the New Zealand NZS5433 standard, making it straightforward to store and transport (SDS). No special Hazchem code or dangerous goods classification applies (SDS). That said, the serious eye hazard remains regardless of transport classification — handle it accordingly.

Avoid storing in areas subject to temperature extremes. Freezing won't necessarily destroy the product's effectiveness, but it can damage the container and cause phase separation that requires thorough mixing before use. High temperatures accelerate container degradation and may increase vapour pressure in sealed containers.

When handling, avoid eye contact and repeated or prolonged skin contact, and avoid inhalation of vapour, mist, or aerosols (SDS). Work in well-ventilated areas, particularly when mixing large quantities or working in enclosed spaces. While the product is non-combustible and doesn't release hazardous fumes under normal conditions, evaporation of the aqueous component can leave residual material that may burn if ignited (SDS).

Spill Management and Disposal

Even with careful handling, spills happen. The SDS provides clear protocols for managing both small and large spill events.

Small spills: For minor spills or drips, wear protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contamination and avoid inhalation of vapours (SDS). Wipe up with absorbent material such as clean rags or paper towels, then collect and seal in properly labelled containers or drums for disposal (SDS). Act immediately — spilled product creates slippery conditions that become a fall hazard (SDS).

Large spills: In the event of a significant spill, clear the area of all unprotected personnel (SDS). Wear full protective equipment including eye protection, gloves, overalls, and safety shoes. Work upwind or increase ventilation to minimise vapour exposure (SDS). Contain the spill to prevent run-off into drains and waterways — use absorbent materials such as soil, sand, or other inert material to create barriers and soak up liquid (SDS). Collect absorbed material and seal in properly labelled containers or drums for disposal (SDS). If contamination of crops, sewers, or waterways has occurred, advise local emergency services (SDS).

Disposal: Dispose of waste product and contaminated absorbent materials according to local regulations. Do not pour down household drains or into stormwater systems — the alkaline pH can harm aquatic life and damage wastewater treatment processes. Contact your local waste management authority for guidance on proper disposal of alkaline cleaning products. Small amounts of diluted solution at working concentration can typically be rinsed down drains with copious water, but confirm this aligns with local regulations first.

Environmental considerations: Specific environmental toxicity data isn't provided in the SDS, but sodium carbonate at high concentrations can alter the pH of water bodies and harm aquatic organisms. Contain spills and dispose of waste responsibly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Surface feels sticky or tacky after cleaning: This points to insufficient rinsing. Sugar soap residue on the surface will undermine paint or wallpaper adhesion. Re-rinse the entire surface with clean water, changing rinse water frequently. In hard water areas, a final wipe with distilled water eliminates mineral deposits that contribute to tackiness.

Paint is peeling or flaking during cleaning: The existing paint was not properly adhered to begin with — sugar soap doesn't remove sound paint, but it will expose poor adhesion. This is actually useful information to have before you start repainting. Scrape off loose paint, spot-prime bare areas, and re-clean before proceeding.

Cleaning solution seems ineffective on heavy grease: The dilution is likely too weak for the level of soiling. Increase concentration to the 1:80 ratio for heavily soiled areas, or use the product neat on extreme deposits. Allow the solution to dwell on soiling for 2–3 minutes before agitating. For serious grease build-up above a stove, a second application delivers the result you need.

Surface shows streaks or residue marks after drying: Dirty rinse water or insufficient rinsing is the cause. Use clean water for rinsing and change it frequently — after every 4–6 square metres of wall area as a guide. A final wipe with fresh clean water removes streaks and leaves the surface ready for paint.

New paint isn't adhering properly: If thorough sugar soap cleaning was performed but paint adhesion remains poor, the surface needs additional preparation. High-gloss surfaces often require light sanding alongside cleaning to provide mechanical key for new paint. Also check that the surface dried completely before painting — 24 hours minimum is the standard.

Eyes burning or irritation during use: Stop work immediately. This may be vapour irritation or splash contact. Flush eyes with water for several minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. For future work, ensure adequate ventilation, wear proper eye protection, and check whether the dilution is stronger than the task requires.

White residue appears on dark surfaces when drying: This is mineral deposits from hard water used in rinsing. In hard water areas, final-rinse with distilled or deionised water. Alternatively, add a small amount of white vinegar to rinse water (approximately 50ml per 5 litres) to neutralise alkaline residue and dissolve minerals before they dry on the surface.

Professional Tips for Optimal Results

Test first. Always test sugar soap on an inconspicuous area, particularly on old paint, wallpaper, or unknown coatings. A 24-hour test reveals any adverse reactions before you commit to the full surface.

Warm water works better than hot. Warm water enhances cleaning effectiveness by increasing the activity of sodium carbonate and dissolving greasy soils more readily. Very hot water accelerates evaporation and creates vapour that irritates eyes and airways.

Give surfaces time to dry. Clean surfaces at least 24 hours before painting, and 48 hours where possible. This guarantees complete drying and gives any moisture-related issues time to surface before the brush goes on.

Section your work. Divide large areas into manageable 2-square-metre sections. This prevents the cleaning solution from drying on the surface before you can rinse it — which would leave residue — and ensures consistent results across the whole job.

Use the two-bucket method. Professional painters rely on a two-bucket system: one with cleaning solution, one with rinse water. This prevents cross-contamination and keeps the cleaning solution performing at full strength throughout the job.

Pre-dust surfaces. Before wet cleaning with sugar soap, remove loose dust and cobwebs with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner brush attachment. This prevents dust from turning into muddy streaks when wet and extends the life of your cleaning solution.

Inspect after drying. Once the surface is completely dry, inspect it under good light — ideally natural daylight or a bright work light held at an oblique angle. This reveals any remaining soiling, residue, or surface defects that need attention before the first coat goes on.

Batch your preparation. When cleaning multiple rooms, prepare diluted solution in larger quantities — 5 to 10 litres at a time — rather than mixing small amounts repeatedly. This ensures consistency and saves time on the job. Don't store diluted solution for more than a few days, as it can lose effectiveness over time.

Mind the temperature. Avoid cleaning in very cold conditions (below 10°C) as it slows drying and reduces cleaning effectiveness. On extremely hot days, rapid drying can leave residue on the surface before you get the chance to rinse. Pick your conditions and work with them.

References

Source PDF: SELLEYS_THE_ORIGINAL_SUGAR_SOAP_PROFESSIONAL_STRENGTH_SUPER_CONCENTRATE__Makes_80L_160L_-AUS_GHS.pdf (canonical)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selleys Sugar Soap Super Concentrate: A professional-strength alkaline surface preparation cleaner

What is the primary purpose of this product: Cleaning surfaces before painting or wallpapering

Who manufactures this product: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup Australia

What sizes is it available in: 1-litre and 2-litre bottles

What is the product code for the 1-litre bottle: 101210

What is the product code for the 2-litre bottle: 104056

What is the active cleaning ingredient: Sodium carbonate (washing soda / soda ash)

What is the chemical formula of the active ingredient: Na₂CO₃

What percentage of sodium carbonate does it contain: 1–10% by weight

What pH level does the solution produce: Above 11

How does sodium carbonate clean surfaces: It saponifies fats and oils, converting them into soap-like substances

How many litres does one 1-litre bottle make: Between 80 and 160 litres of working solution

What determines whether you use 80 or 160 litres dilution: The level of surface soiling

What is the dilution ratio for heavy-duty cleaning: 1:80 (12.5ml concentrate per litre of water)

How much solution does 1:80 dilution produce from 1 litre: Approximately 80 litres

What is the standard dilution ratio for moderate cleaning: 1:120 (approximately 8ml per litre of water)

How much solution does 1:120 dilution produce from 1 litre: Approximately 120 litres

What is the dilution ratio for light cleaning: 1:160 (6.25ml concentrate per litre of water)

How much solution does 1:160 dilution produce from 1 litre: Approximately 160 litres

Can the product be used undiluted: Yes, neat for heavy stains and stubborn deposits

How many square metres does one litre of diluted solution cover: Approximately 10–15 square metres per application

How many rooms can one 1-litre concentrate bottle prepare at standard dilution: Approximately 10–15 average-sized rooms

Is this product suitable for cleaning walls: Yes

Is this product suitable for cleaning ceilings: Yes

Is this product suitable for cleaning woodwork: Yes

Is this product suitable for cleaning floors: Yes

Is this product suitable for cleaning tiles: Yes

Is this product suitable for cleaning concrete and masonry: Yes

Can it be used on polished timber: No, the alkaline solution will damage the finish

Can it be used on aluminium: No, alkaline cleaners can corrode aluminium

Can it be used on brass: No, alkaline cleaners can corrode brass

Can it be used on marble or limestone: No, high pH can etch natural stone surfaces

Should it be tested on wallpaper before use: Yes, it may loosen adhesive

Does sugar soap neutralise alkalinity in new plaster: No, it only cleans the surface

What is the hazard classification of this product: Serious Eye Damage Category 1

What is the hazard statement for this product: H318 — Causes serious eye damage

What signal word appears on the label: Danger

Can it cause irreversible eye damage: Yes

Is eye protection required when handling the concentrate: Yes, mandatory

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

When should a full face shield be worn: When cleaning ceilings or upper walls overhead

What glove material is recommended: Nitrile rubber gloves

Should protective clothing be worn: Yes, overalls or old clothing covering arms and legs

Is protective footwear recommended: Yes, safety shoes

Should hands be washed before eating or drinking: Yes

What should you do if the product contacts eyes: Rinse with water for several minutes and call a doctor or poison centre immediately

What is the Australian Poisons Information Centre number: 131 126

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

Is this product classified as Dangerous Goods for transport: No

Should the product be stored in direct sunlight: No, store away from direct sunlight

What storage conditions are recommended: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place

Should it be stored near foodstuffs: No

Should containers be kept tightly sealed: Yes, when not in use

Is the product non-combustible: Yes

Should it be kept out of reach of children: Yes, at all times

Should the product ever be stored in drink bottles: No, never

Should concentrate be added to water or water to concentrate: Add concentrate to water

What temperature water is best for cleaning: Warm water, not hot

How long should surfaces dry before painting: At least 24 hours

How long should surfaces dry before painting in humid conditions: Longer than 24 hours

What is the two-bucket method: One bucket for cleaning solution, one for rinse water

Why is thorough rinsing critical: Sugar soap residue interferes with paint or wallpaper adhesion

How often should rinse water be changed: After every 4–6 square metres approximately

Can diluted solution be stored long-term: No, use within a few days of mixing

What causes sticky or tacky surfaces after cleaning: Insufficient rinsing of sugar soap residue

What causes white residue on dark surfaces after drying: Mineral deposits from hard water

How can hard water mineral deposits be prevented: Final rinse with distilled or deionised water

What causes streaks or residue marks after drying: Dirty rinse water or insufficient rinsing

What should be done before wet cleaning with sugar soap: Remove loose dust and cobwebs first

What causes paint to peel during cleaning: Pre-existing poor paint adhesion

What should be done if paint peels during cleaning: Scrape off loose paint and spot-prime bare areas

Does sugar soap remove sound, well-adhered paint: No

Should high-gloss surfaces be sanded before painting: Yes, light sanding provides mechanical key

At what minimum temperature should cleaning be performed: Above 10°C

How should large spills be managed: Clear the area, contain the spill, use absorbent materials

Can waste product be poured down household drains: No, check local regulations first

Can diluted working solution be rinsed down drains: Confirm with local regulations first

Does sodium carbonate harm aquatic life at high concentrations: Yes, it can alter water pH and harm aquatic organisms

What should you do if a large spill reaches waterways: Advise local emergency services immediately

How should spill waste be stored: In properly labelled sealed containers for disposal

Is vapour inhalation a concern during use: Yes, avoid inhalation of vapour, mist, or aerosols

Should windows be opened during cleaning: Yes, ensure adequate ventilation

What is the recommended section size when applying sugar soap: Approximately 2 square metres at a time

Should you work from the top or bottom of walls: Bottom up, to prevent streaking

How long should solution dwell on heavy soiling: 1–2 minutes before agitating

Are steel wool or abrasive pads suitable for agitation: No, use soft nylon brushes or non-abrasive pads

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 Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate (Professional Strength)
Manufacturer: Selleys, a division of DuluxGroup Australia
Available Sizes: 1-litre and 2-litre bottles
Product Code (1L): 101210
Product Code (2L): 104056
Active Ingredient: Sodium carbonate (washing soda / soda ash)
Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃
Sodium Carbonate Concentration: 1–10% by weight
Remaining Ingredients (90–99%): Determined non-hazardous or below reporting limits
Solution pH: Above 11 (strongly alkaline)
Dilution Range: Makes 80–160 litres of working solution per 1-litre concentrate
Dilution Ratio — Heavy-Duty: 1:80 (12.5ml concentrate per litre of water) → ~80 litres
Dilution Ratio — Standard/Moderate: 1:120 (~8ml concentrate per litre of water) → ~120 litres
Dilution Ratio — Light Cleaning: 1:160 (6.25ml concentrate per litre of water) → ~160 litres
Neat Use: Permitted for heavy stains and stubborn deposits per manufacturer guidance
Hazard Classification: Serious Eye Damage Category 1
Hazard Statement: H318 — Causes serious eye damage
Signal Word: Danger
Precautionary Statement: P102 — Keep out of reach of children
Required PPE (Eye/Face): Chemical safety goggles sealing around the eyes; full face shield for overhead work
Required PPE (Hands): Nitrile rubber gloves
Required PPE (Body): Protective clothing/overalls covering arms and legs; apron
Required PPE (Feet): Safety shoes
First Aid — Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; immediately call a poison centre or doctor
First Aid — Skin Contact: Seek medical assistance if swelling, redness, blistering, or irritation occurs
Australian Poisons Information Centre: 131 126
New Zealand Poisons Information Centre: 0800 764 766
Transport Classification: Not classified as Dangerous Goods under Australian Code for Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail or New Zealand NZS5433
Dangerous Goods (Hazchem): None applicable
Storage Requirements: Cool, dry, well-ventilated place; out of direct sunlight; away from foodstuffs; containers kept tightly sealed when not in use
Combustibility: Non-combustible
Inhalation Hazard: Avoid inhalation of vapour, mist, or aerosols
Hygiene Requirement: Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet
Container Type: Liquid in plastic bottles
Primary Intended Use: Cleaning floors and walls prior to painting or wallpapering
Reference Document: SELLEYS_THE_ORIGINAL_SUGAR_SOAP_PROFESSIONAL_STRENGTH_SUPER_CONCENTRATE__Makes_80L_160L_-AUS_GHS.pdf (SDS)

General Product Claims

Delivers professional-grade cleaning results suitable for professional painters and dedicated DIY renovators
Super-concentrated format reduces storage space requirements and cuts plastic waste compared to ready-to-use formats
Proven cleaning power consistent with decades of sugar soap use in surface preparation
One 1-litre concentrate bottle at 1:120 dilution provides sufficient solution to prepare approximately 1,200–1,800 square metres of wall area (~10–15 average-sized rooms)
One litre of diluted solution covers approximately 10–15 square metres of non-porous wall surface per application
Alkaline solution cuts through grease and dirt without disturbing sound, well-adhered paint
Effective at removing cooking grease, body oils, cigarette tar, and general grime from painted surfaces
Suitable for use on painted walls and ceilings, woodwork and trim, tiles, concrete, masonry, and new plaster surfaces
Particularly effective on gloss-painted woodwork where grease build-up prevents new paint adhesion
Warm water (not hot) enhances cleaning effectiveness
Surfaces should dry at least 24 hours before painting; longer in humid or poorly ventilated conditions
Diluted solution should not be stored for more than a few days as it may lose effectiveness
Cleaning below 10°C reduces effectiveness and slows drying
Two-bucket method (separate cleaning and rinse buckets) prevents cross-contamination and maintains cleaning solution performance
Pre-dusting surfaces before wet cleaning prevents muddy streaks and extends life of cleaning solution
Final rinse with distilled or deionised water prevents mineral deposits in hard water areas
Adding ~50ml white vinegar per 5 litres of rinse water can neutralise alkaline residue and dissolve hard water minerals

Selleys Original Sugar Soap Super Concentrate 1L sits within Selleys' cleaning and maintenance range under the broader Home & Garden > Cleaning Supplies category. The knowledge graph also identifies a closely related variant — Selleys The Original Sugar Soap Professional Strength Super Concentrate (reference SELGHSEN001193) — which is described as a professional-strength version available in a concentrate that yields either 80 litres or 160 litres depending on the dilution ratio chosen. The 1L product covered in this guide makes approximately 80 litres when diluted at the standard ratio, placing it in the same product family but likely positioned for household or lighter trade use alongside that higher-yield professional variant.

Selleys is a brand within DuluxGroup (Australia) Pty Ltd, a company primarily associated with paints, coatings, and surface preparation products. That parent-brand context is directly relevant here: Sugar Soap is explicitly recommended as a surface cleaner prior to painting or wallpapering, making it a natural companion to DuluxGroup's broader paint and coating ranges. Buyers purchasing this product are often in the preparation phase of a paint job, so it sits at the front of a painting workflow rather than as a standalone cleaning product.

In terms of use-case adjacency, anyone using this concentrate to prepare walls and floors before painting would logically also need application tools such as sponges or mops for washing down surfaces, as well as primers or undercoats for the subsequent painting step — though specific sibling Selleys products in those categories are not detailed in the available graph context. The product's scope extends beyond paint prep: the linked entity confirms it also handles grease, grime, tiles, laminates, and outdoor hard surfaces, meaning it overlaps with general-purpose household cleaners.

Within the Sugar Soap line itself, the key differentiator for this 1L concentrate is its super-concentrated formula — users can dilute it for routine surface cleaning or apply it neat for heavier staining, giving it flexibility across both light maintenance and more demanding preparation tasks.