Unilever Professional NZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our products.

About Unilever Professional NZ

What is Unilever Professional NZ?

Unilever Professional NZ is the commercial division of Unilever in New Zealand, supplying professional-grade cleaning and fabric care products to businesses, institutions, and facilities operators. The range includes trusted brands such as Persil, Surf, Comfort, Drive, and Jif, formulated for high-volume and commercial use.

How is Unilever Professional different from Unilever's consumer range?

Unilever Professional products are specifically formulated for commercial-grade performance, higher-frequency use, and larger-volume applications. Concentrations, pack sizes, and dosing recommendations are calibrated for professional equipment and operations such as commercial laundries, hotels, and aged care facilities rather than domestic use.

What types of businesses does Unilever Professional NZ supply?

Unilever Professional NZ supplies a wide range of businesses including hotels, motels, restaurants, aged care facilities, hospitals, commercial laundries, schools, universities, facilities management companies, and cleaning contractors across New Zealand.

Where is Unilever Professional NZ based?

Unilever Professional NZ operates as part of Unilever's Australasian business. Products are available to New Zealand businesses through authorised distributors and trade suppliers nationwide.

How long has Unilever been operating in New Zealand?

Unilever has had a presence in New Zealand for decades, supplying both consumer and professional markets with cleaning, laundry, and personal care products. Unilever Professional NZ brings that heritage of trusted brand expertise specifically to commercial and institutional operators.

Products & Brands

What brands does Unilever Professional NZ offer?

The Unilever Professional NZ range includes five core brands: Persil (premium laundry detergent), Surf (fragrance-forward laundry detergent), Drive (value commercial laundry detergent), Comfort (fabric conditioner), and Jif (surface cleaner). Each brand is formulated for commercial-scale performance.

What is Persil Professional?

Persil Professional is a premium commercial laundry detergent recognised for its advanced stain-fighting technology and superior fabric care. It is engineered to deliver outstanding results across a range of commercial wash cycles, making it a leading choice for hospitality, healthcare, and linen services in New Zealand.

What makes Persil Professional suitable for commercial laundry?

Persil Professional combines powerful stain-removal enzymes with fabric-safe chemistry, delivering consistent results at varying water temperatures and in high-capacity commercial machines. Its formulation is designed to maintain fabric quality and whiteness over repeated wash cycles, which is essential in high-turnover linen operations.

What is Surf Professional laundry detergent?

Surf Professional is a commercial laundry detergent that combines effective stain removal with long-lasting, uplifting fragrances. It delivers a sensorial washing experience at scale, making it well-suited to businesses where both cleanliness and freshness matter including hotels, wellness centres, and aged care facilities.

What is Drive laundry detergent best suited for?

Drive is a commercial laundry detergent designed for reliable, consistent cleaning performance at a competitive price point. It is ideal for high-volume laundry operations where cost efficiency is a priority, including accommodation providers, commercial laundries, and institutional facilities.

What is Comfort Professional fabric conditioner?

Comfort Professional is a commercial-grade fabric conditioner that softens garments and linens, preserves fabric integrity across repeated washes, and provides long-lasting fragrance. It is used alongside commercial laundry detergents to enhance the feel and freshness of finished textiles in hospitality, aged care, and linen hire operations.

What is Jif Professional and what surfaces can it clean?

Jif is a professional surface cleaner trusted for powerful yet gentle cleaning across a wide range of surfaces including benchtops, sinks, tiles, stainless steel, and hard floors. It is suited to commercial kitchens, hospitality venues, bathrooms, and general commercial cleaning applications throughout New Zealand.

Are Unilever Professional products available in different formulations (liquid, powder, concentrate)?

Yes. Unilever Professional products are available in multiple formulations including liquid, powder, and concentrated variants depending on the brand and application. Concentrated products reduce packaging waste and storage requirements while delivering the same cleaning performance per wash. We also offer sensitive formulations for environments where skin gentleness and low-irritant ingredients are a priority, such as aged care, healthcare, and childcare settings.

Visit unileverprofessional.co.nz for the current formulation range.

What pack sizes are available for Unilever Professional products in NZ?

Unilever Professional products are available in commercial pack sizes designed for bulk use and efficient storage. Pack sizes vary by product and brand. Contact Unilever Professional NZ or an authorised distributor for current pack size options and pricing.

Sectors & Applications

Which industries use Unilever Professional NZ products?

Unilever Professional NZ products are used across hospitality, healthcare, aged care, commercial laundries, education, facilities management, food service, and contract cleaning. Each sector benefits from products formulated for the performance standards, hygiene requirements, and operational volumes specific to that industry.

Are Unilever Professional products suitable for use in hotels and motels?

Yes. The Unilever Professional range is widely used by hotels and motels across New Zealand for laundering bed linen, towels, uniforms, and other textiles. Products such as Persil Professional, Surf, Comfort, and Drive are formulated to maintain fabric quality, deliver consistent cleanliness, and provide a premium guest experience.

Can Unilever Professional products be used in aged care facilities?

Yes, these products are suitable for aged care environments where consistent hygiene, fabric care, and safety are essential. Always refer to product instructions and SDS for correct use. In the event of accidental exposure or a safety concern, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 0800 746 766.

Are these products appropriate for use in hospitals and healthcare settings?

Unilever Professional products are used in healthcare laundry operations where high hygiene standards are required. Always refer to product safety data sheets (SDS) here: unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/all-sds/ and consult your infection control guidelines to confirm product suitability for specific healthcare applications. In the event of accidental exposure or a safety concern, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 0800 746 766.

Can Unilever Professional cleaning products be used in commercial kitchens?

Yes. Jif Professional and certain other Unilever Professional formulations are suitable for use in commercial kitchen environments. Always consult the product's SDS and usage instructions to confirm suitability for food preparation areas and compliance with local food safety regulations. In the event of accidental exposure or a safety concern, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 0800 746 766.

Are Unilever Professional products used by commercial laundries in New Zealand?

Yes. Commercial laundries across New Zealand rely on Unilever Professional brands including Persil, Surf, Drive, and Comfort for consistent cleaning results, cost efficiency, and fabric care across high-volume operations.

Are these products suitable for use in schools and educational facilities?

Yes. Schools, universities, and educational facilities use Unilever Professional products for on-site laundry operations, sports uniform care, and general cleaning. The range offers safe, effective, and reliable performance suited to institutional environments.

Can facilities management companies use Unilever Professional products?

Yes. Facilities management operators and cleaning contractors across New Zealand use Unilever Professional products as part of their cleaning programmes. The range offers professional-grade performance, reliable supply, and well-known brand credentials that clients recognise and trust.

Are Unilever Professional products suitable for restaurants and food service businesses?

Yes. Restaurants, cafes, and food service businesses use Unilever Professional cleaning products, particularly Jif Professional, for surface cleaning and hygiene maintenance. Always verify product suitability against food safety requirements for your specific application.

Performance & Usage

Can Unilever Professional laundry products be used in commercial washing machines?

Yes. Unilever Professional laundry products including Persil, Surf, Drive, and Comfort are formulated for use in commercial and industrial washing machines. Dosing recommendations are calibrated for commercial equipment, high-capacity loads, and varying water temperatures.

What water temperatures do Unilever Professional laundry products work at?

Unilever Professional laundry products are formulated to perform effectively across a range of wash temperatures, including cold, warm, and hot wash cycles. Specific temperature recommendations are detailed on each product's label and safety data sheet.

How do I dose Unilever Professional laundry products correctly?

Dosing guidance is provided on each product's label and safety data sheet. Correct dosing is critical for optimal cleaning performance, fabric care, and cost efficiency. Under-dosing reduces cleaning effectiveness, while over-dosing increases cost and can affect fabric quality. Contact Unilever Professional NZ for tailored dosing support.

Can Surf and Comfort be used together in a commercial laundry cycle?

Yes. Surf Professional laundry detergent and Comfort Professional fabric conditioner are designed to work together in a commercial wash-and-condition cycle. Using both delivers effective stain removal alongside enhanced fabric softness and long-lasting fragrance.

How does Persil Professional handle tough stains in commercial laundry?

Persil Professional uses a combination of stain-fighting enzymes and surfactants to break down and remove a wide range of common commercial stains including food, grease, blood, and body soils. Its formulation is optimised for consistent performance in commercial washing machines across varying load sizes.

Is Comfort Professional suitable for use with all fabric types?

Comfort Professional is formulated for use on a broad range of fabric types including cotton, poly-cotton blends, and synthetics commonly found in commercial linen and hospitality textiles. Always follow garment care labels and product usage instructions for best results.

How does Jif Professional differ from the consumer Jif product?

Jif Professional is formulated with commercial use in mind offering enhanced cleaning power, professional pack sizes, and formulations suited to the demands of high-frequency cleaning in commercial environments. Consumer Jif is designed for lighter, infrequent domestic use.

Sustainability & Compliance

What is Unilever's sustainability commitment for its professional products?

Unilever has a long-standing global commitment to sustainability including reducing plastic waste, cutting carbon emissions across its supply chain, and developing concentrated formulations that minimise packaging and transport impact. Unilever Professional products are developed in line with Unilever's global sustainability goals. Visit unileverprofessional.co.nz for the latest information.

Are Unilever Professional products environmentally friendly?

Unilever is committed to responsible formulation, including developing products with biodegradable surfactants and reduced environmental impact. Concentrated formulations help lower the overall carbon footprint of transportation and packaging. For specific environmental certifications and claims, refer to individual product data sheets.

Do Unilever Professional products meet New Zealand safety and compliance standards?

Yes. All Unilever Professional products sold in New Zealand comply with applicable New Zealand and Australian regulatory standards, including HSNO (Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act) requirements where relevant. Safety data sheets are available for all products.

Are safety data sheets (SDS) available for Unilever Professional NZ products?

Yes. Safety data sheets are available for all Unilever Professional products and should be used to guide safe handling, storage, and disposal in compliance with New Zealand workplace health and safety obligations. You can access all SDS documentation directly at unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/all-sds/.

Are Unilever Professional products tested for skin safety?

Unilever invests significantly in product safety testing across its portfolio. Comfort Professional, in particular, is developed with fabric and skin gentleness in mind. For specific dermatological testing data or allergy-related queries, refer to the SDS page here or contact Unilever Professional NZ directly here.

Does Unilever Professional NZ use sustainable packaging?

Unilever is actively working to increase the use of recycled and recyclable packaging across its product range globally, including its professional product lines. For current packaging sustainability information specific to NZ products, visit unileverprofessional.co.nz.

Ordering & Distribution

How do I purchase Unilever Professional products in New Zealand?

Unilever Professional products are available through authorised New Zealand distributors and trade suppliers. To find your nearest trade partner, visit the where to buy page.

You can also purchase selected brands at Bunnings Warehouse and Mitre 10. For the best match, choose your preferred brand, select the product you need, and then review available retailer options near you.

Does Unilever Professional NZ sell directly to businesses?

Unilever Professional NZ operates through a network of authorised distributors and trade partners across New Zealand. Contact the team at unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/contact/ to be directed to the appropriate supplier for your region and business type.

Support & Getting Help

How do I contact Unilever Professional NZ?

You can get in touch with Unilever Professional NZ via the contact form at unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/contact/. Whether you are an individual with a product question or a business needing supply support, the team is happy to help.

I am not sure which product is right for my business, can I get help?

Yes. The Unilever Professional team can provide tailored guidance based on your industry, application, and operational requirements to help you select the right products. To speak with a specialist or request support, visit unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/contact/.

Where can I find instructions on how much product to use?

Usage and dosing guidelines are printed on every product's label. If you need more detailed guidance, for example if you are using a commercial washing machine or dealing with a specific stain or fabric type, additional support is available through unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/contact/.

Can I get help if I am having trouble with a product?

Yes. If a product is not performing as expected, the Unilever Professional NZ team can help troubleshoot. Common issues like dosing, water temperature, or machine compatibility are usually easy to resolve with the right guidance. Reach out via unileverprofessional.co.nz/nz/en/contact/.

Are there usage tips or guides available online for Unilever Professional products?

Yes. Product information, usage tips, and guidance are available at unileverprofessional.co.nz. Whether you are using Persil for the first time or optimising a commercial laundry programme, you will find helpful resources to get the best results from your products.

Switching Products & Value

I have been using another brand for years, is it worth switching to a Unilever Professional product?

It is always worth trying. Unilever Professional brands like Persil, Surf, Comfort, Drive, and Jif are trusted by both everyday households and large commercial operations across New Zealand. If your current products are not delivering the clean, softness, or fragrance you want, a switch could make a noticeable difference. Product trials are available for businesses.

Are Unilever Professional products good value for money?

Yes. The range is designed to deliver strong performance at every price point. Drive, for example, is a great everyday option for cost-conscious households and businesses alike, while Persil Professional offers premium results for those who need serious stain-fighting power. You get reliable performance from brands backed by decades of cleaning expertise.

How do I get the best results from Unilever Professional laundry products?

Follow the dosing instructions on the label, choose the right wash temperature for your fabrics, and pair your detergent with Comfort Professional fabric conditioner for softer, fresher results. For tougher stains, pre-treating before washing can make a big difference. If you are running a commercial operation, contact the Unilever Professional NZ team for a tailored dosing plan.

Why choose Unilever Professional products over supermarket brands?

Unilever Professional products are formulated for superior performance, fabric care, and longevity. Whether you are doing the family laundry or managing a commercial linen operation, brands like Persil, Surf, and Comfort deliver consistent, trustworthy results. They are the same globally recognised brands, optimised for professional and high-performance use.