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This notes is prepared by Respected. Anju Bhujel (Lecturer). Thank you for being an important part of my story.
Cleaning is the most important and primary aspect of housekeeping. It is a process of removing dirt, dust and grime by using methods such as dusting, shaking, sweeping, mopping, washing or polishing. Cleaning is the process of removing unwanted substances, such as dirt, infectious agents, and other impurities, from an object or environment.
Cleaning refers to the technical and a chemical process of maintaining a dust, dirt and germ free surface by using different materials, products and tools. Cleaning is basically a daily job however, in some cases it can be done weekly, monthly or periodically. Cleaning makes the area hygienic so as to ensure a healthy hotel environment for guest. It is essential to prolong the life of the property as a whole. Cleaning means to enhance ambiance so as to counter part the stander of the hotel.
According to Merriam-Webster&#;s Collegiate Dictionary, the definition of the word &#;clean&#; is: &#;Free from dirt or pollution &#; free from contamination or disease; an act of cleaning dirt especially from the surface of something.&#;
Cleaning involves sweeping floors, dusting furniture and other surfaces, mopping or washing floors, polishing surfaces, articles and accessories, scrubbing tiles, sinks, toilets, disinfecting drains, rearranging cleaned areas and putting things in their specific place.
Cleaning is the responsibility of housekeeping department and top priorities of every hotels to keep their surroundings clean and tidy. The processes of cleaning must be incorporated into a system of standard operating procedures which are the general elements in any operation and protection plan for the building as well.
Cleaning means to enhance ambiance so as to counterpart the standard of the hotels. It makes the area hygienic so as to ensure a healthy hotel environment for guest. It is essential to prolong the life of the property as a whole.
Cleaning is conducted to remove harmful bacteria present in the dust deposited on the hotel property because of air pollution. This may cause unhealthy effects on the working staff as well as the guests. Cleanliness reduces the threat of any infections and offers comfortable stay to the guests in the hotel.
According to the type of hotel or size of the hotel, the housekeeping department should follow certain basic principles in cleaning or basic cleaning rules to follow in any kind of cleaning activity, whatever the nature of the surface, material, or the soil. The room attendants or room maids must follow these cleaning principles or cleaning rules in order to consistently produce spotless cleaning of the guest rooms and public area without damaging the surface or the area in which they are cleaning.
The Executive Housekeeper or Director of Housekeeping is accountable for managing and ensuring that all the housekeeping staff follows the standard operating procedures of cleaning and to properly use the methods of cleaning procedure. The hotel has to do regular cleaning and finishing of the marble floors and carpets to keep their appearance, permanence, and durability. The housekeeping cleaning procedure can be done manually or mechanically. The numerous types of cleaning procedures are summarized in this segment.
Sweeping is performed to collect the dust from the floor when the surface is too uneven for a dust mop. Equipment required for sweeping are broom, a dustpan, a trash bag, and a public area cart.
Procedure for sweeping:
It is the process of removing dist and dust from the surface in a well-organized, methodical, and well ordered approach for efficiency & ease. Equipment&#;s used while dusting are Feather duster, Microfiber cloths, Cloth duster, and Dusting solution or chemical if required
Procedure of dusting:-
This is the most preferred process for cleaning in hotels where all the areas and surfaces can be wiped as well as dusting, it removes dirty marks as well as stickiness at the same time.
This is the process of removing and eliminating dust, sand, or grit from the floor. If the dust and other substances are not removed from the floor daily, they will continually scratch the surface finish, deprecate its gloss, and in the end it will penetrate down to the floor itself. Equipment&#;s needed while cleaning are Dustpan, Dust control mop, Dustbin, and Dust- collecting bag.
Procedure for dust mopping/ dry mopping/ mop sweeping:
Spot mopping is vital for the conservation of the floor surfaces. Fluids & solids that are spilled on the floor, if left for a long period, may penetrate the finish & stain the floor. Even acids from fruit juices may inflict destruction on a floor if it is not instantly cleaned up. Equipment&#;s needed while cleaning are Mop wringer trolley or Mop & Bucket, Cold water and Dilute solution of neutral detergent if required.
Procedure for spot mopping:-
It is the process in which mopping is done to remove spills and cling soil that was not able to remove during the dry removal process. Wet-mopping removes light to heavy soil within the floor surface, which could or else will become embedded in the surface or sum up in the seal or finish. Equipments needed while cleaning are Floor cleaner, Squeegee, Wet mop & Bucket or Mop- Wringer trolley & Chemical solution.
Procedure for wet mopping/ Damp mopping:-
It is the process of removing dirt especially by rubbing with brush, soap and water manually. For modern surfaces, very little hand scrubbing is required. Equipment required for manual polishing are Bucket, Water, Mop, Long-handled scrubbing brush, Mild chemical/Solution, and Squeegee.
Procedure for manual scrubbing:-
It is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection which is done manually. Equipments required for manual polishing are Clean cloth, rags, Brasso, and proprietary polish for each type of floor or surface.
Procedure for manual polishing:-
It is the process of treating just an area where the stain discolor the surface. Spot cleaning may be used as a cleaning method on wall, fabric, carpets or flooring. Equipments needed are Solvents, Cleaning agents, Cleaning Cloths and brushes.
Procedure for spot cleaning:-
Cleaning which requires mechanized or electronic equipment is called as mechanized cleaning. Types of mechanized cleaning and their procedure are given below:
Suction cleaning is the process of removing debris from the floor, upholstery, draperies and other surfaces by suction. In hotel industry, vacuum cleaner is a device which causes suction and therefore,
is used for suction cleaning or vacuum cleaning. Equipments and agents used for suction/vacuum
cleaning are, Caution signs, a stiff broom, wet/dry vacuum cleaner with attachments & a mild detergent for wet cleaning if necessary.
Procedure of suction/ vacuum cleaning:-
Spray buffing is a process of cleaning the floor as well as helping to revive a &#;like new&#; look. In this process, liquid spray buff is applied to the floor using a floor machine or burnished, which helps to remove dirt from the floor and revive a glossy &#;wet look&#; in the floor, repairing any scuffs or minor scratches at the same time. Equipment and agent used for spray buffing are a 175 &#;or 300-rpm buffing machine with beige pad, spray bottle, detergent, & finishing solution.
Procedure for spray buffing:-
It is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action,
leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection using machine or electronic equipment. Equipment used for polishing is a &#; rpm floor machine.
Procedure for polishing:-
It the process of removing dirt especially by rubbing with brush, soap and water using machine or electronic equipment. Equipment used for scrubbing is floor maintenance machines with green pad.
Procedure for scrubbing:-
Stripping is a very aggressive process that requires removing all of the floor finish & sealer, leaving
a bare floor ready for refinishing. Equipment required for stripping is a floor-maintenance machine with a black pad.
Procedure for stripping:-
Laundering is a process of washing clothes and other textiles of hotel. Equipment used for laundering
are, washing Machines, Drying Machines, Steam Cabinets and Tunnels, Flatwork Irons, Folding Machine, Washing Chemicals and Detergents.
Procedure for laundering:-
Dry Cleaning is a process of cleaning a garment with organic solvent, without using water. Equipment and agent used for dry cleaning are, chemical solvents and dry cleaning machine.
Procedure for dry cleaning:-
Cleaning equipment are essential tools for housekeeping professional which are used in cleaning of surfaces, furniture, floors, carpet, including both private and public areas. It depends upon the types of surface to clean. Housekeeping department uses different equipment in order to clean more effectively and efficiently in a comfortable manner. The correct choice of quality cleaning equipment would save cost, time and also ensure overall efficiency in operation. To welcome the guest with a clean, comfortable surrounding and to give an aesthetic appeal to any areas of hotel the housekeeping department widely depends upon high quality, co-friendly cleaning tools. Cleaning tools comprises of cleaning aids and various chemicals. Cleaning equipments can be broadly classified as Manual and Mechanical Equipment. A variety of manual cleaning equipment is used in the accommodation venue and each is designed to perform certain tasks.
There are mainly two types of cleaning equipment, they are:-
a. Manual Cleaning Equipment:
b. Mechanical Cleaning Equipment
These are used to remove superficial or ingrained layers of soiling depending on the type. It would be impossible to identify every different type of broom but all of them of made of three different parts:
(a) Bristles (b) The Stock (c)Handle
There are mainly two types of brooms:
a. Soft Broom: It is used to sweep hard smooth surface. It can be used only for dry floor.
b. Hard Broom: It is used on rough surface, rough ground, pathways and stiff sweeping cleaning leaves, etc. It can be used on both dry and wet surface.
As similar as brooms, these are also used to remove superficial or ingrained layers of soiling depending on the type. Also, they are made of three different parts:
(a) Bristles (b) The Stock (c)Handle
Types of Brushes:-
a. Hard floor brush :-
It is used on concrete. The dust and hairs should be removed after use and the brush
washed and dried. They should be stored hanging upside down.
b. Soft floor brush :-
It is used on vinyl surfaces/ tiles. The dust and hairs should be removed after use and the
brush washed and dried. They should be stored hanging upside down.
c. Scrubbing brush :-
It can be used on hard floors. The dust and hairs should be removed after use and the brush
washed and dried. They should be stored hanging upside down.
d. Toilet / WC brush:-
It is used for toilets/ WC only. They have to be washed, rinsed and disinfected. They should be
stored hanging upside down.
e. Bottle brush:-
It is used for cleaning bottles, flasks and also overflow vents in washbasins and tubs. They have
to be washed, rinsed and disinfected. They should be stored hanging upside down.
f. Hand brush:-
It is used for the corners. Removing dirt and washing them is essential before drying. They have
to be left on the side to dry while being stored.
The mops are used for removing dust from vinyl or hard floors or for removal of water. They have to be rinsed and hung upside down to dry. If possible the head has to be removed from the pole to facilitate drying. Mops comprise of the following parts:-
(a) Handle (b) Frame (c) Mop Head
Types of Mops:-
a. Dry Mops: These are flat mops used on hard floors. They are also called dust mops. These have long bristle lengths. They are used to remove dry and loose dirt&#;s and stains only.
b. . Impregnated mops: Dry mop can be impregnated with oil or polish. An impregnated mop must be used correctly if it is to be effective long, even strokes or a continual movement leaving the mop in contact with the surface all the time, ensuring the minimum of dust distribution and the maximum of dust collection. The mop head should be easily detachable so that it can frequently be washed, rinsed and dried, preferably in a machine, then re-impregnated. These are also called as &#;V sweepers&#; or &#;scissor action sweeper&#;.
c. Disposable Dry Mops: These are very expensive but very hygienic. They consist of a handle with a soft pad at the end. This pad is made up of cotton or a synthetic material micro fiber, which has properties enabling it to attract and hold dust. The fabric is held in place by clips, poppers or special tape. It has to be disposed off immediately after use, if this does not happen; the advantages of such a system are lost.
d. Damp mops: These are used for the removal of light soiling from floors or for the application of polish. The heads are made of cotton, sponge or any fiber capable of absorbing moisture. It should be possible to detach the heads easily for regular and thorough washing, preferably in a machine followed by drying. Damp mops should be renewed as soon as there are signs of wear, and should be stored in spring clips in such a way that air is allowed to get through the mop head.
e. Polish applicator mops:
They are oblong in shape to make the application of the polish more efficient. The heads should slide out of the metal or plastic casing when replacement is necessary.
f. Squeegee: It is used to remove excess water from a surface being cleaned. A small version called the window squeegee is used for wiping away water from windows after washing. Wash and rinse heads after use, squeeze out excess water, and dry well. Store the squeegee head by hanging.
g. Wet mops: These are also called Kentucky mops or round mops. Flat mops have shorter length of bristles. For better result first use dry and only wet mop.
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Wringer trolleys are used for washing and wringing mops. These may be metal or plastic. Those used with mops may have one or two sections and usually have a wringer device, which should be detachable for easy cleaning. The larger wringer trolleys have castors, which must be kept clean and free from dust and dirt. Wringer trolleys can be color coded for ease in identification for use in certain areas or for special tasks e.g., toilets or in operating theatres. All wringer trolleys should have labels indicating where they belong to prevent them becoming a source of contamination. They should be thoroughly washed and rinsed inside and out every time after use.
If housekeeping staff are provided with appropriate containers in which they can carry, collect
and store other supplies and other items, their scope of work becomes easier and efficient.
i. Buckets:-
Plastic buckets are more popular as they are light in weight, quieter in use and easy to clean. Twin
buckets on a low trolley enable the brush to be rinsed more effectively. Larger buckets should have castor wheels which must be kept free of hair, fluff and dust. Buckets should be washed thoroughly inside and out, every time they are used and allowed to dry and then stored
ii. Dustpans:-
They are used in conjunction with a brush or broom for removing superficial dust and dirt. These could be metal or plastic. They should always be emptied after use and washed before storage. They should be labeled clearly as to where they are to be used. Dustpans are stored either suspended from a hook or on the wide to avoid damaging the flat edge.
iii. Hand Caddies:-
It is also called as &#;cleaner boxes&#;. They consist of a box with a handle and a fitted tray. They are
used for carrying cleaning supplies for guest room cleaning by guest room attendants. They must be topped up with replacement for use in next shift.
Cloths are mainly used in housekeeping for wet and dry cleaning. Cloths are very basic to any cleaning activity. Various cloths are available for specific purposes.
i. Dusters and Dust mittens:
These cloths are used for dusting and buffing the surfaces. Dusters can be used for damp dusting where they may be sprayed with water. Cloths should be washed daily and dried to avoid spreading dirt again to a clean surface.
ii. Swabs and wipes:-
Mainly used for wet and damp dusting of all surfaces above floor level. These are also used for
cleaning sanitary fittings such as bath tubs and wash basins. They are soft absorbent material hence washed in hot detergent water, rinse and dried thoroughly after use. Those used for sanitary fittings should be disinfected.
iii. Glass cloths:-
They do not leave behind lint as these are made up of linen two yarns. Therefore can be used for
wiping mirrors and drinking glasses. Wash and rinse and dry
iv. Scrim:-
Because of its high absorbency and lint free nature. used for cleaning mirrors and windows
instead of chamois leather. Wash , rinse and dry after use.
v. Chamois leather:
It is made from the skin of the chamois goat antelope. These can be used wet for cleaning windows and mirrors and when dry can be used as a polishing silver and other metals. Remove excess dirt with
newspaper. Wash only when necessary in plain cold water, rinse and either store damp or dry flat.
vi. Rags and polishing cloths:-
These are used for applying polish or strong cleaning agents and are disposed off when
dirty.
i. Vacuum suction cleaner:-
It removes dust and other loose particles from hard or soft surfaces by suction and some, in addition, have brushes to aid the collection of dust. The dust is collected into a container which, may be enclosed within the body of the machine (i.e., Cylindrical and canister model), or on the outside in the form of a bag (i.e., upright model).
ii. Scrubbing Machines:-
These are used for cleaning large surface areas, these have almost replaced hand scrubbing. It consists of large or several small revolving brush heads to scrub the floor. Some have automatic
detergent dispensers. It can also be used for shampooing carpets, if suitable brushes are used.
iii. Polishing Machines:-
They have functioning similar to scrubbing machines but with felt pads, which are put on the
brush head to buff the floor, once polish has been applied. To Keep the brush free from clogged up polish, they be soaked in white spirit before washing.
While selecting the cleaning equipment for the housekeeping the EHK responsibility is to make correct choice and quality of equipment which could save costs, reduce fatigue and most efficient equipment helps in maximum productivity in overall operation. The following points should be
considered while selecting the cleaning equipment&#;s:-
Cleaning agents or hard-surface cleaners are substances used to remove dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces. A cleaning agent removes or assists in removing or removes physically or chemically any soil from the surface. Dust being composed of loose particles, is removed comparatively easily by the use of various piece of equipment; dirt, however, owing to it&#;s adherence to surfaces by means of grease or moisture requires the use of cleaning agents as well as equipment if it is to be removed efficiently and a knowledge of different types is important so that deterioration of surfaces is prevented.
While choosing the cleaning agents the housekeeper should remember that a great deal of time, effort and money can be wasted by wrong choice as well as possible deterioration of articles and
surfaces.
Cleaning agents are chemicals and the housekeeper should have some knowledge of cleaning science if they are to be chosen and used correctly. The following points maybe taken into consideration when choosing cleaning agents; &#;
Cleaning agents are classified according to the principle method by which soil or stains are removed from the surface. This will be determined by their composition. The principle classes are:
Water is the simplest cleaning agent and some form of dirt will be dissolved by it. But normally, it is a poor cleaning agent if used alone. It becomes effective only if used in conjunction with some other
agent, e.g. a detergent. Water serves to carry the cleaning materials to the soil, suspend the soil, remove the suspended soil from the cleaning site, rinse the detergent solution from the surface.
Water has poor power of detergency because it has high surface tension and forms droplets, it
has little wetting power, it is repelled by oil and grease.
Detergents are those cleaning agents, which contain significant quantities of a group of chemicals
known as &#;Surfactants&#; (chemicals which have water and soil attracting properties). A number of other chemicals are frequently included to produce detergents suitable for a specific use.
A good detergent should reduce the surface tension of water so that the cleaning solution can
penetrate the soil, it emulsify soil and lift it from the surface, it is soluble in cold water, it can be effective in hard water and wide range of temperature. Suspend soil in a cleaning solution, and once the soil is removed, to hold it in suspension and not let it redeposit, it can be rinse easily and leave no streaks or scum, it is economical to user, it is harmless to the skin and article.
Abrasives can be divided into:
a. Hard surface cleaners.
b. Metal polishes.
Abrasives depend on their rubbing or scratching action to clean dirt from hard surfaces depends on the nature of the abrasive material and on the size and shape of the particles. The use of abrasive will depend on the surface to be cleaned and the type of dirt to be removed. Whenever, possible fine
abrasives should preferred to coarser ones. E.g. glass, sand, emery paper, steel wool, nylon pads, powdered pumice, feldspar, calcite, fine ash, precipitated whiting, filtered chalk, jeweler&#;s rouge (fine abrasive), etc. they are available in natural, liquid, paste or powdered form.
They usually consist of strong alkalis, which can dissolve proteins and emulsify and disperse grease and similar substance. They are based on caustic soda or sodium met silicate. Sodium carbonate
(washing soda) can also be used. They are basically used as stain removers and for clearing blocked drains, cleaning ovens and other industrial equipment. Extreme care should be taken in their use as they have high pH.
They are used as cleaning agents in the form of liquids and powders. They are particularly useful
in the laundry. Very strong alkalis should be used with utmost caution as they are corrosive and toxic. These are called caustic alkalis. Many alkalis act as bleaches. Caustic soda- based cleaning agents are used to clear blocked drains and to clean ovens and other industrial equipment.
Cleaning agents with acidic properties react with water-soluble chemical deposits to produce water-soluble salts. Acids dissolve metals and are hence, used to remove metal stains such as water
stains in baths, hard water deposits around taps, tarnish on silver, copper and brass, etc. Weak acids include citric acid (lemon juice), acetic acid (vinegar). They are used for removing tarnish from copper and brass and mild water stains in baths. Strong acids are oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulphuric acid.
Toilet cleansers rely on their acid content to clean and keep the W/C pan hygienic and remove metal stains. They can be crystalline, powdered or liquid. Powdered toilet cleanser consists of a soluble
acidic powder, chlorinated bleach, finely ground abrasive (to help when a brush is used) and an effervescing substance, which helps to spread the active ingredient throughout the water.
Liquid toilet cleansers are a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid, and should be used with great care, because the concentration may cause damage to the surface of the pan, it&#;s surrounding areas, and to the person using it (if the liquid is spilt).
These are the chemicals that dissolve fat, oil, grease, wax or similar compounds from different surface, e.g. methylated spirit, white spirit (turpentine substitute), carbon tetrachloride. The former
two are highly inflammable while carbon tetrachloride is harmful if inhaled, and hence should never be used in a closed area. Many are used for routine stain removal. They are harmful to skin and some surfaces and are fire hazardous.
They do not necessarily clean but produce a shine by providing a smooth surface from which light is
reflected evenly. They do this by smoothing out any unevenness on the surface of the article, in many
cases by forming a thin layer of wax on the surface, thus giving some protection.
Metal polishes:-
It remove the tarnish resulting from the attack on the metal by certain compounds and some foodstuffs. They are of two basic types, one for hard metal and other for soft. Either type maybe liquid
or paste.
Liquid polish is a fine abrasive waxed with grease solvent, and sometimes with an acid, e.g. plate
powder, precipitated whiting, jeweler&#;s rouge, mentholated spirit, and ammonia. Abrasive when rubbed on the surface of the metal provides friction to remove the tarnish and produce a shine.
These are applied to flooring surfaces as a semi- permanent finish that acts as a protective barrier by preventing the entry of dirt, gems and liquid, grease, stains and bacteria. They prevent scratching and provide an easily maintainable surface. The right type of seal should be applied to each type of floor for effective protection and an attractive appearance. According to their functions, floor sealers can be finishing protective or combination of both.
Disinfectants, antiseptics and de-odorants are not strictly cleaning agents, but are often used during the cleaning operations. Disinfectants kill bacteria; antiseptics prevent bacterial growth and are frequently diluted disinfectants. Use of disinfectants should not be necessary if the cleaning methods are correct.
Window cleansers consist of water-miscible solvents, often isopropyl alcohol, to which small quantities of surfactants and possibly an alkali are added to improve the polishing effect of the
cleanser. Some also contain fine abrasives. Most glass cleaners are available as sprays or liquid. They
are sprayed directly onto windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces or applied on with a soft cloth and rubbed off using a soft, lint- free glass cloth. An inexpensive glass cleaner that can be readily made in the housekeeping department is soft water to which some vinegar is added can be used with old newspaper.
They carry out the action by absorbing the stain or grease. They are used only when the quantity of stain is too much. E.g. starch powder, fuller&#;s earth, bran, French chalk powder, etc.
Cleaning refers to the technical and a chemical process of maintaining a dust, dirt, stains and germ free surfaces by using various materials, products and tools.
What are the principles of cleaning?The principles of cleaning are mentioned below:
a. All soils should be removed without harming the surface being cleaned or the surrounding surfaces.
b. The surface should be restored to its original state after the cleaning processes.
c. The cleaning process should be efficient, using a minimum of equipment, cleaning agents, labor & time.
d. The simplest cleaning method should be tried first, along with using the mildest cleaning agent.
e. Always use the cleaning methods least harmful to the surface should be used.
There are mainly two types i.e. Manual and Mechanical cleaning methods.
There are mainly two types i.e. Manual and Mechanical cleaning equipment.
Nothing repels hotel guests more than poor housekeeping, cleaning is important in hotel as cleanliness sets a first impression for quality and demonstrates to guests how much the hotel really cares about their stay. Also, it eliminates germs and bacteria along with dirt and dust, resulting in better hygiene and sanitation.
Enlist the name of mechanical equipments used in housekeeping orientation.a. Vacuum Cleaner b. Polishing Machine c. Floor Scrubber d. Power sweeper e. Shampooing Machine
Enlist the name of mechanical equipments used in housekeeping orientation.a. Microfiber cloth b. Brushes c. Mops d. Brooms e. Abrasives
Describe the points to be considered while selecting cleaning equipments.Experience:-
Ask the company about their experience in the cleaning field and check the credibility of the company by contacting their other clients.
Technical Support:-
This is important to ensure that the company can give technical support at any time. Along with that check availability of programs to train the staff regarding usage of new equipment&#;s.
Warranty/Insurance:-
Always choose the products that have at least 1-year warranty that will helps to buy products with a long life.
Productivity:
how much square feet of carpet area can be cleaned in one hour ?
Work performance:
In terms of capacity and machine and consumer reports on performance.
Cleaning agents are chemical that helps to keep an area clean by removing the soiling agents. For example: Water, Detergent, Phenols, Soap, etc.
Mention the use of brasso.Brasso is a metal polish which is designed to remove tarnish from brass, copper, chrome and stainless steel.
The green color corrosion is formed which is caused due to exposure of metallic surface to the atmospheric conditions.
Mopping is a kind of or method cleaning which includes the process of removing and eliminating dust, sand or grit from the floor, with the help of mop by soaking in liquid.
What are different types of pesticides.a. DDT b. Dimethoate(Eygon) c. Dicofol d. DDVP (Vapona) e. Spectracide or a. Insecticides b. Herbicides c. Fungicides d. Rodenticides
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