Cleaning Principles Overview

Cleaning

• Cleaning is the process of removing dust, dirt, foreign matter, tarnish, and stains from various surfaces using cleaning agents and equipment.
• Cleaning is essential for aesthetic appeal, hygiene, maintenance, and safety.
• Soil refers to deposits of dust, dirt, foreign matter, tarnish, and stains.

Principles of Cleaning

• Soil should be removed without harming the surface being cleaned.
• Cleaning should be efficient using minimal equipment, cleaning agents, labor, and time.
• Cleaning should proceed from high to low.
• Suction cleaning should be preferred over sweeping whenever possible.
• Sweeping should be done before dusting, and dusting before suction cleaning.
• Noise levels while cleaning should be kept as low as possible.
• Stains should be removed as soon as they occur.
• Room attendants should take all safety precautions while cleaning.
• Cleaning agents and equipment should be stocked neatly to one side.
• All equipment should be cleaned, dried, and stored properly after use.

Cleaning Considerations

• Time: The duration of the cleaning job.
• Temperature: Correct temperature must be maintained for the specific cleaning task.
• Mechanical action: The force or friction required to complete the cleaning task.
• Chemical action: The power of chemicals used in the cleaning process.
• Procedures: Following the correct cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

Housekeeping and Cleaning Procedures

• The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for ensuring that housekeeping staff follow standard cleaning procedures and methods.
• Floors and carpets require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and durability.
• Cleaning processes can be manual or mechanical, using methods such as washing, friction, static electricity, suction, or force.

Manual Cleaning Methods

• Sweeping is used to collect dust from rough surfaces.
• Dusting requires a systematic approach using a soft, lint-free cloth folded multiple times.
• Damp dusting is preferred in hotels as it removes dust, dirt, and sticky marks but should be avoided on electrical and electronic equipment.
• Floor dust mopping is used to remove dust, sand, or grit from the floor.
• Spot mopping is used to clean spills and adhered soil, using cold water and detergent only when necessary.
• Wet mopping is used to remove light to heavy soil from the floor surface after dust mopping.
• Manual scrubbing is used to remove stubborn dirt and marks on floor surfaces.
• Manual polishing is used to apply polish to surfaces like floors, furniture, and metal objects.

Mechanized Cleaning Methods

• Suction cleaning or vacuum cleaning is a preparatory step to other mechanized cleaning procedures.
• Spray buffing uses a floor machine and a soft pad or brush to remove soil, scuffs, scratches, and restore shine.
• Polishing uses a floor machine and a soft pad or brush to remove soil and restore shine to the floor finish.
• Scrubbing uses a floor machine with a pad or brush to remove embedded dirt, marks, and scratches.
• Dry cleaning is used to remove soil and stains from textiles using a chemical solvent other than water.

Equipment and Agents

• Damp dusting: Cloth duster, water, plastic bowl, neutral detergent (if necessary).
• Floor dust mopping: Dust control mop.
• Spot mopping: Damp cloth, cold water, detergent (if necessary).
• Wet mopping: Damp mop, water, neutral or mild alkaline detergent.
• Manual scrubbing: Long-handled scrubbing brush, mild detergent, bucket, squeegee, water, and mop.
• Manual polishing: Proprietary polish for each surface, cotton rags, soft brush (for carved articles).
• Suction cleaning: Vacuum cleaner.
• Spray buffing: 175- or 300-rpm floor machine, soft pad or brush, commercial cleaning preparation or detergent, finishing solution.
• Polishing: 175- 1500-rpm floor machine, soft pad or brush.
• Scrubbing: 1500 – 2500 rpm floor machine.
• Dry cleaning: Chemical solvents, dry cleaning machine.