PRINCIPLES OF CLEANING
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this learning unit, you are expected to:
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Identify the different types of dirt;
Make observations on the cleaning methods commonly used in the hotel and
Compare wet surface cleaning from dry surface cleaning.
In most instances, when a Housekeeper is asked “What will you clean?” the common response is the
part or area of the hotel that needs cleaning. With that response, he is not certain about the kind of dirt
and the procedures needed to clean the area.
The basic principles of cleaning will provide the Housekeeper the knowledge on what and how
to clean a certain area. This involves the following:
1. Recognize the different types of Dirt.
2. Know the elements of cleaning.
3. Apply cleaning methods.
TYPES OF DIRT
Dirt is what we remove or clean in every area. When tasked to clean, the housekeeper must
know the different types of dirt (dust, soil, stain, and tarnish) and the procedures on how to remove
each type. He must also combine the elements of cleaning for effective removal of dirt.
Dust is the basic source of dirt. It is in the form of particles. When these particles are mix with
water and oil, it becomes soil. When patches of soil dry up in any surface, it becomes a stain. Stains
could damage surfaces. Tarnish or discoloration is caused by stains that were not removed for some
time. It is the recognized as damaged surface.
CLEANING ELEMENTS
When cleaning, we can not just hold on to a piece of rag and wipe the dirty spot. There are four
elements that we need to combine in order to clean effectively. These elements of cleaning are: time,
mechanical action, chemical action, and temperature.
Time combines with all other elements of cleaning. When performing mechanical action (i.e.
wiping with rag or scouring with pad or brushing with toilet brush or sweeping with broom, etc.), it will
take time to remove the dirt. Chemical application to dirt requires time to take effect or react to the
dirt. Time, chemical action and mechanical action make a good cleaning combination.
On instances where the type of dirt could not be removed by the first three elements,
temperature shall be required to effectively complete the cleaning process. A sample situation, greasy
pots could not be cleaned well despite the application of the first three elements. However, greasy dirt
can be easily loosened with the application of hot water.
For blood stain on cloth, applying cold water then sudsing with body soap and rubbing on the
blood spot will easily removed the blood. Application of hot water or laundry detergents could harden
the blood stain.
CLEANING METHODS
When we clean, we remove the dirt and control the spread of virus, bacteria and fungi that are
harmful to human body and the environment as a whole. These bacteria can be found in the air and on
surfaces. These are cleaning methods that are being practiced in the hotel to control the spread of said
dirt microorganisms.
The cleaning methods commonly used in the hotel are: air cleaning, wet and dry surface
cleaning, washing of textile materials, and waste segregation and disposal. The said methods could be
combined to achieve the quality cleaned areas.
Air cleaning is required when an area or space is with bad odor. Usually, the bad smell is noticed
when the area is not clean. To be able to clean the air, this basic air cleaning method must be applied:
dirt must be removed from the area, clean the surfaces, and disinfect.
If the space is enclosed, it is appropriate to open doors and windows, let the fresh air in, and
then apply the basic air cleaning method. This way, stale air is released from the enclosed space and
clean air could be felt inside. Clean air is odorless or no smell.
Some areas that needs wet or dry cleaning are obviously a “sore in the eyes” as the dirt standsout disgracefully. Surfaces with marks, stains, tarnish, fading or discoloration, molds and mildews are
indicators that wet or dry surface cleaning is necessary.
When we apply dry surfaces cleaning, we remove the dirt by using cleaning tools (i.e. rag, brush,
broom, scrapper, rake, dry mops, dry vacuum cleaner, polisher, etc.) that do not require wetting while
cleaning. Wet surface cleaning requires the addition of water or other liquids on the dirt coupled with
the following cleaning tools – rag, scouring pad, brush, scrapper, wet mop, wet vacuum cleaner, carpet
shampooing machine, washing machine extractors.
Hotels have fabric materials installed in the different areas. These materials need washing on
regular schedule to maintain cleanliness. These methods for washing are wetting (where fabric is placed
in water bath), sudsing (fabric washing detergent is applied to soften the dirt in fabric), rising (to remove
the dirt residues and chemicals in the fabric), extracting (to extract the water from the fabric) and drying
(to dry the fabric material for reinstallation). Washing of rags and mops are also needed to ensure the
said cleaning tools are clean for the next use.
Waste segregation and disposal are essential to keeping the environment clean. This method
involves all the human senses to decide which waste materials or substances should be disposed or
recycled. Wet garbage are usually disposed immediately while recyclable waste materials are sorted and
collected before disposal. The hotel provides facilities for waste segregation and disposal.
Here are some ways and tips to remove different types of dirt on the carpet.
SPOTS
Mud
Coffee, Tea
Alcoholic Beverages
Urine
Chewing Gum
Grease
Candle Wax
Shoe Polish
Ink
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TREATMENT
Leave to dry.
Brush off.
If fresh, use warm water, dry well.
If old, use water and carpet shampoo:
sponge with foam, wipe with clean cloth.
Dry well.
Wash with warm water and detergent.
Rinse well.
Dry.
Sponge with salted water.
Follow with solution of weak ammonia (2
tsp ammonia & 2 cups of water).
Rinse well.
Dry.
Scrape of excess.
Put ice on top of the gum.
Scrape off when frozen.
Absorb excess with cloth.
Wash with water and detergent.
Rinse well.
Dry.
Scrape of excess.
Use warm iron and absorbent paper.
Apply kerosene if needed.
Use carpet shampoo if needed.
Mop as quickly as possible to prevent
from spreading.
Wash with warm water and detergent.
Treat the spot with weak acid – vinegar.
Rinse with cold water.
Dry with cloth.