Unit 5: Cleaning Notes

5.1 Cleaning Introduction

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.

5.2. Principles of cleaning

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.

5.3. Basic principles of cleaning

• All soils should be removed without harming the surface being cleaned or the surrounding surfaces.
• The surface should be restored to its original state after the cleaning processes.
• The cleaning process should be efficient, using a minimum of equipment, cleaning agents, labor & time.
• The simplest cleaning method should be tried first, along with using the mildest cleaning agent.
• Always use the cleaning methods least harmful to the surface should be used.
• The cleaning should proceed from high area to low wherever possible.
• Always start with the cleaner surfaces & then go on to clean the more heavily soiled ones, so as to prevent the spread of soil from dirty to cleaner surfaces.
• While wet cleaning an area or polishing the floor, the cleaner should walk backward while cleaning in front of him.
• Use of the suction/vacuum cleaning should be preferred over sweeping wherever possible.
• Sweeping should be done before dusting, and dusting before suction cleaning.
• The noise levels while cleaning should be kept as low as possible.
• Try to remove stains as soon as they occur using the correct methods.
• The cleaner should take all safety precautions while cleaning.
• The cleaning agents & equipment should be stacked neatly to one side after each use.
• The cleaner should start cleaning from the farthest end of an area, working towards the exit.
• After the cleaning process is over, all equipment should be washed or wiped as applicable, dried, & stored properly.
• Cleaning agents should be replenished & stored properly.
• All waste needs to be discarded & the working area should be always left neat & tidy.

5.4. Types of 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.

A. Manual Cleaning Method

a. Sweeping

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:

• Push brooms are those which are utilized for big areas and corn brooms are those which are best for corners & tight spaces.
• A broom that has long handle is most suitable ergonomically.
• The sweeping process starts from the back corner of the room or area and ends at the door or exit.
• Sweeping is considered to be inefficient, not so much advanced or hygienic as so much of it becomes airborne.
• Use small, smooth strokes and sweep right into a long-handled dustpan without squandering the dust.
• Always keep the head of the broom flat on the floor.
• While using a long-handled broom, always use smooth strokes to sweep away from yourself.
• Sweeping has been replaced by the use of the suction machines.
• It is very essential in sweeping to develop a proper rhythm and ‘bounce’ which push broom to keep away from rolling the bristles under.
• Use the broom to sweep dirt into a small stack.
• Use a dustpan to pick up the dirt before sweeping further.
• Then, clear the dirt from the dustpan into the trash bag on your cart.

b. Dusting

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:-

• Room attendants should begin dusting from the entrance door of the room (top to bottom) and then need to go ahead clockwise or anticlockwise around the room.
• It helps to minimize the possibility of missing a spot.
• Always fold the duster three times and then thrice again, with this technique you can easily get 18 clean folds and consequently making the duster more effective.
• Make sure that not a single corner of the duster should be left hanging.
• Always use microfiber duster with color-coded.
• Do not use old rags, it leaves beyond their dust and lint.
• Generally, dusting starts from the highest surfaces so that dust does not fall on the object which is already cleaned.
• Always apply a dusting solution or chemical, by spraying a small amount of solution onto the duster.
• Keep in mind never spray dusting solution directly onto the surface being cleaned as it can stain or cause stickiness.
• Ensure that the duster not be unfolded in the room after finishing dusting, neither outside the window.
• Carry the duster carefully aside to such a place where it can be washed & dried.

c. Damp 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.

• Always use microfiber cloth at the accurate level of dampness that should be used to avoid leaving any stain.
• A dusting solution can be applied by spraying a small quantity into the dust cloth.
• Need to avoid damp dusting on all the electrical and electronic equipment.

d. Dust Mopping/ Dry Mopping/ Mop Sweeping

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:

• Dust- mopping is performed with a dust control-mop that may or may not be infused with a cleaning solution. Using such a solution it will stop the dust from rising.
• During dust- mopping, apply a figure of eight strokes and place the mop head on the floor every time.
• Do not pull the mop straight backward.
• After completing each figure of eight, swivel the mop around and on the return, proceed & extend over to cover partly the areas that have been wiped by about 8 inches.
• During sweeping in open places, clean in long straight lanes to cover all area by moving up & down.
• Always use a dustpan to sweep up gathered thrash.
• Should carry the head of the mop upwards extremely carefully and after you finished, and then quiver into a bag to clean.

e. Spot Mopping

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:-

• Always use cold and clean water so that the finish on a floor is not softened.
• Need to place caution signs before beginning the mopping.
• Try to avoid the use of detergents unless necessary i.e. if the substance on the floor has been dry.
• Use a damp cloth to mop the floor.
• Let the floor air dry

f. Wet Mopping/ Damp 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:-

• Before wet mopping on the floor first needs to do dust mopping.
• Apply neutral or mild alkaline chemicals in water for wet-mopping.
• The chemical which applied must be of the variety that doesn’t require rinsing or else need to spray diluted one from the spray bottle and have to do damp mop.
• Mix the proper cleaner with water in the mop bucket and use it on the floor.
• While using mop water, submerge the mop in the bucket and squeeze it out until it gets damp.
• Start mopping near baseboards in smooth strokes.
• Then continue mopping the entire area with the figure eight strokes.
• Always change the water from the bucket when it becomes dirty.
• A hard brush is used for stubborn & obstinate spots and uses the squeegee to increase the pace in drying the floor.
• Then need to clear the water from the mop bucket, rinse it with clean water and keep it to dry.

g. Manual Scrubbing

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:-

• Scrub gently in uniformly away from yourself, always working backward.
• Rinse nicely in sequence to detach any chemical from the surface.
• Use a squeegee to clear away surplus rinse water.
• Then need to mop the floor.

h. Manual Polishing

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:-

• Sparingly apply the polish.
• Make the use of cotton rags to apply polish and a cloth for buffing.
• Use a soft brush for carved objects to get the polish into the fissure.
• Always use the proper polish for a specific surface i.e. for gold metals items need to use Brasso.

i. Spot Cleaning

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:-

• It helps in removing the stains from different kinds of hard & soft surfaces.
• For removing a restricted stain, the whole area does not require to be treated with stain-removal reagents.
• Only in those areas where the stain discolors the surface and is performed in the process of spot cleaning.
• Spot cleaning is usually done on walls, fabric, carpets, or flooring.

B. Mechanical Cleaning Method

Cleaning which requires mechanized or electronic equipment is called as mechanized cleaning. Types of mechanized cleaning and their procedure are given below:

a. Suction cleaning/ vacuum cleaning

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:-

• This is the basic & preparatory step to all other mechanized procedures & should be performed regularly.
• Very often it must also be repeated at end of these processes.
• The goal is to remove as much dry soil as possible so that it does not spread, scratch the finish, or damage the surface.
• Remove dirt from room corners and carpet edges.
• Plug-in the vacuum cleaning to an appropriate power point.
• Vacuum from one side of the room to the other. Vacuuming with high filtration machines is the most complete method of dry soil removal as it picks up, packages, & removes soil without spreading it around. Wet vacuum cleaners are now available, which help to mop water from floors as well.
• These are usually dual- function machines that can be used for both wet & dry work
• Extraction machines for cleaning carpets also work on the principle of suction.

b. Spray buffing

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:-

• This process uses a 175- or 300-rpm (revolutions per minute) floor machine & a soft pad or brush.
• The operator sprays a light mist of a commercial cleaning preparation or detergent & a finishing solution in front of the machine.
• As the machine goes over the area, soil, scuffs, light scratches, & marks are removed & the shine is restored to the surface.
• Vacuuming or dust-mopping is a follow-up step to remove loosened dirt.

c. Polishing

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 1500 – 2500 rpm floor machine.
Procedure for polishing:-

• This process uses a 175- 1500-rpm floor machine & a soft pad or brush to remove some soil & brush to remove some soil & put the shine back in the finish.
• Vacuuming or dust- mopping should be carried out as a follow- up step to remove loosened dirt.

d. Scrubbing

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:-

• This process removes embedded dirt, marks, deeper scuffs, & scratches from the floor along with some of the finish.
• The pad or brush, the type of detergent, the water temperature, weight and speed of the machine all determine whether the process is considered light or heavy scrubbing.
• For instance, aggressive pads, higher- pH detergents solutions & fast, heavy machines perform the deepest scrubbing.
• Light scrubbing removes just one or two coats of finish. Heavy scrubbing removes all or most of the finish, down to the protective sealing coat.

e. Stripping

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:-

• A strong stripping agent, a coarse pad or brush, hot water, & intensive labor make stripping a costly, time consuming, & sometimes an even hazardous process, which should be used only when no other process will achieve the desired results.
• Diligent use of other maintenance procedures delays the need for stripping

f. Laundering

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:-

• Only the washable fabrics are cleaned.
• In this process soil & stains are removed from textiles in an aqueous medium.
• It involves the subroutines of washing, bleaching, drying & pressing, all carried out using specialized laundry equipment & cleaning agents.
• Other sub-processes such as spot cleaning, starching, & softening may also be involved.

g. Dry Cleaning

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:-

• In this method soil & stains are removed from textiles in a non-aqueous medium.
• Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water.
• It is used to clean fabrics that degrade in water, and delicate fabrics that cannot withstand the rough and tumble of a washing machine and clothes dryer.

5.5. Cleaning Equipment’s (selection, care and maintenance)

Cleaning Equipment’s

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

A. Manual Cleaning Equipment

a. Broom

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:

b. Brushes

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.

c. Mops

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:-

d. Wringer Trolley

e. Containers

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.

f. Cloths

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.

B. Mechanical Cleaning Equipment

5.6. Care and maintenance of the cleaning equipment:-

1. Care and maintenance of mechanical equipment:

• Regular servicing of the equipment.
• Check for frayed wires and plugs.
• Unusual working noise from the equipment should be reported.
• Oil the wheels/castors for easy movement.
• Check for tangles/knotted wires.
• Keep the equipment and the accessories clean after every use.

2. Care and maintenance of manual equipment:

• Keep the equipment separately as per their types.
• Wash and clean equipment after use.
• Equipment must be dried after washing.
• Use warm water, soap and mild detergent to clean the equipment.
• Some equipment need to be disinfected to prevent cross contamination of germs.

5.7. Selection of Cleaning Equipment’s

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:-

1. Certifications:-
   Always approach a manufacturer having following certifications. Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIVlS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant, ClMS Green Building.
2. Experience:-
   Ask the company about their experience in the cleaning field and check the credibility of the company by contacting their other clients.
3. Products:-
   Check about the products and its usage which will help to decide whether the company meets the requirements. Don’t forget to read about the review of their products. This will help to analyze the quality of the product.
4. 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.
5. Warranty/Insurance:-
   Always choose the products that have at least 1-year warranty that will helps to buy products with a long life.
6. Productivity:
   how much square feet of carpet area can be cleaned in one hour ?
7. Work performance:
   In terms of capacity and machine and consumer reports on performance.
8. Ease of handling:
   In terms of size, weight and height of the machine and ease of maneuvering and operating.
9. Appearance:
   What impression might guests have if they see the equipment in use.
10. Accessories:
    What kind of accessories are required or available?
11. Refill Procedure:
    How easy or difficult to refill required chemicals or cleaning agents ?
12. Regular Maintenance and care:
    What kind of regular care and maintenance is required for the upkeep of the equipment.
13. Safety:-
    Safety in operation and maintenance.
14. Suitability:
    To the type of area, surface, work, amount of obstruction and cleaning frequency.
15. Versatility:
    To undertake various types of cleaning.
16. Portability:
    In terms of ease of transfer between floors and the provision of wheels and detachable parts and consumer reports on life expectancy.
17. Noise level:
    which is a more important consideration for hospitals than hotels.
18. Availability of spare parts:
    easy servicing conditions and lead time after booking of equipment.
19. Protective design:
    which may feature a protective edging to prevent damage to wall furniture and fittings and no sharp edges.
20. Ease of storage:
    In terms of ease of dismantling detachable parts and storage space required.
21. Cost:
    as a sum of initial costs , operating costs, maintenance and depreciation , as well as hiring considerations as opposed to purchasing.
22. Training:
    What Training programs are given to the hotel staff on using the product.

5.8. Cleaning Agents

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.

5.9. Choice of cleaning agent

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; –

• Type of soiling
• Composition
• Ease of use
• Saving of time and labor
• Possible damage to surface
• Toxic or irritation to skin
• Smell
• Versatility
• Packaging
• Storage and deterioration
• Cost

5.10. Most Commonly Used Cleaning Agents:

• Detergent
• Scouring liquid / powder
• WC cleanser
• Mirror cleanser
• Furniture polish
• Air freshener

Classification Of 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
• Detergents
• Abrasives
• Degreasers
• Acid cleaners
• Organic solvents
• Other cleaning agents

1. Water

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.

2. Detergent

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.

3. Degreasing Agents

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.

4. Alkalis

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.

5. Acids And Toilet Cleansers

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).

6. Organic Solvents

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.

7. Polishes

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.

8. Floor Sealers

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.

9. Disinfectants And De-odorants

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.

10. Window Or Glass Cleansers

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.

11. Absorbents

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.

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Most Probable Questions