Chapter-4 :-Cleaning Agents

(A)  GENERAL CRITERIA FOR SELECTION :-

The use of cleaning agents is meant to save time, efforts and money. If selected well ,all the three objectives may be fulfilled. The following points need to be considered when selecting cleaning agents.

(i) The type of soilage .

(ii) The type of surface

(iii) Composition of the cleaning  agents

(iv) Easy to use , saving of efforts and time

(v) Toxicity or side effects

(vi) Odour

(vii) Range of action or versatility

(viii) Shelf life

(ix) Packaging volumes and quantities

(x) Cost effectiveness

(B)CLASSIFICATION:-

Cleaning agents can be defined as natural or synthetic substances that are use to assist cleaning process . various kind of cleaning agents are discussed below :

(a)   Water :- it is the prime agent in cleaning process .it is not a sufficiently effective cleanser to meet standards  most hotel required. For water to be effective in cleaning . it must be used with other cleaning agents.

(b)   Detergent :- these are cleaning agents that are used with water , loosen $ removed dirt.  The three basic properties of a good  detergent are :-

·         Good wetting power

·         Good emulsifying power

·         Good suspending power

(i) Composition of detergent

(a) Active ingredients – The active ingredients is obtained from natural oil and fats

(b)Builders – These give bulk to the detergent . it increases the efficiency of detergents

(c) Additives – Optical brighteners help to prevent the yellowing of fabrics that occurs with time .

(ii) Types  of detergents :-

(a)   Soapy detergent :-These are obtained when fat is treated with an alkali. The process is called saponification .  These are effective only in soft water .

(b)   Synthetic detergent :- These are soap free. They are not effective by hard water .

(C)  Abrasive  :-

These are substances that depends on their rubbing or scratching action to clean dirt from hard surfaces

(i) Types of abrasives :-

On the basis of hardness:-

(a)Fine abrasive: - chalk, pink oxide of iron

(b)Medium abrasive: - salt

(c) Hard abrasive: - bath brick, sand paper , steel wool, emery paper etc.

(D)  Reagents:-

These brings about cleaning by a chemical reaction

Types of reagents:-

(a) Acid: - It used as cleaning agent. It may vary from mild acid (acetic acid) to strong acid (hydrochloric acid) . Rubber gloves should always be use while handling them. Strong acids should be rinsed away after cleaning process.

(b) Alkalis: - These were used as cleaning agents in the form of liquids and powder. Strong alkalis should be used with utmost caution as they are corrosive and toxic.

(E)  Organic solvents: - Grease is soluble in many organic solvents. An organic solvent evaporates rapidly from a surface and are ideal for cleaning glass surface. Organic solvent should be handled with care as they are harmful to skin.

(F) Disinfectants and bleaches:- It helps in cleaning process by bringing about varying ranges of microbial control.

(i) Types of disinfectants:-

(a) Phenols:- These are used  to disinfect  surface in hospitals.

(b) Halogens:- Chlorine and iodine may be used as disinfectants.

(c) Pine oil:- Pine oil are obtained from pine tree.

(G) Glass cleaners:- Most glass cleaners are available as spray or liquids. A glass cloth is ideal for the purpose. Soft water to which some methylated spirit or vinegar is added is an inexpensive glass cleaner  that can be readily made in housekeeping department.                          

(H)  Deodorizers:- It helps in the cleaning process by preventing bad odours. They are used in restroom , guestroom, cloakroom and public areas.  They are available as sprays , liquids , powder etc.

(I) Toilet Cleaners:- These are strong cleaning agents designed to clean and disinfect WC and urinals. They  are available in liquid , powder and solid forms. They are acidic in nature. They all contain some form of disinfectant. Whatever the form of toilet cleaner used, they should never be mixed with other cleaning agent since harmful gases may be produced.

[C]    POLISHES:-

These chemicals produce a shine by providing a smooth surface from which light is reflected evenly . Polishes are applied to a surface to form hard, protective layer and guard against finger marks , stain and scratches.

Classification of polishes:-

(a) Metal polish:- These remove the tarnish that form on metal. These polish also eliminate any scratches on metal. In hotels , hard  surface where metal polishes are used included door plates and handles , foot rails in bar , staircase, banisters, ashtrays, bathroom fitting ,tableware and cutlery. Metal polishes are available in form of clear liquid and of  powders.

Certain recommendation on  use of metal polishes are given below:-

·         Cover the surrounding area with newspaper or protective sheet.

·         Carry out any polishing work in a well-ventilated room.

·         Use an appropriate polish applicators.

·         Remove polish with cotton or soft dry cloth.

·         Buff polish with rags and dusters.

·         Leave the area and equipment clean and tidy after polishing work is complete.

(b)Furniture Polish:- It protects against abrasion and  absorption of stains and spills furniture polish needs to apply frequency only. In case of unvarnished wood, they can be buffed regularly with a duster. Certain points should be kept in mind while working with furniture polish.

·         Apply the polish on clean surface

·         Use least quantity as far as possible

·         Use soft disposal rags for applying polish

·         Always keep polish containers close when not in use

(c) Floor polish :- These polish not only give an attractive look to the surface but also provide a protective coat on it . The right kind of polish should be used along with right equipments .

Some guidelines on use of floor polish are in listed below :-

·         Use appropriate signage .

·         Ventilate the area well before starting

·         Apply the polish to a clean and dry floor .

·         Allow sufficient drying time

·         Buff thoroughly .

(d)   Leather polish  :- These contain wax, solvent and dye. They are available in form of cream and liquid .

(D)  FLOOR SEALS :- These are applied to flooring surfaces as a semi permanent finish that act as protective barrier by preventing entry of dirt, grease, stains and bacteria. They prevent scratching and provide easily maintainable surface . Floor sealing should be done on a clean and dry surface .Most sealers require hardening time of  12 to 16 hours and 2 to 3  coats are recommended .

(i) Types of floor sealer :-

(a) Oleo resinous sealers :- these are clear sealers used on wood and cork floors . They impart an attractive surface and also penetrate the floor darkening the colour . They are cheaper (b) One pot plastic sealer :- They are made of synthetic material. They impart gloss to floor but do not penetrate it .

(c) Two pot plastic sealer :- This type  of sealer should be used in well ventilated room as they smell strongly of  fumes .

(d) Pigmented sealers :- these sealer contain colour pigments .

(e) Water based sealer :- it penetrate the floor surface to provide plastic skin. They can easily be touched up , removed and renewed .

(f) Silicate sealer :- They prevent the entry of dust on there surface . These are much cheaper  than other sealers .

(E) USE, CARE AND STORAGE:-

Cleaning agents with a longer shelf life are bought in bulk because of reduce cost . Other agents are bought  and replenish periodically . Storage of cleaning agent is crucial and various points to be kept in mind  are :-

·         Ensure that storage rags are sturdy . Heavier containers must be kept on bottom shelf

·         The store should be kept clean and well ventilated .

·         Label all containers neatly

·         Ensure that lids are tightly  closed .

·         Use appropriate dispenser .

·         Avoid spillage

·         Check stock regularly

·         The store  should be kept locked  when not in use .

[F] DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROLS:-

(i) Requisition :-

This system of issuing is followed in large hotels. The floor supervisor maintain a requisition book with slips in triplicate. A slip is filled by room attendant, this is signed by floor supervisor and book is sent to stores. The store keeper collects the items and sign the triplicate copies of requisition slip. The store then issue the requisition item which are collected by housekeeping employee and transported to floor with one signed copy of requisition slip. The second copy is send to EHK and third copy  remains in requisition book.

(ii) Full for empty :- This system of issuing is followed in small hotels. Empty containers of used up cleaning supplies are taken to housekeeping store by  room attendant. The store assistant replace the empty container with full one.

(iii) Topping up :- The difference between this method and the earlier one is that here room attendant approach housekeeping stores only at a fix time.  Each week for getting their supplies topped up.

[G] USE OF ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS IN HOUSEKEEPING:-

(i) Toiletries:- Some of the herbs and natural substances frequently used in toiletries such as shampoos , conditioners , lotions etc. are aloe vera , citrus fruit , neem , sunflower , basil , pumpkin , cucumber , turmeric , sandalwood , apricot , mace , clove , nutmeg , coriander , rose  , henna , clay , honey etc.

(ii) Energy conserving products :- housekeepers are looking for products and equipments that conserve energy. Housekeeper and interior designers also have their energy efficient lamps.

(iii)Ozone treatment :-Ozone act as a disinfectant. It is safer and more effective than chlorine as it purifies water and air leaving behind no harmful residues.

(iv) Air treatment:- Ozonizers can be used to treat air in hotel rooms and public areas.

(v) Water treatment:-Ozone can also be used to treat drinking water , swimming pools , laundry operations etc.