For the hospitality and catering industry, regular, efficient cleaning operations are of critical, almost existential importance. This applies to outdoor and entrance areas just as much as it does to corridors, rooms and bathrooms in particular. A plan that is regularly implemented in conjunction with the correct machines and cleaning agents is critical for achieving excellent cleaning results.

The PDIR care cycle forms a good basis for this. When followed systematically, this cycle reduces the amount of time and effort spent on daily maintenance and ensures that the building’s value is retained. The abbreviation PDIR stands for the following
– Preventative
– Daily
– Interim
– Restorative

Although many hoteliers and restaurateurs are familiar with these four cleaning methods, they are not always aware of the benefits offered by the PDIR care cycle, which arise by implementing all four cleaning types in a coordinated, well-thoughtout manner. When used regularly, the PDIR system can reduce staff and material costs and save time.

Cleaning starts outside the building

Preventative cleaning is one of the key elements of the PDIR process. This concept starts with cleaning operations outside the hotel: thoroughly sweeping or washing open spaces can significantly reduce the amount of dirt brought into the building by guests. As well as the pavement and parts of the street directly in front of the entrance area, it is recommended to take parking spaces, other hotel entrances and public areas in front of delivery entrances, bars or restaurants into consideration. Areas outside the building such as terraces and balconies should not be overlooked either, particularly given that they collect a lot of dirt that can be carried into corridors, stairwells and guest rooms.

The concept of preventative cleaning pays off very quickly. Keeping exterior surfaces clean is much quicker and requires less work than cleaning the rooms themselves thanks to the fact that sweepers and high pressure cleaners can be used. The size of the sweeper and therefore the efficiency of the cleaning operations depend largely on the size of the surfaces to be cleaned:

— Walk-behind push sweepers with a dirt storage capacity of up to 30 l are suitable for cleaning smaller surfaces of up to 300 m² — Walk-behind vacuum sweepers with traction drive (petrol/diesel motor or battery-operated) fitted with a suction element and filter system are used for medium-sized surfaces of up to 1,000 m² — Ride-on vacuum sweepers with a large container capacity and hydraulic high container emptying are used for large-scale surfaces of 1,500 m² or higher

Aside from these options, cold water high-pressure cleaners are generally brought into operation if there are stubborn stains to be removed, e.g. moss, lichen, bird droppings, chewing gum or food residue. Care should be taken to ensure that enough water is available to easily loosen the dirt and transport it away from the area (600 l/h and higher). Hot water high-pressure cleaners are more adept at removing greasy stains. The cleaned surface also dries off much more quickly.

A dirt collection system tailored to the area in need of cleaning also falls under the umbrella of preventative cleaning. Mats should be distributed liberally in both the entrance and exit areas of a doorway, as people can use them to remove dirt from their shoes and thereby prevent it from being carried further into the building (at least four steps in length). Abrasive mats with bristles are recommended for outdoor use, as they can be used to clean all manner of shoes – even those with a deep tread. Indoor mats can have softer and finer bristles to remove the final traces of dirt and moisture. Soiled mats can also be regularly exchanged for clean ones or thoroughly cleaned themselves.

If any dirt does enter the building despite these measures, the spot cleaning method can be used. Stubborn or moist dirt can be quickly removed before it is brought into the building – even in areas subject to foot traffic – using a simple cordless electric broom or handheld mop. Use of preventative cleaning in outdoor areas varies according to weather conditions and the time of year and must therefore be adapted accordingly. It may be necessary to sweep the area several times a day, particularly in autumn and winter. However, the additional effort involved will ultimately pay off, as it will reduce the frequency with which the interior has to be cleaned. Not only that, but the condition of the exterior of the building makes a strong first impression on visitors.

Daily cleaning results in a tidy appearance and good hygiene

To ensure the desired level of cleanliness, maintenance cleaning on a daily basis is part of any good hotel’s routine. It plays a key role in making both guests and employees feel at home. It is also necessary for preventing stubborn dirt on carpets or hard floors from causing lasting damage and extending their service life.

Upright brush-type vacuum cleaners have proven to be especially effective at cleaning textile floors and carpets on a daily basis. Driven by a separate motor,the carpet brushes in the suction head reach deep into the carpet and direct the loosened dirt to the suction channel while simultaneously straightening the fibres of the floor covering. This prevents it from becoming damaged. Stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine or tar also have to be immediately removed using a stain remover in order to ensure that the flooring looks clean and tidy.

A mop is usually used to clean flexible and hard floor surfaces such as linoleum or tiles. However, any surface area greater than 200 m² would, from an economic point of view, certainly benefit from the use of a compact scrubber drier. The use of a machine is always more thorough than cleaning a space by hand. It also means that the dirt is vacuumed immediately, making the process more hygienic on the whole. A disc brush (smooth structure) or a roller brush (rough surface) is used depending on the surface structure of the flooring. This is especially important when cleaning spa and fitness areas. In addition to the particularly strict hygiene requirements, it is important for the flooring to be slip-resistant.