Intermediate cleaning: the right methods minimise downtime

From time to time, intermediate cleaning is necessary on top of day-to-day cleaning. Intermediate cleaning not only saves on time and money as far as the need for deep cleaning is concerned, but also ensures that the high standard of cleaning is maintained. In this context, it is essential to choose the right method, as this minimises disruption to guests and reduces downtime in the hotel.

When implemented on a regular basis, intermediate cleaning enables flexible and hard floor surfaces to be kept clean with the minimum of effort using a scrubber drier and the one-step method. The following parameters should be taken into account:

• Choice of required brush system (roller or disc) for the surface structure in question
• Use of correct brush or pad material (hard or soft) with regard to type of dirt to be removed
• Use of most effective cleaning agent in the right dosage considering the amount of dirt to be tackled It is important to bear in mind that roller technology is much more efficient than disc technology due to the high contact pressure and high rotational speed of the brushes, which also causes the brushes to clean themselves.

Machines that feature roller technology are also used for the intermediate cleaning of textile coverings. When the appropriate cleaning agent is added, the iCapsol encapsulates the dirt that has been worked into the fibres of the textile covering. As a result, the covering is only damp and can be used again within a short space of time. Once the covering has been left to dry for at least 30 minutes, the encapsulated dirt is removed from the fibres using an upright brush-type vacuum cleaner, which is necessary for this type of work. This leaves no trace of the cleaning agent used and protects against resoiling.

Deep cleaning is essential

Despite all other cleaning and maintenance efforts, it is not possible to avoid giving flooring the deep cleaning treatment. The aim, insofar as is possible, is to restore the flooring to its original condition and degree of slip resistance. Of the four cleaning methods discussed, deep cleaning is the most material, time and labour intensive.

Great care has to be taken when dealing with a textile floor covering – it has to be washed using a spray extraction machine in order to restore it to its original appearance in terms of shape and colour. To deep cleaning the fibres of the covering, the selected cleaning solution is worked into the floor via a floor nozzle set at the required spray pressure and vacuumed into the machine as loosened dirt in a single operation. The floor nozzle with integrated roller is particularly effective, as the additional mechanism is able to remove the attached dirt from the fibres. The floor covering is then rinsed with clean water. Once dry, it is thoroughly vacuumed using an upright brush-type vacuum cleaner. The carpeted floor should not be walked on while it is drying (at least eight hours).

The following method can also be used in conjunction with a hand nozzle to clean mattresses and cushions on chairs and sofas. The spray extraction cleaner is also a key tool for tackling minor day-to-day accidents and spills, as it removes dirt and stains quickly and safely. Generally speaking, it is advisable to order a fibreprotecting agent alongside these other products.

Hard and flexible flooring requires deep cleaning when a build-up of dirt and old protective films affects the floor’s appearance. Scrubber driers are essential in such situations. The same parameters as those stated under ‘intermediate cleaning’ apply here with one difference: the two-step method is used instead of the one-step method (apply cleaning solution, scrub and remove loosened dirt). In the two-step method, the cleaning solution (generally a deep cleaner in a higher dosage) is first applied using the machine and then scrubbed off evenly and in a crosswise manner once the solution has been allowed to react with the dirt. If the dirt has been sufficiently loosened, the squeegee vacuums it into the machine. As stipulated in the onestep method, the floor covering is then rinsed in order to neutralise the surface.

A protective coating is applied to flexible floor coverings such as linoleum or PVC once they are sufficiently dry. The flooring takes on a new shine while it is drying off. It should be polished at regular intervals to maintain the glossy appearance. As a rule, natural stone flooring and tiles are not coated.

Deep cleaning of heavily soiled wooden floors is only possible using a scrubber drier with a roller scrubber head in conjunction with the one-step method. Cleaning operations are carried out multiple times in the direction of the wood grain. As is the norm for the one-step method, the floor is rinsed with clean water. After it has dried to a sufficient degree, wax or oil is applied manually. Once it has set, the floor is polished using soft polishing brushes along with the scrubber drier. Deeper scratches cannot be removed using this method. In this case, the floor needs to be sanded down.

The success of the PDIR care cycle always depends on carrying out the right combination of individual cleaning procedures. Most importantly, periodic deep cleaning operations can be delayed by ensuring that daily cleaning tasks are carried out correctly. Conducting intermediate cleaning operations every so often also cuts down on the time and effort required overall. Preventative cleaning is the most important activity of all, as it enables dirt to be tackled at the source, namely outside the building. As such, it has a major influence on all other upkeep and maintenance activities.