Dirt

Chapter 5: Principles of 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/she is not certain about the kind of dirt and to be cleaned and what procedures to follow 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:

* Recognize the different types of dirt.

* Know the elements of cleaning.

* Apply cleaning method.

Types of Dirt

Dirt is residue 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/She must also combine the elements of cleaning for effective removal of the dirt.

Dust is the basic source of dirt. It is in the form of particles. When these particles are mixed 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 then recognized as damaged surface.

Cleaning Elements

When cleaning, we cannot just hold 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, when the type of dirt could not be removed by the first three elements, temperature shall be...