CLEANING AGENTS

Cleaning is primarily the removal of dust and dirt. Dust being composed of loose particles is removed comparatively easily by the use of various types of equipments.

Dirt, however owing to its adherence to surfaces by means of grease or moisture requires the use of cleaning agents in conjunction with the right equipment if it is to be removed.

“Cleaning agents in general can be defined as natural or synthetic substances that are used to assist the cleaning process i.e. the removal of dirt and grit and the maintenance of a clean appearance on the surface”.

The various types of cleaning agents are:

  1. Water
  2. Detergents
  3. Abrasives
  4. Reagents
  5. Organic solvents
  6. Disinfectants & Bleaches
  7. Glass cleaners
  8. Deodorizers
  9. Laundry aids
  10. Toilet cleaners
  11. Polishers
  12. Floor sealers
  13. Floor stripers
  14. Carpet cleaners

WATER

It is referred as the universal solvent, this is the prime agent in the cleaning process, however, though an excellent solvent, water alone is not a sufficient effective cleanser to meet the standards most hotels, require. From the perspective of cleaning, there are two type of water:

  1. Hard water
  2. Soft water

Hard water: water that contains more than 60ppm (parts per million) of calcium and or magnesium is called “hard water”,   

Moderate hard water: when the mineral content is in the range of 61-120 ppm, the water is said to be moderately hard water.

Soft water: soft water is ideal for cleaning purposes and also to make up the proper dilutions of other cleaning agents. When the level of dissolved calcium and or magnesium is below 60ppm, it is called soft water.

However, water from all sources contains varying amounts of calcium and magnesium, usually in the form of bicarbonates, sulphates, and chlorides. It is their relative proportions that determine how “hard” the water is and in what ways.

Types of Hardness

  1. Temporary hardness: this is caused by bicarbonates of calcium and magnesium being dissolved in water. Temporary water’s hardness is so called because it can be removed by simply heating the water to a temperature above 72 degree Celsius.
  2. Permanent hardness: this is caused by sulphates and chlorides of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water. It cannot be removed by boiling and requires chemical treatment to render the water soft.

SOURCES OF WATER

  1. Surface water: obtained from streams, rivers and lakes. it may contain organic and inorganic impurities in large amount.
  2. Sub soil water: coming from shallow wells and springs, it is not likely to be contaminated with suspended matter and organic impurities. However, some gases and mineral matter are generally dissolved in it.
  3. Deep soil water: it is pumped up from deep wells, has percolated through much soil and rock to reach its resting depth. Therefore it has a very high content of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, phosphates, and silica as well dissolved gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and oxygen. The mineral salts dissolved in this water result in its hardness and render it unsuitable for cleaning purposes.

These days most cities, towns and some villages have running water supplied by the public works department (PWD). This water is filtered and chlorinated before bring piped.

 

EFFECTS OF HARD WATER:

  1. While laundering, it causes premature aging of fabrics due to constant friction with the deposits, from hard water.
  2. The fabrics become coarse and uncomfortable to wear.
  3. Hard water causes scale and fur to be deposited in boilers, pipes and various appliances.
  4. Iron and sulphur salts can cause discoloration.
  5. Sulphur also causes a rotten egg odour.
  6. Calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in water inhibit lather formation from soaps and detergents, so that much more detergent will have to be added to participate out the calcium and magnesium before cleaning can occur.
  7. Dissolved phosphates, on the other hand, can actually enhance the cleaning power of some detergents.

METHODS OF SOFTENING WATER

Water which has hardness greater than 50 ppm, needs to be softened. Temporary hardness can be removed by boiling the water or heating above 72 degree Celsius.

The most practical way of removing hardness is to treat it chemically by the following ways:

  1. Alkali method
  2. Lime soda method
  3. Addition of sequestering/chelating agents
  4. Ion – Exchange or Zeolite method
  5. Organic base exchange method

ALKALI METHOD

The alkali calcium hydroxide is used to remove the hardness of water in this method.

LIME SODA METHOD

In this method, sodium carbonate and calcium hydroxide both are used to remove the hardness.

ADDITION OF SEQUESTERING/CHELATING METHOD

Sequestering agents are organic or in-organic compounds that react with metallic ion and form a complex and that’s why unable to react with soaps and detergents. The most commonly used sequestering agents are EDTA (Ethylene Diamine tetra acetic Acid), NTA (Nitrilo Tri-acetic Acid) and sodium hexameta-phosphate. Thus water becomes soft.

 ION-EXCHANGE METHOD/ZEOLITE PROCESS

Zeolites are hydrated silicates of sodium and aluminum. In this chemical ion-exchange reaction takes place, any hardness is almost totally removed. Ion exchange units are available as attachments that can be fitted into the plumbing systems at the point where the water supply enters the hotel.

ORGANIC BASE –EXCHANGE METHOD

These are synthetic resins containing the sulphonic and carboxylic acid groups. When hard water is passed through these resins, the acids react with the calcium and magnesium salts to produce products which are non-active.

When the last two methods are used in succession, they yield very soft, pure water.

 DETERGENTS

These are cleaning agents that when used in conjunction with water, loosen and remove dirt and then hold it in suspension so that the dirt is not re-deposited on the cleaned surface. They can be of two types:

  1. Soapy detergents, and
  2. Synthetic detergents (non-soapy)

The three basic properties of a good detergent are:

  1. Good wetting power: To lower the surface tension of water and enable the surface of the article to be thoroughly wet.
  2. Good emulsifying power: To break up the grease and enable the dirt to be loosened.
  3. Good suspending power: To suspend the dirt in solution, thus preventing its re-deposition.

COMPOSITION AND ACTION OF DETERGENTS

All detergents are primarily composed of three parts:

  1. Active ingredients: It is obtained from fats and oils. These are composed of long fatty acid chains. Found in nature are the palmitic, stearic, oleic, an linoleic acids as triglycerides. The active ingredients in synthetic detergents are the surface active agents or surfactants obtained from petrochemicals.

Surfactants are four types:

  1. Anionic: good wetting power
  2. Cationic: very weak cleansing power
  3. Amphoteric: used to impart softness and as dye fixers.
  4. Non- ionic: have good emulsifying powers.
  5. Builders: A builder is a compound that has no surface – active properties but increases the efficiency of the detergent. In case of liquid detergents, the diluents can be water, in case of power, sodium sulphate is used. Builders can be organic or in-organic. (Sodium sulphate, phosphates, silicates, carbonate, sodium perborate, borax, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate.
  6. Additives: These may be bleaching agents, blueing agents, fluorescent brightness, enzymes, and so on. These help to counteract the yellowing of fabrics that occurs with age. They are compounds that absorb ultraviolet light and reflect it back as blue light, creating an illusion of whiteness. Photo activated bleaches.

 

Various builders used in detergents:

  1. Inorganic builders:

a). sodium sulphate

b). phosphates

c). silicates

d). carbonates

e). sodium perborate

f). borax

g). sodium chloride

h). Magnesium sulphate

  1. Organic builders:

a). CMC (Carboxy Methyle cellulose)

b). PVP (Poly Vinyl pyrrolitone)

c). (TAED) Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine)

 

HOW DETERGENTS WORK:

It is the surface –active agents or surfactants in the detergent that are responsible for the three basic properties of detergents. Each molecule of the surfactant has a hydropholic (‘water-loving’) head and a hydrophobic (water hating), oleophilic (grease loving) tail.

Wetting action:

The detergent lowers the surface tension of the water. The surfactant molecules tend to arrange themselves at the water air interface.

Emulsifying action:

The hydrophobic tails of the surfactant molecules are also olephilic in nature that is, they are attracted to grease. The tails thus penetrate the grease and lift it off the fabric surface. The dirt also gets lifted away as it is entrapped in the grease.

Suspending action:

Since the grease molecules are entrapped by the surfactant molecules, their contact with other surface is prevented. The grease is thus held in a stable emulsion in water. This is also partly due to the fact that the hydrophilic heads at the other end from the grease molecules are attracted to water.

TYPES OF DETERGENTS

Various types of detergents are available for use in different areas and on different surface.

  1. SOAPY DETERGENTS: -These are obtained when fat/oil is treated with alkali.
  • Toilet soap: They are used in different kinds of packaging for guestroom and cloakrooms. They contain perfume, dyestuffs and antioxidants such as Vitamin E.
  • Soap powders: They dissolve rapidly in water and comprise upto 40 percent of builders.
  • Soap flakes: The simplest of all detergents, they dissolve easily and are used for delicate fabrics washed at lower temperature.
  1. SYNTHETIC DETERGENTS:- These are soap free and have replaced the use of soaps in many cleaning processes.
  • Liquid synthetic detergent: These are light duty detergents for hard surface and lightly soiled fabrics. They contain 20 percent anionic surfactants, 2 percent non-ionic surfactant, about 33 percent alkaline builder, 9 percent bleach, 20 percent fillers, SCMC (Sodium Carboxy Methy Cellulose), brightners, and 15 percent water.
  • Biological detergents: They are powdered detergents to which enzymes have been added. They are used for removing organic stains at 40-50 degree Celsius.
  • Solvent based detergents: These contain water miscible solvents, builders and anionic solvent. Their pH is around 12.
  • Disinfectant detergent: These are based on cationic surfactants mainly ‘quats’ (Quaternary ammonium compound). They have good germicidal and anti-static properties. They are available as cleaning gels, air fresheners and fabric conditioners.

 

The ideal detergent: different types of detergents are used according to their suitability in cleaning various surfaces:

  • Have good wetting, emulsifying and suspending powers.
  • Readily dissolve in water.
  • Cleanse quickly with minimum agitation.
  • Be effective over a wide range of temperature.
  • Be easy to rinse away.
  • Be biodegradable
  • Be harmless to the skin and the surface to be cleaned.

ABRASIVES

 These are substances or chemicals that depend on their rubbing or scratching action to clean dirt and grit from hard water.

Types of abrasives:

  1. Fine abrasives
  2. Medium abrasives
  3. Hard/coarse abrasives

REAGENTS

These bring about cleaning by a chemical reaction requiring a distinctly low or high pH. They thus include acids and alkalis that aid in the cleaning process.

Types of reagents:

  1. Acids
  2. Alkalis

ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Grease is soluble in organic solvent such as baron tetrachloride, acetone, turpentine, and Methylated spirit. Solvents are also useful in cleaning surfaces that may be harmed by water.

DISINFECTANTS AND BLEACHES

Disinfectants aid in the cleaning process by bringing about varying ranges of microbial control.

Types of disinfectants:

  1. Phenols
  2. Halogens
  3. Natural pine oil
  4. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS)

Guidelines for using disinfectants:

  • Clean the surface first with detergent and rinse with soft water only.
  • Rinse away the detergent solution thoroughly before using a disinfectant on the surface.
  • Use the correct disinfectant for the range of disinfectant required.

GLASS CLEANERS

These are composed of an organic water miscible solvent such as isopropyl alcohol and an alkaline detergent. Some glass cleaners also contain a fine, mild abrasive. Most glass cleaner are available as sprays or liquids. They are sprayed directly onto windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces or applied on with soft cloth and rubbed off using a soft, lint free duster.

DEODORIZERS

Deodorizers aid in the cleaning process by counteracting stale odours and sometimes also introducing a fragrance to mask them. They are used in restrooms, guestrooms, bathrooms and public areas such as lobbies.

LAUNDRY AIDS

TOILET CLEANERS

These are strong, concentrated cleaning agents designed to clean and disinfect WCs and urinals. They are available in liquid, powder and crystalline forms. They are acidic in nature as their main function is to remove stubborn stains and lime-scale.

Liquid toilet cleaners:  These contain dilute hydrochloric acid, bleach, and pine oil.

Crystalline toilet cleaners: These contain sodium acid, sulphate anionic surfactant and pine oil.

Powdered toilet cleaners: These cleaners contain a soluble acidic powder, chlorinated bleach, a fine abrasive, and an effervescing agent to help the active ingredient spread in water.

POLISHES

These chemicals produce a shine by providing a smooth surface from which light is reflected evenly. They also create an attractive sheen on the hard surface.

Classification of polishes:

  1. Metal polishes: these remove the superficial tarnish that forms on metal surface due to the attack of certain compounds in the air and some food stuffs. These polishes also eliminate any scratches on the metal. Certain recommendation on the use of metal polishes are given below:
  • Cover the surrounding area with newspaper or protective sheets.
  • Carry out any polishing work in a sell ventilated room.
  • Use an appropriate polish applicator or disposable rags.
  • Remove polish with cotton or a soft, dry cloth.
  1. Furniture polishes: these contain a wax or resin, a solvent, water and silicone. The wax or resin helps to keep the furniture surface supple. It also protects against abrasion and absorption of stains and spills. Most pieces of furniture manufactured these days are polished with a permanent synthetic resin and thus do not require further application of polish.

Types of furniture polishes:

  • Paste polishes: these have a higher percentage of wax. They may or may not contain silicones. They are ideal for use on antique wooden furniture.
  • Cream polishes: these have a high percentage of solvent. They contain light colored waxes. Creams need to be used on furniture with a glass finish only as they gradually increase the shine after continual use on the surface.
  • Liquid polishes: these too have a high percentage of solvent. They contain about 8-12 percent wax. In addition, they may also contain a dye that can mask scratches on the surface of varnished furniture.
  • Spray on polishes: these contain about 8 percent wax and a high amount of silicone. Sprays contain aerosols to make their application simpler. These polishes clean as well as polish and pre-dusting of the surface is not required. Ideal way to apply spray polish is to first spray it on the duster and then rub this on the surface.
  1. Floor polishes: these have a two-fold function. They not only lend an attractive sheen to the surface, but also provide a protective coat on it. Floor polishes should not be applied too frequently.

Types of floor polishes:

  • Spirit/solvent based polishes: this kind of polish may be in the form of a liquid or a paste. They contain a blend of waxes and silicon dispersed in a solvent. The waxes used may be natural. After the polish has been applied to the floor, the solvent evaporates and the wax left behind is buffed up using a polishing machine.
  • Water based polishes: these are available in the form of a creamy liquid emulsion containing a blend of natural and synthetic waxes suspended in water by means of an emulsifying agent (ammonia or a synthetic detergent). some guidelines on the use of floor polishes are provided below:
  1. Ventilate the area well before starting
  2. Apply the polish to a clean, dry floor
  3. Allow sufficient drying time before applying a second coating
  4. Buff thoroughly to reduce the slipping hazard.
  5. Leather polishes: these contain a special blend of waxes a spirit solvent and occasionally a dye. They are available in the form of creams and liquids. They helps keep the leather supple and impart a sheen to it.

FLOOR SEALERS

These are applied to flooring surface as a semi permanent finish that acts as a protective barrier by preventing the entry of dirt, grit, liquids, grease, stains, and bacteria. 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 a combination of both.

TYPES OF FLOOR SEALERS:

There are six main types of floor sealers, depending on their composition.

  1. Oleo-resinous sealers
  2. One- pot plastic sealers
  3. Two-pot plastic sealers
  4. Pigmented sealers
  5. Water based sealers
  6. Silicate dressing

Selection the right sealer:

Most sealers are expensive, so a lot of thought should be put into buying the ideal seal for the particular flooring to get maximum durability and value for money:

  1. The type of floor
  2. The amount of traffic in the area
  3. Cost effectiveness
  4. Drying time
  5. Odour and fumes
  6. Shelf life.

Applying floor sealers:

Whichever type of floor sealer is chosen, the following recommendations should be followed while applying floor sealers:

  1. Use appropriate signs to warn passers-by that sealing is being carried out, else it may be a safety hazard.
  2. Maintain an ideal room temperature of 21 degree Celsius.
  3. Keep the room well ventilated
  4. Protect the area from flies and pests until the sealers is dry
  5. Apply several thin coats rather than a few thick ones.

FLOOR STRIPPERS

These are used to remove a worn-out floor finish so that a new sealer or polish can be applied. Most are based on alkalis with a high pH. There are two main types available. One is based on ammonia and the other is a non-ammoniated product. The ideal way is to add vinegar to the last rinse of water.

CARPET CLEANERS:

These are composed of neutral water-soluble solvents, emulsifiers, de-foamers, soil repelants, sanitizers, optical brighteners and deodorizers.

Some common cleaning agents:

  1. Ammonia
  2. Bath brick
  3. Benzene
  4. Borax
  5. Fuller’s earth
  6. Bran
  7. Hydrochloric acid
  8. Jeweller’s rouge
  9. Lemon
  10. Linseed oil
  11. Magnesia
  12. Oxalic acid
  13. Paraffin oil
  14. Petrol
  15. Pumice
  16. Vinegar
  17. Soda
  18. Common salt

SELECTION, STORANGE AND ISSUING OF CLEANING AGENTS

SELECTION

The use of cleaning agents is meant to save time, effort and money. The following points need to be considered when selecting cleaning agents:

  1. The type of spoilage
  2. Odour
  3. Range of action or versatility
  4. The type of surface
  5. Toxicity or side effects.
  6. Packaging volumes and quantities

 

STORAGE:

Cleaning agents with a longer shelf life are usually bought in bulk because of reduced costs that accure from the economies of scale. Storage of cleaning agents is crucial and various points to be kept in mind are mentioned below:

  1. Ensure that the storage racks are sturdy
  2. The store should be kept clean and well-ventilated at all the times
  3. Label all the containers neatly with a water proof marker
  4. Ensure that the lids are tightly secured
  5. Check stocks regularly
  6. Avoid spillage; if a spill occurs, clean it up immediately

ISSUING:

The housekeeper should implement proper system for the methodical issuing of cleaning agents from housekeeping stores. Stores may be issued in the following ways:

  1. REQUISTIONING: this system of issuing is followed in large hotels. The floor supervisor maintains a requisition book with requisition slip in triplicate.
  2. FULL OF EMPTY: this system of issuing is followed in smaller hotels. Empty containers of used up cleaning supplies are taken to the housekeeping stores by individual GRAs.
  3. TOPPING UP: the difference between this method and the earlier one is that here the GRAs approach the housekeeping stores only at a fixed time each week for getting their supplies topped up.

GUEST SUPPLIES:

Guest supplies include all items that are conducive to the guest’s material comfort and convenience. These may be grouped under:

  1. GUEST AMENITIES: all the luxury items that a hotel provides to its guests at no extra cost.
  2. GUEST EXPENDABLE: those guest supplies that are expected to be used up or taken away by the guest on leaving the property.
  3. GUEST ESSENTIALS: Items that are essential to the guest room but are not used up or expected to be taken away the guests.
  4. GUEST LOAN ITEMS: supplies that are not normally found in the guestroom, but are available to the guest on request.