Different Types of Cleaning Procedures in Hotel Housekeeping

HotelA Hotel or Inn may be defined as an establishment whose primary business is providing lodging facili... housekeeping is an essential aspect of maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for guests. However, cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all task. Different types of cleaning procedures are necessary to ensure that all areas of the hotel are clean and maintained properly.

The first type of cleaning procedure is routine cleaning. This involves the daily cleaning of guest rooms, common areas, and public restrooms. HousekeepingA department of the rooms division; responsible for cleaning the hotel's guest rooms and public area... staff will typically dust, vacuum, and clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, and furniture. They will also restock supplies such as towels, toiletries, and linens.

The second type of cleaning procedure is deep cleaning. This involves a more thorough cleaning of certain areas, such as carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spaces. Deep cleaningDeep cleaning: intensive or specialised cleaning undertaken in guest rooms or public areas; often co... may also involve the use of specialized equipment, such as steam cleaners or pressure washers.

Another important type of cleaning procedure is sanitization. This involves the use of disinfectants and other cleaning agents to kill germs and bacteria. Sanitization is especially important in public restrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas.

In addition to these procedures, housekeeping staff must also follow safety protocols, such as wearing gloves and masks, to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. By following these cleaning procedures, hotel housekeeping staff can ensure that guests have a safe and comfortable stay.

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for ensuring that the housekeeping staff follows the standard cleaning procedures and methods. They should also oversee that proper tools (mechanized or non-mechanized) are used to carry out their assigned tasks. 

Floors and carpets in the hotel require regular cleaning and finishing to retain their appearance and durability. Deciding when and how carpets and floors should be cleaned is an important task and this important task is further complicated by the different available cleaning procedures, machines, and solutions. 

Cleaning processes in housekeeping can be either manual or mechanical. They may involve different methods like washing (using water as a cleaning and rinsing agent), friction (as in using an abrasive), static electricity (by using a static mop), suction (by using a vacuum cleaner), or force (by using pressurized water). The various types of cleaning processes are summarized in this section.

Manual Cleaning Methods – Which do not require mechanized or electronic equipment:-

1. Sweeping:

What is the process involved in sweeping?

1. Sweeping is done to collect dust when the floor surface is too rough for a dust mop.
2.  Push brooms are used for large areas & corn brooms are best for corners & tight spaces.
3.  A broom with a long handle is most suitable ergonomically.
4.  Start the sweeping process in the back corner of the room or area and away from the door or exit.
5.  Use short, smooth strokes and sweep directly into a long-handled dustpan without dissipating the dust.
6.  Keep the head of the broom flat on the floor at all times.
7.  When using a long-handled broom, use smooth strokes to sweep away from yourself.
8.  It is important in sweeping to develop a rhythm and ‘bounce’ the push broom to avoid rolling the bristles under.
9.  Use the broom to sweep dirt into a small pile.
10.  Pick up the dirt using a dustpan before sweeping further.
11.  Empty the dirt from the dustpan into the trash bag on your cart.

What are the Cons of sweeping?

• Sweeping is not the most efficient, hygienic, or advanced way of removing dust, as so much of it becomes airborne.
•  Sweeping has in many cases been replaced by the use of suction cleaners.

What is the Equipment required for sweeping?

• A broom, a dustpan, a trash bag, and a stocked pubic-space cleaning cart.

2. Dusting:

What is the process involved in dusting?

1. This task requires a systematic and orderly approach for efficiency & ease.
2.  Room attendants should start dusting articles at the door & work clockwise around the room.
3.  This minimizes the chances of overlooking a spot.
4.  Always fold the duster three times & then thrice again, with this method, you can get 18 clean folds and thus making the duster more effective.
5.  No corners of the duster should be left hanging.
6.  A soft, lint-free cloth should be used as a duster.
7.  Avoid using old rags, which leave behind their dust and lint.
8.  In all cases, begin dusting from the highest surfaces so that dust does not fall on items already cleaned.
9.  In case a dusting solution is used, spray a small amount onto the cloth.
10.  Never spray dusting solution directly onto the surface being cleaned as it can stain or cause stickiness.
11.  The duster should not be unfolded in the room after dusting, nor be shaken outside the window.
12.  Carry the duster away carefully to such a place where it can be washed & dried.

What are the cons or disadvantages of dusting?

• Dusting can strip the dust particles and the dust might settle down in other areas.
•  DustDust: To sprinkle lightly with flour; sugar or other substance., allergens, and other particles will float through the Air when dusting with a dry cloth.
•  Never spray dusting solutions directly to the surface as it might create stains or stickiness.

What are the Equipment & agents required for dusting?

• Cloth duster, Micro FiberFiber - Indigestible carbohydrates found in fruits and vegetables. Cloths, Feather duster & dusting solution if necessary.

3. Damp dusting:

What is the process of damp dusting?

1. This is the most preferred way of cleaning in hotels as surfaces can be wiped as well as dusted, removing any sticky or dirty marks at the same time.
2.  A suitable lint-free cloth at the correct level of dampness should be used to avoid leaving any smears.
3.  A Dusting solution can be also used by spraying a small amount into the dust cloth.
4.  Damp dusting should be avoided on all electrical and electronic equipment.

What are the Equipment & agents required for damp dusting?

• Cloth duster, water, plastic bowl, & a neutral detergent if necessary.

4. Dust Mopping / Dry Mopping/ Mop Sweeping:

What is the process of Floor Dust Mopping?

1. This is the preferred way to remove dust, sand, or grit from the floor.
2.  If the dust and other substances are not removed from the floor daily, they will continually scratch the surface finish, diminishing its luster, & will eventually penetrate down to the floor itself.
3.  Dust-mopping is done with a dust control –mop, that may or may not be impregnated with cleaning solution.
4.  Using such a solution stops the dust from rising.
5.  While dust-mopping, use the figure of eight strokes & keep the mop head on the floor at all times.
6.  Do not drag the mop straight backwards.
7.  On finishing each figure of eight, swivel the mop around &, on the return, pass & overlap the areas that have been wiped by about 8 inches.
8.  When sweeping in open spaces, clean in long straight lanes, covering the whole area by moving up & down.
9.  Use a dustpan to sweep up accumulated thrash.
10.  Always carry the mop head upwards very carefully after you are done,& then shake it into a bag to clean.

What are the cons or disadvantages of Dry Mopping the Floor?

• Dust mopping removes gross soil but also redistributes &/or leaves behind large amounts of fine particulates.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Dry Mopping the Floor?

• Dust control mop, dustpan, dust-collecting bag, & dustbin.

5. Spot Mopping:

What is the process of Spot Mopping?

1. Spot mopping is essential to the preservation of the floor surface.
2.  Liquids & solids that are spilled on the floor, if left for any length of time, may penetrate the finish & stain the floor.
3.  Even acids from fruit juices may wreak havoc on a floor if they are not immediately cleaned up.
4.  Clean, cold water should be used so that the finish on the floor is not softened.
5.  SetSet: Allowing an item to go from a soft or liquid state to a firmer more solid state. up Caution Signs before starting the mopping. 
6.  Detergents should be avoided unless necessary- that is unless the substance has been allowed to dry on the floor.
7.  Mop the floor with a damp cloth.
8.  Let the floor air dry.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Spot Mopping the Floor?

• Mop & bucket or a mop-wringer trolley, cold water, & a very dilute solution of neutral detergent if necessary.

6. Wet mopping / Damp mopping:

What is the process of Wet Mopping?

1. A damp mop is used to remove spills & adhered soil that was not removed during the dry removal process.
2.  Wet-mopping will remove light to heavy soil from the floor surface, which could otherwise become embedded in the surface or encapsulated in the seal or finish.
3.  Before the floor can be wet- mopped it must be dust mopped.
4.  Add neutral or mild alkaline detergent to mop water for wet mopping.
5.  The detergent used must be of the variety that needs no rinsing or else spray diluted from a spray bottle & mop with a damp mop.
6.  MixMix - Method of combining ingredients in such a way that the parts of each ingredient are evenly dis... the appropriate cleaner with water in the mop bucket and apply it to the floor.
7.  If using mop water, immerse the mop in the bucket & wring it out until it is only damp.
8.  First, finish mopping near the baseboards in smooth strokes.
9.  Then mop the entire area with the figure-eight strokes.
10.  The water in the bucket should be changed when it becomes dirty.
11.  A brush may be used for stubborn spots & a squeegee should be used to help speed the drying of the floor.
12.  Empty the mop bucket, rinse it with clean water, and hand it to dry.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Damp Mopping?

• Caution signs, floor cleaner, wet mop & bucket or mop- wringer trolley, squeegee, & detergent solution.

7. Manual Scrubbing:

What is the process of Manual Scrubbing?

1. For modern surfaces, very little hand-scrubbing is required.
2.  Scrub gently in straight lines away from yourself, working backward.
3.  Rinse well to remove any detergent from the surface.
4.  Use a squeegee to clear away excess rinse water. Follow up with mopping.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Manual Scrubbing?

• Long-handled scrubbing brush, mild detergent, bucket, squeegee, water, & mop.

8. Manual polishing:

What is the process of Manual Polishing?

1. Apply the polish sparingly.
2.  Use cotton rags to apply polish & a cloth for buffing.
3.  Use a soft brush for carved articles to get the polish into crevices.
4.  Always use the polish appropriate for a particular surface. For example proprietary polishes for metals like Brasso, Silver, & so on- should be used on these surfaces.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Manual Polishing?

• Use proprietary polish for each type of floor or surface, and clean cotton rags.

9. Spot Cleaning:

What is the process of Spot Cleaning?

1. This refers to the removal of stains from different kinds of hard & soft surfaces.
2.  To remove a localized stain, the whole surface need not be treated with stain-removal reagents.
3.  Just the area where the stain discolors the surface is treated & cleaned in the process of spot cleaning.
4.  Spot cleaning may be used as a cleaning method on walls, fabric, carpets, or flooring.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Spot Cleaning?

• Cleaning Cloths, solvents, cleaning agents, brushes etc.

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Mechanized Cleaning Methods – These utilize equipment powered by electricity as well as mechanical equipment:-

1. Suction Cleaning:

What is the process of Suction Cleaning or vacuum cleaning?

1. This is the basic & preparatory step to all other mechanized procedures & should be performed regularly.
2.  Very often it must also be repeated at the end of these processes.
3.  The goal is to remove as much dry soil as possible so that it does not spread, scratch the finish, or damage the surface.
4.  Remove dirt from room corners and carpet edges.
5.  Plug the vacuum cleaning into an appropriate PowerPoint.
6.  Vacuum from one side of the room to the other.
7.  Vacuuming with high filtration machines is the most complete method of dry soil removal as it picks up, packages, & removes soil without spreading it around.
8.  Wet vacuumWet vacuum are the floor care equipment used to pick up spills or to pick up rinse water that is use... cleaners are now available, which help to mop water from floors as well.
9.  These are usually dual-function machines that can be used for both wet & dry work.
10.  Extraction machines for cleaning carpets also work on the principle of suction.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Cleaning or vacuum cleaning?

• Caution signs, a stiff broom, wet/dry vacuum cleaner with attachments & mild detergent for wet cleaning if necessary.

2. Spray buffing:

What is the process of Spray BuffingBuffing: To smooth the floor with a low speed floor polishing.?

1. This process uses a 175- or 300-rpm (revolutions per minute) floor machine & a soft pad or brush.
2.  The operator sprays a light mist of a commercial cleaning preparation or detergent & a finishing solution in front of the machine.
3.  As the machine goes over the area, soil, scuffs, light scratches, & marks are removed & the shine is restored to the surface.
4.  Vacuuming or dust-mopping is a follow-up step to remove loosened dirt.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Spray Buffing?

• The equipment & agents required are a 175 –or 300-rpm buffing machine with a beige pad, spray bottle, detergent, & finishing solution.

3. Polishing:

What is the process of Polishing?

1. This process uses a 175- 1500-rpm floor machine & a soft pad or brush to remove some soil & brush to remove some soil & put the shine back in the finish.
2.  Vacuuming or dust- mopping should be carried out as a follow-up step to remove loosened dirt.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Spot Cleaning?

• A 1500 – 2500 rpm floor machine.

4. Scrubbing:

What is the process of Scrubbing?

1. This process removes embedded dirt, marks, deeper scuffs, & scratches from the floor along with some of the finish.
2.  The pad or brush, the type of detergent, the water temperature, & the weight & speed of the machine all determine whether the process is considered light or heavy scrubbing.
3.  For instance, aggressive pads, higher- pH detergent solutions & fast, heavy machines perform the deepest scrubbing.
4.  Light scrubbing removes just one or two coats of finish. Heavy scrubbing removes all or most of the finish, down to the protective sealing coat.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Scrubbing?

• Floor- maintenance machines with a green pad.

5. Stripping:

What is the process of Stripping?

1. This is a very aggressive process that requires removing all of the floor finish & sealer, leaving a bare floor ready for refinishing.
2.  A strong stripping agent, a coarse pad or brush, hot water, & intensive labor make stripping a costly, time–consuming, & sometimes even hazardous process, which should be used only when no other process will achieve the desired results.
3.  Diligent use of other maintenance procedures delays the need for stripping.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Stripping?

• A floor-maintenance machine with a black pad.

6. Laundering:

What is the process of Laundry?

1. This is the cleaning method used for washable fabrics.
2.  It is a process in which soil & stains are removed from textiles in an aqueous medium.
3.  It involves the subroutines of washing, bleaching, drying & pressing, all carried out using specialized laundry equipment & cleaning agents.
4.  Other sub-processes such as spot cleaning, starching, & softening may also be involved.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Laundering?

• Washing Machines, Drying Machines, Steam Cabinets and Tunnels, FlatworkFlat-work is a laundry term that is used for sheets; pillowcases;and table linens. Irons, Folding Machines, Washing Chemicals and Detergents.

7. Dry Cleaning:

What is the process of Dry Cleaning?

1. This is the method in which soil & stains are removed from textiles in a non-aqueous medium.
2.  Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent other than water.
3.  It is used to clean fabrics that degrade in water, and delicate fabrics that cannot withstand the rough and tumble of a washing machine and clothes dryer.

What are the Equipment & agents required for Dry Cleaning?

• Chemical Solvents, Dry Cleaning Machine