Module-II

Cleaning Science
Aishwarya Arya

Cleaning Sciences

CLEANING AGENT: Cleaning agents are perhaps the most critical aids of
housekeeping staff in their job to keep their house neat and clean Cleaning agents
in general can be defined as natural or synthetic substances that are used to assist
the cleaning process. Cleaning is primarily the removal of dirt and dust.
The various kinds/classification of cleaning agents used for housekeeping staffs are
as follows:

1) Detergent
2) Acid
3) Alkaline cleaner
4) Solvent cleaners
5) Disinfectants
6) Deodorants
7) Laundry aids
8) Polishes
9) Floor seal
10) Abrasives

1. Water: Water is referred as a universal solvent, and this is the prime agent
in cleaning process. However though an excellent solvent, water alone is not
an effective cleanser to meet the standards most hotels require. Water is
supposed to be a surfactant (surface active agent). 1) Detergent: Detergents
may be made from a base of either pure soap or organic chemicals.

Detergents are of two types:

 Soapy Detergent: Soapy detergent is made from animal or vegetable fat and
may be used as a solid block for washing skin and clothes, as flakes for
washing delicate fabrics or as a powder for washing of soft fabrics. Soap is

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made by boiling fat with a strong alkali. Eg. coconut oil provides a soap
which is quick to lather, excellent for cleaning.

 Synthetic detergent: synthetic detergent is made from organic chemicals

derived from petroleum. These are used extensively in housekeeping. They
are used for cleaning task and for washing up the floors. They may be in the
form of a powder, liquid, gel or crystals.

2. Acid cleaners: Acids used as cleaning agents may vary from mild acid e.g.
acetic acid or strong concentrated hydrochloric acid. Acids should be used in
solutions followed by thorough rinsing. All, except citric and acetic acid
should be used under supervision with extreme caution and with the
protection of rubber gloves. Strong acids are poisonous and corrosive. Eg.
 citric acid and acetic acid used for metal cleaning
 Dilute hydrochloric acid used in removing lime scale from sanitary ware
 Oxalic acid for removing stubborn water stains from hard floors and sanitary
ware

3. Alkaline cleaners: Alkaline based cleaning agents are used in laundry and
are particularly good for removing grease. Very strong alkali materials are
known as caustic materials and are extremely corrosive and poisonous. They
must be used under strict supervision. E.g.
 sodium carbonate (washing soda): it is used to soften water and remove light
grease marks.
 Sodium bydroxide (Caustic soda): Removing grease from grills and blocked
drains.
 Sodium hypochlorite (Bleach): Whitening and removing stains from hard
and soft surfaces

4. Solvent Cleaners: These cleaning agent are used extensively for dry-
cleaning and for stain removal. They all have strong fumes and should be
used in well ventilated room. Solvents are used for cleaning grease or polish
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from surfaces. Solvents will evaporate and so they are ideal for cleaning
windows, mirrors and picture frames E.g.
 Methylated spirits, turpentine, white spirit, acetone, used for removing stains
from hard and soft surfaces.
5. Disinfectants: Disinfectants should only be used in the areas where harmful
germs are likely to exist. Disinfectants kill the harmful bacteria. Most
disinfectants have strong smell and therefore be used in recommended
amounts in areas where germ control is required. E.g.
 Phenol: They are used in dilute or concentrate to disinfect surfaces in
hospitals.
 Halogens: the elements chlorine and iodine may be used as disinfectants.

6. Deodorants: These are agents for disguising bad smells. They counteract
stale odours and sometimes introduce fragrance in the area. They are used in
guest rooms, bathrooms, and in public areas. They are available in liquids,
powders and crystalline blocks. E.g. • Naphthalene balls serve as effective
deodorizers.

7. Laundry aids: Laundry aids which are used as cleaning materials contain
stiffening agents and fabric conditioner.

8. Polishes: Polishes are cleaning agent which are applied to a floor surface to
form a hard protective layer and thus guard against finger marks stains and
scratches. They also create a pleasant shine on a hard surface. E.g.
 Metal polishes
 Furniture polishes
 Floor polishes.

9. Floor Seal: A floor seal can be either solvent or water based. It is applied to
a floor surface to form a semi permanent protective barrier which will
prevent the entry of dirt, liquids, grease stains and bacteria. Depending on

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the traffic they receive, they may last for upto five years before replacement
is necessary. E.g.
 Oleo-resinous: These are clear solvent based sealers used on wood cork and
magnesite floors. They consist of oils, resins and solvents.
 One pot plastic: They are made up of synthetic materials. They are used on
wood, cork and magnesite floors.
 Pigmented sealers: These sealers contain colour pigments which provide
colour and strengthen the sealer. They are used on wood, concrete and stone
floors.

10.Abrasive: Abrasives are substances or chemicals that depend on their

rubbing or scratching action to clean dirt from hard surfaces. They are used
to remove very stubbom stains from various surfaces. E.g.
 Fines abrasives- Jeweller's rouge (a pink oxide of iron used for shining
silver)
 Hard abrasive- Sand paper, fine ash, pumice stone, steal wool are commonly
used abrasive

Points to be kept in mind while storing cleaning agent

Key components of a Cleaning Chemical Safety Program include the following:

 A complete list of all cleaning chemicals used in the facility; this

documentation should include details such as how many gallons (and
multiple-gallon containers) are stored, where they are stored, and the
potential hazards of and necessary precautions for each specific chemical
(for instance, whether or not a chemical needs to be kept away from direct
sunlight)
 Safety Data Sheets (formerly referred to as Material Safety Data Sheets) for
each chemical or used stored.
 Keeping all cleaning chemicals in their original containers and never mixing
chemicals, even if they are the same type of chemical.
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 Storing chemicals in well-ventilated areas away from HVAC intake vents;

this helps prevent any fumes from spreading to other areas of the facility.
 Installing safety signage in multiple languages (or, even better, using images
and no words) that quickly conveys possible dangers and precautions related
to the chemicals. This signage and training must follow new requirements
outlined in OSHA's Globally Harmonized System (GHS),
 Making sure all cleaning workers know exactly what the following "signal
words" mean:
 Caution: the product should be used carefully but is relatively safe.
 Warning: the product is moderately toxic.
 Danger: the product is highly toxic and may cause permanent damage to
skin and eyes.

"Cleaning Chemical Safety Programs should also include getting rid of chemicals
that have not been used for a prolonged period of time," says Jennifer Meek,
Director of Marketing and Customer Relations for Enviro-Solutions. "A good rule
of thumb is to consider disposing of any chemical product that has not been used
for six months, and disposing of any product that has not been used for a year."

Storage of Cleaning Agents

 Ensure that the storage racks are sturdy. Heavier containers shelf. Label all
containers neatly with a waterproof marker.
 Ensure that the lids are tightly secured.
 When dispensing cleaning agents, use appropriate dispensers and measuring
apparatus.
 Avoid spillage, if a spill occurs, clean it up immediately.
 Follow a systematic procedure for rotating stocks. Selection of Cleaning
Agents The following points need to be considered while selecting cleaning
agents.
 The type of soilage.

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 The type of surface.

 Composition of the cleaning agents.
 Ease of use, saving of effort and time.
 Toxicity or side effects.
 Cost effectiveness.

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