WASHROOM BREAKING DOWN THE DIRT
Daniel Took, Head of Professional Product Marketing at Kärcher UK, focuses on what detergents should be used within bathroom facilities to expedite cleaning efficiency and save on costs.
As washrooms may be used by multiple people daily, effective cleaning methods are a must to maintain a hygienic environment. One way to achieve this is through the effective use of detergents to eliminate harmful pathogens, tackle dirt and grime, and expedite cleaning times. Detergents work by helping to break down dirt particles. Applied directly to the surface, the active agents interact with the dirt, helping to lift it so that cleaners can swifty remove the dirt.
Incorrect usage and overuse can, however, result in increased costs. This is particularly important to monitor in washroom facilities, due to the different composition of items found within bathroom spaces. Making use of the incorrect detergent can lead to surface damage resulting in the need for extensive and costly restoration.
When cleaning toilet lids and seats, it is advised that all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaners such as CA 10 detergent are used. These detergents quickly breakdown unwanted pathogens that may gather on the toilet seats, helping to reduce the risk to the end user. It is recommended that to avoid cross contamination of detergents and residue particles, cleaners make use of a coloured cloth system. For toilets a designated red sponge or cloth will ensure that any residue faecal matter that may be transferred to the sponge is not transported to other areas of the bathroom.
Toilet doors and separating walls can also be cleaned with an all-purpose or alcohol-based cleaner however, it is imperative that a different coloured sponge or cloth is used. A blue scratch-free pad will be ideal for providing a great overall clean when cleaning doors. Should there be graffiti present on the doors or separating walls, then it is advised that a citrus-based cleaning agent, such as RM 769 is used. It is important that different coloured sponge is used to avoid any unwanted reactions between the two detergents.
When using RM 769 it should be applied directly to the graffiti and left for a short period of time, up to three minutes, where it will start to break down the ink. It should then be dapped lightly using a cleaning pad/sponge to remove the unwanted material. It is important not to rub as this could damage the surface material. Once the graffiti has been removed it should be washed using cold water to neutralise the surface.
Metallic fixtures, such as taps, require the use of acid- based cleaning agents to dissolve limescale that may have built-up over time. Detergents such as CA 20 are ideal as they contain citric acid which works to swiftly breakdown limescale leaving surfaces clean and shiny. For best practice, detergents should always be applied directly to the cloth ahead of cleaning. After cleaning, the fixtures
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need to be rinsed with cold water to remove any residue detergent that might be left on the surface to protect users and prevent damage to the fitting.
Changing rooms that may exist within washroom spaces need to be cleaned with light alkaline cleaning agents or everyday cleaners such as CA 30. The surfaces often found in these areas are less durable than toilets and lids so acidic detergents will cause damage to the surface requiring facilities managers to close for maintenance and repairs.
Making sure that these steps are taken so that the right detergents are used in the right areas will help to protect visitors and guests using the bathroom facilities. Detergents have an important role to play when it comes to cleaning facilities, however if they are used incorrectly, they not only present a potential risk to users, but they will not achieve the desired cleaning result. Understanding when to use them and how to use them is key for reducing overall usage and saving on cost.
It is important to note that sanitary cleaners must be used as directed and in accordance with accident prevention guidelines. This means wearing protective gloves and eye protection if necessary. Never mix cleaning agents, pay attention to the prescribed dosage, do not use warm or very hot water and rinse well with clear water. Detergent should be added to water rather than the other way around.
www.kaercher.com/uk/
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