SPILLS AND SPOT TREATMENT

SPILLS AND SPOT TREATMENT

Spills and spots are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. There should be an
immediate reaction to remove incidental spills, mud, oil, tar, etc., from the surface of the
carpet. These contaminants should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent the spill
on the carpet from becoming a permanent stain.
Complete removal of many common spills may require the repeated use of a single
solution or the use of a combination of solutions. Always use the spot-cleaning solutions
in the concentrations recommended.

Spills

• Act quickly! The longer the delay, the higher the probability a spill will become a
permanent stain.
• Gently scrape up solids that typically do not cause stains with a rounded spoon
and vacuum. If a stain occurs, follow the procedures for removing spots and
stains.
• Gently scrape up semi-solids that could cause stains with a rounded spoon and
vacuum. If a stain occurs, follow the procedures for removing spots and stains.
• Liquid spills should be blotted with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or plain, white
paper towels. Do not scrub the area! Continue to blot until the area is completely
dry. If a stain occurs, follow the procedures for removing spots and stains.
Removing Spots and Stains:
• Apply water to the spill first. Especially if the spot is fresh, water may be all that
is needed to remove the spill. If water doesn’t remove the spill, proceed as
follows.
• Locate the spill on the spot removal chart and follow the directions carefully.
• Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the
solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the
testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds. Examine the
carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a
change occurs, another cleaning solution must be selected.
• Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth and blot.
Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading.
Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat, if necessary.
• Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill
to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first
solution removes the spill. Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require
repeating the same step several times.
• Rinse the affected area thoroughly with clear water after the spill has been
removed. Blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some
cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely
removed. Small extraction machines designed for rinsing after spot-cleaning are
an excellent investment. Dry absorbent polymer can also be used to absorb and
remove any residues lefts behind by the spot-cleaning agent.
• Place a one-half inch layer of white paper towels over the affected area to absorb
all the moisture and weigh down with a flat, heavy object that will not transfer
color. Continue to change paper towels as needed.

Spots

Caution! Read the following information carefully! Too often a carpet is damaged or
bleached when home remedies or mixtures are used without consulting a professional
source first. Many suppliers that sell cleaning and spot treatment products to professional
carpet cleaners are willing to assist you in selecting the right agents and procedures for
your situation. Be sure to always check with the carpet manufacturer to make sure what
type of cleaning chemicals can be safely used on the carpet.
Vacuum all dry spills. Pouring any liquid onto a dry spill may create additional
problems.

The following are methods of spot removal. 

Volatile Solvent (A fast-evaporating dry cleaning fluid.) Exercise caution when using a
solvent. A non-flammable spot removal solution is preferred. Never pour a volatile
cleaning solvent directly onto the carpet. Volatile cleaning solvents will destroy the latex
that holds the carpet components together.

Non-volatile Solvents – (Referred to as paint, oil and grease removers.) This type of
cleaning solvent evaporates slower for more effective cleaning. Non-volatile solvents
can leave residues that may cause rapid soiling. When using a non-volatile remover,
always rinse the area thoroughly with a volatile solvent.

Nail Polish – Use nail polish removers without conditioners.

Detergent Solution – Mix ¼ teaspoon liquid, non-lanolin, hand dishwashing detergent
with one cup warm water. Mix professionally formulated detergent solutions according
to the manufacturer’s recommendations. NEVER USE A STRONGER
CONCENTRATION. (Increasing the amount of detergent beyond the recommended
level does not increase cleaning performance but makes the complete removal of
detergent more difficult.) Always use a detergent with a pH of less than 10. Thorough
rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. You may
need to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See residue
precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry
detergent of any type because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners
(fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent
because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes. A professionally formulated,

neutral detergent solution, specifically designed for use on carpet, should also be
considered for consistent spot removal results.
Small portable extraction machines designed for spot cleaning are also very effective.

Warm Water Rinse – Use lukewarm tap water in most cases to rinse the spotting agent
from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause
accelerated soiling. Wicking, or reappearance of the spot as the moisture moves upward
from the backing on the carpet, will occur if contaminant is not totally removed.

NOTE: Only use cold water when removing blood stains.

Vinegar Solution – Mix one cup of white vinegar (a 5% acetic acid solution) and one
cup of water. This is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent
solutions or alkaline spills removing residue. A professional solution may also be used
(available from sanitation suppliers).

Ammonia Solution – Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia and one cup of water,
or use a professional protein spotter (available from cleaning suppliers).
Spot Removal Kit – Available from most carpet retail stores and professional carpet
cleaning suppliers. Follow directions closely! Some spot removals kits contain a
detergent solution and a stain-resist solution. Use of the stain-resist solution prior to the
complete removal of the spill may cause a permanent stain. (Other spot removal kits may
have dry absorbent cleaning products for fast spot removal). It is suggested that a
professional spotting kit be purchased and that a portable spot extractor be used.

Spot Removal Residue Precautions!

Although your detergent selection is important, it is even more important to remove all
the detergent you put into the carpet. A detergent’s ability to bind to particles of soil and
oil is what makes cleaning happen. However, the detergent residue continues to attract
and hold soil even after drying. Increasing the amount of detergent beyond the
recommended level does not increase cleaning performance but makes the complete
removal of detergent more difficult. A small, portable extractor is recommended for
efficient rinsing and spot removal. A solution of one cup white vinegar (5% acetic acid
solution) to one cup water can be used to remove heavy detergent residue. Remember:
Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended.
Avoid Overwetting – Prolonged dampness may cause discoloration, promote growth of
mold and bacteria in the carpet, or cause separation of the backing. This can be
controlled by a combination of proper equipment use and operator training.

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CARPET CARE II

CARPET CARE II

Maintenance Plan and Schedule – the five elements

A customized comprehensive carpet care program consists of five elements:

1. Soil Containment – isolation of soil entering the building using mats at entrances.
2. Vacuuming – scheduled frequency for removal of dry soil using a CRI approved “Green Label” vacuum.
3. Spot and Spill Removal System - using professional spot removal techniques.
4. Interim Cleaning – scheduled frequency appearance cleaning for all traffic areas.
5. Restorative Cleaning – scheduled frequency deep cleaning to remove residues and trapped soils.

There are some conditions where appearance change must be expected. In areas where
the oily material from asphalt sealers is tracked into the building, carpet and other
flooring may become yellowed over time. Check the traffic lanes often for slight dulling
of color; this indicates a build up of soil. It is virtually impossible to remove all of this
material once it has penetrated the fiber of any carpet. Entrance mats and scheduled
cleaning can reduce this phenomenon. Areas where large amounts of sandy soil enter the
building may become dull in appearance over time. This is due to abrasion of the fiber
surface, affecting the reflection of light. Frequent vacuuming helps to minimize this
problem.

A thoughtfully designed and implemented maintenance program performed by qualified
personnel, properly equipped and trained, is essential for optimal long-term performance.
If you don’t maintain it, you can’t
expect it to stay clean.


Carpet Performance

Start with the right carpet choices that lead to the best end-use carpet performance.
1. Specifications : Was the carpet properly specified in relation to the intended use of the carpet at its location?
2. Color Selection : Was the proper color selected to meet traffic conditions,intensity of sunlight, etc.?
3. Installation : Was the carpet installed according to CRI’s Standard for Installation Specification of Commercial Carpet1?
4. Maintenance : Has a scheduled maintenance plan been designed to serve the needs of the location?

Carpet performance is directly related to specification, installation and proper
maintenance. When the right style of carpet is chosen and it is professionally installed, a
professionally designed and instituted maintenance program will increase the life
expectancy and performance of that carpet. Color selection is critical in long term
appearance retention. For example, a light color cut pile is a poor choice in heavy traffic
areas; a darker color loop pile will retain its appearance longer and is a better choice in
heavy traffic areas. Facility managers and maintenance supervisors who understand this
concept can increase the longevity of the carpet and save on future capital replacement cost.
There is a big difference between cleaning carpet and maintaining carpet. Cleaning is the
removal of apparent soil. For many commercial carpet owners, cleaning takes place
irregularly, on an “as needed” basis. Soiling, however, is a cumulative process which, if
allowed to go too far, cannot easily be reversed. Maintenance, in contrast to cleaning,
is a scheduled on-going process of soil removal designed to maintain carpet’s daily
appearance at a consistent level of cleanliness.

Carpet performance is most effectively enhanced and maintained when the following
exist:

• Cleaning is the process of locating, identifying, containing, removing, and properly disposing of unwanted material. This means removing unwanted substances from an environment or environmental compartment. When exposure is reduced, the probability of an adverse effect is also reduced.

•  Constant attention to and application of principles of maximum restorative cleaning and minimum residue, especially as they apply to safety, the proper and effective use of chemicals, carpet extraction machines, and vacuum cleaners.

•  A recognition that carpet care must take all of the following into account, the management of sources of unwanted substance that can get into the carpet; the activity levels; design of carpet; the Environment in which carpet is installed; and ventilation.

Consistent management program emphasizes:

  - Effective cleaning systems directed at maximum restorative cleaning, minimum
residue, safety, and ease of use Cost effective cleaning strategy, plan, schedule
  - Training and recognition of cleaning technicians  Periodic inspection,
assessment and management review of cleaning programs

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CARPET CARE 1

CARPET CARE 1

Purpose of Cleaning and Maintenance

Carpet Shampoo

Your commercial carpet installation is a significant investment, both in monetary terms
and overall facility image. It is important to implement a maintenance program from the
beginning. A consistent and effective carpet maintenance program can maintain the
initial facility image and dramatically extend the life of your monetary investment. It is
the goal of this publication to assist you in preserving the original appearance of your
commercial carpet.
There are many valuable reasons we clean or maintain any object, including carpet. The
incentive for an effective cleaning and maintenance program is magnified when we
recognize these activities contribute to the following:

- Allows for the healthy reuse of space and materials.
- Maintains the value of property and reduces the rate of depreciation.
- Contributes directly to personal security, comfort, and productivity.
- Accents aesthetics.
- Creates a unique psychology that enhances quality of life.
- Encourages topophilia (affection for place).
- Elevates a sense of well-being, which is the essence of good health.
- Sends caring messages and image.
- Promotes human dignity.
- Manages waste and hazards and contributes to environmental protection.
- Ensures sanitation – reduces adverse exposure levels.
- Serves as a form of insurance that reduces risk and prevents crisis.

The appearance of carpet depends upon several factors – color, pattern, density, fiber, and
a viable carpet maintenance program. In order to keep carpet products performing their
best, designing and implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan is very important.
Great care should be taken when choosing carpet colors, patterns, and textures. These
features combined with fiber quality and construction standards engineered to meet
performance requirements are important factors.
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HAND WASHING TIPS

HAND WASHING TIPS

The single most important activity a cruise passenger or Hotels can engage in to prevent the spread of Norovirus (Norwalk-like virus) is frequent and proper hand washing.


Wash your hands after:

o Using the toilet
o Coughing or sneezing in to hands
o Engaging in any activity that may have contaminated hands
  Wash you hands before:
o Handling food
o Eating or drinking
o Smoking
o Brushing teeth
o Engaging in any activity that involves hand-to-mouth contact.
  Wash your hands upon returning to your cabin.
  Wash your hands frequently throughout the day even if you think they don’t need to be washed

Hand wash tips

Wash your hands using the following procedure:

1. Wet hands with warm water
2. Apply a generous amount of soap and lather hands well
3. Rub hands together for 20 seconds, paying special attention to the areas between fingers and under nails
4. Rinse hands thoroughly with warm water
5. Dry hands with a disposable towel
6. Use the disposable towel to turn off the faucet and open the door

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HOUSEKEEPING TERMINOLOGY

HOUSEKEEPING TERMINOLOGY

A.    Purpose

To establish consistent Terminology of Housekeeping Department.

B.    Guidelines

The terminology is to be used for a training tool to achieve the common understanding of the same terminology.

C.    Procedures
Amenity        Supplies to be used by guest
Arrival          Guest check in

Bedsize/type    : 

King (super)               84’’x78”    213x198       

King                          12”x78”    183x198    181x203cm

Queen                        60”x78”    152x198

 Double (American)*  54”x78”    137x198

 Twin/Single                42”x78”    106x198    105x203cm

Note: American Double also referred to as Double/Double or Hollywood Twin.

PROCEDURE PURPOSE:    HOUSEKEEPING TERMINOLOGY

- Check-out guest         :   Guest is in process of departing the Hotel.
- Complimentary room  :   Complimentary room is at no charge to the guest.
- Connecting room        :   Rooms connected with a connecting door.
- Crib/Cot                     :   Baby bed.
- Day use room             ;   Guest room is used during the day and not overnight.
- DND (do not disturb) :    Room is not to be entered and guest does not want to be disturbed.
- Double-locked            :   Guest room is locked from inside.
- Due in                         :   Expected check in.
- Due out                       :   Expected check out.
- Extra bed                    :    Rollway Bed.
- Forecast                      :   Daily, weekly, monthly estimated number of rooms to be occupied.
- Guest history        : Record showing information of guest’s pervious stay.
- Guest request       : Service or item requested by guest
- House use room   :  Rooms used by employees of staff. (e.g) ;
     b. Rooms used for hotel storage.
     a. Rooms used for offices.
- Incognito stay : Guest request for the stay to be “not listed”.
- Blocked room : A room being held for a guest on a certain date.
- Check in guest : Guest registration on arrival.
- Front office checks in a new guest after Housekeeping has updated the status to “Vacant Clean”.
- Section report :    A daily computer generated report for each room attendant which specifies the room status of the assignment for each shift.
- Stay over        :    An occupied  room that not check out this day.
- System down  :    When Opera (PMS) is not working.
- Trace              :  A message or instruction left in the Opera system for the relevant department to follow up.
- Turn down      :  2nd guest room service performed by the Evening Room attendant.
- Updating        :  To change Housekeeping status of rooms which have been cleaned via telephone interface or via coordinator manually into the PMS terminal.
- Up sell           :  Moving a guest into a higher category room, in the hotel with a rate increase.

            (rarely used as this code removes rooms from inventory)

Room status checked   

                CV           : Vacant/Clean
                VD           : vacant/Dirty
                OC           : Occupied clean
                OD           : Occupied dirty
                OS            : Out of service
                OOO        : Out of order       
                DND        : Guest room is DO NOT DIST+RUB
                DL            : Guest room is DOUBLE LOCKED
                RS            : Guest refused service
                Skip room : The room shows vacant by Housekeeping but occupied in Front Office Status, (e.g ) ;-     Guest might have checked out without payment.
-     Room change was not updated after guest moved to the other room.
-     Guest name has been checked into wrong room.(registered)
-     In house guest        : Guest is registered in the hotel and has not checked out.
-     Key control            :The inventory of all keys, once every shift.
-     Late service            : Service of guest room after end of day shift.
-     No show guest        : Guest who reserved a room but did not arrive.
-     Pre-assigned/blocked      :  Rooms set aside by reservation with specific guest  requests.
-     Room change                  :  Guest moves from one room to another during his stay.
-     Room discrepancy           :  Rooms reported by Housekeeping when the physical status of the rooms do not tally in the Opera system.

Room status opera    :  

 VC               : Vacant/Clean
 VD               : Vacant/Dirty
 OC               : Occupied clean       
 OD               : Occupied dirty
 OS                : Out of service
 OO               : Out of order*
 Walk in         : Guest requesting accommodation at the Reception Without having made a reservation.
Work order    : A form on which the maintenance or repair request is  described.

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LAUNDRY CARE SYMBOL

LAUNDRY CARE SYMBOLS : Are important guidelines for proper cleaning and care procedures, as recommended by the manufacturer

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LAUNDRY

LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT:    

Here are the pieces of equipment can be found Hotels or Cruise Lines:
EQUIPMENT:

WASHER

1. Washer: Are machines intended for washing sheets, towels, and tablecloths and napkins. The machines are usually separated internally by three (3) compartments and have to be loaded equally so they are balanced.

DRYER

                               
2. Dryers: Are machines that are used to dry fabrics.Industrial dryers have a cool down period as part of the cycle.  Dryers  are used to dry towels and clothing/uniforms.

Folde / Roller / Flatwork Ironer

3. Flatwork ironer: Is a very large machine were sheets, pillow cases and table linen are pressed and dried.  They are fed into one side, pass through hot rollers, as they are pressed and dried. They exit through the backside of the machine and go to the folder.

SAFETY FIRST

- Check equipment and tools before usage.
- Be sure that the linen cart does not overflow and that linen remain in cart.
- Be aware of guest and crew safety while working with bins in the area.
- Linen/ terry separation.
- Stain treatment at point of separation.
- Proper loading of washers (do not overfill).
- C.A.T.
- Productivity and work ethic.
- Dryer loading.
- Drying process plus cooling cycle.
- Linen/ terry unloading.
- Lint trap cleaning.
- General Laundry cleanliness.
- Flat ironer operation.
- Linen folding technique.
- Quality control at separation process.
- Clean linen storage and distribution.

4. Folder: Is an automated piece of machinery that handles the final process of production from the flatwork ironer. It is where linen is automatically folded by blasts of air, in preparation for distribution and storage.

Dry Cleaning Unit

5. Dry-cleaning Unit : Is the process of cleaning fabrics without using water. Chemical solvents are used in this process. The dry-cleaning machine is the most sophisticated and hazardous machine in your work area and requires a well- trained individual to operate. These machines are being phased out from several cruise line and Hotels.

Wet Cleaning Unit

6. Wet Cleaning Unit: This machine washes garments with special environmentally-friendly detergents (orange oil, banana oil and soy). They are very similar to the Dry cleaning machines however they do not use hazardous chemicals, and are safe for discharging in laundry drains. These machines are replacing the dry cleaning machines, pictured above.
                             

Presser

7.Pressers: This is a machine that clothing is ironed on.These machines operate with steam or Electric. They come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of garments.

Thermopacth

8. Thermopatch: This machine is designed to attach temporary labels on clothing. It is important to do so to identify each garment received, so they can be assembled afterwards   attach temporary labels on clothing. It is important to do so to identify each garment received, so they can be assembled afterwards.

Laundry Chart

9. Laundry Carts: Carts are large buckets made of hardened fire resistant fiber, used to transport and hold linen. They have a minimum of four wheels and are intended for heavy-duty transport.
                              

Linen Storage

10. Linen Storage Room:    This is a location where all clean and finished items are stored.


11. Laundry Flow:  Is the process of moving linen through the production steps, from the source to completion.
                           LINEN FLOW CHART:  LAUNDRY FLOW CHART

Laundry Flow Chart

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