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

Read More

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.
Next Page>>>

Read More

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

Read More

EQUIPMENT CARE

EQUIPMENT CARE

1. Equipment assembly:    Is the first step towards proper setup of your tools to accomplish your tasks. All equipment must be completely assembled to ensure safety, efficiency, and long life.

2. Equipment training:    Is one of the most important steps to understanding the function of your tools, how they work and why they work. This is your opportunity to ask questions and explore all the possibilities and ergonomics to make your task easier.

3. Equipment usage:  This relates directly to your knowledge of machinery and surfaces. You will not be able to operate a machine unless you know what your final impact is on the product, area and or surface.  Use the machines with safety, and respect your surroundings.
At the end of your task be sure to return your equipment to its proper storage location. 
4. Equipment inspection:     An inspection of your equipment before you use it and after you use it, is an important way to ensure the long life of your tools and safe operation.  Be sure to not only inspect the physical condition, but to train your hearing and sensory smell capabilities to detect any sound, burning or odd odors that might be present.
                   
Noted below are some physical conditions: 
    4.1. Exterior:  Check for frame structural integrity (strength) of your equipment, locking mechanisms,     emergency stop buttons, chemical usage, abnormal leakage, wheels, bumpers, seals, cords, hoses, and switches.
    4.2. Interior:   Check for internal structural integrity of your equipment, hoses, filters, bags, belts, rushes, electrical wiring, sharp edges on surfaces of what should be considered smooth (such as a drum on a washing machine or dryer) and internal switches.

5. Equipment problem reporting:     As a Housekeeper it is your responsibility to report immediately all mechanical, odd smells, strange sounds and missing parts of your equipment. Be sure that you report any of these issues directly to your supervisor.

6. Equipment sensors/ lights/ warnings:   Respect and adhere to (follow) all alarms, warning lights and safety features.
      "  Be sure that you stop the equipment immediately to inspect for trouble. "

    Call your supervisor.

7. Preventative Maintenance: Is caring for Equipment to prevent breakdown.  
     
8. Equipment maintenance:     Equipment maintenance is an important part of your job. As a crew member you are only authorized to work on the operational functionality of your equipment, and basic maintenance (such as replacing bags or belts) but not the mechanical aspects such as electrical wiring or mechanical repairs.
Any extensive maintenance concerns are forwarded to our engineering department for their professional evaluation and repair.

9. Equipment handling: Noted are some tips that will assist you when handling your machine:
            • Always inspect the machine before using it.
            • Do not use a machine with exposed or damage electrical cord.
            • Do not operate the machine unless completely assembled.
            • Do not operate unless all parts are properly in place.
            • To prevent fires do not operate machine near flammable materials and vapors.   
            • Do not overload your equipment with tools which may impact its structure.
            • Do not use the machine as a step or furniture.
            • To prevent electric shock do not conduct any type of maintenance unless disconnected from wall  A/C outlet.
            • Do not use on wet surface unless designed for this specific use.
            • Protect equipment from rain or water falling over the machine.
            • Do not disconnect power cord by yanking it from the wall socket.
            • Always pull the plug from the wall outlet, do not pull cord.
            • Always collect the cord by gathering it, starting from the machine, and working away from the machine. This allows the loose cord to unwind and will prevent bending and twisting of cord.

10. Equipment Sanitation and cleaning: In the Hotels or Cruise Lines are a contained environment.Any outbreak of disease can be passed on easily from person to person. That is why equipment cleaning is an important part of your job.
* Always use a disinfectant to be sure that all germs are killed and let the machines air dry to ensure no buildup of mold, mildew or bacteria. Clean equipment reflects our public image. It is the guest's lasting impression of you, the general condition of the ship, and Holland America Line.
* Always follow guidelines of the manufacturer when cleaning equipment.
Disconnect the machinery when possible and spray chemical into rag when cleaning.

        NEVER RETURN EQUIPMENT TO STORAGE WITHOUT CLEANING!!!

11. Equipment storage:     Is a location where all heavy duty public room equipment is stored and secured. This area is best organized by machinery type and designated locations for attachments.
All machines brought back to this area, as noted previously, must be cleaned first.

Read More