Are you using the right detergent?

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.

Protecting visitors and guests visiting hospitality venues is a key part of any facilities manager's role. From eliminating harmful pathogens to tackling dirt and grime to maintain the overall building aesthetic, cleaning is a fundamental part of the role. This is particularly important when it comes to maintaining bathroom facilities that may be used by multiple people on a daily basis. Adopting new sustainable practices can help to greatly reduce the number of detergents that are used, whilst also resulting in a more efficient clean. 

Detergents are ideal for expediting cleaning times as the active agents help to break down dirt particles, enabling cleaners to swiftly remove them from the surface. However, detergents are often used incorrectly which can lead to increased cleaning costs. Understanding when to use them and how to use them is key for reducing overall usage and saving on cost.

When cleaning bathroom spaces the key areas to focus on are toilet lids and seats, doors and separating walls, fixtures such as taps, showerheads and mixing valves. Due to the different composition of each item, they require different detergents to avoid damage to the surfaces.

For 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. 

Making use of a red sponge or cloth will help cleaners differentiate between the different spaces they are cleaning, to 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. For easy and efficient cleaning, adopting a colour-based cleaning protocol will help to expedite cleaning times and prevent detergents from becoming mixed together. With this in mind, a blue scratch-free pad sponge will provide a great overall clean.

When it comes to tackling graffiti that may be found in toilet cubicles, it is advised that citrus based cleaning agents such as RM 769 is used to help break down the ink to ensure swift removal of the unwanted graffiti. The detergent should be sprayed directly on the graffiti and left for a short period of time, up to 3 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.

Fixtures are often made of metallic materials and as a result they require the use of acid-based cleaning agents to help dissolve any limescale build-up that might take place. Detergents containing citric acid and/or amido sulphuric acid, such as CA 20 are ideal as they swiftly breakdown the alkaline build up leaving surfaces clean and shiny. It is crucial that a different coloured cleaning sponge or cloth is used to prevent any unwanted chemical reactions happening due to the mixing of detergents. For best practice, detergents should always be applied directly to the cloth ahead of cleaning and after cleaning the fixtures 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.

For other areas that may be present in washroom spaces, such as changing rooms, it is advised that they are cleaned using a light alkaline cleaning agent or everyday cleaner such as CA 30. This includes areas such as benches and coat racks, which may come into contact with skin. Due to the differing composition of these spaces to more durable toilets and lids, a lighter detergent is needed to avoid damaging the surface material which can require spaces to be closed down 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.

Important notes: 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.