Tackling dirt inside begins outside

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Colin Stokes, National Account Manager, Hospitality & HoReCa at Kärcher UK highlights the reasons why tackling dirt outside helps to support cleanliness inside, alongside different methods for facilities managers to combat dirt.

On average, 80-95% of dirt that exists inside facilities is brought in from the outside by foot traffic. To help reduce the amount of dirt that enters buildings, it is vital to adopt a preventative outside-in approach.

Adopting a PDIR (Preventative, Daily, Interim, and Restorative) cleaning method is a great way to achieve and maintain a clean front of house. Whilst it is aesthetically pleasing, it also ensures health and safety for facilities users as dirt build-up can cause slips and trips.

Focusing on outside pollutants in the Preventative stage of the PDIR method is crucial to minimising the over-cleaning of interior spaces, which takes up much needed labour time and increases costs. With growing demands being placed on facilities managers to ensure that buildings are safe for users, finding efficient and productive solutions helps to expedite the cleaning process without compromising standards.

An effective solution for outdoor maintenance is to utilise vacuum sweepers. Available in a range of sizes, vacuum sweepers can be tailored dependent on the degree of outdoor space you have. From walk-behind sweepers, such as the KM 70/30 C Bp Adv, perfect for courtyards and paths, to ride-on vacuum sweepers, such as the KM 100/100, ideal for medium-sized and large areas.

Vacuum sweepers dislodge dirt from pathways and roadways using a combination of roller brushes and side brushes that deliver effective cleaning close to buildings and kerbs. The brushes lift the dirt from the surface using their rotational spin and surface pressure before the dirt is picked up by the suction fan and stored in the onboard waste container.

Incorporating outside vacuum sweeping into a structured cleaning programme will significantly reduce the amount of grime that enters a premises by tackling dirt at its source. Whilst getting used to adjusting the programme may take some time, Kärcher’s EASY-Operation concept ensures that, regardless of the user, the same productive clean will always be achieved. EASY-Operation enables users to easily select different programmes for quick and efficient cleaning. This helps facilities managers to easily train new staff on how to use equipment, as the machine can be quickly set up ready for use. Without this setting, incorrect operation of the machines could result in a poor cleaning result, meaning dirt will continue to enter the premises from outdoors.

Another solution suitable for outdoor use is a pressure washer to eradicate unwanted surface materials. Hot water pressure washers are best suited for those who are time-poor, as hot water quickly loosens and dissolves dirt, solidified oils, and fats more quickly – saving on average up to 35% cleaning time when compared to cold water pressure washers.

Selecting machines with a focus on sustainable practices is an increasing priority for facilities managers. The HDS 7/10-4 M hot water pressure washer from Karcher is one of a number of pressure washers in its range that come with a built-in eco!efficiency mode. Eco!efficiency enables users to conserve fuel and water usage by keeping the machine in the most economical temperature range (60OC) to complete the job. For times when a higher temperature is required, the eco!efficiency mode can be easily turned off to blast away any stubborn dirt.

When cleaning dirt off walls or in car parks, the vast surface areas can place unnecessary strain on the user. To help overcome this, it is important to consider ergonomic solutions that allow users to clean for longer and prevent any downtime caused by injury. The EASY!Force Trigger Gun from Kärcher has been designed with this in mind; the trigger utilises the pressure of the water to push the trigger handle into the palm allowing high pressured water to come through the nozzle. By removing the requirement to forcibly hold down a trigger, users can safely clean for longer without the risk of hand and finger strain or injury.  

Keeping building premises lean and hygienic outside increases cleaning efficiency inside and helps to reduce dirt build up by two thirds. Plus, utilising the latest technological advancements will boost productivity and cleaning efficiency, ensuring an effective clean all day, every day.