Cleaning Techniques & Best Practices Flashcards

What pH level characterizes a neutral cleaner?

Answer: pH 7

Neutral cleaners have a pH of 7, making them safe for daily use on most surfaces without the risk of damage from acidic or alkaline extremes.

Which technique should be used when cleaning stairs in a multi-story building?

Answer: Start at the top and work downward

Cleaning stairs from the top down ensures that debris dislodged from upper steps falls onto uncleaned steps below, preventing re-soiling.

What is the function of a burnisher in hard floor care?

Answer: To high-speed buff the floor surface to a high-gloss shine

A burnisher operates at high RPM to generate heat and friction that hardens and polishes the top layer of floor finish to a high-gloss shine.

When using a backpack vacuum, what is the correct ergonomic practice to reduce injury risk?

Answer: Adjust the harness so the weight sits on the hips, not the shoulders

Properly fitted backpack vacuum harnesses transfer the weight load to the hips, which can bear more weight and reduce back and shoulder strain.

What is the purpose of a pre-inspection before beginning a cleaning task?

Answer: To identify hazards, special soil conditions, and set priorities before starting

Pre-inspection allows the cleaning professional to identify hazards, unusual soiling, damaged areas, and high-priority zones before starting work.

Which chemical should NEVER be mixed with bleach (sodium hypochlorite)?

Answer: Ammonia-based cleaners

Mixing bleach with ammonia produces chloramine gas, which is toxic and can cause serious respiratory injury.

In the context of carpet maintenance, what does 'encapsulation cleaning' involve?

Answer: Applying a polymer that surrounds soil particles so they dry into crystals and are vacuumed away

Encapsulation uses a polymer solution that surrounds soil particles; as it dries, it crystallizes and the encapsulated soil is removed by vacuuming.