Tackling dirt with the PDIR method

TACKLING DIRT build-up is a key part of every facilities manager's daily task, a challenge that becomes more prevalent during the winter months as the change in weather results in more dirt being brought into facilities.

With an average of 80-94% of soil tracked into facilities by foot, taking an outwards-in approach to facilities cleaning is a great way to reduce the amount of time and money needed to remove dirt that has become embedded into flooring.

The Preventative stage of the PDIR (Preventative, Daily, Interim and Restorative) cleaning method prioritises focusing on the outside before looking indoors. Tackling outdoor pollutants will help to reduce unwanted soils and dirt entering the premises and contaminating the clean and healthy indoor environment. A key way to do this is through the adoption of effective machinery that helps to reduce overall cleaning times.  

Starting outside and moving in

Whilst moving to machines may result in initial purchase costs - although hire options can help negate some of these - the overall saving to the user will be substantial.

Tackling dirt outside can greatly reduce the amount of time and money dedicated to intensive indoor cleaning, including more expensive overnight cleaning, minimise disruption and reduce high detergent costs and labour costs. 

Using equipment in the right way will help to increase efficiency by reducing the amount of time dedicated to manual tasks. For instance, clearing litter or leaves outdoors can be time intensive as users collect dirt piece by piece.

However, making use of a vacuum sweeper will greatly reduce cleaning times, as the machine uses a combination of roller brushes and side brushes to get close to buildings and kerbs. This method dislodges any debris that may be stuck to the surface, where it can then be picked up by the built-in suction fan and stored in the onboard waste container.  

Relieving the pressure

For more intensive cleaning measures, pressure washers are ideal for swiftly eradicating unwanted pollutants. With the ability to get into hard-to-reach crevices where dirt may build up over time, pressure washers are ideal for removing unwanted dirt before it has a chance to become an issue. This preventative cleaning measure can be expedited by using hot water pressure washers.

Hot water pressure washers can save up to 35% cleaning time as the hot water quickly loosens and dissolves dirt, solidified oils, and fats. Combined with the PressurePro Active Cleaner, alkaline RM 81 direct from Kärcher, heavy oil, grease and mineral contamination can be swiftly eradicated leaving surfaces clean for users.  

Time management 

With time pressures on cleaning staff, it is important to dedicate time to focusing on popular thoroughfares where most people will pass through on their way into the facility. This includes areas where soils originate such as parking facilities, pavements, and courtyards. Without maintenance within these high footfall areas, vast amounts of unwanted pollutants could be trafficked into the building where they can become a greater issue over time.

With growing demands being placed on facilities managers to ensure that buildings are safe for users, focusing outwards-in is the most efficient and productive solution to expedite the cleaning process without compromising standards. 

From ensuring a high-quality appearance to good air quality, soils that enter facilities can greatly impact building cleanliness and affect facilities users.  When it comes to tackling dirt this winter, start by looking outwards-in for the most efficient and cost-effective cleaning. 

Daniel Took is head of professional product marketing at Kärcher UK

For more information: 

www.kaercher.com

Tel: 01295 752 082