7

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES
Module 1
Use and Maintain
Cleaning Materials, Tools
and Equipment (UT)

i
 Table of Contents

MODULE 1: USE AND MAINTAIN CLEANING MATERIALS, TOOLS, AND

EQUIPMENT (UT)

Lesson 1: Use Appropriate Cleaning Tools, Equipment, Supplies

and Materials --------------------------------------- 5
What’s In --------------------------------------- 5
What’s New --------------------------------------- 5
What is It --------------------------------------- 6
What’s More --------------------------------------- 14

Lesson 2: Maintain Cleaning Equipment---------------------------------------------------17

What’s In------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
What’s New---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
What is It------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
What’s More--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
What’s More--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24

What I Have Learned----------------------------------------------------------------------------------26

What I Can Do------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27
Assessment----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28
Additional Activities-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------31
Answer Key---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32
References-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35

ii
 Lesson USE APPROPRIATE CLEANING TOOLS,

1 EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AND

MATERIALS

Welcome to Lesson 1 of our module in Household Services!

In this lesson, we are going to know the basic concepts of household services, types
and uses of cleaning tools, equipment, supplies and materials.

What’s In

Before we will proceed to our lesson, when you hear the word “Household Services”,
what comes first into your mind? Write your answer on you TLE Notebook. (All answers
will be accepted)

What’s New

Activity 1 - Let Me Know

Give at least five (5) types of cleaning tools, equipment, supplies, and materials that
you can find either in your home or in school. Identify each use. Write your answer on your
TLE Notebook.

What is It

Household Services refers to the management of household affairs in a proper

way thus, making a domestic house clean and maintain its high standards of cleanliness and
maintenance at commercial levels. It is also known as “house cleaning” or
“housekeeping” which includes overall cleaning of the house like

3
window cleaning, putting furniture at the right place, doing dishes, maintaining lawns, taking
out all the trash from the house and making repairs to household appliances and so forth.

There are two types of housekeeping: domestic housekeeping and

institutional housekeeping.

Domestic housekeeping refers to housekeeping maintenance in the house. This

covers the kitchen, bedrooms, dinning, grounds, and areas surrounding the house.

Institutional housekeeping refers to housekeeping maintenance for

establishments like hotels, resorts, apartments etc. It covers the guest rooms, halls and
corridors, offices, stairways, grounds and plants, public areas and restaurants.

Standards of housekeeping includes cleanliness, sanitation, orderliness safety, eye

appeal, client’s comfort, materials control and preventive maintenance.

The importance of housekeeping is not just keeping a family’s house but also a hotel
and other establishment a safe, clean, comfortable and inviting home. Thus, a thorough
cleaned, well-maintained environment promotes a feeling of comfort and enjoyment and
nobody worries about being exposed to unsanitary conditions.

Furthermore, a formal education is not required but most household and hotels prefer
their housekeeping staff to be at least a holder of high school diploma and has an NC
(National Certificate) in Housekeeping to qualify for the job. Anyone who undergo training
on housekeeping work may get a job and career opportunities in areas like hotels, resorts,
tour and travel agencies, restaurants, lodges, guesthouse, etc. They can work as laundrymen,
linen keeper, tailor, laundry master, executive housekeeper, associate housekeeping manager,
etc. Thus, housekeeper needs also to possess certain qualities. He or she needs to have an
“eye for detail”. While at work, they may come in close contact with the guests. This is why
it is a must that they also have good interpersonal and communication skills.

Housekeeping can be a very demanding job that requires one to be patient. A

housekeeper is a person employed to manage such household and other domestic staff. A
housekeeping staff spends long hours on his feet, sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming,
and cleaning of premises. In addition to the cleaning task, a

4
housekeeper also uses different types of cleaning tools, equipment, supplies, and
materials in doing such tasks.

Types And Uses Of Cleaning Tools, Equipment, Supplies, And

Materials
Today, cleaning is a very serious concern to have a well conducive environment for
living. Our home, working places and the whole environment require serious treatment in
order to give us clean atmosphere where we can easily live.

For a thorough cleaning, the following cleaning tools, equipment, supplies and
materials are to be used:

A. Cleaning Tools. It is a handheld device created and designed in various colors,

materials, mechanisms, shapes, sizes and styles to clean easily, effectively and efficiently.
They are vital in cleaning and in accomplishing task.

Cleaning Tools Picture/s Characteristic/Meaning/Use

 made of soft cotton, flannel, or

1. Dusters artificial feathers

 used for removing dust and for
wiping various surfaces

 made of either plastic materials or

2. Dustpans metal, which must be cleaned after use

before storage
 used to collect dust and dirt with a
help of a broom

 made of thick, loosely woven cloth

3. Mop  useful tool in wiping dirt and dust

from the floor

5
  may be made from man-made
materials like plastic or from natural
materials like the soft broom (walis
tambo); made from tiger grass and the
stick broom (walis ting-ting); made

4. Brooms from spine of dried coconut leaves

 used in sweeping dirt and dust from
the floor and other areas that needs
cleaning

 designed with different sizes and

5. Brushes shapes for specific cleaning purposes

 used for cleaning bidets and toilet

a. Toilet brush bowl

 used for unclogging sink

b. Sink brush

 used for cleaning sturdy dirt from

c. Scrub brush floors and walls

d. Carpet hand  alternative for vacuum in cleaning

brush the carpet

6
 e. Soft hand  goes with the dust pan and is used to
brush collect dust

 a soft brush with long handles to

f. Long handle clean hard to reach walls

brush

 used to clean delicate surfaces like

g. Feather
lampshades, televisions, etc.
brush

 used for holding water or

6. Buckets or Pails detergent while cleaning

 are available in plastic with lid, to

7. Garbage Bins hold gathered garbage and trash

while cleaning

 used to hold small tools and

8.Caddy Basket chemicals whole cleaning

 used to gather water while

9. Squeegee cleaning window glasses

 used to squirt, spray or mist fluids in

10. Spray Bottle a dirty surfaces

7
  made of soft porous material, absorbs

11. Sponge water and becoming soft when wet

 used for wiping or cleaning
impervious surfaces

B. CLEANING EQUIPMENT. It refers to any of a large class of device used for

cleaning.

Cleaning Equipment Picture/s Characteristic/Meaning/Use

 used in scrubbing, stripping, and

1. Floor Scrubber and polishing hard floor surfaces, vinyl,

Polisher wood parquet, etc.

 used in removing dust and small

2. Vacuum Cleaner pieces of debris from the floors,

upholstery, furnishings, walls, and
ceilings

 used to clean the carpet and

3. Upholstery Steam upholstery; it had been fitted with an

Cleaner upholstery wand for maximum reach

when dealing with tight, hard-to-
reach crevices of
upholstery

8
  designed to remove soil from the

4. High Pressure surface with the help of water and

Washer steam subjected to high pressure;

water under pressure dislodges the
dirt from the surface

 used for the deep cleaning and stain

removal; the cleaning agents are
simply mixed with hot water and
5. Carpet Shampoo
detergents; the detergent is injected
Machine
on the carpet piles and extracted
back by a wet vacuum
built into the same machine

Among all the cleaning equipment listed above, the most commonly used by a room
attendant in cleaning are the vacuum cleaner and floor scrubber and polisher.

C. Cleaning Supplies/Materials. It refers to consumable items used in cleaning.

Cleaning
Pictures Characteristic/Meaning/Use
Supplies/Materials

 a detergent in liquid form

1. Liquid Detergent used for cleaning tools and

equipment

 known as “universal

2. Water solvent”
 a liquid used for cleaning
most of the tools and
equipment

9
  most common type of

3. Cleaning cleaning agent

Detergent  may be in the form of

powder, liquid, gel or
crystals
 a surfactant or a mixture of
surfactants with “cleaning
properties in diluted
solutions that is also used in
cleaning purposes” making
it easy
to wash it away

 an absorbent textile made

4. Paper Towel from paper instead of cloth

used in drying hands, wiping
windows, dusting
and cleaning up spills

 used to remove the

5. Scrubbing Foam contaminants of any tool and

equipment

 a garment that covers the

6. Gloves whole hand of a person that

performs household
services

10
Safety Measures/Precautions in Cleaning Tools
Household servicing is not just cleanliness. It includes keeping work areas neat and
orderly, maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards, and removing of waste
materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas.

Safe Use

Risks can vary greatly. What important is, whoever has to use any tool or piece of
equipment as part of their job does so with care. To ensure safe use, employers must orient
workers and provide suitable information. They must also check that workers have the
appropriate qualifications to use intricate tools and equipment. In addition, as part of their
health and safety strategy, employers should offer orientation and training. This isn’t
necessary for basic items, but when certain tools and equipment change, orientation improves
skills and reminds users of safety procedures.

Handling material is a daily function in the workplace. All too often it is a task taken
for granted, with little knowledge of or attention to the consequences if done incorrectly.

Here are some quick and easy tips for safety measures/precautions in
cleaning tools:

1. Inspect your cleaning tools.

2. Pick the right cleaning tool.

3. Wear your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

4. Don’t alter your tools.

5. Handle with care.

6. Keep your workplace clean.

11
 What’s More

Activity 1 - Matching Type

Directions: Match the meaning in Column A with the terms in Column B. Write only the

letter of your answer on your TLE Notebook.

COLUMN A COLUMN B

1. It refers to housekeeping maintenance in a. Institutional Housekeeping

the house. b. Supplies/Materials
2. It refers to housekeeping maintenance for c. Sink brush
establishments like hotels, resorts,
d. Household Services
apartments etc.
e. Housekeeper
3. It is also known as “house cleaning”.
f. Tools
4. A person employed to manage such
household and other domestic staff. g. Domestic Housekeeping

5. Any of a large class of device used for h. Water

cleaning. i. Equipment
6. A handheld device used to clean easily, j. Toilet brush
effectively and efficiently.
k. Vacuum Cleaner and Floor
7. Known as “universal solvent”. Scrubber and Polisher
8. Used for unclogging sink.

9. Refers to consumable items used in

cleaning.

10. The most commonly used by a room

attendant in cleaning.

12
 Lesson MAINTAIN CLEANING EQUIPMENT
2

What’s In

In the previous lesson, you already knew about the basic concepts of household
services as well as the types and uses of cleaning tools, equipment, supplies and materials.
So, I expect that you already understood all those lessons.

Now, we are on the next journey on continuing this module. In this lesson, you will be
learning on how to maintain cleaning equipment which includes proper maintenance and
storage of tools and equipment as well as the types of chemicals for cleaning and sanitizing
the said tools and equipment.

What’s New

Directions: Complete the table below. Identify at least three (3) maintenance activities
performed by your mother, father, brother, sister, and yourself your house.
Write your answer on your TLE Notebook.

Maintenance Mother Father Brother Sister You

Activities

1.

2.

3.

13
 What is It

Maintenance and Storage of Cleaning

Tools and Equipment

Maintenance is the systematic care and protection of tools and equipment and other
machines in order to keep them in a safe, usable condition that limits downtime and extends
productivity. Thus, proper selection and maintenance of equipment are important factors to
consider. Selecting the proper tool for the job and using the tool properly will increase
efficiency and reduce maintenance problems. Purchase tools that are well made and suited to
the intended use. Commercial usage may entail more heavy-duty demands on equipment.
Always follow the routine “clean up while in use and clean up before keeping it”.

A. Correct Maintenance of Cleaning Tools and Equipment

A further part of a health and safety strategy is to maintain tools and equipment
regularly. This helps to identify safety problems before they become a serious hazard. Only
qualified people should carry out the maintenance. They should also keep records of their
inspections.

Furthermore, when it comes to management, there is one important way to follow the
rules and to manage the safe use and maintenance of tools and equipment. This is to assess
and control the risks.

Employers should conduct risk assessments that cover the setting up, use and
maintenance of tools and equipment at work. The risk assessment process must identify the
environments in which workers will use the tools and equipment at work. The risk
assessment process must identify the environments in which workers will use the tools and
equipment; any local conditions that may affect safety; and how the workers will actually
use each item in practice.

14
 Risk assessments such as these let employers know what orientation and training they
need to run. The assessments also show what information employers must make available in
the form of posters, user guides and safety signs.

By limiting risks in this way, employers have some control over potential hazards.
Specifically, employers should:

 Place guards on machinery to protect fingers and limbs

 Ensure that system controls have appropriate warning devices
 Insist staff wear personal protective clothing as necessary
 Arrange for maintenance when equipment is safely shut down and not in use.

Tools and Equipment Care and Maintenance

 Perform basic preventive maintenance.

 Execute clean up practices on the tools and equipment that must be maintained.
 Keep all cutting tools sharp. Use the right tool for the job.
 Ensure tools are in safe working order. Attach a “Do Not Use” tag to damaged
tools and notify the maintenance department.
 Clean up and pick up after yourself as you go. Good maintenance should be
followed.
 All equipment must be inspected before and after use and all defects should be
reported.

When it comes to the use of cleaning equipment, the following general rules need to
be followed:

1. Check electrical appliances and equipment before use. Check if there are frayed wires,
loose plugs and connections. NEVER use any appliances that is defective.

2. Handle equipment with care and make sure it does not bump on hard surfaces.

3. Clean and store equipment in their proper location immediately after use.

4. Empty dust bags of dry vacuum cleaners before they overload and after each use.

5. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions.

6. Schedule a regular check-up of equipment to prevent serious breakdown.

15
7. To avoid electric shock or short circuit, do not expose equipment to rain or water. Store
them indoors to protect them from getting wet. Electrical equipment should NEVER be
used in wet surfaces.

B. Proper Storage/Safekeeping of Cleaning Tools and Equipment

a. Hand Tools:

 Store hand tools in a clean dry storage area.

 Protect surfaces of cutting tools in storage
b. Tools and Equipment:
 Store tools and equipment in a clean dry storage area.
 There should be space for each tools and equipment stored.
 Clean and spray equipment after each use.
 For the equipment with wheels, clean and check wheel-driven
gears.
 The storage of all cleaning tools and equipment should also be a well-
ventilated area.
 Perform basic preventive maintenance.
 Execute clean up practices on the tools and equipment that must be maintained.
 Use the right tool for each job.
 Ensure tools are in safe working order. Attach a “Do Not Use” tag to damaged
tools.
 Clean up and pick up after yourself as you go. Good maintenance should be
followed.
 Manufacturer’s instructions for operation and maintenance should be followed.

16
 Types of Chemicals for Cleaning and Sanitizing
Tools and Equipment
Cleaning is the removal of dirt by physical or chemical means while sanitation is
the process of reducing or getting rid of microbes on surfaces to make them hygienic.
Sanitizing touchable surfaces kills the germs and microorganisms that soap and water
cannot. Moreover, it is important to clean, sanitize and store equipment properly for us to
avoid bacteria from penetrating. Cleaning and sanitizing the equipment is essential and the
most important aspects of a sanitation, therefore different types of chemicals for cleaning and
sanitizing are to be used.

Some considerations on the selection of cleaning chemicals before used.

Cleaning chemicals should be:

 mild
 of good quality
 bactericidal
 of a wide microbe spectrum
 none corrosive
 pleasant in terms of odor

Types of Chemicals for Cleaning and Sanitizing

Cleaning agents or chemicals are used to make the cleaning job easy. They are
substances used to remove dirt, including dust, stains, bad smells, and clutter on surfaces.
Here are the following chemicals or cleaning agents:

1. Detergents. These are made from pure soap or organic chemicals. There are two types
of detergent:

a. Soap detergent. It comes in flakes for washing delicate fabrics and powder for
washing soft fabric.

b. Synthetic detergent. It is made from organic chemicals derived from petroleum. It is

used for cleaning task and for washing up the floors. It may be in forms of
powder, liquid, gel or crystals.

17
2. Deodorants. These are used for hiding bad smells. They counteract stale odors and
sometimes introduce fragrance in the area. They are used in guest rooms, bathrooms and
in public areas.

3. Acid Cleaner. It is used to dissolved hard water deposits, remove mild rust stains, and
eliminate soap film from around the sink and on shower doors. They are useful in
removing tarnish from brass and copper.

4. Laundry Aids. These help and contribute to the cleaning action of laundry detergents
and offer special functions and benefits. Types of laundry cleaning aids includes fabric
softeners, enzymes, conditioning agents, dry-cleaning fluids, brightening agents and
more.

5. Alkaline Cleaners. These are particularly good in removing grease.

6. Polishes. These are applied to a surface to form a hard-protective layer and thus guard
against finger marks, stains, and scratches. They also create a pleasant shine on a hard
surface. Examples are metal polish, furniture polish, and floor polish.

7. Solvent Cleaners. These are used extensively for dry cleaning and for stain removal
and useful for cleaning grease or polishing surfaces. They all have strong fumes and
should be used in a well- ventilated room.

8. Floor Seal. It is applied to a floor’s surface to form a semi-permanent protective barrier

to prevent dirt, liquids, grease stains, and bacteria from penetrating.

9. Disinfectants. These are used to kill harmful germs. Examples are:

a. Phenol. It is used in dilute or concentrate solution to disinfect surfaced in

hospitals.

b. Halogen. Its elements chlorine and iodine may be used as disinfectants.

10. Abrasives. These are used to remove very stubborn stains of various surfaces.

18
Safe Use of Cleaning Chemicals

 Read container labels and follow directions.

 Make sure all chemical containers are not leaking or damaged.
 Label all chemicals correctly.
 Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times while handling
chemicals.
 Do not mix chemicals.
 Do not sniff contents of containers.