Periodic and basic cleaning, floor treatment and industry-specific environments
Daily cleaning is only part of the trade. The competency objectives also describe that you should be able to participate in the most common period and basic cleaning tasks, in oil and polish treatment of floors, in cleaning of home textiles and in industry-specific cleaning — all tasks requiring different techniques and equipment than the daily round.
Where daily cleaning maintains a level, period and deep cleaning go into depth: corners, high-set surfaces, behind and under furniture and other places not reached every day. Deep cleaning is typically planned so it does not unnecessarily disturb daily operations, and it is also used to remove accumulated dirt before it becomes a hygiene problem.
Wood floors are often treated with oil that penetrates the wood and protects it from within, while polish lays a protective layer on top of the floor and provides a glossy surface that can be polished up again without full sanding. The choice depends on floor type and wear, and incorrect treatment can damage a surface that could otherwise have lasted many years.
| Treatment | Works | Usually used for |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | Penetrates the wood and protects from within | Wood floors that must breathe |
| Wax | Applies a protective layer on top | Floors that can be refreshed by polishing |
Sorting and washing of textiles such as clothing and curtains takes place in accordance with guidelines in the national infection hygiene guidelines (NIR), published by the State Serum Institute. The rules exist because textiles can carry microorganisms further if handled incorrectly – particularly in hospitals, where textiles from a room with transmission risk must be sorted and washed differently than ordinary laundry.
“The more specialized the task, the more important it is to know the specific standard – not just the good general method.”