Small Wares
Cleanup Equipments

Principle Use

• Sweeping up dry refuse from floors

Special Characteristics

• Closely spaced, flexible bristles move refuse efficiently for collection in a dustpan. Handle facilitates sweeping under low objects with a minimum of bending and stooping

Operating Hints

• Wet or greasy refuse may stick to bristles and impair their function
• Long, controlled strokes minimize fly away dust and dirt
• Use a putty knife to scrape off adhered material from floor as stepping on bristles to do this may damage them

Cleaning

• Swish through warm, soapy water to remove dirt and grease from synthetic bristles effectively. Natural bristles may be damaged
• Rinsing thoroughly prevents souring
• Hanging to dry/ store prevents distortion of bristles

Principle Use

• Relatively gentle scraping off of soils adhered to anything from hands to char broilers

Special Characteristics

• Bundles of bristles may be a natural or synthetic fiber or metal material and stiffness varies as per intended task, as do handle and block design

Operating Hints

• Choose the right brush for the job
• Avoid unnecessary stress on bristles

Cleaning

• Wash, rinse and hang to dry

Principle Use

• Measuring, containing or transporting of cleaning solutions

Special Characteristics

• Reservoir is usually constructed of metal or plastic with a metal bail handle. Some have wheels, wringers for mops and rags or divided compartments for solutions

Operating Hints

• Choose the right bucket for the job
• Use warning signs to prevent slips and falls on wet floors

Cleaning

• Wash, rinse and invert to dry between uses

Principle Use

• Distribution and collection of cleaning solutions on floors and walls

Special Characteristics

• Absorbent materials attached to a long handle is traditionally bundled with cotton string. Sponges, synthetic material may be used

Operating Hints

• Sweep surface to be mopped and remove any adhered items using a putty knife
• Wet small sections systematically. Apply solution using side to side sweeping motion
• Wring mop thoroughly and pick up solution at 90 degree angle to application before going on to the next section
• Use caution signs to prevent accidents while floors are wet

Cleaning

• Use hot soapy water to clean mop. Rinse and wring it out
• Hanging to dry prevents souring

Principle Use

• Rapid and efficient drying of flat surfaces such as windows, drain boards and floors

Special Characteristics

• Flexible rubber blade pulls liquids off surfaces as it is drawn over them

Operating Hints

• Choose the right squeegee for the job--usually 14 inches for windows and 24-36 inches for floors
• Use to remove lightly soiled liquids. Heavily soiled liquids will streak
• Dark rubber may mark light floors
• Wipe blade dry after each pass
• Older blades may become stiff and ineffective. They are easily replaced

Cleaning

• Rinse thoroughly and dry blade
• Hanging between uses prevents distortion of the blade