Table of contentsIntroductionMetalsGlassPlasticCeramicWoodStoneVinyl finishesRubberIntroductionIt is important for the executive house manager to understand the different types of surfaces in the hotel in order to decide the best way to care for them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Hard surfaces are found in different forms in different areas of hotels. In order to maintain hard surfaces in good condition, in their composition, type or variation, the optimal cleaning and maintenance procedures must be known to housekeeping staff. Their cleaning and maintenance play an important role in the facility's cleaning and maintenance program. The common types of surfaces used in hotels are metal, glass, plastic, wood, stone, granite, terrazzo, rubber, linoleum, etc. These surfaces cover large areas and are subject to great wear. It is important that the floor surfaces chosen for an area are relevant to the purpose of the particular area. Some areas may require more durability and hygiene than appearance, for example the kitchen, while in some areas like the entrance hall, appearance and durability are both important. The different types of surfaces used in hotels depend on the following: Requirement of the area Comfort requirement of the area Number of steps on the area Convenience in cleaning the surface Life expectancy of the floor surface Money available Metals Metals form all or part of numerous fixtures and fittings, furniture and surfaces. The most commonly used metals are silver, steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum and iron. Metals are used in door and window hardware, wall panels, lighting fixtures, restaurant cutlery, kitchenware, guest room accessories and furniture. Most metal surfaces are tarnished, scratched or rusted unless treated or protected with a sealant. Most metals are plated with a precious metal, usually silver. SilverThis is a soft, malleable, ductile metal found naturally in the earth. It is a white metal that is unaffected by water, clean air and most foods. It gives a brilliant shine when polished. Silver plated items are made from blanks or bodies of a nickel silver alloy or nickel plated brass. These are immersed in a complex solution of silver salts and through electrolysis the silver is transferred to the blanks and an electrolytic article results. This process is known as EPNS or electrolytic nickel silver. Silver plated items can be replated but are expensive because the old deposit must be removed for any treatment or repair, making replating expensive. Silver tarnishing occurs due to the action of sulfur compounds or foods such as eggs, onion juice, pickles, etc. This tarnish cannot be removed by simple washing but requires special treatment: In this method, silver items are put in a hot solution. washing soda as well as a perforated aluminum sheet (Polvit Sheet). A chemical reaction takes place to remove the tarnish and move the sulfur to the aluminum. Silver is washed with boiling water and dried with a lint-free cloth. A silver dip solution is a liquid chemical mixture. This solution tends to work on stainless steel. It should only be used in glass, earthenware or plastic earthenware. The money is quickly removed and rinsedin hot running water then dried. Proprietary preparation It is a complex mixture in the form of emulsion, paste or powder rubbed on the item, polished and followed. by washing and drying with a polishing cloth, e.g. Silvo.SteelSteel is corrosion resistant thanks to the addition of chromium to an alloy of iron and carbon. Stainless steel is used for making cutlery, serving dishes, sanitary ware, furniture, etc. Stainless steel is used for making cutlery. It also contains chromium and nickel and is hardened by cold working such as pressing and stamping. Stainless steel is a strong, durable metal with a metal polish. However, it is not scratch resistant. Chrome steel is made by coating steel with chromium. Chrome steel is used for manufacturing faucets, bathtub handles, shower fittings, etc. Galvanized steel is steel coated with zinc to prevent tarnishing. It is used to make buckets. Chrome steel and galvanized steel are wiped or washed with a synthetic detergent and rinsed under running water. It is then polished and allowed to dry.CopperThis metal is used for wall panels, countertops, bowls, vases and even cooking and serving utensils, cutlery, etc. Copper is cleaned by washing the item in warm water with detergent. It is then rubbed with a mixture of salt, vinegar/lime juice/tamarind. The object is then cleaned with lukewarm water and dried immediately to avoid any traces of water. In the case of cooking and serving utensils, it is cleaned with lukewarm water and a mild detergent and then dried immediately. With the exception of cookware and serving dishes, all other copper items can be polished with a proprietary polish. Brass is cleaned by washing the brass item with detergent and plenty of running water. The tamarind/lime is rubbed with salt which acts as an abrasive and allowed to dry. It is washed with a solution of detergent and water, dried then a proprietary varnish, for example brasso applied, polished with a polishing cloth. If the utensil is used for eating, the utensil should be washed with detergent and water to remove all traces of varnish. .BronzeBronze is best cleaned by washing it with detergent and water. The bronze piece is then dried and an exclusive varnish is applied. AluminumAluminum is a light, malleable and ductile metal. It is used in the manufacture of kitchen utensils, insulating wires, lighting fixtures, window frames, Venetian blinds. Aluminum is not tarnished by air/moisture but is damaged by soda and other alkalis as well as the action of acids. Aluminum is cleaned using detergent and running water. Mild abrasives can be used to remove difficult stains.IronWrought iron is an example of wrought iron, which is iron shaped by heating in a fire and hammering. Cast iron is a hard alloy of iron, carbon and silicon cast in a mold. Unenameled cast iron is flame and oven resistant. The iron should be washed only when necessary and then washed thoroughly. Galvanized iron requires regular washing. Any rust present on the surface can be removed with steel wool soaked in oxalic acid. To promote long life, the iron should be coated with oil or black lead. GlassGlass is a transparent, shiny, brittle material made from silica or sand to which other chemicals are added depending on the grade or type of glass required. Glass is used for many purposes such as tableware, kitchen utensils, bottles, vases, lamps, windows, mirrors. The glass surface requiresregular dusting. Light marks are cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water. Stubborn marks can be removed with diluted methylated spirits. The glass is then wiped with a newspaper. Dry the glass with a lint-free cloth. Plastics These are used to make tableware, hardware as protective films on metals, wood, etc. They can be produced as long filaments and woven into textiles. Plastics can cover fabrics. They have high strength, low absorbency, easy to clean and quick to dry.TypesPlastics are of two types depending on their properties.1. Thermosetting plastics2. ThermoplasticsThermosetting plastics: These are hard plastics molded by heat and pressure and do not soften when reheated, for example. MelaminePhenolic LaminatesThermoplasticThese are soft plastics that soften when exposed to heat and harden again when cooled. weight.They are resistant to most chemicals.They are resistant to use.They do not conduct electricity.They are easy to clean.They are mostly non-absorbent.They are resistant to pests.Plastic is cheap compared to other metals. All kinds of plastic are easy to clean and maintain. Daily dusting and wiping with a mild detergent and duster, followed by washing and drying with a duster, is sufficient. Food marks can be removed by adding sodium bicarbonate to water followed by washing thoroughly.CeramicsCeramics are made from sand and clay and different proportions and types of clay are mixed with other ingredients to produce different types of ceramics of required quality for floor and wall tiles, drain pipes, wash basins, sinks, toilet bowls, vases, kitchen utensils, tea cup and saucers, etc.CeramicEarthenware Stoneware Porcelain Earthenware firedVitrified glazeTypes of ceramicEarthenwareThis is a thick, heavy porous material made from clay and fired. It is used in making jugs, bowls, vases, ashtrays, etc. Earthenware should be handled with care as it chips and breaks easily. EarthenwareGlazed earthenwareVitrified earthenwareStonewarePorcelainBone ChinaVitrified earthenwareTerracottaWoodWood is obtained from trees obtained from nature. Wood has varying degrees of hardness with many uses, varying colors and different grain patterns. Since wood is porous, it absorbs water and dust. It is also prone to fungal attack and pest attack.Types of woodWood is divided into hardwood or softwood based on their strength and resilience.HardwoodsThese are obtained from deciduous trees . The most popular woods are teak, oak, ash, beech, birch, walnut and rosewood. Hardwood does not dent easily and is used in the construction of floors, walls, furniture and furnishings. Hardwoods are expensive and are used today as a veneer over softwoods. .SoftwoodThese are obtained from conifers. Popular woods include pine, fir, cedar and rubberwood. These are lightweight, cheaper and prone to wear and tear. Softwoods are used in the construction of subfloors, ceilings, joists and furniture. Wooden planks They are lighter than wood, treated for a long life and are less expensive than solid wood planks. Hardboards This is a thin, flexible board made from wood pulp fibers. . They are smooth on one side and have a mesh-like texture on the other side. Hardboards are used.