The five key variables to your cleaning process.
There are five key factors involved in the cleaning process that are of equal importance, and balancing these factors will produce the greatest possible results. If any one of these factors are reduced then other factors would need to be increased, otherwise the cleaning and sanitation process may be unsuccessful.
There are other versions of the WATCH acronym however the information and message is consistent. The following two incorporate the water factor into other areas as opposed to it being a separate value as seen in the WATCH example.
⇨ T.A.C.T. - Temperature, Agitation, Concentration, and Time
⇨ C.H.A.T. - Chemical, Heat, Agitation, and Time
The terms are described in more detail below but further to the following, consideration still needs to be made for the product being cleaned. For example, while higher temperatures may yield better results, the product being cleaned may not be able to handle higher temperatures.
Time: The contact time in which the chemical solution is exposed to the soil is very important for effective cleaning. If the cleaning product hasn’t been given enough time with the soil it doesn’t allow the chemical solution to fulfil its purpose. If left too long, depending on the situation, it may even cause the soil to re-settle or disperse elsewhere.
Action/Agitation: The type and amount of friction applied to the soil to assist in suspension and removal. This can be in the form of manual or machine scrubbing, air or water pressure, or through movements or vibrations from the cleaning equipment. The method needs to be appropriate for the soil and surface type, applied with enough pressure, and last long enough to suspend the substance.
Chemical/Concentration: This refers to the type of chemical and the strength of the cleaning solution. Select a chemical suitable for the soil and surface and take into account any other compatibility factors in the immediate area.
The chemical label will advise the recommended dilution rate and in most cases will include variants for different purposes, such as heavy-duty cleaning, general-purpose use, etc. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as it’s a tested guide for factors including, but not limited to, performance, safety, PPE requirements, and compliance.
Adding more chemical doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll work better or quicker, in fact it may cause other issues such as damage to the surface, increasing health and environmental risks of the solution, can leave behind a residue, or simply not work at all.
Heat/Temperature: Cleaning efficiency typically increases as the temperature increases for a couple of reasons.
1. The surface tension of water decreases when the temperature increases making it easier for water to pull away soils and also makes it easier for the water to get into pores and gaps, instead of covering them.
2. Different substances undergo different changes at particular temperatures therefore the cleaning ability improves once it reaches the temperature relative to the particular substance.
3. Heat makes molecules move faster which speed up chemical reactions.
4. Heat assists in breaking the bond between grease and surfaces.
5. High temperatures, above 77ºC, will sanitise items.
Water – Water is added to the chemical for diluting to the required concentration and in some cases it will “activate” the chemical. Water is also required to carry away suspended soils.
Download the WATCH Cleaning Acronym Wall Chart here.
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