Unit 7: Guest Room and Public Area Cleaning
Expert-defined terms from the Executive Certificate in Cruise Ship Housekeeping Procedures course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**A** #
**A**
**Acidic Cleaner #
** A cleaning solution with a pH level below 7. It is used to remove hard water stains, mineral deposits, and rust from surfaces.
**Allergen #
** A substance that can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Common allergens in cruise ships include dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
**Antimicrobial Agent #
** A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
**B** #
**B**
**Backpack Vacuum #
** A portable vacuum cleaner designed to be worn on the back, allowing for easy movement and cleaning in tight spaces.
**Bed Bug #
** A small, wingless insect that feeds on the blood of humans and animals. They can infest mattresses, box springs, and furniture, and are difficult to eradicate.
**Bloodborne Pathogen #
** A virus or bacteria that can cause disease through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
**C** #
**C**
**Color #
Coded Cleaning:** A system of using different colored cleaning tools and supplies for different areas of the ship to prevent cross-contamination.
**Cross #
Contamination:** The transfer of bacteria, viruses, or other harmful substances from one surface to another.
**D** #
**D**
**Deodorizer #
** A product used to eliminate or mask unpleasant odors.
**Disinfectant #
** A chemical agent that kills or inactivates bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
**E** #
**E**
**Enzymatic Cleaner #
** A cleaning solution that contains enzymes, which break down and remove organic matter, such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
**F** #
**F**
**Fecal Coliform Bacteria #
** A type of bacteria found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in water indicates contamination and potential health risks.
**G** #
**G**
**Germicidal Light #
** A type of light that emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
**Green Cleaning #
** A cleaning approach that uses environmentally friendly products and methods to reduce the impact on human health and the environment.
**H** #
**H**
**Hantavirus #
** A type of virus that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents or their droppings.
**Hard Water #
** Water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause scale buildup on surfaces and appliances.
**I** #
**I**
**Infection Control #
** A set of practices and procedures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
**Isopropyl Alcohol #
** A type of rubbing alcohol that is commonly used as a disinfectant.
**L** #
**L**
**Legionella #
** A type of bacterium that can cause a serious lung infection known as Legionnaires' disease. It can grow in warm, stagnant water, such as in hot tubs, cooling towers, and showerheads.
**M** #
**M**
**Microfiber Cloth #
** A type of cloth made from very fine fibers, which can capture and remove dirt, dust, and bacteria from surfaces.
**N** #
**N**
**Norovirus #
** A type of virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly in close quarters, such as on cruise ships.
**O** #
**O**
**OSHA #
** The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a federal agency that sets and enforces standards for workplace safety and health.
**P** #
**P**
**Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) #
** Equipment worn to protect the user from hazards, such as gloves, masks, and gowns.
**Phenolic Disinfectant #
** A type of disinfectant that contains phenol or related compounds. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
**Quarantine #
** The isolation of individuals or groups who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent its spread.
**R** #
**R**
**Respirator #
** A device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the user from inhaling harmful substances, such as dust, fumes, or viruses.
**Sanitizer #
** A product that reduces the number of bacteria on surfaces to a safe level, as
determined by public health standards #
determined by public health standards.
**Sodium Hypochlorite #
** A type of bleach that is commonly used as a disinfectant.
**T** #
**T**
**Tuberculosis (TB) #
** A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, causing coughing, chest pain, and fever.
**U** #
**U**
**Ultraviolet (UV) Light #
** A type of light with a wavelength shorter than visible light, which can kill or inactivate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
**V** #
**V**
**Virus #
** A small infectious agent that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism.
**W** #
**W**
**Wet Mopping #
** A method of cleaning floors using a damp mop and a cleaning solution.
**Z** #
**Z**
**Zoonotic Disease #
** A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, salmonella, and hantavirus.