First cleaning project in Finland

As part of Kärcher Finland's 30th anniversary, a team of employees cleaned the forecourt and surrounding stairs of Helsinki Cathedral as part of Kärcher's cultural sponsorship.

Cleaning the stairs of the Helsinki Cathedral.
A municipal sweeper from Kärcher cleans the forecourt of Helsinki Cathedral.

The Kärcher team of up to 10 people used various cleaning methods in their work. Loose dirt such as paper or cigarette butts are picked up with two sweepers. A larger vacuum sweeper from the municipal sector was used on the larger open areas. A smaller ride-on sweeper was used to clean confined areas. The team also used a battery-powered wet/dry vacuum cleaner, which can be operated independently of a power source, to remove the remaining debris.

Subsequently, the granite and paving stones were cleaned of everyday dirt, spilled beverage residues or chewing gum using various hot water high-pressure cleaners. The dirt is loosened in this method mainly by the high temperature of the water, which is about 80 degrees Celsius on the stone surface. Compared to high-pressure cleaning with cold water and significantly more pressure, this type of cleaning is gentler and also saves time, as the hot water speeds up the process significantly and less pressure is required. Due to the difficult water supply on site, the Kärcher team worked, among other things, with a self-sufficient hot water high-pressure trailer, which, thanks to its own tank for water and diesel and the integrated motor, does not need any electricity or water connection.

The stairs were pre-cleaned with a battery-powered vacuum.
Hot water high-pressure trailer in use at Helsinki Cathedral

Due to the difficult water supply on site, the Kärcher team worked, among other things, with a self-sufficient hot water high-pressure trailer, which, thanks to its own tank for water and diesel and the integrated motor, does not need any electricity or water connection.

Cleaning the stairs in front of Helsinki Cathedral.

A smaller sweeper was used for cleaning confined areas.

The cathedral of Helsinki

All facts at a glance

Country: Finland
Place: Helsinki

Type of dirt: lichen, algae, moss, chewing gum, cigarette butts, spilled drinks
Cleaning technology: hot water high-pressure trailers, sweepers, battery-powered wet/dry vacuums

Implementation: May 2023