GP Carpet Cleaning Blog

Wednesday, 28 October 2009

Kärcher puts the 'high' into high-pressure cleaners with Nelson's Column clean

Kärcher puts the 'high' into high-pressure cleaners with Nelson's Column clean
Kärcher high-pressure cleaners are living up to their name as they go into action high above Trafalgar Square in London this month as part of the Mayor of London's restoration of Nelson's Column.
Two Kärcher HDS 745 hot water machines have each been fitted with three 20 metre extension hoses that will keep the machines at ground level, whilst cleaning takes place at the very top of the famous column - which stands at 51.86 metres. Impressively, the power of the machines overcomes the slight loss of pressure that is inevitable when working at such a height.
"By using hot water, the cleaning - and drying - time can be reduced by as much as 80 per cent," says Simon Keeping, Kärcher UK managing director. "And the level of pressure applied to the column's surface can be adjusted as required by the restorers - to almost pressureless if necessary for particularly delicate areas."
The work has been commissioned by the Mayor of London and is being undertaken by David Ball Restoration Limited, whose conservation team has been specially trained to use the variable pressure cleaners by Kärcher. Adrian Attwood, executive director at David Ball Restoration, comments: "Kärcher machines have proven their ability for such specialised projects around the world and they were the obvious choice for cleaning Nelson's Column. In addition, the company's reputation for reliability along with the service and training support on offer means we know that we will be able to get the job done with Kärcher."
To enable all the surfaces of the granite column and the sandstone statue of Admiral Nelson himself to be properly cleaned, Kärcher has also supplied rotary and steam nozzles. The cleaning, which is part of a wider restoration project, will use the Kärcher machines to remove layers of accumulated pigeon droppings and other soluble contaminants.
"We're thrilled that our machines have been selected for such a high profile clean," continues Simon Keeping. "We've cleaned a number of major landmarks around the world - Mount Rushmore in the USA for example - but this is the first time we've been involved in the UK. We know our equipment will bring Nelson back to his former glory!"