Kärcher, Intramuros Administration team up to clean historic Fort Santiago

Kärcher cleaning expert Gerd Heidrich (left), along with cleaning personnel, demonstrates the effectiveness of Kärcher's state-of-the-art cleaning equipment used in the Fort Santiago Restorative Cleaning Project in Intramuros. The project targets organic growth and other environmental challenges on the façade of the fortress.

The innovative solution employs hot water high-pressure cleaners in steam mode, using a pressure of only 0.5-1 bar at a temperature of 95°C. The elevated heat of the steam is vital in the cleaning process, effectively eliminating the seeds of the biological growth settling in the pores of the stone.

Kärcher, a world-famous German brand for cleaning technology, has partnered with the Intramuros Administration (IA) to launch a significant restorative cleaning initiative at Fort Santiago.

The project focused on cleaning parts of the reconstructed main gate and the wall façades of Baluartillo de San Miguel and Medio Baluarte de San Francisco in a restorative manner. It is part of Kärcher’s 90th anniversary challenge of undertaking 90 cleaning projects in public places, streets, communities, and historic structures around the world in 2025.

“As we celebrate our long-standing passion for technical solutions that make a difference, Kärcher proudly recommits to preserving cultural heritage across the globe. Having the esteemed Intramuros Administration as our partner is instrumental to this initiative’s success, enabling us to honor the memory of war victims and celebrate Filipinos’ heroic sacrifices,” said Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines.

Fort Santiago is a concrete symbol of Filipinos’ national identity, a reflection of allegiance to its forefathers’ pursuit of freedom. The IA embarked on this restorative cleaning project in its mission to protect and conserve the significance of Intramuros for generations to come.

The IA deployed key personnel to help in the restorative cleaning project, who were trained by Kärcher experts in the proper, safe, and efficient use of cleaning equipment. Kärcher utilized advanced technologies to address the environmental issues confronting the fortress, including organic growth.

The solution involves the use of hot water high-pressure cleaners in steam mode using pressure of only 0.5-1 bar across the surface of the structure at 95°C temperature. In addition, the heat of the steam is the most important factor in the cleaning process as it also kills the seeds of the biological growth that are settling in the pores of the stone.

Constructed in 1571 under Spanish navigator Miguel López de Legazpi, Fort Santiago served as a critical defense fortress within the historic walled city of Manila. Today, it stands as a national monument, providing local and foreign visitors with insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Philippines.

Fort Santiago is only one of the sites under the management of IA. The latter is responsible for the orderly restoration and development of Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history. An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the IA provides cultural property conservation and development, commercial property leasing, tourism promotions, and regulatory programs.

Kärcher, in partnership with the Intramuros Administration, launches a restorative cleaning project at Fort Santiago. This initiative aims to clean the reconstructed main gate and the façades of Baluartillo de San Miguel and Medio Baluarte de San Francisco. It is part of Kärcher’s 90th global anniversary challenge, which involves 90 cleaning projects in public spaces, streets, communities, and historical sites worldwide in 2025.

Gracing the event are (L-R): Daphne Oseña-Paez, who served as Event Host; Dr. David Klebs, Economics Counsellor - Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany; Daina Bartuseviciute, Director of Marketing & Product Management ASEAN, South Korea, Taiwan & Bangladesh at Kärcher Southeast Asia Ltd.; Atty. Joan M. Padilla, Administrator of the Intramuros Administration; Gerd Heidrich, Kärcher cleaning expert; and Darwin Banez, General Manager of Kärcher Philippines.

90 years of Kärcher

Founded on January 2, 1935 by Alfred Kärcher as a tinkerer’s workshop for heating technology in Stuttgart, Germany, the family business has developed over the decades into a world-famous brand for cleaning technology. His wife Irene took over after his early death and drove internationalization forward, building a legacy that is synonymous with quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Alfred Kärcher’s first successes include the “Kärcher salt bath oven” for hardening light metals and preheating devices for vehicle and aircraft engines. A large number of products that were completely new in their time followed, helping shape the market for cleaning equipment. Current devices with a game-changing character include fully automatic cleaning robots and cleaning devices that can be controlled via an app.

Kärcher has been particularly successful in the recent past, with a turnover that increased by more than 340% in the last 20 years. In the same period, the number of employees also tripled. On top of the steady growth are numerous awards that serve as confirmation of its path. This includes the recent German Sustainability Award and the official confirmation from Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) that the targets set by Kärcher contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and are therefore in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Today, a team of over 17,000 people in 85 countries and 170 companies work together at Kärcher to make the world a little cleaner. The product portfolio now includes over 3,000 cleaning and care devices. In 2024, the company once again achieved record sales of 3.446 billion euros.

Kärcher has also been committed to the preservation of historical monuments and buildings, showcasing its expertise through over 200 restorative cleaning projects worldwide. Its dedication to cultural heritage is reflected in its meticulous approach and innovative cleaning technologies, ensuring that each project respects historical significance.

Philippine sites that previously benefited from restorative cleaning services include St. Andrew’s Cathedral, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, San Agustin Church, People Power Monument, and Rizal Monument.

More information about Kärcher products and solutions is available at the website <karcher.com/ph/inside-kaercher/careers/company/kaercher-philippines.html> and official Facebook page <fb.com/karcher.inc>.