Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna: Dust is banned from the building

When art is world-class, cleaning requires sensitivity. The Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien (KHM) relies on dust-binding mopping with Masslinn disposable cloths from Wetrok for daily floor care – for maximum hygiene, efficiency and value retention.

Katja Bühlmann

Published  

Preserving value through gentle cleaning

In a museum, it's not speed that counts, but care. The facility team balances every decision between visitor expectations, conservation requirements and efficient processes: machines are used in robust areas, while strict protection of art and building fabric applies in collection rooms.

«Dust-binding wiping prevents dust from settling on our art and thus ensures that our exhibits retain their value»,explains maintenance manager Thomas Gaisberger.

This is because dust and loose dirt – from shoe abrasion to skin flakes – are the greatest enemies of the exhibits. They carry germs, alter surfaces and, in the long term, endanger the material substance. Therefore, adhering dirt is removed sparingly with a damp cloth, while loose dirt is removed using dust-binding methods – without stirring up dust. Every cleaning operation thus also contributes to the conservation of works of art and architectural history.

Small tricks, big impact

The technique is simple – it's the finesse that makes the difference:

  • Push edges, wipe free surfaces backwards in a pendulum motion

  • Ergonomics: Adjust telescopic handle to chin height

  • Never lean dusting device against walls (to protect wall coverings/artwork)

Regular refresher training minimises errors, increases speed and protects equipment.

10 advantages of dust-binding mopping with Masslinn

  1. High area coverage

  2. Hygiene prevention before wet mopping (germs/microorganisms)

  3. Best cleaning results according to FIGR test

  4. No germ transfer (1 disposable cloth per room)

  5. No dust swirling

  6. No power consumption

  7. No noise (no suction motor)

  8. High safety (no cable, no tripping hazard)

  9. Low space requirement on trolleys and in storage

  10. Immediate dirt disposal (no bag change)

Performance that impresses

At the KHM, around 9,000 m² are wiped daily using dust-binding methods; across the entire museum association, a further ≈ 15,000 m² of collection and numerous office areas are added. For open areas, the team uses Balit 930 (93 cm), in offices Balit 560 (56 cm) – and during the day, depending on the situation, under seating.

Dust binding mopping vs. vacuuming (smooth floors, open spaces)

  • Vacuuming (dry vacuum cleaner): approx. 300 m²/h

  • Dust-binding mopping (Masslinn + mop): approx. 600–800 m²/h

  • Conclusion: double the area coverage – with zero dust disturbance.

Binding dust instead of stirring it up

Masslinn disposable cloths are stretched over a dust mop and moved across the floor in a pendulum-like motion. Masslinn picks up all dust, even from the joints of older parquet floors.

The right cloth for your floor:

  • White Masslinn: marble floors (dome hall, art chamber, staircases)

  • Yellow Masslinn: parquet flooring in art galleries – with oil impregnation that traps dust in the cloth

Who is Masslinn particularly suitable for?

  • Museums, churches, collections (dust-sensitive objects)

  • Hotels, healthcare facilities (prevention of dust-borne germs)

  • Prestigious buildings with sensitive materials

The conclusion: maximum cleanliness, minimum effort.

Dust-binding wiping with Masslinn is the conservationally correct and economically efficient answer to the main problem in museums: dust. It protects exhibits, optimises processes and creates quiet, safe procedures – preserving value with every movement.

«The Wetrok team goes the extra mile: they test with us on site and find the perfect, low-emission solution – that makes all the difference.»
Thomas Gaisberger
Head of Maintenance, Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Quality with a label – and practical relevance

Masslinn cloths are Cradle to Cradle certified and excel in FIGR testing. Internal comparative tests with alternative products showed that Masslinn visibly binds better – from coarse to fine. For KHM, consistent top performance is what counts; ecological certificates further support the company's sustainable orientation.

Partnership with Wetrok: solutions down to the last detail

Whether it's display case cleaning (surfactant-optimised formula for streak-free windows) or wood floor protection with Wetrok Polish with minimal emissions: Wetrok provides on-site support, testing and adjustments – creating the right solution instead of offering off-the-shelf products.

Would you like to clean dust-sensitive areas efficiently and gently? Discover Masslinn and the matching Balit mopping equipment from Wetrok – for systematic value retention.

Learn more about Masslinn


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