Kärcher, a famous German brand in cleaning technology, partnered with the Intramuros Administration (IA) to launch a major initiative.

The project focused on cleaning the reconstructed main gate and the wall façades of Baluartillo de San Miguel. It also covered Medio Baluarte de San Francisco in a restorative manner. This project is part of Kärcher’s 90th anniversary challenge in 2025. Kärcher aims to complete 90 cleaning projects worldwide in public places, streets, and historic sites.

“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 symbolizes the Filipino national identity, reflecting their pursuit of freedom. The IA started the project to preserve Intramuros’ significance for future generations. The IA deployed key personnel to assist in the project. They were trained by Kärcher experts in proper, safe, and efficient equipment use.

Innovative Cleaning Technologies at Fort Santiago and the Role of Intramuros Administration

Kärcher used advanced technologies to address environmental challenges at the fortress, such as organic growth. The solution involved hot water high-pressure cleaners. These cleaners used steam mode with a pressure of 0.5-1 bar at 95°C. The steam heat kills the seeds of biological growth settling in the stone’s pores.

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.

The Origins and Legacy of Kärcher: From Tinkerer’s Workshop to Global Cleaning Leader

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

Kärcher’s Global Impact and Commitment to Cultural Heritage Preservation

Alfred Kärcher’s first successes include the “Kärcher salt bath oven” for hardening light metals and preheating vehicle engines. Over time, many new products followed, each shaping the market for cleaning equipment. Today, Kärcher offers game-changing devices like fully automatic cleaning robots and cleaning devices controllable 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.

Moreover, Kärcher has shown a strong commitment to the preservation of historical monuments. The company has successfully completed over 200 restorative cleaning projects worldwide. Its dedication to cultural heritage is evident in its meticulous approach and innovative cleaning technologies, ensuring each project respects historical significance. In the Philippines, Kärcher has also restored St. Andrew’s Cathedral, San Sebastian Basilica, Plaza Miranda, and several other landmarks

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>.