Keeping the Chicago Bean Shiny: A Herculean Task
The Chicago Bean, officially known as Cloud Gate, is a magnificent piece of art. It's also a giant, shiny magnet for fingerprints, bird poop, and the occasional errant hot dog. So, how do they keep this metallic marvel looking like a freshly polished penny? Let's dive in.
The Bean: A Fingerprint Factory
Let's face it, humans are gross. We touch things. A lot. And when that thing is a giant, shiny sculpture, it's like a fingerprint factory gone wild. You’ve probably seen people posing for pictures, their hands plastered all over the Bean. It's like a giant, stainless steel mirror for vanity. Sigh.
A Daily Dose of Sparkle
Believe it or not, the Bean gets a daily scrub-down. Think of it as a giant, metallic spa day. A team of dedicated cleaners use a power hose and special cleaning solutions to blast away the grime. It's like giving the Bean a power wash, but without the risk of electrocution.
Deep Cleaning: The Big Kahuna
But a daily scrub isn't enough to keep the Bean sparkling. Twice a year, the cleaning crew goes all out with a deep clean. They use a special detergent and a whole lot of elbow grease to tackle the tougher stains. It's like giving the Bean a full body massage, but with chemicals.
Bird Brains and Their Messy Habits
Let's not forget our feathered friends. Birds love the Bean. They perch on it, poop on it, and generally treat it like their personal playground. It's a bird’s eye view with a side of bird poop. Cleaning up after them is a constant battle, but the cleaning crew is up to the challenge.
The Bean's Secret Weapon: Prevention
To minimize the mess, there are plans to install a protective coating. It's like giving the Bean a superhero suit to shield it from the world's grime. But don't worry, it won't affect the Bean's shiny appearance. It's more like invisible armor.
How to Appreciate the Bean Without Ruining It
- How to take a selfie without touching the Bean: Use a selfie stick or ask a friendly stranger to take a picture.
- How to admire the Bean without leaving a mark: Keep your hands to yourself. It's not a petting zoo.
- How to enjoy the Bean without contributing to the bird problem: Don't feed the birds.
- How to support the Bean's upkeep: Donate to the Millennium Park Foundation. Every little bit helps.
- How to appreciate the hard work of the Bean cleaners: Say "thank you" next time you see them. They deserve it.
So, the next time you admire the shiny beauty of the Chicago Bean, remember the hardworking people who keep it sparkling. And please, for the love of all that is shiny, don't touch it!