A good housekeeping cleaning routine is built on some key tools and techniques that keep your environment clean and hygienic. From deep cleaning kits and specialised spot cleaners to advanced methods for minimising cross-contamination, these essentials help achieve efficiency and consistency. As a result, this contributes to the development of more professional housekeepers. This guide explores key housekeeping cleaning strategies and products for maintaining high standards in cleanliness and guest satisfaction.
1. Deep Housekeping Cleaning Essentials Kit
Every successful housekeeping cleaning routine starts with a well-equipped cleaning kit, and professional housekeepers understand the transformative power of having the right tools for the job. This goes beyond basic supplies like all-purpose cleaners and extends to specialised products designed to address specific challenges, ensuring every surface and material remains in excellent condition. Here’s some essentials to include into the kit:
Spot Cleaner
Stains are inevitable, but they don’t have to be permanent. Whether it’s a wine spill on the carpet, ink on upholstery, or grease on linens, a high-quality spot cleaner can make all the difference. These products are formulated to break down tough stains without damaging the fabric, preserving the texture, colour, and lifespan of textiles.
Pro Tip: Understand your spot cleaners—each is designed for specific surfaces, so make sure they won’t cause discolouration or damage to the material.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
SUP’STAIN MULTI is a ready-to-use pre-spotting agent, specially formulated with enzymes to gently remove colored stains while preserving linen fibers.
Mould and Mildew Remover
Bathrooms, with their high humidity levels, are breeding grounds for mould and mildew. Left untreated, these fungi not only look unsightly but also pose health risks, releasing allergens and musty odours. A specialised mould remover not only eliminates visible growth but also penetrates deep into grout lines and porous surfaces to prevent regrowth. This ensures a hygienic, fresh-smelling bathroom that guests will appreciate.
Pro Tip: Regularly inspect hidden areas, such as under sinks or behind shower curtains, where mould might develop unnoticed.
Rust Remover
Metal surfaces like faucets, showerheads, and door handles often develop rust due to prolonged exposure to moisture. Rust can dull the appearance of fixtures and lead to permanent damage if untreated. A good rust remover restores these surfaces to their original shine, prevents corrosion, and contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the room.
Pro Tip: After using a rust remover, apply a protective coating to metal surfaces to repel moisture and delay future rust formation
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
OXIGO is thixotropic one step corrosion remover and surface renovator that prepares surfaces for refinishing. It also create a thin film to protect against corrosion.
Why a Well-Maintained Housekeeping Kit Matters
A well-stocked and regularly inspected cleaning kit is the backbone of efficient housekeeping cleaning. Supplies that have expired or lost their potency can compromise cleaning efforts while missing items can cause delays and frustration.
Pro Tip: Organise your kit into compartments or caddies, grouping items by use (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, general cleaning) for quick and easy access.
2. Easy-to-Use Housekeeping Checklists
Efficiency is the cornerstone of professional cleaning, and detailed checklists are a housekeeper’s secret weapon for maintaining consistency and ensuring no task is left unfinished. These practical tools are invaluable in streamlining operations, saving time, and delivering spotless results
Why Checklists Matter
Cleaning a hotel room involves dozens of steps, from obvious tasks like changing bed linens to less noticeable ones such as dusting lampshades or disinfecting remotes. A checklist ensures all these steps are accounted for, reducing the chances of oversight, especially during busy shifts or when training new staff.
How to Create Effective Checklists
Room-Specific Details
Tailor the checklist to the unique requirements of each room type. For instance, suites may need additional tasks like cleaning kitchenettes or checking the functionality of multiple televisions.
Step-by-Step Structure
Organise tasks in the order they should be completed for efficiency—for example, starting with dusting high surfaces before vacuuming the floors.
Include High-Touch Areas
Highlight critical high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, and TV remotes. These areas require extra attention to maintain hygiene.
Practical Implementation
The idea behind an easy-to-use checklists streamline daily tasks, improve accountability, reduce errors, and provide a clear structure for staff to follow. They also simplify training for new employees and ensure every room or area meets the same quality standards. By customizing checklists for specific needs and tasks, housekeeping cleaning teams can enhance operational efficiency, maintain hygiene, and boost guest satisfaction effortlessly.
Laminated Checklists
Attaching laminated checklists to every housekeeping cleaning cart ensures that the list is always visible and easy to reference. Laminated sheets are durable, wipeable, and can be updated without the need for reprinting.
Task Tracking
Use the checklist as a tracking tool. Housekeepers can tick off completed tasks, ensuring that nothing is missed, even on the busiest days. Managers can review these checklists to monitor performance and identify areas for improvement.
Seasonal Updates
Update checklists regularly to include tasks relevant to the time of year. For example, in spring, add window cleaning and air conditioning maintenance. Before winter, ensure heating systems and vents are checked.
Technology Integration
Pro Tip: Encourage housekeepers to contribute to checklist updates. Their on-the-ground experience can provide valuable insights into overlooked tasks or new efficiencies
3. Ever-Ready Stocking Station
Running out of cleaning supplies in the middle of a task can disrupt workflows, delay room turnovers, and create unnecessary frustration for housekeepers. A centralised and well-organised stocking station eliminates this problem, ensuring a seamless supply chain that keeps your housekeeping cleaning team operating at peak efficiency.
Best Practices for Setting Up a Stocking Station
Utilise Dilution and Dispenser Systems
- Cleaning solutions often come in concentrated forms that require precise dilution. Dispenser systems simplify this process by providing pre-measured doses, ensuring safety, consistency, and cost control.
- These systems reduce waste and prevent overuse, saving money and protecting surfaces from damage caused by incorrect concentrations.
Pro Tip: Train all staff on how to use the dilution systems correctly to avoid misuse and potential hazards.
Organise and Label Shelves
- Group cleaning supplies by category (e.g., bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, multipurpose cleaners) and clearly label shelves and storage bins.
- Arrange items so frequently used products are easily accessible, and less commonly used ones are stored higher or in less central locations.
- Use transparent containers or color-coded labels for quick identification.
Implement FIFO (First In, First Out)
- When restocking, place new supplies behind older ones to ensure older products are used first. This prevents expired products from being overlooked.
Maintain Cleanliness
- Treat the stocking station as a reflection of your housekeeping standards. Regularly clean and declutter the area to prevent dust and grime buildup.
- Check for leaks or spills around concentrated cleaning chemicals to avoid safety hazards
Inventory Management Tips
- Conduct Weekly Inventory Checks
Regularly auditing the station helps identify low-stock items before they run out. Create a checklist for inventory reviews to streamline the process. - Monitor Usage Trends
Keep track of how quickly products are consumed to identify potential wastage or overuse. This data can help in adjusting orders to better match actual demand. - Bulk Purchasing
For frequently used items, consider bulk purchasing to save costs. However, balance this with available storage space and product shelf life.
Benefits of an Efficient Stocking Station
- Reduces downtime caused by supply shortages.
- Promotes safe handling through proper organisation and labelling.
- Ensures cost-effectiveness by preventing waste and monitoring usage.
Pro Tip: Consider assigning a designated team member to oversee the stocking station. This person can be responsible for restocking, inventory checks, and maintaining cleanliness, ensuring the station remains ever-ready.
4. Next-Level Floor Care
Floors are the most frequently used and often the most noticeable part of any space. Their condition can significantly impact the overall appearance and cleanliness of a room. To maintain pristine, long-lasting floors, requires dedicated care and the right tools and techniques.
The Importance of Proper Floor Care
Floors endure constant wear and tear from foot traffic, spills, and dragging luggage or furniture. Without regular maintenance, they can become scratched, stained, or dull. Implementing a robust floor care routine not only preserves their aesthetic appeal and feel but also enhances safety and prolongs their lifespan.
Dual-Purpose Floor Polish and Cleaner
Using a dual-purpose floor polish and cleaner is a game-changer for efficient and effective floor maintenance.
- Cleanliness and Shine: These products remove dirt, grime, and scuff marks while leaving a polished finish that sparkles with cleanliness.
- Skid Resistance: A good polish also enhances skid resistance, reducing the risk of slips and falls for both staff and guests.
- Protective Barrier: Regular application creates a shield that protects against scratches, stains, and general wear, ensuring floors look new for longer.
- Pro Tip: Select a product that is compatible with your flooring type, whether it’s hardwood, tile, marble, or vinyl, to avoid damage or discolouration.
Deep-Cleaning Carpets and Mats
While hard floors often get the spotlight, carpets and mats also play a vital role in maintaining a clean and comfortable environment.
- Rotational Cleaning Schedule: Incorporate deep-cleaning sessions for carpets and mats into your housekeeping routine. Steam cleaning or shampooing removes embedded dirt, allergens, and odours, restoring their freshness and appearance.
- Spot Treatment: Address spills and stains immediately with targeted spot cleaners to prevent permanent marks.
- Regular Vacuuming: Daily vacuuming prevents dirt from being ground into the fibres, reducing wear and prolonging the carpet’s lifespan.
Preventative Measures for Floor Longevity
- Entrance Mats: Place mats at entrances to trap dirt and moisture before they reach the interior flooring. Regularly clean these mats to maintain their effectiveness.
- Furniture Pads: Use pads on the feet of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent scratches and scuffs.
- Spill Response: Promptly clean spills to prevent stains or slippery conditions, especially on polished floors.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
LONG LUSTRE is a buffable spray, acrylic polymer floor finish designed for use on all types of floors. It also provides a safe and long protection coating of all floors.
Scheduling and Routine Maintenance
Develop a detailed floor care schedule that balances daily maintenance with periodic deep cleaning. This should include:
- Daily Tasks: Sweeping, mopping, and spot cleaning to remove surface dirt and maintain shine.
- Weekly/Monthly Tasks: Buffing and reapplying polish to enhance protection and luster.
- Seasonal Tasks: Deep cleaning carpets, mats, and less accessible floor areas, like under furniture or in corners.
Pro Tip: For busy seasons or high-traffic areas, increase the frequency of maintenance to keep floors looking their best. High-traffic zones may also benefit from additional protective coatings.
5. Minimise Cross-Contamination in Housekeeping Cleaning
In hospitality, cleanliness goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a safe, germ-free environment for guests. Cross-contamination, or the transfer of harmful bacteria and germs between areas, is a significant concern in housekeeping. By implementing effective strategies and tools, hotel housekeepers can maintain the highest hygiene standards and safeguard guest health.
Why It Matters
Minimising cross-contamination doesn’t just ensure a hygienic environment; it also builds trust with guests. Clean spaces contribute to a sense of safety, especially in a world increasingly focused on health and sanitation.
Key Strategies for Preventing Cross-Contamination
Colour-Coded Cleaning Tools
- Assign specific colours to cleaning tools like microfiber cloths, mops, and brushes to designate their use for specific areas.
- Blue: Bathrooms, for tasks like cleaning sinks and tubs.
- Yellow: Kitchens, for countertops and food prep areas.
- Green: Living spaces, such as desks and furniture.
- This simple system prevents accidental use of the same tools in areas with varying contamination levels, like toilets and dining tables.
Pro Tip: Post a colour-coded guide in housekeeping storage areas for quick reference, especially for new staff
Sanitise Cleaning Tools After Each Use
- Tools such as mops and cloths can harbour bacteria if not cleaned and sanitised properly. After every shift:
- Wash reusable tools with disinfectant and hot water.
- Allow tools to air dry in a ventilated space to prevent bacterial growth.
- Regularly replace items showing wear and tear to ensure optimal performance.
Pro Tip: Use designated drying racks to keep tools elevated and away from damp surfaces.
Disposable Cleaning Products
- For high-risk areas like toilets and trash bins, use single-use cleaning products such as disposable gloves, wipes, and liners.
- These items eliminate the risk of transferring bacteria from one area to another..
Pro Tip: Stock an ample supply of disposable items in housekeeping carts to ensure they are always available when needed.
Separate Storage for Housekeeping Cleaning and Dirty Items
- Keep clean tools and supplies separate from used or dirty items to prevent cross-contamination during transport or storage.
- Use clearly labeled compartments or bags within housekeeping carts for organisation.
Pro Tip: Use colour-coded or transparent bags for dirty items to visually distinguish them from clean supplies at a glance. This not only prevents mix-ups but also streamlines the sorting process when restocking or cleaning tools.
Regular Staff Training
- Educate housekeeping staff on the importance of preventing cross-contamination and train them on proper cleaning protocols. Topics to cover include:
- Correct use of color-coded tools.
- Best practices for sanitising and storing equipment.
- Safe handling and disposal of single-use items.
Pro Tip: Conduct periodic refresher sessions to reinforce protocols and introduce updates in cleaning procedures.
6. BONUS TIP! Long-Lasting Fragrance Hack
A pleasant fragrance adds the finishing touch to a well-cleaned room, but achieving the perfect scent balance requires finesse. Here’s how to elevate your hotel’s ambience without overpowering the senses:
Target Soft Furnishings
Instead of spraying air fresheners directly into the air, apply them to soft surfaces like curtains, throw pillows, rugs, or sofas. These fabrics act as natural scent diffusers, holding onto the fragrance longer and releasing it gradually as the space is used. This subtle approach avoids the overpowering intensity that comes with heavy air sprays.
Find the Right Balance
Our sense of smell adapts quickly to fragrances, often making it tempting to use too much. To avoid this, measure and record the amount of fragrance used in each space, considering factors such as room size and ventilation. Then, create a clear SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) outlining the appropriate dosage for each room. Smaller or less-ventilated rooms will need significantly less product compared to open-plan areas. Always adhere to the SOP, even if you don’t notice a difference in scent, as your nose may have adapted to the fragrance, reducing your ability to detect it.
ORAPI RECOMMENDS:
BREEZE LILY is a concentrated water soluble odour counteractant and deodourant that eliminates offensive odours and leaves a fresh pleasant fragrance when applied to any odour problem.
Finding The Right Guest-Friendly Scents
Opt for neutral or mild scents, such as light florals, citrus, or clean linen, to accommodate guests with sensitive noses or allergies. Overly strong or complex fragrances can trigger discomfort or headaches, defeating the purpose of creating a welcoming environment.
Layer scents thoughtfully—use complementary products like scented candles or reed diffusers in matching tones. This creates a harmonious fragrance experience without overwhelming the room.
Housekeeping Cleaning Like A Pro Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness in housekeeping requires the right tools, techniques, and organisation. From essential deep-cleaning kits and spot cleaners to efficient checklists, stocking stations, and minimising cross-contamination, these strategies ensure consistency, efficiency, and a safe, welcoming environment that enhances guest satisfaction and overall hygiene. If you’re looking for more pro tips to elevate your housekeeping game, feel free to ask our in-house experts as many anonymous questions as you’d like!
