Cleaning a hotel guest room is a multi-step process that requires organization, efficiency, and attention to detail. Professional hotel housekeepers follow a specific sequence of tasks to ensure rooms are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next guest. While the exact phases may vary between properties, most adhere to a similar structured approach.
Below we breakdown the standard 6 phases of cleaning a hotel room so you can understand what’s involved in this important job.
Phase 1: Entering the Room and Assessing Needs
The first phase starts when the housekeeper enters the newly vacated room. They’ll typically do a quick scan of the room to assess any special needs or requests.
Some key things they look for:
- Condition of the room – Is it extra messy or dirty? Are there any visible stains or spills requiring extra attention?
- Special requests – Has the previous guest left any special instructions or requests for housekeeping?
- Maintenance issues – Are there any broken fixtures, appliances, or furnishings to report?
- Lost items – Has the previous guest left any personal belongings behind?
Identifying any special needs upfront allows the housekeeper to plan their cleaning approach accordingly and summon additional help if required.
Safety First
Before touching anything, housekeepers are trained to put on protective gear like gloves to guard against germs or chemical residues. They’ll also prop open the guest room door for better ventilation and to maintain visibility.
Next, they’ll do a safety check for any sharp objects, spilled liquids/broken glass and hazards that could cause slips or injuries. If any safety issues are found, they immediately report and resolve those before proceeding further.
Phase 2: Stripping the Room
The second phase focuses on stripping away all used or soiled items in preparation for cleaning. This includes:
- Removing Used Linens – Sheets, pillowcases, towels and bath mats are removed and placed in laundry bags.
- Discarding Single Use Items – Things like toilet paper rolls, soap/shampoo bottles, coffee pods are discarded and replaced.
- Emptying Trash Cans – All garbage bins are emptied and trash is disposed of.
- Picking up Remaining Items – Any leftover guest possessions or debris are picked up and cleared out.
Proper stripping allows for all surfaces to be accessed and cleaned thoroughly in the next stages.
Inspection for Damages
As they strip the room, housekeepers also do a thorough inspection for any property damage left behind by the previous occupant. This may include:
- Stains on carpets, walls or furniture.
- Torn curtains or linens.
- Broken furniture, fixtures or appliances.
- Missing items or artwork.
All damage is documented and reported immediately per hotel policy. The operations manager typically assesses damage costs and charges the prior guest’s account if warranted.
Phase 3: Cleaning from High to Low
Now the real cleaning work begins using a specific high-to-low method:
- Clean Ceiling Fixtures – Remove dust and dirt from light fixtures, vents, fans.
- Clean Walls – Spot clean walls, light switches, and door frames.
- Disinfect Bathroom – Clean sink, toilet, tub/shower using approved disinfectants.
- Make Beds – Put fresh sheets on mattresses, make bed with blankets, bedspreads.
- Dust Furniture – Wipe down windowsills, counters, tables, dressers, TVs.
- Vacuum Floors – Vacuum carpets, rugs, and bare floors thoroughly.
- Mop Flooring – Damp mop tile, vinyl, laminate floors.
Experienced housekeepers develop their own rhythms but typically follow this top-to-bottom pattern for most efficient cleaning.
Extra Attention to Bathrooms
Disinfecting bathrooms deserves special attention due to the germs present. Workers must:
- Clean mirrors, faucets, sinks using glass cleaner.
- Desanitize toilet bowls inside and out.
- Spray down showers/tubs then scrub surfaces.
- Replace shower curtains.
- Disinfect all counters, floors.
Proper bathroom sanitation protocols are followed to avoid spread of illness between guests.
Phase 4: Changing Amenities and Linens
After cleansing the room, housekeepers refurbish it with fresh supplies and linens:
- Make beds with crisp sheets, duvet covers, and blankets.
- Replace used towels and bath mats.
- Refill toilet paper, tissue boxes, soap, shampoo.
- Empty then reline waste bins.
- Replace coffee pods, sugar packets, glassware.
- Install new shower curtains.
Stocking new supplies enhances the guest experience and gives the room a clean smell.
Item Replacement Protocols
When replacing used items, workers follow hotel protocols on what gets replaced versus re-used. Typically:
- Disposable items are replaced after each guest like toiletries, coffee, cups, etc.
- Linens may be re-used if not visibly soiled.
- Terry cloth items like robes and bath mats are replaced.
- Higher-end properties may replace all linens and terry each service.
While cost saving, re-using some items should be done with caution to uphold sanitation.
Phase 5: Final Touches
As the room takes shape, final touches are added to complete the service:
- Place fresh ice bucket with ice in the room.
- Open curtains and ensure locks and latches work.
- Turn on lights and electronic devices.
- Adjust temperature controls.
- Spray air freshener or scented products.
- Do an overall inspection to ensure quality.
These last steps ready the room for the next guest’s arrival.
Inspecting for Quality
Before wrapping up, conscientious housekeepers will do a final inspection including:
- Pull back bedspreads to check for hair or stains.
- Open drawers and closets to check for forgotten items.
- Verify all supplied amenities are stocked.
- Check for any leftover spots or smudges needing touch up.
- Confirm no supplies were left out.
- Scan room and bathrooms ensuring they are guest ready.
This final verification helps spot any quality issues missed earlier.
Phase 6: Room Refresh
For longer staying guests, a room refresh service is done periodically over their stay. This quick cleaning includes:
- Collect used towels and linens.
- Quick clean bathroom and empty trash.
- Make bed with fresh linens.
- Vacuum floors as needed.
- Replenish guest supplies and amenities.
Room refreshes typically take 15-20 minutes daily to help keep rooms and bathrooms fresh over extended stays.
Communicating with Guests
To perform room refreshes, housekeeping coordinates service times with guests. This may involve:
- Hanging door tags with service times.
- Calling when service is needed.
- Providing “Make Up Room” door hangers.
- Arranging service with front desk.
Clear ongoing communication ensures guests get service when needed without sacrificing privacy or comfort.
Conclusion
Cleaning a hotel room involves meticulous attention at every step. By methodically following these standard phases, housekeepers can deliver a refreshed, sanitized, and inviting room for hotel patrons time after time. While an arduous job, a cleanly kept property reflects pride and professionalism for the whole hospitality organization.
