Cleaning Routine of the housekeeping department
1.1 General principles of cleaning
1.2 Work routine for floor supervisors and chamber maids
1.3 Rules of the floor.
1.1 General Principle of Cleaning
These are the basic rules to follow in any kind of cleaning activity, whatever the nature of the surface or the soil.
These guidelines serve as fundamental principles applicable to any cleaning task, regardless of the surface type or level of soil present:
• All dirt and grime should be thoroughly removed.
• Soil removal should not cause damage to the cleaned surface or adjacent areas.
• The cleaned surface should be restored to its original condition post-cleaning.
• Cleaning procedures should be efficient, utilizing minimal equipment, cleaning agents, labor, and time.
• Initially, employ the simplest method using the gentlest cleaning agent available.
• Opt for cleaning methods that pose the least risk to the surface being cleaned.
• Preferably, begin cleaning from higher surfaces and work downwards.
• Start cleaning with less soiled surfaces and progress to heavily soiled areas to prevent soil transfer.
• When wet-cleaning or polishing floors, walk backward to avoid re-soiling the cleaned area.
• Prioritize suction cleaning over sweeping whenever feasible.
• Perform sweeping before dusting, and dusting before suction cleaning.
• Maintain low noise levels during cleaning activities.
• Promptly treat stains as soon as they occur.
• Adhere to safety precautions, ensuring neat storage of cleaning agents and equipment.
• Start cleaning from the furthest point in an area and progress towards the exit.
• After completion of the cleaning process, wash or wipe equipment, replenish cleaning agents, discard waste, and leave the area clean and orderly.
1.2 Work routine for floor supervisor and chambermaid
A) Floor supervisor
• Verify that guest rooms on designated floors are cleaned and maintained according to standards.
• Inspect VIP rooms to ensure adherence to established procedures by room attendants.
• Use specific room checklists to inspect each completed room, ensuring cleanliness, functionality, and aesthetic standards are met.
• Maintain inventory in the floor pantry, ensuring adequate stock of linen, guest amenities, and cleaning supplies.
• Ensure compliance with housekeeping policies, systems, and procedures by all floor staff.
• Safeguard staff safety and hygiene.
• Enforce discipline and conduct performance evaluations for subordinate personnel.
• Inspect safety systems on the floor and address any defects promptly.
• Prepare housekeeping reports for the front office.
• Verify that maid carts are adequately stocked with linen and supplies as per standards.
• Coordinate with the housekeeping control desk regarding cleaning of rooms for sale and confirm clearance.
• Collaborate with room service for the removal of service trays and trolleys.
• Assess the functionality of all floor equipment.
• Report lost and found items and ensure adherence to prescribed procedures.
B) Chamber Maid/GRA/ Room Attendant
• Participate in the daily briefing sessions at the commencement of each shift.
• Identify VIP rooms within the assigned room list.
• Ensure that maid carts are adequately stocked with linen and necessary supplies for servicing the designated rooms.
• Adhere strictly to the hotel's standards when cleaning guest bedrooms, and restock supplies based on the provided room checklists.
• Clean guest bathrooms according to the hotel's specified standards, replenishing supplies as indicated in the room checklist.
• Count and deliver used linen to the floor supervisor.
• Transfer any lost and found items to the floor supervisor.
• Physically confirm room occupancy for inclusion in the floor supervisor's occupancy report.
• Conduct thorough inspections of rooms for any maintenance issues and promptly notify the control desk for necessary action, ensuring that any faults are addressed before the room is released.
• Provide evening turn-down service for beds.
• Dispose of all garbage in designated disposal areas.
• Return the master keys to the floor supervisor upon the completion of the shift.
• Inspect the floor safety systems and promptly report any identified defects.
1.3 Rules of the Floor
Understanding and valuing the importance of guestrooms to guests is crucial for all housekeeping staff. Specific guidelines are in place for housekeeping staff as they conduct their duties on guest floors. These rules are established by the hotel management and are communicated to staff through employee manuals and briefings. Among the key rules are:
• Staff members should exhibit friendliness and politeness towards guests, greeting them appropriately based on the time of day.
• Housekeeping staff should refrain from knocking on or attempting to access a guestroom when the 'do not disturb' card is displayed on the door knob. If the card remains displayed for an extended period, the matter should be referred to the supervisor.
• When entering a guestroom, housekeeping staff should follow the standard procedure: softly knock on the door with knuckles and announce "housekeeping" in a steady, soft voice. If there's no response, wait briefly before knocking again. If still no response, gently hold the door ajar and repeat the announcement. If there's no reply, it can be assumed the room is empty, and the staff can enter to clean.
• If a guest responds to the knock, the staff should introduce themselves and inquire if the guest would like their room serviced. If affirmative, proceed with cleaning; if not, ask for a convenient time.
• Staff should keep guestroom doors wide open while cleaning.
• Housekeeping carts should be parked in a manner that keeps guest corridors clear for movement, with room service trays not left in the corridor.
• Staff should refrain from leaving any notes for guests.
• If a guest behaves in a manner that makes the staff uncomfortable, the staff should politely excuse themselves and inform the supervisor.
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