Methods Of Cleaning
Maintaining impeccable cleanliness is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction and uphold a positive reputation. Effective cleaning methods are essential for hotels to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their guests. IN this article, we will delve into the various methods of cleaning and housekeeping cleaning in the hotel industry to achieve exceptional hygiene standards.
- Orthodox/ Traditional cleaning: In this method, the Guest Room attendant completes all the cleaning tasks in one room before proceeding to another room. On average, a GRA may be required to clean about 12-20 room in 8 hours duty.
- Block cleaning: In this method, GRA moves from one dirty room to another and completes the same task in every room before returning for starting the next task on the list. This involves blocking several rooms at a time and usually, more than 1 GRA are involved in cleaning at a time. Different GRA’s pick up different tasks. (Bed making, Toilet Cleaning, Room cleaning, replenishing supplies).
- Team cleaning: This is a combination of the two methods mentioned above. In this method two or more GRA’s work in the same room taking up different tasks so that room is cleaned quickly before moving on to the same room. A team of 3 GRA’s may be assigned 30-35 rooms in a day.
- Deep cleaning: It refers to the intensive cleaning schedule in which periodic cleaning tasks are scheduled for monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annual frequency. This is done for areas and surfaces which cannot be cleaned on a daily basis. This kind of cleaning is conducted in close coordination with the maintenance department. Example, carpet shampooing, Rotating and cleaning mattresses, Ceilings, light fittings, fans, signage boards, laundering of soft furnishings.
- Spring cleaning: This is a term used for annual cleaning of guestrooms and public areas in off-season periods and low occupancy periods. This involves a complete overhaul of the rooms by undertaking a few steps as :
- Removal of carpets from the room for shampooing
- Polishing wooden furniture, shampooing upholstery (sofas)
- Painting on walls
- Cleaning air conditioning vents
- Airing the room
- Redecoration
Room cleaning procedure in housekeeping
A well-executed room cleaning procedure is the backbone of a successful housekeeping operation in hotels. The cleanliness and hygiene of guest rooms play a significant role in ensuring guest satisfaction and fostering a positive reputation for the establishment. In this article, we will outline a comprehensive room cleaning procedure followed by housekeeping staff to maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness in hotels.
Here are the 10 steps and methods of cleaning a hotel room:
- Step# 1 – Prepare your cleaning material, chemicals and equipment
- Step# 2 – Knock and enter the room
- Step# 3 – Put on your gloves
- Step# 4 – Prepare the room for cleaning
- Step# 5 – Remove trash and linen and spray the bathroom
- Step# 6 – Make the bed
- Step# 7 – Dust and damp wipe
- Step# 8 – Clean the bathroom
- Step# 9 – Replenish items
- Step# 10 – Clean the floor
1. Preparing the Cleaning Cart
Before beginning the room cleaning process, housekeeping staff need to gather the necessary supplies and equipment on a cleaning cart. This ensures easy access to cleaning agents, microfiber cloths, mops, vacuum cleaners, and other tools required for efficient cleaning. It is essential to stock the cart with an adequate supply of cleaning products to avoid interruptions during the cleaning process.
2. Knock and Announce
Upon arriving at the guest room, housekeeping staff must knock on the door and announce themselves as part of the hotel’s standard operating procedure. This courtesy ensures that guests are aware of their presence and allows them time to respond or request privacy.
3. Enter and Assess
Once permission is granted or no response is received, the housekeeping staff can enter the room. They start by assessing the overall condition of the room, noting any visible dirt, stains, or damages. This evaluation helps them determine the level of cleaning required and identify any maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
4. Strip and Dispose
The next step is to strip the bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Housekeeping staff handle used linens carefully to avoid contamination and place them in designated laundry bags or carts for further processing. Any trash or waste in the room is also collected and disposed of appropriately.
5. Dust and Wipe Surfaces
With the room cleared of linens and trash, housekeeping staff proceed to dust and wipe all surfaces thoroughly. They use microfiber cloths and appropriate cleaning solutions to remove dust, fingerprints, and stains from furniture, fixtures, and electronic devices. Attention is paid to commonly overlooked areas, such as light switches, remote controls, and door handles.
6. Vacuum and/or Sweep
After dusting, the housekeeping staff focuses on the floor. They vacuum carpets and rugs using commercial-grade vacuum cleaners, paying attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas. For hard floors, they use brooms or dry mops to remove loose debris before proceeding with wet mopping using a suitable cleaning solution.
7. Clean Bathroom
The bathroom in a guest room requires special attention to ensure cleanliness and hygiene. Housekeeping staff clean and sanitize all bathroom fixtures, including the sink, toilet, shower, bathtub, and mirrors. They use disinfectants to eliminate germs and bacteria, paying close attention to high-touch areas such as faucet handles, toilet flush handles, and showerheads.
8. Replenish Amenities
As part of the room cleaning procedure, housekeeping staff replenish amenities such as toiletries, towels, and tissues. They ensure that the guest room is well-stocked, creating a welcoming and convenient environment for guests. Additionally, they check for any maintenance issues with amenities, such as malfunctioning hairdryers or leaky faucets, and report them for prompt resolution.
9. Make the Bed
Once the cleaning and replenishment tasks are completed, housekeeping staff proceed to make the bed. They replace the stripped linens with fresh, clean ones, ensuring a crisp and inviting appearance. Attention is given to properly aligning the bedspread, tucking in the sheets, and fluffing the pillows to create a comfortable and visually appealing bed.
10. Final Inspection
Before concluding the room cleaning procedure, housekeeping staff perform a final inspection to ensure that all cleaning tasks have been carried out to the highest standards. They double-check for any overlooked areas, ensure proper cleanliness of surfaces, and confirm that amenities are properly arranged. This step allows for quality control and ensures that the room is ready to meet guest expectations.
Conclusion
A well-executed room cleaning procedure is essential for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in hotels. The outlined steps, from preparing the cleaning cart to the final inspection, provide a systematic approach for housekeeping staff to follow. By adhering to this procedure and paying attention to detail, hotels can consistently deliver immaculate guest rooms that contribute to overall guest satisfaction and elevate their reputation in the industry.
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