The Hotel Housekeeper’s Guide: All Types of Cleaning

Cleanliness is the bedrock of a great guest experience. It’s down to the hardworking hotel housekeeping staff to keep rooms and public areas spotless, demonstrating the hotel’s commitment to top-notch service.

This guide lists and explains the tasks housekeeping staff are expected to complete to keep a hotel clean, safe and sanitised. If you run a hotel, this will act as a helpful checklist to ensure everything is covered. If you run a cleaning company, you might choose to provide these services to hotels, guest houses, AirBnBs and more.  We've also provided a hotel housekeeping glossary.

 

Deep Cleaning

Carpet Cleaning: This involves removing dirt, stains, and allergens from carpets using various methods such as steam cleaning or dry-cleaning. 

Equipment: Carpet cleaner, vacuum, stain remover.

 

Upholstery Cleaning: Upholstery cleaning is a detailed process of cleaning the fabric that upholsters furniture using appropriate cleaning agents. 

Equipment: Upholstery cleaner, microfiber cloths, brushes.

Curtain Cleaning: Removing and cleaning curtains to eliminate dust, odours, and potential allergens. 

Equipment: Steamer, ladder, detergent.

Mattress Cleaning: Mattress cleaning includes deep cleaning to remove dust mites, stains, and odours for a fresh and healthy sleeping environment. 

Equipment: Vacuum, mattress cleaner, disinfectant spray.

Wall and Ceiling Cleaning: Cleaning walls and ceilings to remove dust, cobwebs, and minor stains. 

Equipment: Long-handled duster, ladder, cleaning solution.

Window Cleaning: This involves cleaning both inside and outside of windows, leaving them streak-free. 

Equipment: Squeegee, ladder, glass cleaner.

Daily Cleaning

Bed Making: Tidying up the beds in guest rooms which involves changing bed linen, fluffing pillows, and arranging the bedspread neatly. 

Equipment: Fresh linen.

Surface Dusting: Simply, dusting all surfaces in the room, such as furniture, light fixtures, and room accessories. 

Equipment: Microfiber cloths, long-handled duster.

Bathroom Cleaning: Cleaning and sanitising all bathroom fixtures, surfaces, and floors. 

Equipment: Disinfectant, scrub brush, microfiber cloths, mop.

Vacuuming: Vacuuming floors, carpets, and rugs in guest rooms and common areas. 

Equipment: Vacuum cleaner.

Amenities Restocking: This involves replenishing all guest room amenities, such as soaps, shampoos, towels, and tea and coffee supplies. 

Equipment: Hotel amenities (see your hotel’s Amenities Restocking SOP for a full list of required equipment)

Types of Specialised Cleaning

Glassware Cleaning: This is the process of cleaning all glassware used in guest rooms and dining areas. 

Equipment: Dishwash liquid, sponge, dish rack.

Cutlery and Dish Cleaning: Cleaning, sanitising, and polishing all cutlery and dishes used in the hotel. 

Equipment: Dish soap, scrubber, dishwasher.

Kitchen Equipment Cleaning: This involves cleaning all equipment in the kitchen, like ovens, grills, fridges, and dishwashers. 

Equipment: Degreaser, scrub brushes, sanitising solution.

HVAC System Cleaning: Cleaning of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units to ensure proper function and air quality. 

Equipment: Professional HVAC cleaning equipment, protective gear.

Chandelier Cleaning: The cleaning of chandeliers and other intricate light fixtures. 

Equipment: Ladder, microfiber cloth, cleaning solution.

Fireplace Cleaning: This includes cleaning fireplaces and chimneys, if applicable, and removing any soot and ash. 

Equipment: Ash vacuum, chimney brushes, protective gear.

Artwork and Antique Cleaning: Carefully cleaning any artwork and antiques in the hotel. 

Equipment: Soft cloths, specific cleaner depending on material.

Floor Cleaning

Hardwood Floor Cleaning: This involves cleaning and polishing hardwood floors. 

Equipment: Mop, hardwood cleaner, buffing machine.

Tile Floor Cleaning: This includes cleaning and sanitising tile floors, often found in bathrooms. 

Equipment: Mop, tile cleaner, grout cleaner.

Marble Floor Cleaning: This involves cleaning, polishing, and maintaining marble floors often found in lobbies and other high-end spaces. 

Equipment: Mop, marble cleaner, polishing machine.

Carpet Cleaning: This includes deep cleaning carpets using methods like steam cleaning or dry-cleaning, in addition to the daily vacuuming. 

Equipment: Carpet cleaner, vacuum, stain remover.

Restaurant and Bar Cleaning

Table and Chair Cleaning: This includes cleaning and sanitising all tables and chairs in the dining area. 

Equipment: Disinfectant wipes, cloths.

Bar Counter Cleaning: This involves cleaning and sanitising the bar area, including the counter, stools, and any equipment. 

Equipment: Disinfectant, cloth, bar equipment cleaner.

Kitchen Cleaning: This includes cleaning all areas of the kitchen, including equipment, countertops, and floors. 

Equipment: Degreaser, scrub brushes, sanitising solution.

Restroom Cleaning: Cleaning and sanitising restrooms in the dining area. 

Equipment: Disinfectant, scrub brush, mop.

Recreational Area Cleaning

Pool Cleaning: This includes maintaining and cleaning the pool area, including the pool water, deck, and furniture. 

Equipment: Pool cleaning kit, pool chemicals, pressure washer.

Gym Equipment Cleaning: Cleaning and sanitising all gym equipment. 

Equipment: Disinfectant wipes, microfiber cloths.

Spa Facility Cleaning: Cleaning all areas of the spa, including treatment rooms, saunas, and baths. 

Equipment: Disinfectant, cloths, mop.

Game Room Cleaning: This includes cleaning and maintaining any game rooms or arcades. 

Equipment: Disinfectant wipes, vacuum, microfiber cloths.

Outdoor Cleaning

Facade Cleaning: Cleaning the exterior of the building to maintain an appealing appearance. 

Equipment: Pressure washer, surface-specific cleaners (e.g. glass cleaner), ladder, protective gear.

Parking Area Cleaning: This involves maintaining the cleanliness of the parking area, removing debris and occasionally power washing. 

Equipment: Sweeper, pressure washer, trash bags.

Landscaping Area Cleaning: This includes maintaining the cleanliness of landscaped areas and outdoor furniture. 

Equipment: Leaf blower, garbage bags, garden tools.

Event Space Cleaning

Pre-Event Cleaning: Ensuring that event spaces are clean and ready for use before each event. 

Equipment: Mop, vacuum, disinfectant, microfiber cloths.

Post-Event Cleaning: Cleaning up event spaces after an event has taken place, including removing decorations, cleaning floors, and picking up trash. 

Equipment: Trash bags, mop, vacuum, disinfectant, microfiber cloths.

Emergency Cleaning

Spill Cleanups: This involves the rapid cleaning of liquid, solid, or hazardous spills to prevent damage and maintain safety. 

Equipment: Spill kit, mop, absorbent towels, gloves, disinfectant.

Biohazard Cleanups: This includes cleaning areas contaminated with biological materials (like blood or body fluids), ensuring safety and sanitation. It's often carried out by trained professionals. 

Equipment: Personal protective equipment, biohazard disposal bags, disinfectant, approved biohazard cleaner.

Sustainability Cleaning

Waste Management: This involves the collection, transportation, and disposal of waste in the hotel following, where possible, environmental-friendly practices. 

Equipment: Waste bins, trash bags, waste handling equipment (like carts, dollies).

Recycling Management: This involves the collection, separation, and preparation of recyclable materials for the recycling process. 

Equipment: Recycling bins, clear recycling bags, gloves.

We have also put together a hotel room cleaning checklist to help.

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