Hotel room cleaning is an essential task that directly impacts the guest experience. Understanding how long it takes to clean a hotel room and how to optimise this process is critical to maintaining high standards of quality and operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore the main factors that influence cleaning time and offer practical tips to streamline each task. However, the way to optimise it is to use a app for Housekepping.
Display of assigned rooms for Staff in the Front Desk App.
Factors influencing cleaning time
Contactless solutions in hotels include technologies that allow guests to interact with hotel services without the need for physical contact. This can include contactless check-in/check-out, digital keys, and contactless payments via smartphones or devices.
Room size
The size of the room is one of the most important factors determining cleaning time. Larger rooms, such as suites or family rooms, require more time due to the larger surface area that needs to be cleaned and tidied. Each additional space means more surfaces to clean, more furniture to move and more details to attend to.
- Use of efficient equipment: Use high-capacity hoovers and specific cleaning products that cover larger areas in less time. For example, microfibre mops with large mop heads can clean more surface area with fewer passes.
- Division of labour: Assigning specific tasks to different members of the cleaning team can help to cover more space in less time. One team member can take care of the bathroom while another cleans the bed area and another takes care of surfaces and furniture.
- Route planning: Establish a logical cleaning sequence that minimises travel time within the room. For example, start at the farthest areas and end at the door to avoid unnecessary walking over areas already cleaned.
Type of cleaning required
The type of cleaning also significantly affects the time needed. Exit cleanings, where a more thorough disinfection and complete change of linen and towels is performed, take more time than a daily maintenance cleaning. Exit cleanings often include additional tasks such as disinfecting high-touch surfaces, cleaning windows and checking all furniture.
- Planning and checklists: Having detailed lists for different types of cleaning helps to ensure that all tasks are completed without wasting time. These lists should include all the tasks required for each type of cleaning, ensuring that staff do not omit any tasks and avoiding duplication.
- Staff training: Ensure that staff are well trained in efficient cleaning techniques and in the use of products and equipment. Continuous training in cleaning methods and in the use of new technologies can significantly improve efficiency.
- Use of multifunctional products: Using cleaning products that can disinfect and clean at the same time can reduce the number of products needed and the time spent changing products.
Cleaning products: an essential element of hotel hygiene.
Available equipment
The equipment available can make a big difference to the cleaning time. Modern, efficient equipment can significantly speed up the cleaning process. For example, a powerful hoover can reduce the time needed to vacuum a large room, while a well-organised cleaning trolley can keep all products and tools within easy reach.
- Investment in technology: More advanced cleaning equipment, such as high-performance hoovers and multifunctional cleaning products, can reduce the time needed for each task. Robot hoovers and automatic cleaning devices can also complement the work of human staff.
- Regular maintenance: Keeping equipment in good condition ensures that it works optimally and does not slow down the process. Scheduling regular maintenance and servicing of equipment prevents unexpected breakdowns and downtime.
- Organisation of the team: A well-organised cleaning trolley, with all the necessary products and tools in place, can save time by avoiding searching for items during cleaning.
Number of staff
The number of employees dedicated to cleaning also influences the time. A well-coordinated team that is sufficient in number can complete the task more quickly. Proper distribution of tasks and effective coordination among team members are essential to maximise efficiency.
- Optimisation of personnel: Make sure you have enough staff during peak hours and use management software to allocate tasks efficiently. A hotel management system (PMS) can help coordinate schedules and allocate rooms based on staff availability.
- Coordination and communication: Use effective communication systems to coordinate the team and ensure that tasks are carried out without duplication of effort. Communication radios or mobile apps can facilitate real-time coordination.
- Training in teamwork: Fostering a collaborative work environment and providing training in teamwork skills can improve staff efficiency and morale.
All in all, taking care of cleaning times is crucial.
Optimising the cleaning time of a hotel room not only improves operational efficiency but also increases guest satisfaction by ensuring that rooms are ready on time and in perfect condition. Factors such as room size, type of cleaning, equipment and number of staff influence the time required to complete cleaning. Using best practices, investing in efficient equipment and maintaining excellent staff coordination are key to achieving this. In addition, the use of a hotel management system (PMS) such as Lean Hotel System can greatly facilitate this process, ensuring high quality service and a smoother hotel operation.