Etiquette, best practices and 5 useful tips for the proper cleaning of your hotel rooms
Proper room cleaning in a hotel is not only a basic necessity, but a strategic tool to ensure guest satisfaction, reinforce the reputation of the establishment and maximise operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore a detailed protocol, differentiating best practices and key tips to optimise this process, ensuring that every room meets the highest standards.
How should the cleaning of rooms be planned?
Proper planning ensures that the cleaning team operates with efficiency and quality. Success begins with a structured and well-communicated organisation.
- Set clear priorities:
- Prioritise rooms with upcoming check-in or recent departures.
- Define a schedule for deep cleaning on low occupancy days.
- Divide tasks:
- Assign specific responsibilities, such as cleaning toilets, replacing textiles or disinfecting critical areas.
- Uses technological tools for management:
- Housekeeping App can easily assign tasks according to hotel occupancy, optimising cleaning routes and reducing downtime.
- It includes a final inspection:
- Design a visual checklist to verify that each room is spotless and ready for the guest.
Practical example: Imagine you have 50 rooms and a team of 5 people. With good planning, each employee specialises in a key task and deep cleans are scheduled during the afternoon, reducing delivery delays.
How to keep track of cleanliness?
Cleaning control is essential to ensure consistent standards and to identify areas for improvement. Lack of supervision can lead to inconsistencies that negatively impact guest perception.
Technological optimisation with LEAN Hotel System
- The application Housekeeping App allows:
- Allocate rooms to staff according to availability.
- Receive automatic notifications about urgent tasks.
- Generate detailed incident reports, such as damage or shortages.
- Keep a record of deep cleanings, helping to plan maintenance.
Visual monitoring and regular audits
- Implement surprise inspections to reinforce team discipline.
- Conducts weekly quality audits to identify patterns in the work of staff.
Empowering the team
Involve staff in reporting problems through simple systems, such as digital checklists.
Is there a standardised protocol to optimise room cleaning?
Yes, a standardised protocol not only ensures uniformity and quality of service, but also allows for better organisation of the team, maximising efficiency and reducing errors. Here we delve into each key stage of this protocol to ensure consistent and outstanding results:
Preparation and organisation
Proper preparation avoids interruptions and ensures a smooth flow of work. Here are the essential steps:
- Review of tools and products:
- Before entering the room, check that the cleaning trolley is fully stocked with disinfectants, detergents, clean textiles and tools such as mops, hoovers and cloths.
- Make sure that the products comply with local hygiene and safety regulations.
- Room ventilation:
- Open windows and doors for at least 5 minutes to improve air circulation and eliminate stagnant odours. This also allows any residue in the environment to settle before cleaning.
- Order planning:
- Follow a logical scheme of work, e.g. starting from the entrance to the bathroom and ending with the bedroom. This ensures that no unnecessary steps are repeated.
Advanced tips:
- Use a checklist in physical or digital format to ensure that no essential items are missing.
- Implement a colour system for textiles: one for bathroom surfaces, one for bedroom surfaces, avoiding cross-contamination.
2. Cleaning of high to low areas
Cleaning should follow a strategic order to reduce the accumulation of dust on already treated surfaces.
- Upland areas:
- Cleans lamps, pictures, shelves and headboards.
- Use microfibre cloths that trap dust instead of spreading it.
- Intermediate areas:
- Disinfects tables, desks, chairs and any flat surface.
- Low areas:
- Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop tile or wood floors. Check under beds and furniture to remove any debris.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Clean low areas first, as dust from high areas will re-soil the space.
- Use the same cloth for several surfaces, which can transfer dirt and germs.
3. Disinfection of high contact surfaces
These areas are critical, as they have the highest exposure to bacteria and viruses due to frequent host contact:
- Areas to be treated:
- Light switches.
- Door and window handles.
- Remote controls, telephones and keyboards.
- Drawer and cupboard handles.
- Effective method:
- Apply an approved disinfectant directly to a clean, dry cloth. Never spray directly onto the object to avoid chemical residues.
- Make gentle but firm movements, covering the entire surface.
Innovation to stand out:
- Use UV-C light devices or high-temperature vaporisers for additional disinfection to kill bacteria and viruses in seconds.
4. Revision and change of textiles
Textiles are one of the first things guests notice when they enter the room, so they should be spotless and presented with care.
- Sheets and covers:
- Remove used sheets by rolling them towards the centre to prevent the spread of dust or dirt.
- Lay clean sheets flat and neatly folded, making sure there are no visible creases.
- Towels and bath mats:
- Replace them with clean towels that are neatly folded and evenly distributed. Add a distinctive touch, such as a hotel emblem or logo.
- Curtains and blankets:
- Vacuum or shake curtains regularly and check blankets for stains or wear and tear.
Extra value:
- Incorporate mild fragrances in textiles that reinforce the perception of cleanliness, avoiding strong chemical odours.
5. Final inspection and personal touches
This stage ensures that every detail is taken care of before the room is handed over to the guest.
- Placement of amenities:
- Make sure all courtesy items, such as soaps, shampoos, cups or bottled water, are in place. Organise them in a visually appealing way.
- Odour verification:
- Check for residual odours. Use hotel-specific odour neutralisers if necessary.
- Personalised touches:
- Leave a welcome card with the guest's name or a small gift, such as a packet of tea, chocolates or fresh flowers.
Final inspection checklist:
- Mirror and windows are spotless.
- The bathroom looks spotless and free of moisture residue.
- The bed is perfectly made.
- The floor is clean and free of debris.
Give a plus to the protocol with these good practices that your competitors don't do.
Adopting differentiating strategies not only improves guest perception, but also positions your hotel as a benchmark in the industry. These practices can turn a simple cleaning process into an unforgettable experience.increasing customer loyalty and making you stand out from your competitors.
Use of environmentally friendly and sustainable products
In an increasingly environmentally conscious market, opting for environmentally friendly cleaning products is a decision that reflects social responsibility.
Substitute aggressive chemicals for biodegradable alternatives not only reduces the environmental footprint, but also improves indoor air quality, creating a healthier environment for your guests. Communicating this commitment through informative signage or in-room details can create an emotional connection with guests, especially those who value sustainability.
This approach not only raises the perception of the hotel, but also reinforces the loyalty of environmentally conscious guests.
Additional disinfection in high contact areas
In this day and age, where cleanliness and safety are a priority, additional disinfection in the surfaces most frequently used by guests can make a difference. Incorporating tools such as portable UV lamps or high-temperature vapour devices not only ensures that bacteria and viruses are eliminated in a matter of seconds, but also gives the guest confidence and peace of mind.
These advanced technologies allow you to quickly and effectively disinfect items such as remote controls, handles and keypads, areas that are often overlooked by basic protocols. This extra detail can be a deciding factor for customers when choosing your hotel over others.
Personalised details in every room
Personalised touches are an effective way to make each guest feel special. Including a welcome card with the guest's name, a small thank you note or a detail such as chocolates, fresh flowers or local herbal teas adds a unique touch to the experience. These gestures, though simple, demonstrate care and attention from the hotel, creating an emotional connection that guests deeply value.
In addition, personalising the ambience with soft scents or adjusted lighting can help to make each room more memorable, encouraging referrals and future bookings.
These practices go beyond the conventional and show a genuine commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction. Implementing them not only raises your standards, but also ensures that your hotel is remembered for the details that really matter.
5 useful tips that will save your employees' time and maximise their work
Use of technology for task management
Implement tools such as Lean Hotel System allows tasks to be assigned and monitored in real time, optimising communication and reducing errors. The technology streamlines processes and improves operational efficiency, especially in high-demand seasons.
Optimisation of cleaning routes
Organising rooms by proximity minimises unnecessary travel, allowing staff to cover more spaces in less time. This approach ensures a logical workflow and makes better use of available resources.
Team cleaning where possible
For complex tasks, assigning two-person teams improves both the quality and speed of cleaning. This strategy also encourages collaboration and reduces physical fatigue on long shifts.
Regular maintenance of tools and equipment
Checking and maintaining hoovers, mops and other tools ensures their optimal functioning. This prevents interruptions during tasks and prolongs the life of the equipment, saving time and money.
Ongoing training and standardised protocols
Providing regular training ensures that staff are up to date on best practices and protocols. A well-trained team works with greater confidence, quality and adaptability in the face of new challenges.
Can Lean Hotel System improve my housekeeping processes?
Yes, LEAN Hotel System through its Housekeeping App can transform housekeeping management in your hotel. Key benefits include:
- Optimisation of communication: Improve coordination between reception and cleaning staff in real time.
- Efficient allocation: Allocate tasks according to priorities, occupation and urgency.
- Real-time monitoring: Monitor room progress directly from a mobile device or tablet.
- Immediate notification of incidents: Facilitates rapid troubleshooting, ensuring continuous operability.
- Improved accuracy and satisfaction: Ensures that each room meets the highest standards, positively impacting the guest experience.
With LEAN Hotel SystemNot only do you save time and resources, but you also offer an impeccable cleaning service that elevates the perception of your hotel.
