What is hotel housekeeping standard operating procedures?cche
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essentially step-by-step instructions, policies, and processes that guide your hotel housekeeping operations. They help minimize errors, improve efficiency, and enhance profitability. With a detailed SOP list, you’ll maintain high standards across the board-because clarity is key to running a smooth operation.
Housekeeping SOPs detail everything from cleaning procedures for rooms to tasks related to maintenance. Whether it’s cleaning a room, maintaining common areas, or ensuring installations are up to standard, SOPs lay out the “how-to” for each task. When everything is outlined clearly, it ensures consistency, attention to detail, and, ultimately, a better guest experience.
Why are housekeeping SOPs important in hospitality?
SOPs are essential in any role, but when it comes to housekeeping, they are even more critical. Standardization in housekeeping is key to maintaining high levels of hygiene, efficiency, safety, and order. The goal is to protect both guests and staff while ensuring a productive, smooth operation.
Safety
Safety is paramount, especially when dealing with cleaning products that can be hazardous if not used properly. Having clear procedures and training in place is essential to protect your staff and minimize accidents on the job. SOPs ensure that staff are trained to use cleaning products safely and correctly.
Keep people accountable
When cleaning procedures are not standardized, it’s easy for staff to clean according to their own preferences, which can lead to inconsistencies in cleanliness. By setting clear expectations and procedures, your team knows exactly what to do and how to do it. This creates a streamlined process, and if the cleaning doesn’t meet standards, you have a baseline to refer back to.
Brand reputation
The cleanliness and order of your hotel directly impact your brand reputation. Consistent, high-quality housekeeping helps foster trust and loyalty among guests. Cleanliness is often the first impression guests have when they arrive, so it’s crucial that your hotel meets high standards from the moment they step through the door.
Different types of housekeeping SOPs and how to create them?
There are various types of housekeeping SOPs, and knowing how to create them is key to standardizing your processes.
Common areas
Cleaning common areas is an ongoing task. Unlike individual rooms, common areas like the lobby, bathrooms, hallways, and dining areas must be immaculate at all times. Establishing specific standards and timeframes for maintaining these areas is vital.
For example, determine how often the trash should be emptied, how frequently the bathrooms need cleaning, and when the front desk should be tidied. Regular cleaning schedules for public areas ensure that first impressions are always positive.
Room turnovers
Room turnovers involve more than just tidying up. Rooms that are being prepared for new guests require a full reset – stripping beds, restocking supplies, changing linens, and thoroughly cleaning every surface. It’s also essential to disinfect the room and air it out to ensure a fresh, clean environment for the next guest.
Cleaning occupied rooms
Cleaning an occupied room is another art. Housekeepers must navigate around guests’ personal items while ensuring cleanliness without infringing on their space. For instance, if guests have left toiletries out in the bathroom, an SOP would specify whether to organize these items or clean around them. Without clear guidelines, this could lead to confusion, which is why it’s crucial to have these procedures documented.
Example of housekeeping standard operating procedures
Now let’s explore some examples of housekeeping standard operating procedures in action
Bathroom cleaning SOP
First, staff would clear off all bathroom surfaces to start with a clean slate. Next, they’d dust all light fixtures and any furniture in the room. After that, the shower or tub would be scrubbed and rinsed. The sink and countertop would then be cleaned, followed by the toilet. Once these tasks are completed, the next step is to disinfect all light switches, counters, and other high-touch surfaces with an effective disinfectant. Finally, the bathroom floors would be cleaned-first by vacuuming to remove dust and dirt, and then mopping to leave them spotless.
This SOP may vary slightly depending on whether it’s for a new check-in or a daily clean, but this structure ensures consistency in the cleaning process.
Room cleaning SOP
For a room cleaning SOP, the process begins by airing out the room to refresh the space. Then, staff would change linens, sanitize and clean the bathroom, and replenish amenities. The next step involves dusting all surfaces and vacuuming the floors. Furniture would be moved to ensure the area behind it is cleaned as well. Afterward, everything would be returned to its proper place, with extra attention to detail – pillows fluffed, bed creases smoothed, and any other finishing touches made to ensure the room is pristine.
Laundry SOP
Laundry plays a critical role in maintaining a hotel’s high standards. A typical laundry SOP starts with checking linens for wear and tear, as well as any stains. Stained items would be treated accordingly to preserve the quality of the linens. Once the linens are in good condition, they’re placed in the washer and dryer. After drying, the linens are carefully ironed to ensure they look fresh and neat, ready for use in the hotel.
Conclusion
In this guide, we’ve covered housekeeping standard operating procedures and highlighted their importance for guest satisfaction, hotel longevity, and overall performance. By keeping tasks organized and clearly outlined, you can ensure your hotel remains spotless, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and create a positive work environment for your staff. When everyone knows exactly what’s expected, it’s easier to maintain high standards and keep guests returning, while also fostering a happy and efficient team.
Download our guide 10 Tips to Improve Your Housekeeping Operation’
