The process of cleaning an average room at an average American hotel typically follows a standard procedure to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction. While different hotels may have slight variations in their cleaning protocols, the general steps are as follows:
Preparation: The cleaning crew gathers all the necessary supplies and equipment before entering the room. This includes cleaning agents, fresh linens, towels, trash bags, vacuum cleaners, and any other tools needed for the job.
Knocking and Entry: Housekeeping staff usually knock on the door and announce themselves before entering to ensure the guest's privacy and safety.
Removing Trash and Linens: The first step inside is to collect all the used towels, bed linens, and trash from the room. The trash is disposed of properly, and the used linens are taken to be laundered.
Dusting and Sanitizing: The cleaning crew dusts all surfaces, including furniture, TV, lamps, and any decorative items. They also sanitize high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and phones.
Bathroom Cleaning: The bathroom is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This includes the toilet, sink, bathtub or shower, mirrors, and any other surfaces. Fresh towels and toiletries are restocked.
Bed Making: The cleaning crew makes the beds with fresh, clean linens.
Vacuuming and Floor Cleaning: The floors are vacuumed or swept, depending on the type of flooring, and then mopped to ensure they are clean and presentable.
Final Inspection: A supervisor or lead housekeeper may inspect the room to ensure it meets the hotel's cleanliness standards.
Restocking Supplies: The cleaning crew restocks items such as coffee, tea, cups, and other amenities, ensuring the room is ready for the next guest.
The frequency of cleaning for an average hotel room can vary depending on the hotel's policy and the guest's stay duration:
Check-out Cleaning: When a guest checks out, the room is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the next guest.
Stay-over Cleaning: For guests staying multiple nights, the cleaning crew may provide "stay-over" service, where they tidy up the room, make the beds, replenish supplies, and empty the trash. Some hotels may offer this service daily, while others might do it every two or three days, depending on the guest's preference and the hotel's eco-friendly practices.
Express Service: Some hotels offer a quick cleaning service for guests who don't want a full cleaning but need fresh towels or supplies. This service may be offered upon request.
Keep in mind that these practices can differ from hotel to hotel, and some upscale hotels might have more extensive cleaning processes or additional amenities for guests.