HOUSEKEEPING - DEFINITION

Housekeeping refers to the upkeep and maintenance of cleanliness and order in a house or a
lodging establishment.

Housekeeper is one who is responsible for administering housekeeping maintenance and that all
occupants are made comfortable, safe, and protected.

TYPES OF HOUSEKEEPING

1. DOMESTIC HOUSEKEEPING

- refers to housekeeping maintenance in a house. It covers bedrooms, kitchen, dining,

receiving area, grounds and the surrounding areas within the house.

2. INSTITUTIONAL HOUSEKEEPING

- applies to housekeeping maintenance in commercial lodging establishments like

hotels, resorts, and inns.

It covers the following areas:

Guest rooms, hallways and corridors, lobby, public rooms and restaurants, offices, stairways,
windows, stores, grounds, linen and laundry area.

Housekeeping job in commercial establishments is more complex to manage as compared to

domestic housekeeping.

SCOPE OF HOUSEKEEPING MAINTENANCE

1. Guestrooms Maintenance

Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in the guestrooms.

Furnishing the room with the necessary amenities and supplies such as bed, linen,
appliances, etc.

Attending to service request of house guest.

Keeping the area free of safety hazards.

2. Maintenance of Public Areas

Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness in all public areas which include lobby,
corridors, function rooms, grounds, etc.

Maintaining the upkeep of the surroundings of the building by keeping it clean and
free of liters.

Maintaining an attractive landscape to enhance eye appeal.

Keeping the public areas free of safety hazards.

Undertaking minor repair like busted bulbs, broken furniture, etc.

3. Maintenance of Linen / Laundry Service

Collecting and delivering laundry items for house guests or in house occupants.

Washing, drying, and ironing guest laundry as well as linens used in banquet
functions, food service and guestrooms.

Mending service

4. Washing, Issuance, Repair and Inventory of Employees uniforms

5. Installation, Cleaning and Maintenance of Fixtures and Facilities

6. Provision of special services like babysitting, mending, polishing shoes, etc.

HOUSEKEEPING ORGANIZATION
 DISTRIBUTION OF HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Executive Housekeeper or Housekeeping Manager

- Responsible for maintaining a smooth and efficient flow of operations in the Housekeeping
Department; sees to it that housekeeping maintenance is carried out in accordance with prescribed
standards and policies.

a. Planning and problem-solving function

b. Organizing function

c. Leading and Directing function

d. Controlling function

e. Guest Relations

2. Room Maintenance Supervisor

Directs and controls room keeping activities including room make up, installation of mini bar
and other room amenities; ensures conformity to prescribed room keeping standards and policies.

3. Head Houseman or Public Area Supervisor

Directs and controls all activities concerning public area maintenance and ensures conformity
to prescribed housekeeping standards and policies.

4. Room boy, Chambermaid or Room Attendant

Attends to the maintenance and upkeep of all guestrooms and service areas assigned to
him/her.

5. Mini Bar Runner / Attendant

Responsible for performing mini-bar installation, listing, replenishing, inventory-taking,

stocking, requisitioning and other related functions.

6. Houseman

Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness in public areas
assigned to him.

7. Powder Girl

Responsible for the cleaning, care and maintenance of ladies comfort rooms and locker rooms.

8. Gardener and Grounds Maintenance Crew

Responsible for maintaining the grounds including plants and landscape.

9. Pest Control Technician

Attends to the prevention and control of pests through preventive and corrective techniques.

STANDARDS OF IDEAL HOUSEKEEPING

Cleanliness Safety
Orderliness Material Control and Preventive
Sanitation Maintenance
Guests Comfort Guest Relations
Eye Appeal

1. CLEANLINESS

All areas are immaculately clean, corner-to-corner, top to bottom, including surfaces.

Closets, cabinets and storage areas are also kept clean.

Furniture and fixtures are properly dusted; doorknobs and metal fixtures are polished with the
right metal polishing chemical.

Windows and glass panels are dusted and polished.

Floors are vacuumed, polished or shampooed when necessary.

Grounds are free of liters and dirt.

2. ORDERLINESS

Facilities and fixtures are properly arranged and installed in appropriate location.

Room amenities are properly installed in appropriate location.

Linen are neatly folded.

Beds are made up properly, linen are mitered and wrinkle free.

The whole area is free from all sources of bacterial contamination such as un-disposed garbage
and leftover, stagnant water, etc.

Wet garbage is properly underlined with plastic, covered and disposed regularly.

Glasses and water jug that are installed in guestrooms are covered.
 All items for personal use of guests and which come in contact with the body like linen,
cutleries, glasses, etc. are sanitized with sanitizing detergents to protect guests from possible
bacterial contamination.

Area is protected from pest infestation, regularly fumigated to eliminate pests.

4. GUESTS COMFORT

Rooms are properly ventilated and lighted.

Guests are not disturbed by noise and other forms of distractions.

There are sufficient amenities for the comfort of guests like linen, toiletries, drinking glass, etc.

5. EYE APPEAL

Ambiance is soothing to the eyes, not dim or dull.

Suitable interior design with proper blending of colors.

No eyesore can be found in guest-contact areas.

Wall decors and TV sets are posted at eye level.

6. SAFETY

The rooms, function rooms and public area are free from any safety hazards like open
electrical outlet, dangling wires, damaged tiles, slippery floors, broken chairs, etc.

The hotel is prepared for any emergency, has a well-organized safety or emergency
procedures and emergency brigade.

Building is provided with all required safety facilities. Safety standards prescribed for building
maintenance by the government are strictly enforced.

All staffs are trained on emergency procedures, including the use of safety equipment.

Safety instructions during emergencies are available in all rooms.

Trained roving guards are available to check movements in guest rooms and to insure the
protection of the guests.

Safety measures are implemented to protect guests from theft, accident, injuries, etc.
7. MATERIALS CONTROL AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

There is a designated budget for supplies and materials.

Consumption of supplies is always monitored and excessive consumption is determined and

reported.

There is regular inventory of supplies and materials.

All tools and equipment are stored safely in appropriate storage compartments right after use.

Supplies and materials are consumed within the limits of the budget.

All appliances and equipment are regularly checked for any damage and maintained in safe,
working condition to avoid accidents.

Losses, damages and equipment breakdown are properly reported, documented and
accounted for, given appropriate action.

Effective control measures are designed and enforced to prevent losses and pilferages.

Regular cleaning and checkup of equipment is undertaken.

Staffs are trained on the proper use and maintenance of equipment.

8. GUEST RELATIONS

Guests requests and concerns are given prompt and proper attention.

Staff exhibit warm and pleasant disposition in dealing with guests.

Customer feedback is solicited to determine guests satisfaction.

Customer feedback and concerns are logged down and discussed for corrective action during
meetings.

Staffs express warm appreciation and gratitude for guest patronage.

Customer needs and concerns are anticipated and attended to immediately.

Inquiries of guests are given accurate and appropriate response.

Guests with special problems like the sick, intoxicated ones, etc. are given the necessary
assistance and support by the Housekeeping staff.
 HOUSEKEEPING CLEANING SUPPLIES, TOOLS, CHEMICALS AND EQUIPMENT
VACUUM
Used to eliminate loose dirt and dust
particles from carpet surface, upholstered
furniture and even hard surfaces.
FLOOR POLISHER
To be used in scrubbing, stripping and
polishing hard floor surfaces and also vinyl,
wood parquet, etc.
Floor machines and use floor pads, bonnets,
and brushes.
Floor pads have a universal color code so
that users can tell at a glance if they are
using the right pad for a particular
application.
Bonnets are made of yarn and are intended
to be used on a floor machine to spray clean
carpets.
Floor machine brushes are used to shampoo
carpets. The fibers are synthetic.
CARPET SWEEPER
Used to pick-up dirt and particles from the
carpet, just press the handle and push
towards the dirt to vacuum sweep the
carpet.
CARPET EXTRACTOR
It is designed to dry foam shampoo the
carpets. It removes dirt that sticks to or
penetrates into the carpet layers.
HOUSEKEEPERS CART OR TROLLEY
Used for stocking cleaning supplies and
chemicals so as to make cleaning easier and
faster.
SCOURING PADS
Wash and rinse after each use. Rinse at the
end of each day to insure that there is no
soap left on the pads.
DUSTING CLOTH
For dusting wooden and painted parts of
the area.
CLEANING TOWEL
Used for drying bathroom walls and floor
tiles after they are cleaned.
POLISHING CLOTH
For polishing metal surfaces like bathroom
fixtures.
HAND BRUSH
For brushing away dusts from rough
surfaces such as rattan, wickerwork, etc.
Also used for cleaning tiles.
TOILET BOWL BRUSH
For cleaning toilet bowls.
FLOOR MOP
It is used to soak up liquid, for cleaning
floors, to mop up dust, or for other cleaning
purposes.
SQUEEGEES:
FLOOR SQUEEGEE & WINDOW
SQUEEGEE
Used to remove excessive water from the
surface and corners.
It also speeds up the drying process.
Floor squeegees have a much heavier
rubber than window variety.
BROOMS
Use soft broom for fine surfaces like floors;
stick broom for rough surfaces like
grounds.
CEILING BROOM
For removing cobwebs in the ceiling.
TONGS
For picking up dirt and cigarette buffs on
ashtrays.
TRASH BAG
Used to underline garbage containers so
that wet garbage does not penetrate into the
corners or surfaces, a situation that causes
odor and proliferation of bacteria.
SPONGE
For cleaning fine surfaces.
BUCKET
Used with mops for cleaning floors, walls
and other parts of the building.
INSECT SPRAYER
Used for fumigation to eliminate pests and
mosquitos.
CLEANING CHEMICALS
WOOD POLISH
To polish wood surfaces, leather and
imitation leather surfaces.
INSECTICIDE
For fumigation to eliminate insects/pests.
GLASS CLEANER
For polishing all glass surfaces such as
mirrors, windows, etc.
AIR FRESHENER
Used to remove foul odor in guestrooms,
comfort rooms or any area with foul odor.
CARPET STAIN REMOVER
For stain or spot removal on carpets.
DISINFECTANT
Used to disinfect toilet bowls, urinals, sink,
and other areas that are most vulnerable to
bacterial contamination.
METAL CLEANER AND POLISHER
For polishing brush copper and metal
surfaces.
DEGREASER
Formulated to remove grease, oil, dirt,
carbon, ink, mildews, soils, and waxes.
SOLVENT WAX
A kerosene base wax used for wooden
floors.
DRAIN CLEANER
To expedite draining of clogs.
BATHROOM CLEANING
Materials Needed:
Bucket
Cleaning cloth
Toilet bowl cleaner
All-purpose cleaner
Scouring pads
Rubber gloves
Hand brush
Warm water
Tasks
1. Remove all the soiled
towels and hand towels.
2. Start cleaning the tiles,
shower, down to the
bathtub.
3. Clean and sanitize the
toilet bowl.
4. Scrub the faucet, lavatory
sink, stopper, floor tiles,
and shower curtains.
5. Clean the bathroom wall.
6. Clean the mirror.
7. Wash the drinking
glasses (if this is installed
in the bathroom)
8. Clean the shelves and
cabinet.
9. Polish all chrome
fixtures.
How to make up the Bathroom
Procedure Purpose / Other Info
Take them out from the racks or This shall be replaced with fresh
bathtub and place them in the ones.
linen canvass of the room boys
cart (if used).
Scrub them with all-purpose Scrub to remove dirt and stains
cleaner, water and scouring and wipe dry to prevent the
pad. Wipe dry with absorbent formation of water marks.
cloth after cleaning.
Follow procedures in toilet bowl
cleaning.
Use a scouring pad in scrubbing This must be done to remove
the inner and outer portion of stubborn stains, eliminate foul
the lavatory sink, faucet knobs, odor and kill germs and
stopper, floor tiles and shower. bacteria.
Then dry it with absorbent cloth
Follow procedures in bathroom
wall cleaning.
Spray it with glass cleaner then
The guest can view himself
wipe it with dry cloth. better from a shiny and
polished mirror.
Wash them with soap and water To protect the glass from
then dry with clean dry cloth. contamination, cover it with
plastic cover or coaster.
Use a dry cloth.
Use metal polish and clean with This will remove the tarnish and
rag. will make the metaled fixture
more presentable.
 10. Clean the lavatory
stopper then rinse it with
water.
11. Rinse the lavatory sink.
12. Dry and polish the faucet
and lavatory sink.
13. Install the faucet knobs.
Cleaning of Bathroom Walls
Tasks
1. Wet the surface.
2. Apply all-purpose
cleaner.
3. Rinse the surface.
4. Dry and polish the
surfaces.
Cleaning of Toilet Bowl
Tasks
1. Flush the toilet bowl.
2. Pour the toilet bowl
cleaner.
3. Leave toilet bowl cleaner
to soak (at least 2
minutes)
4. Clean the toilet bowl.
5. Flush it again.
6. Clean the toilet seat and
cover.
7. Clean the outside part of
the bowl.
Brush the stopper with an all-
purpose cleaner. Then wash it
under the running water.
Pour water around the sink
from under the rim up to the
bottom.
Using dry cloth, wipe all
surfaces of the lavatory sink and
stopper. Then polish the faucet.
Screw the knobs using a
screwdriver.
Procedure
Splash it with warm water.
Scrub the cleaner unto all
surfaces starting from upper
portion to downward motion.
Splash it with water from top to
down ward portion.
Wipe the whole surface with
dry cloth.
Procedure
Pull the flush downwards.
Squeeze the cleaner unto the
surface and inner side of the
toilet bowl.
Close the cover after applying
the bowl cleaner.
Use a brush, move around the
bowl from under the rim up to
the bottom.
Pull the valve downward.
Brush and clean with all-
purpose cleaner then wipe them
with a cloth.
Wipe from the top to bottom
with a cleaning solution.
This helps to remove all hidden
dirt around the stopper.
No dirt should be left behind in
hidden areas.
This will prevent water marks
and will make sink look shiny.
To lighten the knobs and keep it
in its original shape.
Purpose / Other Info
This will soften the dirt.
The use of cleaner makes
cleaning more thorough and
likewise deodorizes the surface
of the walls.
To wash away dirt.
This is necessary to wash away
softened dirt.
Purpose / Other Info
To wet the surface.
To disinfect and deodorize all
portions including the hidden
surfaces of the bowl.
To soften the soil and make it
easier to remove.
To remove all hidden dirt under
the rim.
To rinse the bowl.
To remove dirt and water marks
urine and waste sediments.
Use a solution to soften the soil,
thus making it easier to clean.
 8. Dry and polish the bowl. Wipe all surfaces with a cloth To prevent water marks to form
starting from top to bottom. into surface.
9. Close the toilet bowl Put the seat cover gently to the
cover. toilet bowl.

FURNITURE CLEANING, CARE AND MAINTENANCE

1. For the furniture to look better and shinier, apply / spray furniture cleaner polish.
2. Wipe and dust away all dirt in the inner and outer parts of the furniture using a clean and dry
dusting cloth.
3. Apply cleaner solution to all corners and walls.
4. When cleaning glasses, apply glass cleaner to make it look shinier.

DUSTING OF FURNITURE AND FIXTURES IN GUESTROOMS

Needed Supplies:

1. Clean cloth
2. Furniture wood polish
3. Sprayer

Instructions:

1. Collect dusting materials and supplies and place them in the bucket.
Make sure all supplies are available to avoid delay in dusting.
2. Begin dusting by starting from the main entrance door until all fixtures are dusted.
3. Using rags and sprayer of wood polish, start dusting from the main door (front and
back portion) including the hinges and door knobs.
4. Continue dusting and proceed to wooden panels. Dust closet shelves, walls,
hangers, closet, and the outer and inner part of the closet door.
5. Dust TV sets and stand, study desks, chairs and sofa. Remove all items on top of the
desk and return the items properly after dusting the surface. Wipe the drawers. Dust
legs of chairs and under the tables.
6. Dust glass windows, window sills, valance board, wall lamps (including the bulbs),
wall frames and full length mirror. Wipe the headboard and legs of beds.
7. Wipe night table, telephone, bedside switches.
8. For suite rooms, wipe coffee table, side table with night lamp (including bulbs), floor
lamp, mirror and table. Dust mini-bar, refrigerator and TV cabinet. Wipe all mini-
bar items.
WINDOW CLEANING
 BRASS CLEANING AND POLISHING

Equipment and Materials Needed:

Metal polish
Polishing cloth
All-purpose cleaner
Hot water
 KITCHEN CLEANING

1. Check ceiling and walls for cobwebs and remove them.

2. Clean all parts of kitchen equipment and appliances from top, sides and front.
3. Dust and clean the range hood.
4. Clean the outside of all cabinets.
5. Dust and clean mirrors and pictures if any.
6. Dust the doors, windows, frames and baseboards.
7. Empty all waste baskets then wash them with soap and water.
8. Reline the waste receptacles with plastic liners.
9. Dust and clean the fan and air conditioner vents as well as light fixtures.
10. Do sweeping and damp mopping of floors.