Module2-Introduction-to-Housekeeping

Fundamentals in Lodging Operations
Module 1 Introduction to Housekeeping

“I consider Housekeeping to be the heart of hotels and it is only when something goes
wrong that it is recognized – just like our hearts”
- Sheila Perera, FIH Glenmor Manager, Gleneagles Hotels
Learning Objectives:
1. Define the meaning of Housekeeping.
2. Differentiate the Two types of Housekeeping.
3. Discuss the advantages of housekeeping in an institution
4. Explain the purpose of cleaning.
5. Explain the objectives of the housekeeping department in the hotel.
Contents:
1. Advantages of the Housekeeping Department
2. Objectives of Hotel Housekeeping
3. Areas in the Housekeeping Department
4. The purpose of cleaning
Introduction
Housekeeping department is one of the major contributors in terms of hotel
operations success, though some may consider this as a supplementary service only.
In fact, housekeeping is a 24 x 7 x 365 operation, running non-stop.
According to www.yourdictionary.com, housekeeping is doing basic cleaning
tasks in a house, hotel or other locations, or the department of employees who manage
and perform cleaning tasks. Although ironically, housekeeping duties involve not only
the basic cleaning tasks but also those that require expertise and training.
There are two types of Housekeeping:
1. Domestic Housekeeping includes housekeeping services or maintenance
done at home.
2. Institutional Housekeeping includes housekeeping services applied to

commercial establishments like resorts, hotels, inns hospital and even
schools.
Advantages of Housekeeping Department

Can you imagine yourself entering a hotel that is dirty? With foul smell and dust
all over? Are you willing to use a room with dirty linen, trash all over, bathroom that is
wet and filthy? How would you feel in this situation? Will you still continue to check in?
definitely your answer will be NO!
Housekeeping department is very important in a lodging establishment operation.
It is a department that a hotel cannot work without. The following are the advantages
the housekeeping offers to its guest:
1. Clean and hygienic atmosphere
2. Comfortable and convenient stay
3. Privacy
4. Safety and security
5. Provision of amenities
6. Making guests feel good
The Main Objectives of Hotel Housekeeping are:

1. To provide guests the highest quality of service by ensuring their care and
comfort thru maintaining of hotel cleanliness and orderliness at all times.
2. To perform cleaning duties and ensure the highest standards of cleanliness
and general upkeep in all areas.
3. To use good quality, safe cleaning equipment and chemicals.
4. To provide all the supplies needed by both the guests and the different
sections in the housekeeping department such as guest supplies and
amenities and employees’ uniforms.
5. To manage laundry and linen
6. To maintain the original aesthetic beauty of the furniture, fittings and fixtures
of the entire hotel
7. To deal with the lost and found items
8. To establish good working relationship and coordination with other
departments of the hotel such as renovations and refurbishing
9. To control pests
Areas in the Housekeeping Department

The size and lay-out of the housekeeping department depends on the number of
guestrooms, outlets and employed staff in the hotel. The following areas are the most
common in the housekeeping department:
1. Office of the Executive Housekeeper- this is where the housekeeping
administrative work is done. It includes budget, schedule, and requisition.
2. Laundry Area – Linens and Uniforms of staff are washed, ironed, dry cleaned
and folded here. Guest who wishes to have their clothes and other linens
laundered are also done here.
3. Linen room – where linens of the hotel are stored to be distributed to the
different areas in the hotel.
4. Uniform room – where the staff uniforms are collected when dirty, stored and
distributed when clean.
5. Housekeeping supplies store – This is where all guestroom amenities and

cleaning items and equipment are stored.
6. Lost and found – area where all the items left or lost by the guest kept.
Housekeeping Department Sample Lay-out
Linen Store Tailor Uniform Laundry

Room Room Room Room
CORRIDOR
Executive Housekeeping Lost & Housekeeping

Flower
Housekeeper Desk Found Supplies Room
Office Store
In bigger hotels, the following offices are also available:

1. Tailor Room – this is where the clothes of the guests, uniforms, of the
employees and hotel linens are stitched, repaired and given other mending
services.
2. Flower Room – normally found in some hotels but this area is responsible in
arranging flowers for displays such as in public areas.
Purpose of Cleaning
One of the basic responsibilities of housekeeping department is providing a clean
and hygienic atmosphere to the guests and employees of the hotel.
Cleaning, according to https://dictionary.cambridge.org, is the activity of removing
the dirt from things and places, especially in a house. So, in this set up, the house that
we are referring to is the hotel where you will probably be working in the future.
Cleaning is conducted to remove harmful bacteria that are present in the dust
deposited on the hotel property because of pollution and other factors. This is very
important for the health not only of the working staff but also the guest to prevent pests’
infestations. Its purpose is to eliminate, if not reduce, the threat of any infections and
offers comfortable stay to the guests in the hotel.

Module2-Introduction-to-Housekeeping

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module2-Introduction-to-Housekeeping

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module2-Introduction-to-Housekeeping

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fundamentals in Lodging Operations

Module 1 Introduction to Housekeeping

2. Institutional Housekeeping includes housekeeping services applied to

Advantages of Housekeeping Department

The Main Objectives of Hotel Housekeeping are:

Areas in the Housekeeping Department

5. Housekeeping supplies store – This is where all guestroom amenities and

Housekeeping Department Sample Lay-out

Linen Store Tailor Uniform Laundry

Executive Housekeeping Lost & Housekeeping

In bigger hotels, the following offices are also available:

You might also like