Housekeeping SOP Checklists

Importance and Benefits

Housekeeping SOPs are critical because they uphold the standards of an organization’s housekeeping procedures. The benefits of having cleaning standard operating procedures include:

• Continuous Education – It can be used as a teaching tool to educate workers on the correct housekeeping procedures and keep them updated regarding any process changes.
• Accountability – SOPs in housekeeping encourage compliance with organizational standards through accountability. They provide intuitive, easy-to-follow steps to avoid any discrepancy or misunderstanding.
• Branding – Maintaining high standards of housekeeping procedures is the first step toward maintaining credibility with customers by providing a consistent customer experience.
• Improved compliance rates – Clear and defined housekeeping SOPs help ensure that an organization’s processes comply with health and safety laws.

Common Housekeeping Standard Operating Procedures

Housekeeping standard operating procedures (SOP) contain industry best practices that organizations use as a guideline for employees. Depending on the scope, a housekeeping SOP may contain specific instructions for a specific industry. But below are common areas that a housekeeping SOP includes: 

Attendance Management

Part of housekeeping procedures is managing the manning of employees. This area specifically covers the expected schedule of teams and lays out the policies in handling leaves and absences of employees. Below is an example outline of an SOP for attendance management:

1. Morning team starts shift at 7:00 am and ends at 3:00pm. 
2. Evening team starts at 3:00pm but should arrive no later than 2:00pm and end their shift at 10:00pm. 
3. Leaves should be filed 2 weeks in advance, and only 1 leave is allowed per month. 
4. Leaves will only be granted upon the approval of the supervisor. 
5. More than 2 leaves without justifiable reason and approval of the supervisor will be marked as absent.
6. Habitual absentee will be written of a warning by the supervisor, should no corrective action be made by the absentee, they can be endorsed for termination. 

Area of Responsibility 

SOP should outline the role and responsibilities of the employees. This will help avoid confusion in the activities a role is responsible for. Also, it makes it easy to identify point persons for each area or department should inspections or investigations be carried out. 

Waste Management 

Part of housekeeping procedures is managing waste. Depending on where you are, proper waste management methods are required to be practiced by local organizations. Housekeeping businesses must comply with these standards to avoid consequences of non-compliance. Get familiar with local standards and apply them within your standard operating procedures to ensure that everyone in the team is on board. If necessary, organizations may include additional instructions for managing wastes. Time of pick up and drop off can also be included in the SOP.  

Discipline 

This refers to general best practices and code of conduct that employees are expected to abide by. For example, wearing the proper uniform, ID Cards, and necessary PPE’s like masks and gloves. 

Checklist Management 

In most cases, checklists are used by housekeepers to record and monitor the activities performed in the facility. It is signed by either team members or supervisors. These records are important as they serve as proof of the work done. Instructions regarding the management of checklists can be added on the SOP to better guide members and supervisors how this can be effectively carried out. 

Hotel Housekeeping Procedures

Housekeeping procedures (SOPs), for hotels in particular, is important in the hospitality industry because cleanliness is a basic expectation of guests. There are two types of cleaning procedures for hotel housekeeping:

Manual – this is a cleaning method that doesn’t require the assistance of equipment and machines, it includes the following:

• Sweeping
• Dusting
• Mopping
• Scrubbing
• Polishing
• Spot cleaning

Mechanized – as the name suggests, this type of cleaning needs the assistance of mechanized or electrical equipment, including the following:

• Laundering
• Dry cleaning
• Spray buffing
• Vacuum cleaning
• Suction cleaning

Well-implemented hotel housekeeping SOPs can help establish a welcoming atmosphere for the guests and ensure reliable and courteous service from staff. Here are some of the best hotel SOPs for three of the most common housekeeping room status:

1. Room for Check-In

These are standard housekeeping procedures for hotel staff when preparing rooms for new set of guests:

• Make bed with fresh linen and pillow cases.
• Check power switches and other electronic appliances for any damages.
• Clean up ashtrays and trash bins.
• Restock desk stationery and vanity supplies
• Clean the bathroom: floor, walls, toilet, shower area, and tub.

2. Occupied

Perform the following sample proper housekeeping procedures for an occupied room and use the housekeeping SOP checklist to record task completion:

• Clear the dustbins.
• Collect and replace used bedroom and bathroom linen.
• Make the bed.
• Vacuum floor carpets and rugs.
• Clean the bathroom and replenish bathroom supplies.

3. Room for Check-out

It can be used as a teaching tool to educate workers on the correct housekeeping procedures and keep them updated regarding any process changes.

• Assemble bed, chairs, settees, and other furniture and placing it appropriately.
• Wipe guest room floor with a wet mop.
• Cleaning the writing tables, assembling and placing stationery appropriately.
• Check for any articles the guest left behind.
• Clean bathroom equipment and ensure adequate supply of toiletries according to SOPs for bathroom cleaning.
• Clean all electric appliances such as microwave, fan, refrigerator, and others.

A sample of a step-by-step housekeeping sop pdf can be found here.

Housekeeping For Other Industries

Housekeeping SOP is not limited to hotels, it also applies across other industries such as manufacturing, medical, education, construction, and others. It helps maintain a safe and secure environment not just for customers but for employees as well. Here’s how housekeeping SOP helps the following businesses:

Housekeeping SOP for Hospitals

A hospital housekeeping SOP aims to maintain a sterile environment in all areas of the hospital. It guides cleaning personnel in prioritizing the task to maintain high standards of cleanliness especially in the crucial areas including high-touch surfaces and high-risk areas.

Housekeeping SOP for Restaurants

A restaurant housekeeping SOP ensures high standard cleaning operations to avoid food contamination and foodborne illnesses. It helps restaurants build exceptional ambiance and cleanliness to impress their clients.

Housekeeping SOP for Warehouses

A warehouse housekeeping SOP helps maintain a clean workplace that is free of debris and clutter to keep a safe environment. It helps prevent workplace hazards including incidents, near misses and injuries.

Housekeeping SOP for Public Areas

A public area housekeeping SOP helps maintain a safe and hygienic community. It ensures proper waste management is in place to eliminate environmental pollution and pathogenic diseases.

Hotel Housekeeping Procedures

There are two types of cleaning procedures for hotel housekeeping, see below:

Manual – this is a cleaning method that doesn’t require the assistance of equipment and machines, it includes the following:

• Sweeping
• Dusting
• Mopping
• Scrubbing
• Polishing
• Spot cleaning

Mechanized – as the name suggests, this type of cleaning needs the assistance of mechanized or electrical equipment, including the following:

• Laundering
• Dry cleaning
• Spray buffing
• Vacuum cleaning
• Suction cleaning

A sample of a step-by-step housekeeping procedure report can be found here.