Housekeeping
Job Description

Sample housekeeping job description. Housekeepers are employed either in a private home or in a commercial environment such as a hotel.

Duties will vary according to the employment environment but the basic tasks and skills required to perform the housekeeping job remain the same.

The sample housekeeper job description lists these common duties and requirements and also identifies the additional tasks and skills required for a housekeeping job in a domestic environment and in a commercial service.

HOUSEKEEPING JOB DESCRIPTION

General Purpose

To maintain a clean, sanitary, comfortable and tidy environment for either private households or commercial establishments

Main Job Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• sweep, scrub, mop and polish floors
• vacuum clean carpets, rugs and draperies
• shampoo carpets, rugs and upholstery
• dust and polish furniture and fittings
• clean metal fixtures and fittings
• empty and clean trash containers
• dispose of trash in a sanitary manner
• clean wash basins, mirrors, tubs and showers
• wipe down glass surfaces
• make up beds and change linens as required
• tidy up rooms
• wash windows as scheduled
• sort, wash, load and unload laundry
• iron and press clothing and linen
• sort, fold and put away clean laundry
• operate mechanized cleaning equipment
• maintain all cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working condition
• monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements

Domestic Housekeeper

In addition to the above a housekeeper employed in a private household may perform some or all of the following duties:

• check and purchase groceries and household supplies to maintain adequate levels
• maintain record of related expenditure
• plan and cook meals for employer
• care for household pets
• polish silverware
• wash dishes and clean kitchen according to agreed hygiene standards
• clean appliances
• run errands for employer
• answer telephone and take messages
• take care of children

Nanny Job Description

Personal Care Assistant Job Description

Hotel Housekeeper

In addition to general housekeeping tasks the housekeeper duties in a hotel or similar environment will include:

• clean corridors, lobbies, stairways, elevators and lounges as well as guest rooms
• organize work schedule from the room status list, arrivals and departures
• distribute linen, towels and room supplies using wheeled carts or by hand
• restock room supplies such as drinking glasses, soaps, shampoos, writing supplies, mini bar
• replace dirty linens with clean items
• inspect and turn mattresses regularly
• store all dirty laundry in line with company policy
• monitor guest laundry bags
• replace laundry bags and slips
• check all appliances in rooms are in working order
• realign furniture and amenities according to prescribed layout
• respond to guest queries and requests
• respond to calls for housekeeping problems such as spills, broken glasses
• deliver any requested housekeeping items to guest rooms
• remove room service items
• organize and restock cart at the end of the shift
• ensure confidentiality and security of guest rooms
• follow all company safety and security procedures
• report any maintenance issues or safety hazards
• observe and report damage of hotel property

Knowledge and Experience

• high school diploma or equivalent preferred
• knowledge of cleaning and sanitation products, techniques and methods
• knowledge of cleaning sensitive materials
• working knowledge of operating cleaning equipment
• physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend
• ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs)

Key Competencies

• attention to detail
• customer focus
• reliability
• listening skills
• adaptability
• planning and organizing
• team work
• integrity
• honesty
• high energy levels

Go to Part 2 - Housekeeper Duties List

Need help with your resume? Use this sample housekeeper resume.

Include a winning housekeeper cover letter with your application.

What are the key skills for a housekeeper?

Employers have identified the 5 skills they look for in a housekeeper.

• good communication skills including the ability to listen carefully and ask the right questions to gain clarification

• integrity including honesty and high ethical standards
• reliability including good time-keeping
• attention to detail
  
• high work standards including the ability to meet performance standards without supervision

Housekeeper Job Interviews

Housekeeping Job Description Pages

Housekeeping Job Description Part 2

Adapt this housekeeping job description for your own use.

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