How to set up a housekeeping process: cleaning standards for stays

Cleanliness is one of the things guests pay most attention to during a stay, and it is one of the topics that appears most often in reviews. Building cleaning as a process, rather than leaving it to individuals, makes quality consistent.

A standard, measurable checklist

Prepare a written cleaning list for each property, by room and area. Instead of saying "make it clean", the list should state what is checked and how:

• Bedroom: Changing sheets and bed linen, checking pillows and duvet, a look under the bed and inside wardrobes.
• Bathroom: Shine of tiles and fittings, a check for hair, a complete towel set, consumables.
• Kitchen: Hob, sink, inside the fridge, dishes and rubbish.
• Living room: Dust, surfaces, remote controls, curtains and windows.
• General: Smell, lighting, working bulbs, door handles.

Roles and responsibilities

The cleaner, the person who checks and the person who decides when a problem comes up should be clearly defined. In small operations one person may take several roles, but if the same person both cleans and checks, gaps may go unnoticed.

Laundry and consumables management

Keep enough spare sets of sheets, towels and bed linen. If one set is used per stay, at least two or three sets should be in rotation. Set a minimum stock level for consumables (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, coffee and so on) and check it regularly.

Timing between check-out and check-in

On bookings with a same-day check-out and check-in, time is tight. Plan cleaning time according to the size of the property and build it into the calendar. There should be a backup plan for situations where time runs out.

Quality control

For a short check after cleaning, you can use a checklist with photos. If guest feedback mentions cleanliness, identify which area was missed and update the list. Surprise inspections at regular intervals keep the standard up.

Frequently asked questions

Should I clean myself or outsource? For a single property you can do it yourself. With several units or fast turnovers, a professional team is usually more sustainable.

Should I wash the laundry at home? It can work on a small scale. As volume grows, a professional laundry service saves time and keeps the standard steady.

Which tasks should be daily and which periodic? Standard cleaning is done between every stay. Deep cleaning and care of curtains, carpets and mattresses should be planned monthly or quarterly.

To design your cleaning and operations process around your property, you can browse our solutions or get in touch.