Attendant These are the duties and responsibilities of a Housekeeping Attendant
Window / Glass Cleaning; Dusting and polishing furniture and fixtures; Sweeping floors / grounds; Wet, damp, and dry mopping; Vacuuming; Scrubbing and polishing floors; Cleaning walls, exhaust, stairs, ceiling; Disinfecting toilet bowls and urinals; Collecting and properly disposing garbage and liters; and Maintaining housekeeping tools, materials, and equipment.
Sweeping Sweeping is a manual method of removing dust, dirt and debris from floor/ground using sweepers (plastic broom or soft broom or stick broom) and dust pan.
BEFORE: 1. Prepare the materials needed. Broom Dust pan Trash can with trash liner
DURING: 1. Using only one direction (clockwise or counter clockwise) begins sweeping at the farthest corner of the room and, move towards the center. 2. Sweep dirt and dust at the shortest distance into the dust pan to avoid dust from flying. Avoid shaking the broom when removing excess dust/ dirt from it. 3. Brush all dirt into the dustpan and then move the dustpan back a couple of inches. Repeat the last step until all dirt is cleared.
AFTER: 1. Clean all equipment, tools used in sweeping the floor. It is best to hang brooms and dust pan when storing it.
Floor Polishing Floor polishing can play an important part in cleaning the hotel amenities. The theory is that in todays saturated market, a property needs to stand out from the rest in its league. The floor polisher is a machine for cleaning, sanding, and polishing parquet, painted, linoleum, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resin, and tile floors. Floor polishers may be manual, mechanical, or electric.
BEFORE: 1. Prepare the materials needed. Floor Polisher Gloves Caution Sign Plastic Broom Dust pan Polishing Solution 2. Check the condition of the equipment 3. Check the heavy duty plug and cable 4. Tilt the floor polisher backward (Support the motor/ body of the floor polisher with your foot when tilting the machine. until the handle rest on the floor) 5. Put the correct polisher pad or brush Black pad for stripping White pad for polishing Green pad or scrubbing Brown pad for buffing Red pad for spray/ buffing Hard brush use for hard floor (pebble, cemented floor) Soft brush Use for resilient type of floor e.g. vinyl, wood 6. Attach the brush by twisting sharply with a counter clockwise direction. 7. Make sure the brush adaptor fits well to avoid damage on the equipment and to ensure workers safety. 8. Check the area. 9. Put the safety signage in place where passerbys can see it. 10. Remove obstacles from the floor. 11. Sweep the floor. 12. Remove sticky materials on the floor. 13. Open the pedal kick clutch to adjust the handle. 14. Adjust the handle tube to the desired angle. 15. Insert the plug in the nearest electrical outlet. 16. Gently squeeze the switch to start floor polishing procedure.
DURING: 1. Gently squeeze the switch to start the floor polishing procedure. 2. Slightly lift the handle to allow it into right direction. 3. Start polishing the sides of the hallway To avoid chemicals from splashing on the wall To avoid bumping the floor polisher on hard surfaces
AFTER: 1. Release switch (carefully to shut-off the machine). 2. Remove the brush; twist the brush sharply into clockwise direction until the brush bracket opening is in line with the brush adaptor. 3. Clean the brush with water. 4. Clean the floor polisher. 5. Return the floor polisher and other tools in their proper area.
Vacuuming Vacuum Cleaner is an equipment used in removing, collecting all loose soil, dust, dirt and particle from all types of flat surfaces particularly carpets, rug, hard and resilient floor, upholstery, furniture including bed linen, bed cover, mattress, drapes, and blinds.
BEFORE: 1. Prepare the materials needed. Trash can with trash liners Broom with dustpan Trash can with trash liner Personal Protective Equipment Vacuum cleaner with complete Vacuum accessories o Upholstery nozzle o Hose Adaptor Hose o Adaptor Extension pipe o Floor nozzle o Motor filter o Capture bag o Round brush o Crevice 2. Check the bag and filters daily and clean or replace them, as required Open the compartment and remove vacuum bag / filter. Check the bag and/or filter daily and clean or replace them, as required 3. Pour dust/ dirt from vacuum bag into a trash bag 4. Put back the dust bag into the vacuum cleaner. 5. Check the cord for frayed wires and the plug for loose connections.
DURING: 1. Plug the vacuum cleaner 2. Turn on the vacuum cleaner using the On/Off button. 3. Use appropriate attachments for surfaces. Floor/ carpet nozzle Upholstery Nozzle for sofa and mattress, furniture, upholstery, and drapes Crevice tools for edges, corners, and furniture corners 4. Start vacuuming at the farthest point or areas were dirt has accumulated Use even strokes to cover the area Remove and pick up small items (e.g. bottle caps, pins) with your hands not the vacuum cleaner. Do not vacuum areas that contain moisture like water, combustible matters, needles, pins, blade, etc.
AFTER: 1. Clean the vacuum cleaner after every usage. 2. Wipe and remove hair from the hose, floor nozzles. 3. Clean and store the equipment properly.
Mopping Use in removing dust, and trash or soil from floors as a daily cleaning procedure, or in preparation for wet cleaning procedures.
BEFORE: 1. Gather all necessary materials and equipment for dust mopping. Personal protective equipment (Hand gloves, Hairnet) Whisk Brush Putty Knife Trash Can with Trash Liner Dust Mop (Dust Mop Head, Handle, Metal Frame) 2. Prepare the area for dry mopping procedure. Move furniture as you dust mop and replace it in its correct position. Remove all larger pieces of debris that the dusts mop will not able to sweep away and throw them into a trash container. Remove any gum using the putty knife. 3. Insert the dust mop head inside the steel frame. Attach the mop handle to the metal frame properly. Make sure the dust mop head is clean and free of dirt and debris. Remove any gum using the putty knife.
DURING: 1. Dust mop the area. Start dust mopping at the entrance of the room. (Work from the sides of the room to the center. Turn at the end of the pass and dust mop in the opposite direction. Overlap about 10 inches). Move furniture as you dust mop and replace it in its correct position. Push the dust mop straight ahead. (Avoid lifting the mop from the floor or moving it backward during the dust mopping procedure). Hold the mop handle at approximately a 15-degree angle. Dust mop carefully around equipment. 2. Pick up the trash and dirt. Use a dustpan and broom to sweep up accumulated trash. Empty this into a trash chute or trash container.
AFTER: 1. Clean the dust mop before / after using it. Insert the dust mop head inside a plastic bag to avoid dust/dirt from flying. Shake the plastic bag sharply for several times to remove dust and dirt. Use whisk brush in removing hairs or sticky materials from the dust mop head. Glass Cleaning Window / Glass Cleaning require mastery of special techniques using tools, most notably a squeegee. The use of proper window cleaning tools and materials results in a better cleaning method, like rubbing windows with newspaper or rubbing a pane of glass with a cloth can result in "stroke" marks that are visible in sunlight due to the residue left behind.
BEFORE: 1. Prepare the materials needed. Squeegee Glass Cloth Dusting Cloth Dusting Bag Sprayer with chemical (Glass Cleaner) Fabric or newspaper
DURING: 1. Lay down newspaper or fabric on the floor. 2. Spray the glass cleaner on the glass surface. 3. Starting in the upper left corner, pull your squeegee straight across at about a 45 angle. As the squeegee hit the right frame of the window, slowly start to turn the squeegee on the glass to start an "S" like motion. 4. Remove excess liquid by using the rubber part of the squeegee and drag it downward. 5. Wipe off the squeegee blade with a towel. 6. Clean and wipe dry the window frames. 7. Repeat the procedure until the whole surface has been cleaned.
AFTER: 1. Clean and store materials used properly.
Wall Cleaning It is a good idea to regularly clean painted walls to remove marks, scuffs, dirt, dust, and fingerprints. Clean walls will help the property look bright and fresh. Regular maintenance and proper care during cleaning will sometimes prevent difficult-to-remove stains..
BEFORE: 1. Prepare the materials needed. Personal Protective Equipment (Gloves, Helmet) Housekeeping Cart All Purpose Detergent Cleaner Wall Mop Frame and Handle Cotton Cloth Scouring Pad Sponge Two (2) Mop Buckets with Wringers Wet Floor Sign Dust Cloth Vacuum Ladder and/or Scaffolding 2. Test the wall for porosity. Test the all-purpose detergent/cleaner for compatibility with the surface (unseen part of the wall). 3. Set up wet floor/caution signs. 4. Put cleaning materials in a safe place. 5. Put dust cloth on the floor (if the floor is sensitive e.g. carpet floor / wooden floor)
DURING: 1. Dust / vacuum the wall. 2. Clean the wall in a framing pattern (4 square feet area) 3. Spray cleaning solution on the wall 4. Use sponge in scrubbing; move gradually up the wall using circular motion.(Washing should always start at the bottom) 5. Rinse the area using damp cloth. 6. Rinse the damp cloth as often as possible. 7. Clean the next frame area, overlapping the preceding frame. 8. Repeat these steps until wall is finished. 9. Inspect your work. Repeat procedure(s) if necessary.
AFTER: 1. Clean up all cleaning equipment 2. Return all cleaning equipment to the storage area. 3. Finally, when you are finished, wash hands and dry thoroughly.
Dusting Furniture and Fixtures BEFORE: 1. Prepare materials needed. Organize all materials in a dusting bag. Handy brush Dusting Cloth (lint cloth, microfiber cloth, cotton cloth) Whisk Brush 2. Prepare the chemicals needed. 3. Spray bottle with cleaning chemicals (APC) Furniture Polish 4. Use personal protective equipment. Gloves Hairnet Goggles
DURING: 1. Identify the type of dirt /dust and surface texture before commencement of work so that you can perform the correct procedure of dusting the surface. 2. Use the correct dusting tools in cleaning the following surfaces: a. Dusting corner i. Use whisk brush in cleaning corners. b. Dusting ornaments i. Use static duster in dusting ornaments. ii. Stabilize the ornaments by gently pressing on the item with your finger. iii. Items must be lifted to wipe the base. c. Dusting wooden furniture i. Use a clean barely damp cloth, turn it often to remove dust from surface ii. Use whisk brush in removing dust from corners of furniture. iii. Use soft brush to remove dust on top of wooden furniture to avoid scratches. iv. Spray wood polish on dusting cloth and wipe it on the wooden furniture.
AFTER: 1. Clean all equipment and tools after using them. Be sure to store them in the right place afterwards
Cleaning and Disinfecting Trash Cans BEFORE: 1. Prepare materials needed for cleaning and disinfecting the trash cans. Trash Bag Soap and Water Disinfectant Scrub Brush 2. Use personal protective equipment. Gloves Face Mask
DURING: 1. Begin by emptying all of the contents from the trash can. Remove as much residue as possible. 2. Wash the entire trash can with soap and fill the trash can 1/4 1/3 full with hot water. Remember to discard water afterwards in the drainage. 3. Spray the inside of the trash can with a disinfectant. 4. Use a soft cloth to scrub the surfaces and remove any odor causing residues. Be sure to get all of the edges where residue can build up. 5. Replenish the trash bag.
AFTER: 1. Place the garbage bag in the garbage cart for disposal. 2. Return the used chemicals, tools, and equipment in their custodial area.
Cleaning the Lobby Cleaning Procedures: 1. Prepare the materials in sweeping, dry mopping, dusting, glass cleaning. 2. Clean out ash urns or ashtrays 3. Empty trash containers / spray interior / spot clean exterior of trash can 4. Dust counter tops using dusting cloth or static duster. Always work from the top of the room downward to prevent re-soiling of previously cleaned surfaces. Use an extension duster to reach high and low surfaces. Use a dusting cloth or mitt on mid-level surfaces. This will save strain on your body from bending low or stretching high 5. Spot clean vertical and horizontal surfaces Remove spots and stray marks from walls, window frames, door facings, door frames, shelves, display cases, cabinets, counters, and other surfaces. (Use disinfectant to clean door handles, light switches and other hot-spots). 6. Spot clean glass surface This includes entry windows, door glass, display case glass, glass tabletops and any other glass in the room. Lightly spray glass cleaner on fingerprints and smudges. Wipe to remove the spot and to dry the surface streak-free. 7. Straighten tables and chairs Place all furniture in its designated locations. Furniture often moves during the course of a days activity, and should be repositioned and realigned so the space looks fresh again in the morning. 8. Spot clean tables and chairs Lightly spray cleaner on fingerprints and smudges, and wipe to remove the spot and to dry the surface leaving no streaks. 9. Damp wipe Lobby furniture 10. Spot clean upholstery (if applicable) Damp wipe with a cleaning cloth and, fold it into an 8-sided cleaning cloth. Wipe all water resistant surfaces of each piece of furniture turning the cloth to a clean side and rinsing as needed. Remove soil, fingerprints, and smudges. Wipe shiny surfaces with a clean, dry soft cloth to remove any streaks, leaving surfaces shining. Apply surface treatment if applicable. 11. Spot clean upholstery Test cleaner on the underside of the chair to ensure colorfastness. Spray spots lightly. Blot spots to remove; work from the outside of the spot towards the center to prevent spreading. 12. Spot clean carpet and walk-off mats 13. Vacuum carpet and walk-off mats (if applicable) 14. Dust mop floor / or; Use dust mop to remove dust and debris from the area. Dust mop under furniture and along the edges of the room, paying particular attention to the corners, working from the inside corner of the room outward to move soil away from, not into the corner. Dust mopping into the corner can pack the soil into the corner and create a rounded corner. Use a putty knife if necessary to remove soil and move it out where the dust mop can pick it up. 15. Damp mop floor Place Wet Floor signs appropriately. Using a standard damp mop and mop bucket, or microfiber damp mopping pads, begin mopping at the far corner finishing at the door. Rinse mop or change pads as needed. Leave signs in place until floor has dried 16. Clean the Glass windows, dirtiest first in left or right, where there is no traffic.
Cleaning the Hallway / Corridor Cleaning Procedures: 1. Prepare the materials needed in sweeping, damp mopping, vacuuming, and floor polishing. 2. Identify the dirtiest part of the area 3. Cordon off the area that needs to be clean (if needed) 4. Remove debris from the floor 5. Vacuum the corridor 6. De-gum the area 7. Damp mop the area to be clean 8. Floor polish the corridor
Cleaning the Dining Areas Dining Areas Cleaning Procedures: 1. Prepare the materials needed Trash bags Disinfectant cleaner like mr. Clean professional disinfecting multi-purpose cleaner Putty knife Soft, clean towel Broom Wet floor sign Mop Bucket and wringer Dish washing soap A disinfecting floor cleaner 2. Cleaning trash cans. Remove the trash bag from each trash can. Making sure no trash-bag liquid drips onto the floor, dispose of the trash properly. Using the disinfectant cleaner, scrub the trash containers inside and out with a non- food contact brush or scouring pad. Rinse with water. Empty the dirty water into the mop sink. Allow the trash containers to air-dry. Place new trash bags in the containers. Place containers back into their proper locations. 3. Clean Tables and chairs Clear any trash from the tables and discard into a waste receptacle. Remove any gum from the tables and chairs with a putty knife. Holding the bottle about 8 to 12 inches away from surface to avoid over-spray, spray disinfectant cleaner onto the tabletop. Use a clean towel not an abrasive pad with the cleaner to wipe tops, sides and underneath edges of tabletop. Allow the table to air dry. Spray cleaner onto the chair seats, and wipe with a clean towel. Realign tables and chairs as needed. 4. Vacuum carpeted floor Prepare the vacuum cleaner o Use correct vacuum cleaner for your daily tasks (e.g. wet/dry vacuum cleaner) o Check the filter/dust bag Prepare the Vacuuming Area o Remove all obstructions from your vacuuming path. o Place chairs on top of tables, or out of the way. o Remove any large debris that won't be recovered by your vacuum or may potentially clog it. Plug in the vacuum cleaner. o Turn it on, and make sure there are no obstructions in the hoses Start vacuuming the area using overlapping strokes o To start, it is a good idea to uncoil the power cord behind your vacuum and work forward from that point All originally moved obstacles should be returned to their original positions When you're finished vacuuming, all filters and bags should be checked again. o If the bag is full, or the filters are dirty, they should be replaced. o Wipe down the vacuum and power cord. Store equipment properly
Cleaning the Public Restroom BEFORE: 1. Prepare materials needed. Housekeeping cart (optional) Personal Protective Equipment Caution Sign Toilet Bowl Brush Grouting Brush Floor Squeegee Spray Bottles with Label Broom Scouring Pad Glass Wiper Mop with Handle Bucket with Wringer Long Brush Hand Brush Trash Liners Tong Caddy Dust Pan 2. Prepare all chemicals needed in cleaning the bathroom Glass Cleaner Disinfectant Toilet Bowl Cleaner Air Sanitizer Metal Polisher 3. Put all necessary materials in the cart (optional) 4. Knock and announce Housekeeping, most especially if you will clean opposite sex rest room . If there is no reply; the attendant may enter. If someone is using the restroom; wait outside until the rest room is no longer occupied. 5. Place a traffic control device at the entrance door.
DURING: 1. Amenities Check all supplies regularly and replenish as needed Put all your equipment tools, materials in a safe area and it should be within your reach. Refill the soap, tissue and towel dispenser and other amenities. Garbage Dispose garbage properly and replenish trash bag. 2. Floor Clear any obstacles, particularly in the floor area. Sweep and de-gum the floor Clean the floor o Use a very wet mop to apply disinfectant solution o Brush the floor using long brush o Remove excess water - use floor squeegee or mop 3. Mirrors, Sinks and Faucets Mix disinfectant in a bucket (For daily maintenance 250 ml of disinfectant for 4 Liters of water). Damp wipe all fixtures with diluted disinfectants including mirrors, pipes, faucets and dispensers). o Clean the lavatory sink, faucet and mirror. 4. Toilet Bowls / Urinals Flush the toilet bowl. Put chemical on the bowl and cover it (Leave it for few seconds and proceed to the next tasks). Clean the Toilet bowl. o Clean the top and bottom of toilet seat and all exterior surfaces including the pipes. o Clean and dry exterior of urinals, including the pipes. Wipe dry all exterior with soft cloth. o Clean toilet bowls and inside urinals with applicator.
AFTER: 1. Dry the whole area using dry mop head. 2. Check the condition of the area before leaving it. 3. Clean and store materials, tools and equipment properly.
Cleaning the Offices A. Cleaning Office Furniture 1. When dusting office furniture, always remember that each kind of furniture / surface should be cleaned by a specific dusting tool, as mentioned in Module 2. These include: Whisk brush for corners Static duster for ornaments Glass cleaner and glass cloth for glass furniture 2. Tidying Sofa / Chairs Use dusting cloth in wiping leather and leatherette types of sofa. Tidy up sofa chairs by re-arranging all cushions and pillows. Make sure to fluff cushion and pillow. Use whisk brush in cleaning corners of wooden sofa.
B. Cleaning Electrical Equipment 1. All electrical appliances are switched off /unplug before the commencement of work.
Proper Handling of Housekeeping Chemicals 1. Wear personal protective gear when handling cleaning chemicals. 2. Do not inhale cleaning chemicals. 3. Read and follow all direction on the label. 4. Leave the cleaning product on a surface long enough to be effective but not too long to damage the surface. 5. Dilute chemicals correctly. 6. Use only the amount as directed. 7. Use only clean water when mixing a solution. 8. Select the temperature of the cleaning solution based on the item being cleaned. 9. Scrub with the correct tool for the surface being cleaned.