Housekeeper Job Description, Skills and Responsibilities

A Housekeeper (also called room attendant, cleaning staff, maid, or domestic worker in some settings) plays a vital role in ensuring a clean, safe, and inviting environment for both guests and residents.

This position encompasses a range of responsibilities, including cleaning, organizing, and upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout an establishment. Housekeepers are integral to creating a positive experience for guests, significantly contributing to the overall reputation of a facility.

The ideal candidate for this role is detail-oriented, reliable, and capable of working independently or collaboratively within a team.

Housekeeper Duties and Responsibilities

Here are the most common housekeeper responsibilities you could be asked to do.

General Cleaning and Maintenance

• Clean and sanitize assigned areas, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas
• Dust, vacuum, and mop floors to maintain cleanliness
• Keep facilities and common areas clean and maintained
• Clean and stock restrooms
• Collect and remove trash and debris
• Clean upholstered furniture
• Perform detailed deep cleans when required

Laundry and Linen Management

• Change bed linens and towels as needed
• Assist with laundry services as required
• Laundry management, including washing, drying, ironing, and sorting linen
• Keep the linen room stocked
  

Supplies and Equipment

• Restock supplies such as toiletries and cleaning products
• Monitor and report on the inventory of cleaning supplies
• Ensure safe and proper use of cleaning equipment
• Clean, disinfect, and store all equipment at the end of the shift

Reporting and Compliance

• Report maintenance issues or safety hazards to management
• Notify managers of necessary repairs
• Report and return any guest properties found during service
• Report, log, and turn in all lost and found items
• Notify supervisors of property damage in commercial spaces
• Follow health and safety regulations to maintain a safe environment
• Undergo training and adhere to company policies regarding work shifts and guest privacy

Teamwork and Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service to guests and residents
• Collaborate with a team of housekeepers on each shift
• Maintain positive relationships with employees and guests
• Respond to housekeeping issues, such as spills and broken glass
• Perform basic housekeeping duties, including changing sheets and restocking supplies

Housekeeper Job Description Example

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Housekeeper Job Brief Example

‍A Job Brief is a short, engaging summary of a role, highlighting its purpose, impact, and key responsibilities—used to attract candidates.
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Duties for Different Settings

Hotels and Hospitality (Room Attendant/Housekeeper)

• Clean and reset guest rooms and bathrooms to brand standards
• Replenish amenities (soap, shampoo, coffee, tissues), linens, minibar as applicable
• Turn rooms efficiently during check-out and service occupied rooms
• Maintain housekeeping carts and floor closets
• Report lost-and-found and maintenance issues
• Typical productivity: often 12–20 rooms per shift depending on property, room type, and staffing

Hospitals and Healthcare (Environmental Services/EVS)

• Strict infection prevention: proper disinfectants, dwell times, color-coded cloths
• Clean patient rooms, isolation rooms, nursing stations, procedure areas
• Handle biomedical waste and sharps containers correctly
• Support patient experience while respecting privacy and clinical protocols

Offices and Facilities

• Clean workstations, conference rooms, restrooms, break rooms
• Empty trash/recycling, restock consumables, sanitize shared equipment
• May include floor care, glass cleaning, and periodic deep cleans

Residential/Domestic Housekeeping

• Whole-home cleaning, laundry, ironing, bed-making, organizing
• Kitchen cleaning, dishwashing, appliance wipe-downs
• May include errands, inventorying supplies, occasional light cooking on request

Requirements and Skills

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a housekeeper or in a similar role
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• High School diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience in housekeeping or a similar role is preferred
• Ability to lift, push, or pull at least 35 lbs
• Ability to reach overhead and below the knees, bend, stretch, stand, sit, kneel, or walk for extended periods
• Must follow management assignments, policies, and procedures
• Remain free from illegal drug use
• Must consent to a background check

Requirements

• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of performance
• Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and supplies, along with familiarity with health and safety regulations
• Excellent organizational skills and time management abilities
• Strong attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance

Skills

• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with clients and team members
• Ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery safely and efficiently
• Physical stamina and mobility to perform tasks over extended periods
• Reliability and trustworthiness in managing responsibilities
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
• Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment
• Time management skills to meet cleaning schedules and deadlines
• A positive attitude and a strong work ethic to contribute to a pleasant environment

Career Growth Path

Housekeepers have a variety of career advancement opportunities within the hospitality and cleaning industries. Here are some potential growth paths:

• Senior Housekeeper: After gaining valuable experience, housekeepers can advance to a senior role, where they oversee a team of housekeepers, ensuring that cleaning standards and protocols are consistently met.
• Housekeeping Supervisor/Manager: With additional experience and the development of leadership skills, housekeepers can progress to supervisory or managerial positions. In these roles, they are responsible for managing staff, budgets, and overall operations within the housekeeping department.
• Facilities Manager: Some housekeepers may choose to transition into facilities management, where they oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of larger facilities, such as hotels, hospitals, or corporate offices.
• Specialized Roles: Housekeepers can also opt to specialize in specific areas such as laundry management, quality control, sanitation, or training and development of new staff. These specialized roles often come with higher pay and increased responsibilities.
• Hospitality Management: For those looking to broaden their career opportunities, pursuing a degree in hospitality management can lead to various roles within the industry, including front desk management, event planning, and more.
• Entrepreneurship: Experienced housekeepers may decide to start their own cleaning service or consultancy, utilizing their expertise to build a successful business in the cleaning industry.
• Certifications and Training: Engaging in professional development programs and obtaining certifications in areas such as hotel management, cleaning technology, or customer service can enhance a housekeeper's qualifications and improve their prospects for advancement.

Overall, the career growth path for housekeepers is diverse and can lead to numerous rewarding opportunities within the hospitality and cleaning sectors. Continuous training and development play a crucial role in enhancing skills and opening doors for further career advancement.

Work Hours and Benefits

Work Hours:

• This can be a full-time position with flexible scheduling options to accommodate various lifestyles.
• Employees may be required to work weekends and holidays as needed, ensuring coverage during peak times.
• Various shifts are available, including day, evening, and night shifts, allowing for a balance between work and personal commitments.

Related Job Titles

Here are the most common job titles related to housekeeping:

• Cleaner: Responsible for maintaining cleanliness in various environments, including homes, offices, and public spaces. Cleaners perform tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces.
• Custodian: Tasked with the upkeep of buildings and facilities, ensuring they are clean, safe, and well-maintained. This role often includes cleaning, minor repairs, and managing waste disposal.
• Facilities Manager: Involves overseeing the maintenance and operations of a facility, including cleaning services, safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Facilities managers coordinate with cleaning staff and other service providers.
• Groundskeeper: Responsible for the maintenance of outdoor areas, including lawns, gardens, and parks. Their duties may include mowing, planting, and ensuring the overall aesthetic appeal of the grounds.
• Janitor: Responsible for cleaning and maintaining buildings, such as schools, offices, and hospitals. Their tasks include sweeping, mopping, emptying trash, and ensuring that restrooms are clean and stocked.
• Housekeeping Aide: Assists in cleaning and maintaining residential or commercial properties. They may work under the supervision of a housekeeper or manager, performing various cleaning tasks.
• Domestic Worker: Provides cleaning and household management services in private homes. Their responsibilities may include laundry, cooking, and general housekeeping tasks.
• Sanitation Worker: Responsible for collecting and disposing of waste, ensuring cleanliness in public areas, and maintaining sanitation standards. They play a crucial role in public health and environmental safety.
• Maid: Typically works in private homes or hotels, providing cleaning and housekeeping services. Their duties may include making beds, cleaning bathrooms, and organizing living spaces.
• Room Attendant: Work in hotels and are responsible for cleaning and preparing guest rooms. Their tasks include changing linens, restocking supplies, and ensuring that rooms meet cleanliness standards.

Housekeeper Pay

Salaries for housekeepers depend a lot on where you work or hire.

FAQs

What does a housekeeper do?

Cleans, sanitizes, and resets rooms and common areas; manages linens and supplies; reports maintenance issues; follows safety protocols; and provides courteous service.

Housekeeping vs. housekeeper: what’s the difference?

Housekeeping is the function/department, or scope of work. A housekeeper is the individual performing the duties.

How many rooms does a hotel housekeeper clean per shift?

Commonly 12–20 rooms per shift, depending on room size, check-outs vs. stayovers, property type, and staffing.

What are the key responsibilities of a hospital housekeeper?

Infection prevention, cleaning of patient and clinical areas, proper disinfectant use and dwell times, safe handling of biohazard waste, and patient-service etiquette.

What skills are most important?

Attention to detail, time management, knowledge of chemicals and safety, physical stamina, and customer service.

What are the primary responsibilities of a housekeeper?

Housekeepers are tasked with cleaning and maintaining residential or commercial spaces. Their responsibilities typically include dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, changing linens, and ensuring that all areas are tidy and well-organized.

What qualifications do I need to become a housekeeper?

‍While formal education is not always necessary, previous experience in housekeeping or a related field is often preferred. Essential skills include attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work independently.

What is the typical work schedule for a housekeeper?

‍Housekeepers may work full-time or part-time, with schedules varying based on the employer's needs. Shifts can include daytime, evening, or weekend hours.

Are housekeepers required to provide their own cleaning supplies?

This depends on the employer. Some may provide all necessary cleaning supplies and equipment, while others may expect housekeepers to bring their own.

What qualities make a good housekeeper?

A good housekeeper should be detail-oriented, reliable, efficient, and possess strong communication skills. Physical fitness is also important, as the job can be physically demanding.

How much do housekeepers typically earn?

Salaries for housekeepers can vary widely based on location, experience, and the type of employment (residential vs. commercial). On average, housekeepers earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually.

Is there room for advancement in housekeeping?

Yes, there are opportunities for advancement in housekeeping. With experience, housekeepers can move into supervisory roles, management positions, or specialize in areas such as deep cleaning or hospitality services.

What is the difference between a housekeeper and a janitor?

Housekeepers primarily focus on residential spaces, attending to detailed cleaning tasks, while janitors work in commercial areas, focusing on general maintenance and larger cleaning tasks.

What are the characteristics of a good housekeeper?

Successful housekeepers exhibit excellent attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to respect clients' privacy. They should be comfortable handling messes and take pride.