Housekeeper Jobs

The housekeeper job is a domestic services job which normally consists of working in a hotel or motel. These employees have the responsibility of keeping rooms, hallways, and other facilities clean and orderly. Working in a service-oriented job, housekeepers often have to deal with other people to ensure standards of cleanliness and comfort are met and maintained. For this reason, housekeepers play an important role in determining how customers view an establishment.

Common Tasks Performed by Housekeepers

Since housekeepers are responsible for cleanliness and maintenance, they often have to work in many different parts of a hotel or motel. Some of the areas that these employees deal with include general bedroom cleaning, bathrooms, hallways, restaurants, and other public areas. Their tasks often revolve around basic cleaning procedures such as the following:

  • Changing of bedsheets and fluffing of pillows
  • Turning or changing of drapery and towels
  • Wiping and cleaning of windows, mirrors, tables, and other surfaces
  • Arrangement of furniture and vacuuming of carpets and sofas
  • Clearing of used glasses, plates, and other dining-ware
  • Collection and disposal of trash
  • Cleaning of bathroom including toilets, showers, sinks, and counter tops
  • Preparation of special function rooms, or other venues for meetings and functions
  • Serving customers when called for

Becoming a Housekeeper

Most employers accept applicants with less than high school education, although more reputable establishments ask for a high school diploma or more. Literacy and numeracy skills are needed in order to understand and follow management instruction, customer demands, or any other specifications. Good communication skills are also needed in order to deal with customers and work as part of a team. Housekeepers must be able to work with chemicals used for cleaning and they should be able to lift and move furniture. These professionals are paid depending on their qualification and experience, as well as the establishment they work for.