There’s a common theme that runs through guest reviews; central to this is cleanliness and maintenance of guest rooms. Cleanliness plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction, safety, and the overall success of an accommodation. Accommodation managers are constantly dealing with the cleanliness and maintenance, of rooms and amenities but with the right strategies and practices, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Let’s cover a few considerations to simplify and ensure your accommodation stands up to the expectations of guests, time after time.
Maintaining Consistency
Maintaining consistent cleanliness standards in each room can be a tough task. Implementing standardised checklists and ongoing training for housekeeping staff can negate missed areas that require cleaning. These practices can help ensure that every room is cleaned to the same high standard. Checklists are also a great way to stay on top of supplies, which can also affect the staff ability to stay on top of uncleaned areas.
Cleaning Supplies and Equipment
Access to the right cleaning products and equipment is crucial for effective room cleaning. Managers should keep a well-stocked inventory and be ready to replace or upgrade equipment as needed to maintain efficiency. Things to consider when buying new supplies and equipmenrt are:
- Safety: Ensure safety for both staff and guests by choosing products with appropriate labeling and safety data sheets.
- Environmental Impact: Support sustainability by opting for environmentally friendly or green cleaning supplies. Look for eco labels that reflect this.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Balance cost with quality; investing in higher-quality products can lead to long-term cost savings. This could mean buying in 15L rather lots of 5L.
- Effectiveness: Perhaps the most import consideration. Does it effectively remove dirt, stains, and germs? Does it meet the specific cleaning needs of your accommodations?
- Storage and Space: Ensure adequate storage for organised and efficient cleaning supply management. Supplies may vary in their form. Choose packaging that stores well (compact and neat).
- Guest Sensitivity: Address guest sensitivities by using hypoallergenic or unscented products when necessary.
High Turnover of Guests
One of the first challenges accommodation managers face is the constant turnover of guests. Ensuring that rooms are cleaned promptly and efficiently after guests check out is vital. Implementing well-organised schedules and maintaining clear communication among housekeeping staff can help ensure a smooth turnover process. Planning and coordinating cleaning times may be difficult but necessary in maintaing a high standard of cleanliness.
Guest Requests and Complaints
Accommodation managers must be prepared to manage guest requests for additional cleaning or address complaints about cleanliness. It’s essential to have a system in place for guests to communicate their needs and complaints. Prompt responses and resolutions are key to guest satisfaction. Additionally, when guests do experience an unclean area but see the rest of your accommodation is in fact clean, you give them confidence that cleanliness is a priority by keeping a clean site.
Budget Constraints
Budget constraints are a reality for many accommodation managers. Essential cleaning supplies and equipment should prioritised, consider bulk purchasing, and speaking with suppliers about the effectiveness on various products that may also be interchangeable to manage costs effectively.
Managing room cleaning and maintenance in accommodations is a multifaceted challenge that demands attention to detail, consistency, and adaptability. By addressing these points discussed, you can manage to maintain a clean and organised environment for your guests to enjoy. Guests clearly value a clean room to relax and spend time in without having to worry about the evidence of previous guests. Money spent on ensuring a consistently clean site is presented can be justified with a higher rates. Get this fundamental right and reap the rewards seen in positive reviews, repeat customers and increased profits.
