What does a Housekeeper do?
Housekeepers perform various light cleaning duties that maintain private households and commercial establishments including hotels, homes, restaurants, and hospitals. They clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, stairways, and locker rooms. They are responsible for the cleaning of heavy-duty items including rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies.
Housekeepers sometimes care for children or the elderly by overseeing their activities, providing companionship, and assisting them with dressing, bathing, eating, or other needs. Housekeepers perform general cleaning to ensure zones including floors or windows are spotless and presentable to visitors, employees, or residents. They are responsible for tracking and updating an inventory of cleaning supplies and paper goods and ordering and replenishing them when needed. If they work in a setting that includes lodging, they are responsible for changing sheets and linens by removing used items and replacing them with fresh ones. Housekeepers are also tasked with mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning and disinfecting when necessary. There is no minimum education requirement for housekeeping positions, although those who work with children or the elderly may be required to take first aid and CPR courses.
- Inspect areas to confirm cleaning standards have been met.
- Assure the efficient use of supplies and equipment.
- Manage, train and recruit members of the housekeeping team.
- Assist in the laundry and uniform area as necessary.
- Maintain a clean, safe and orderly condition.
- Ensure all safety policies and procedures are strictly adhered to.
- Fold and store clean linens, report damages to supervisor.
- Stock housekeeping cart with supplies at end of each shift.
- Ensure that bowls, sinks, walls, exposed pipes, etc. are cleaned.
- Must be able to walk, climb stairs and ladders.
- Report needed repairs of unsafe conditions to a manager.
- Respond to and handle guest problems and complaints effectively.
- Interact with guests to solve problems and ensure satisfaction.
- Pulling up to 50 lbs., a housekeeping cart and vacuum cleaner.
- Correct housekeeping issues in the unit prior to guest arrival.
- Prior experience in a customer service or housekeeping position.
- A positive attitude and strong work ethic.
- Able to multitask and maintain composure during interactions with clients and guests.
- Pays attention to detail and ensures work areas are sanitized, buffed. and polished.
- Demonstrated leadership skills and professionalism.
- Experience with Microsoft Vista and other computing systems.
- Strict attention to personal grooming.
How much does a Housekeeper make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$33,475
/ yrHousekeeper Career Path
Learn how to become a Housekeeper, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Housekeeper Insights
Azul Vision“Very friendly my co workers are the best and I really love my boss so makes it more enjoyable.”
“The best reason is they have a good place to work and a comfort hours to work”
Molly Maid“My first (and last) day on the job I was constantly verbally harassed.”
Aimbridge Hospitality“one of the best companies in its field and I would like to learn how it works.”
Courtyard“The pay was good and the hours it close to my home I didn’t have to commute far.”
Wingate by Wyndham“Everyone was super friendly and I am happy to have stayed friends with those I worked with.”
TECOBI“The training was thorough and helped you gain real skills and understanding for your job.”
“There are some nice coworkers and at some of the jobs you get the customers give you really nice tips.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of housekeepers
A typical day as a housekeeper includes maintaining the cleanliness of work environments with routine cleaning tasks. They are often employed in hotels, but can also find jobs in individual homes and residential facilities. Duties can include changing and making beds, vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and restocking toiletries.
Working as a housekeeper has many advantages. These include getting to know and forming relationships with clients, putting high energy and a love for cleaning and/or tidying to use, and often the ability to work your own hours. It is also possible for housekeepers to start their own businesses.
The average base pay of a housekeeper in the United States is $33,475 per year, with some housekeepers earning as much as $43,211 per year. During the holiday season and other busy times throughout the year, overtime pay may be available and tips are often included.
Housekeepers usually work full-time hours and can maintain a set schedule. They do however often work holidays and weekends in addition to weekdays. Typically housekeepers work during the day, however, depending on the needs of the business, there may be overnight positions also.