LESSON 1

WHAT IS HOUSEKEEPING?

Definition

The word “housekeeping” refers to the maintenance of cleanliness and order in a house or
lodging establishment such as inn, hotel, condominium, resort, dormitory or hospital. A person
who does or overseas the work of keeping the house is a “housekeeper”. The housekeeper sees
to it that all occupants are comfortable, safe and protected from disease-causing bacteria. They
may be responsible for one-room apartment or a thousand-room hotel. Housekeeping job among
commercial establishment is more complex to manage than those done in a house.

A hotel housekeeping department has four main functions: (1) cleaning and maintenance, (2)
training of its personnel, (3) requisition and control of the necessary supplies and equipment, and
(4) paperwork – schedules and report. These four functions are interrelated that is impossible to
describe one without including the others.

Importance

Hotel accommodation is the major part of the hotel and it is the most income generating
department. Housekeeping department places an important part in a hotel, The people in this
department are responsible for all the needs of the guests and make them feel that they are safe
and secure. If the guest is satisfied with the fine accommodation that is provided to them, they will
continue to patronize the hotel. The primary objective of hotels should be the guests’ satisfaction.

Guests spend more time in their rooms than in any part of the hotel that is why it is
important for the housekeeping department to do their part, since a hotel’s major revenue comes
from rooms.

THE HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT

 Housekeeping is the most important department in the operation of the hotel and other
establishment.
 It is the heart of the hotel.
 It carries a major responsibility for upholding high standards of the hotel.
  It provides quick , efficient and personalized servicing

Objectives of the Housekeeping Department:

 to provide clean, safe and comfortable environment which gives a feeling of security to
guest
 to conform to the sanitation requirement of health laws
 to protect and maintain the original beauty of the establishment
 to extend friendly courteous service to all guests and other employees
 to operate with a conscious and cooperative effort toward the company objective
 to train staff effectively in hotel operations, especially related in housekeeping.

STANDARDS OF HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping standard plays an important part in the reputation of the hotels. One feels
comfortable only in the environment which is clean and orderly, so cleanliness and orderliness is
important for health leading also for well-being.
1. Cleanliness – All areas of any establishments must be clean - corner to corner, top to bottom
including all surfaces, cabinets, furniture and all storage areas.

2. Orderliness – Facilities and fixtures should be properly arranged.

3. Sanitation – All areas of the establishment must be free from all sources of bacterial
contamination. There must be proper disposal of all garbage. Areas inside the building are
protected from pest infestation and should be regularly fumigated.

4. Comfort and Safety – There should be sufficient amenities for the comfort of the guests. For
them to enjoy their stay in the hotel, they should be given the best priority, and free from any
disturbances or any forms of distractions. For their safety and security, there should be safety
standards prescribed under the building code. All staff must be trained on emergency procedures
and roving guards must be available at all times to insure the guest protection.

5. Guest Relations – Concerns, needs and requests of guests must be taken care of, especially
guest with special needs and problems. They must be given prompt and proper attention.

6. Appearance of the Hotel – Overall appearance should be soothing to the eyes that include all
interior designs and decorations.

TYPES OF HOUSEKEEPING
1. Local or Domestic Housekeeping refers to housekeeping maintenance in a house by the
lady of the house, the wife/mother or the caretaker that serves as the head housekeeper.

2. Institutional Housekeeping applies to housekeeping maintenance in commercial lodging

establishments. It usually covers the following areas: guest rooms, hallways and corridors,
lobby, public areas and restaurants, offices, stairways, grounds, linen and laundry area and
pest control.

Kitchen and dining areas are not included since these are handled by the Food and
Beverage Section.

AREAS OF HOUSEKEEPING

All areas must be kept clean and tidy and everything must be presentable and in working
condition.

Different areas in an establishment that needs housekeeping:

1. rooms and corridors 4. furniture and furnishings
2. toilets 5. gardens and grounds
3. linen 6. public areas

ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL IN HOUSEKEEPING

Housekeeping set up and work dissemination differs among hotels and other
establishments, considering the size of the company and size of work to be done. Housekeeping in
big establishments with a lot of guests to attend to are distributed to several sections of the
housekeeping department; the guestroom maintenance section, the public area and a separate
section for linen and laundry. These sections have supervisors that reports to the Housekeeping
Manager who acts as the department head. For the smaller establishments with fewer guestrooms
and public areas, the Housekeeping Supervisor leads the team with an assistant housekeeper who
takes over in case the supervisor is not around. All housekeeping staff report to the Housekeeping
Supervisor.

“Housekeeping Office is the Brain of the Housekeeping Department

A. Executive Housekeeper – is the person in charge in the operations of the housekeeping

department, implements the high standard of system and procedure.

B. Assistant Executive Housekeeper – recommends guidelines and procedures for the hotel
improvement in the housekeeping department.

C. Room Coordinator – acts as executive secretary and attends to all phone calls and
endorsement in the housekeeping office, attends to proper files and clerical works and safe
keeper of room keys (electronic key cards/Ving Cards).

Public Area Section

P.A. Supervisor – oversees the entire public areas and maintains the standards of the
establishment.

Houseman – is a male public area attendant, in- charge of cleaning and servicing public areas.

Powder Girl – is a female public area attendant assigned at the female public comfort room
Room Section

Room Section Supervisor – supervises the guestrooms and ensures that rooms are clean and
organized, and sees to it that all the needs of the guests are attended immediately
In-charge in maintaining the cleanliness of guestrooms are the:
 Room boy – male room attendant
 Chambermaid – female room attendant
Linen Section

Linen Section Supervisor – supervises the entire operation in this section.

Staff:
1. Linen Attendant – arranges staff uniforms and prepares them for use.
2. Linen Sorter – separates linen accordingly.
3. Linen Driver/Runner – assists the linen supervisor for outside laundry.
4. Seamstress and sewer – is in-charge of sewing staff uniforms, linen, and others.
Laundry Section

Laundry Section Supervisor – controls and monitors the operation.

Staff:
1. Laundry Checker – classifies linen before the laundry.
2. Dry Cleaner – handles and operates dry cleaning machine temperature.
3. Spotter Operator – is in-charge of removing heavy stains in all linen.
4. Washer Operator – is in-charge of weighing the linen before loading according to
machine capacity.
5. Tumbler Operator – is in-charge in checking all linens during the process of dry
cleaning to avoid damages and over-drying.
6. Ironer/Presser – is in-charge of ironing linens.
7. Vale Runner – picks-up and delivers guest laundry for dry cleaning and pressing work.
8. Laundry Clerk – records daily and monthly income production of laundry billings.
Housekeeping Department Organizational Chart
(For Large Establishment)

EEXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER OR
HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER
VEHOUSEEXE

LINEN AND
ROOMKEEPING PUBLIC AREA
LAUNDRY
SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR
SKILLS OF A GOOD HOUSEKEEPER

As a housekeeper, it is good to remember the following abilities or skills to be able to

perform their duties well:

Interpersonal Abilities:
 to manage conflict
 to solve problems
 to Listen
 to demonstrate responsibility
 to be accountable
 to show appreciation
 to show flexibility
Intrapersonal Abilities:
 adaptability
 self-awareness
 self-development
 relationship awareness
 social awareness

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT

Major Responsibilities:
1. maintaining the cleaning standard of Guestrooms and Bathrooms
2. reporting for any repairs needed and sees to it that repairs are done immediately
3. being alert on hazards and other unnecessary stuffs for guest protection
4. practicing sanitation methods
5. disposing trash accordingly( Biodegradable, Non-Biodegradable and Recycle items)
6. maintaining the cleanliness of all public areas
7. coordinating with pest control services
8. making sure there are enough supplies of linen, uniforms, cleaning aids and printed
materials
9. making sure that pantry areas and storage areas are retained clean and orderly

10. maintaining all corridors clean and free from any eyesores
11. cleaning light fixtures and using proper wattage
12. maintaining the cleanliness of all tools, equipment
13. applying the cleaning method to maintain the beauty of the establishment

HOTEL HOUSE RULES

Every hotel has designed rules to instil discipline among hotel personnel to ensure guest
satisfaction in terms of safety, security and comfort. A polite housekeeper is an asset that can help
build hotel guest’s contentment and trust.
Entry into a Guest’s Room
A housekeeper’s responsibility is to clean the room of guests. Before entering a room the
in-charge housekeeper should follow the “two-knock, three-announcement rule”. This is to
inform the guest for housekeeping. If in case the guest does not hear it and the door is locked from
the inside, the housekeeper should wait for 24 hours and again return to the room. If all is done
and there is still no response, the housekeeper should inform his or her supervisor about the
incident The supervisor then will report to the security who will confirm the guest’s safety.

Another rule is if a “Do Not Disturb” door sign hangs for a long time, the housekeeper
immediately reports this to his/her supervisor so that any necessary action should be taken.
Housekeepers are only allowed to enter a room they are assigned to and while on duty.

Cleaning
A well-maintained, clean room is a guest satisfaction. Housekeepers make sure that the
room is in order and to do this every housekeeper is expected to complete a series of cleaning and
sanitizing procedures that every areas of the room is well-maintained and comfortable.

Lesson 2

Handling Gifts, Tipping and Lost and Found Items

There are rules and receiving gift and tips from guest. The housekeepers are required to
ask a note from the guest just in case they are given gifts, tips depend on guest satisfaction to
housekeepers’ performance as an appreciation. Soliciting to guest is not allowed.
All lost and found items should be surrendered to the supervisor indicating the room
number and the item found. The supervisor must check if the guest is still around but if not, the
floor supervisor follows the lost and found procedure.
Rules for Lost and Found
 Perishable items – If after three days and the owner does not come back to claim the
item, then it will be given to the housekeeper who found the item following the “finders
keepers” rule.
  Non-perishable items – One month is given to the owner to claim the items. If
unclaimed, these items will be given to the employee who found it.
 Valuables – A span of one year is given to the owner to claim his/her valuables. If left
unclaimed, the hotel management will decide on what to do with the unclaimed items.

Professionalism

This is a trait that is valued in any workplace. Housekeepers are expected to perform their
duties as expected of them. They must follow every rule and all procedures of the management,
wear uniform at all times and accomplish the cleaning request of guests. Housekeepers that can go
above and beyond the guests’ expectation while staying within professional boundaries ensure
guest continued patronage.

Orientation to Guests on House Rules

The following house rules serve as agreement between the guest/s and the hotel. Every
guest should know the house rules to prevent any problem upon their stay in the hotel. Guests must
be familiar with the house rules and must follow them; violation on the rules means cancellation
of reservation and charge of the full amount of accommodation.

Guest Must Know:

 hotel standard check-in and check-out time, check-in: 2:00 PM and check-out time:
12:00 noon the following day. Guests who arrive earlier may stay at the hotel lobby or
restaurant area at no additional cost.
 50% down payment must be paid to confirm reservation.
 that rates are subject to change without prior notice.
 that the capacity of room must be observed and additional amount will be charged for
additional occupancy.
 that he/she must endorse room keys to the front desk when leaving the hotel.
WORK DISTRIBUTION TO ROOM MAINTENANCE STAFF

First shift room attendant reports usually between 6:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the
afternoon. They perform the following:

- room make up
- installation of room amenities
- attending to service requests of guests

Second shift room attendant or the night shift receives endorsement from morning shift
which needs to be completed or to be initiated for the evening.

They perform the following:

- night services
- turning down beds, make-up of the bedroom and bathroom
- attending to late check-outs
- refilling of thermo jug with water
- attending to service requests of guests

Job Responsibilities of Room Keeping Staff

A. Rooms Maintenance Supervisor

Basic Function: to plan, organize, direct and monitor rooms maintenance activities and to insure
consistent compliance to prescribe room keeping standards, procedures and policies.
B. Room Boy, Chambermaid or Room Attendant
Basic Function: to attend to the maintenance and to upkeep
all guestrooms and services areas assigned to him/her.
C. Mini Bar Attendant
Basic Function: to attend to mini-bar installation, refreshment, inventory taking, stock requisition
and other related functions.

TYPES OF GUEST
 1. VIP – Very Important Person
2. VVIP – Very Very Important Person
3. FIT – Free Independent Traveller or Free Individual Traveller (Walk-in Guest)
4. DIT – Domestic Individual Traveller
5. Joiner – guest joining another guest
6. Skipper – guest who walks out without paying the bills
7. Fussy Guest – guest who always complains
8. Leisure Travellers – individuals who travel to engage in leisure activities etc
9. Corporate Business Travellers – individuals whose frequent bookings are usually
made by enterprises with reduced room rates
10. Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) –tourists who travel together on package tours with
accommodation and sometimes meals which are booked through travel agents. Group
tourists tend to spend less and budget their allowances.
11. Domestic Tourist – are the local residents who stay at a hotel for special occasions and
functions.
12. Conference Participants – individuals who travel to attend conferences and whose
accommodation is usually reserved by themselves or organizers.
13. Incognito – is a guest who stays in the hotel with concealing identities to avoid notice
and unwanted attention.

Guest can be classified according to:

 Trip purpose – pleasure or business travellers

 Numbers – independent or group travellers
 Origin – local or overseas travellers

HANDLING GUEST REQUEST AND QUERIES

A good housekeeper should be knowledgeable about the product or service they are
offering and at the same time approachable. Every guest will appreciate the service if they are
treated in manner they expected. If the inquiry is a complaint, the attendant should be calm in
answering their complaints. All problems can be solved in a peaceful manner. Always be polite in
answering to all requests and queries.
Developing and Practicing Negotiation Skills
 Handling Guest Request Tips:
 Handle guest request within ten minutes.
 Use proper door knocking procedure.
 Be prepared to handle complains, like when the guest is angry when you arrive.
 Inform the front office as soon as you accomplished the request.
 Inform the guest of the development of their request.

 Guidelines in Answering a Telephone Call:

 Answer the call within three phone rings.
 Say the name of the establishment, your name, and customary greetings.
 Have a pen and a paper for any documentation.
 Listen carefully to details and let them feel they have your full attention.
 If you need to put them on hold explain the reason and wait for their response.
 If it’s a call back, do not forget to say the exact time you can do the call back.
 Repeat all details and end the conversation politely.

Remember: Telephone calls should be answered within three rings and always wait for the caller to hang
up before replacing the receiver.

LESSON 3

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF GUESTROOMS

Of all the areas in the hotel that are housekeeper’s responsibility, the one that often appears
to the public to be the simplest is the guest room-simplest because all it seems to entail is cleaning
the room, changing the linen, and making up the bed. Every guest is comfortable in their stay in
a hotel that will give them extra care.
A thorough cleaning is done periodically by housekeepers and each one of them is expected
to complete a series of cleaning and sanitizing procedure. Cleaning the guest room has to be done
within the given time frame.

Things to Remember in Doing Cleaning Service

 Clean in one direction.
 Clean from entrance to exit.
 Clean from top to bottom
  Clean from farthest point out.
 Check damages that need maintenance and check for lost items.
 Use the right cleaning tools and agents to clean all surfaces.

Steps in Cleaning the Guest Rooms:

Step 1
 Open the windows to let the air out and turn off air-condition units.
 Hands should be clean before using protective disposable gloves.
 Empty trash bins.
 Remove dirty linen.

Step 2
 Remove dirty towels (bath, hand and face towels).
 Disinfect the rooms.
 Remove gloves.
Step 3
 Make up the bed.
Step 4
 Dust all surfaces.
 Check all appliances and lights if they are functioning well.
Step 5
 Clean the bathroom.
 Use disposable protective gloves.
Step 6
 Replace all free products.
 Vacuum the room.
 Check the room if everything is in place.

Guestroom Amenities

Amenities are extra services or products the hotel provides for their guest but they vary in
every hotel. Some hotels offer standard amenities to every room while others’ amenities may be
optional and guests may avail them if they want, but with extra or additional charge. Amenities
may also vary from every hotel.
The following are examples of hotel amenities:

Bedroom Amenities Bathroom Amenities

complete bed set shampoo and Conditioner trash bag
clothes hanger bath soap/gel toilet tissue
alarm clock lotion water tumblers
telephone and telephone directory toothbrush blade dispensers
internet access hairbrush or comb
televisions (cabled) shower cap
desk and chairs cotton swab
personal ref razor
ironing set shaving foam
safety deposit locker towels
notepad and pen hair dryer
coffee maker hot and cold water
luggage scale shoe mitts

SOLVING WORKPLACE PROBLEM RELATED TO WORK ACTIVITIES

In the housekeeping department, there are common problems that the housekeepers may
face while performing their duty. Since this department is one of the most important in the whole
operation, it is a must that all staff are knowledgeable to handle and solve problems that may arise
within their areas of responsibility. If the staff can no longer handle the problem, she or he
immediately asks for help from an immediate supervisor.

Most Common Problems Related to Housekeeping:

 noise from other rooms

 rooms not properly cleaned
 rooms lacking amenities
 equipment malfunction
 laundry error
 theft and lost items
  communication problems with hotel staff
 eyesores (unusual items visible during room servicing)

How to Handle Guest Complains Positively:

 Do not argue with the guest.

 Listen attentively.
 Sympathize with and pacify the guest.
 Stay calm and make sure you understand the problem.
 Do not blame others or become defensive.
 Apologize for the inconvenience.
 Identify the possible solution in analyzing the problem.
 Report any situations that you cannot resolve.
 Notify the concerned department with regard to the complaints.
 Take immediate actions and solutions.
 Learn from mistakes and avoid repeating the same mistake.

Ms. Sharon Glancy (Managing Director of Stonebow and Trainer of Hospitality and
Leisure Course) recommends a handy acronym, L.A.S.T., in solving problems.

Listen, Apologize, Solve, Thanks

Resolve problems politely and demonstrate understanding. Always apologize for
the inconvenience. With a staff solving the problem, with good communication, the guests
are less likely to leave frustrated.

HOUSEKEEPING FORMS
1. Housekeeping Attendant’s Daily Assignment Sheet – This is a form used by housekeepers to
record the tasks done during their shift. It also helps them to plan their work for the day, log down
their entry and exit of rooms they entered, note down the room status before and after service, and
list down the items replaced. This form is handed to the housekeeper upon briefing before they
can start their daily task.

2. Maintenance Request Form –This form is used by guests if they are requesting for things that
need fixing.

3. Housekeeping Order Form – This form is used for requesting things needed for replacement
or work to be done.

4. Guest Room Cleaning Checklist – This form is used by the housekeeping supervisor to check
on the daily work done by the housekeepers. It is also used to establish a procedure to ensure and
check that all works are done and no amenities are missing.

5. Lost and Found Slip – This slip is used to track records for lost and found items.
6. Housekeeping Status Report – This is a report prepared by the housekeeping department and
given to the front office to update them on the status of each rooms, and to know what room is
available for the arriving guests.

LESSON 4

CLASSIFICATION OF GUESTROOMS
A. According Number of Beds
1. Single Room – one single bed good for one person

2. Twin Room – two single beds good for two persons

3. Double Room or Twin Double – two double beds or two queen beds good for two or more
persons

4. Triple Room – may have three single beds or one double bed and a roll away bed good for 3
guests

5. Family Room – one double bed, additional single or sofa bed to accommodate one small family
B. According to Price, Layout and Facilities

1. Economy – usually for economical rate and sort of some standard facilities

2. Standard – moderate rate and equipped with standard facilities

3. De Luxe – more luxurious and spacious, with amenities of superior quality and much
higher rate than the standard room

4. StudioRoom or the Executive Room – with studio bed, equipped with luxurious
amenities, with some basic kitchen facilities

5. Connecting Rooms – consist of two or more rooms with entrance doors from the outside door
between them
 6. Suite Room – with living room connected to one room or more full size bedroom, with a bath tub,
equipped with luxurious amenities and sold for a higher prize

Types of Suites:

1. Junior Suite– a room with a bed and sitting area (usually a small lounge)... There may be a small
separate bed connected to the living room. It is also called a mini-suite.

2. Penthouse Suite – usually located at the top floor of the establishment

3. Executive Suite – designed for top executive with facilities and amenities of superior quality

4. Hospitality Suite– for entertaining visitors, servicing as function rooms.

5. Presidential Suite – usually the highest and expressive room in any hotel establishment with
superior quality of all the amenities that the hotel can offer. This room is usually for Very
Important Person (VVIP).
PREPARATION FOR QUALITY ROOM KEEPINGS
Prepare for the Day
1. Be on time.
2. Get daily assignment from your supervisor.
3. Prepare all things needed: tools and equipment, supplies and chemicals, forms, room
amenities and make all requisition for when supplies fall short of par stock.
4. Make an account for the supplies from the storage area
5. Load and arrange supplies in the trolley or in caddy box.
6. Report all briefing.

Set Priorities
1. Secure a room status.
2. Prioritize room cleaning:
1st - check-out rooms – to prepare for the incoming guest
2nd - rooms with make-up request
3rd - occupied rooms without request and without a “Make up” sign
4th - vacant rooms that need follow-up

CONDUCTING A ROOM CHECK

Housekeepers do the cleaning of rooms mostly during day but they have to be aware of the
following exemptions like: rooms with DND or “Do Not Disturb” sign, rooms with late night guest
and early morning arrivals by guest with international flights. These cases require evening service
or turndown service. Turndown service (TDS) is a special service provided by the housekeeping
department where in the attendant enters the room early in the evening to do the second cleaning,
re-stocking supplies and turn down the bed. TDS procedure involves preparing the room for guest
to sleep comfortably.

Housekeeping staff performs a routine room check in every guest room to check the following:

 if the room is still occupied

 if the guestroom beds were slept on
  if there are unregistered additional occupants in the room
 if the guest is out and the room is ready for make up
 if guest has dirty clothes for laundering
 the condition of the guest

Note: Room check should be done with care and sensitivity. Guest may get irritated especially in the
morning if they still sleeping or just awoke from sleep .

Procedures for Room Check

A. Rooms with DND sign (DO NOT DISTURB)

 For DND rooms, call the guest through the phone in the afternoon. If the guest responds,
identify yourself and apologize for the disturbance and ask him/her if he/she wants the room to
be serviced.

 If the guest is not yet ready, ask when he wants the service done and write down the exact time
of the request and endorse it to the incoming supervisor.

 List down the exact time of request. If the request is beyond your duty, endorse the request to
the next shift/

B. Rooms without DND sign and No Guest Inside

 Knock three times gently and announce housekeeping. If no one answers, knock again
three times. Give a few seconds in between knocks. If no one answers, open the door
gently and check the status of the room.

 Record the actual status of the room.

 Give a copy of the room report to the front office clerk for them to counter check the
actual status of the room.

D. Guest Is in the Room But No DND Sign

  If the guest is in the room but does not answer, open the door gently and apologize for
the disturbance.

 Greet the guest politely and introduce yourself and tell him/her your purpose.

 If the guest is not yet ready, ask when he/she wants the service done.

 If no one answers, the guest must have slept out and the status of the room should be
reported to the front desk

 Do not insist on entering the room if the guest does not want to be disturbed, but
tactfully check on the room for unregistered joiners. Report to the front office if there
are extra occupants and an additional bill shall be charged to the guest during the check
out.

 During the room check, check on the status of the room and record everything in your
status report.

HOUSEKEEPING OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Being a housekeeper is a tough career because it is a physically demanding job. It is
classified from “moderately heavy” to “heavy” work. Housekeepers carries different tasks in
which they have to physically fit in order to perform their duties well. Like in other physical jobs,
there is a risk associated with it and their health may be at stake. That is why there are important
things a housekeeper should do to avoid injuries.

Hazards associated with work that may cause injury to the body:

 walking
 standing
 stooping
 squatting
 kneeling
 stretching
 reaching
 twisting
 crouching
 lifting
  pushing

Workplace Safety Practices:

 Wear personal protective equipment at all times.

 Spill should be cleaned up immediately to avoid slipping.
 All damages should be replaced and an anti-slip flooring should be provided in some
areas like the entrance and other slippery areas.
 Maintain the cleanliness of light fixtures to improve lighting efficiency.
 Clear all aisle and stairways with any obstruction that can cause injuries.
 Provide warning signs.
 Repair tools should be cleaned after use and damaged tools should not be used.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – safety equipment of housekeepers to protect them

from hazardous materials like: face mask, gloves, boots and safety eyewear

Guidelines to Reduce Physical Stress:

 Use lighter equipment and heavy one must have wheels.

 Using motor-powered equipment to lighten the workload.
 Modern cleaning ingredients are much advisable.
 Always follow work rotation to lessen permanent injuries to the body.
 Take rest as needed.
 Use appropriate lifting and bending techniques in doing the housework.
 Recognize your limits and ask for help from co-workers if objects to carry are too
heavy.
 Clear all areas from any obstruction that can cause slipping or tripping.

Safety in Handling Cleaning Chemicals

 Use the right protective equipment

 Housekeepers should know the Do’s and Don’ts’ in storing and using cleaning
chemicals
 Store cleaning chemicals accordingly and there should be safety data sheet for it
  Always follow manufacturer’s instruction and procedures
 Cleaning chemicals should be stored in their original containers
 Don’t mix cleaning chemicals
 Never use different cleaners as an alternative unless they have the same use
 Follow the exact “signal words” like:
- Caution: The product should be used carefully but is relatively safe.
- Warning: The product is relatively toxic.
- Danger: The product is highly toxic and may cause permanent damage to skin and
eyes.

TYPES OF BED, LINENS, PILLOWS AND BED SHEETS

Linens, beds and pillows come in different sizes that are according to the size of the
mattresses. Careful selection should be done in selecting these items because it is the long lasting
quality that counts.

 Types of Bed:
1. Single Bed – a bed approximately 36” X 75” in size

2. Double Bed – bed for a couple or two individuals. With 54” x 75” in size
3. Queen Bed – extra-long and wide bed with 60” X 80” in size

4. King Bed –an extra- long and wide bed with 78” X 80” in size

5. Roll-away Bed – a portable bed

 6. Crib – bed for babies

Types of Linen

 Bathroom Linen:
- Bath Rug
- Face Towel (9 ½” x 10 ½”
- Pool Towel (36” x 80”)
- Hand Towel (6” x 7”)
- Bath towel (25’ x 45”)
  Bed Linen:
- Blanket
- Bedspread
- Mattress Protector
- Bed Sheets
- Pillow Case
Standard Size – 20” x 26”
Queen Size – 20” x 30”
King Size – 20” x 36”

Parts of the Bed

MAKING UP A BED
Materials:
bed/ mattress
bed skirt
bed pad
3 pcs. flat sheets
(mattress cover, wrong side, top sheet)
blanket
bed cover/duvet/comforter
pillow and pillow case

Steps:
1. Carefully remove soiled linen one by one and check if there’s some lost items inside the
bed sheets.
2. Pull out the bed from the head board using both hands and bend one knee to avoid back
aches.
3. Prepare all materials to be use.
4. Spread the first sheet (mattress cover) tick-in and mitre 45 degrees on each side.
5. Spread the second sheet (wrong side) placing on the top edge of the bed.
6. Spread the third sheet (blanket) placing 15 – 16 inches away from the top edge of the bed.
7. Spread the fourth sheet (blanket protector overlapping 2 inches to the blanket then tuck it
in.
8. Fold the wrong side twice to the right side and then tuck in very tight on both sides.
9. Move to the foot side of the bed and gently fix sheets to avoid wrinkles.
10. Prepare for the footing allowance, and then tuck it in.
11. Spread the fifth sheet (bed cover), then put the pillow inside the bed cover.
12. Push back the bed to its original position.
13. Check and see for any wrinkles and fix them using back part of your palm.
Avoid using the palm side because the dirt from your hands may be transferred to the
sheets.
14. Check for hair fall or any other foreign object.