Good hotel hygiene standards don't just include doing an impeccable job of cleaning and sanitising. They also require being able to maintain the perception of cleanliness at all times, for guest confidence and management approval. Five-star hotels are even more under scrutiny, and must uphold the most rigorous standards when it comes to hotel hygiene and the perception of how sanitary each room and item is. The health and wellbeing of guests and staff is a top priority, and the reputation of the hotel can be at stake.
In the hotel industry, maintaining hygiene is not just about cleaning—it’s about demonstrating visible, consistent hygiene standards that inspire guest confidence. Guests often observe cleaning staff at work, especially in high-traffic areas and common spaces. That’s why clearly defined procedures for handling soiled linens, rubbish, and sanitation equipment are essential. These visible efforts play a critical role in reinforcing your hotel’s commitment to health, safety, and quality.
A well-designed housekeeping cart ensures all cleaning supplies, hygienic equipment, and fresh towels are stored in an orderly, accessible fashion. This not only streamlines daily tasks but also helps maintain a safe and sanitary environment in high-traffic areas and common spaces.
These carts allow for the proper use and secure storage of items such as gloves, disinfectants, and microfibre cloths. With designated compartments for soiled linens, rubbish, and cleaning solutions, the risk of contamination is reduced significantly. This also ensures compliance with safety protocols and sanitation procedures.
From a guest perspective, a clean and well-maintained cart sends a clear message about your commitment to cleanliness and guest wellbeing. When cleaning staff are seen restocking fresh linens or replacing towels with visibly clean laundry, it builds guest confidence and supports a quality experience. Some hospitality carts can even be positioned across the doorway during room cleaning, helping to block external dirt and maintain control over who enters, further improving health and safety.
The bed is often the first thing guests notice upon entering a room. Therefore, it is essential to maintain both high hygiene standards and a visually welcoming appearance. Cleanliness, comfort, and attention to detail in bed making directly impact guest satisfaction and perception of a safe, high-quality experience.
To begin, always follow safety protocols when handling used bedding. Soiled linens and towels should be carefully bundled into a vinyl-lined linen bag to prevent cross contamination and safely removed from the room. This process should be covered in regular training for cleaning staff to ensure consistency and compliance with hygiene standards.
Depending on hotel policy or guest preferences, beds may be fully stripped and made with fresh linens daily or remade with existing linens if they meet cleanliness requirements. Extra attention should be paid to making tight, crisp hospital corners and smoothing the coverlet. Pillowcases should be aligned properly. Pillows should be fluffed and turned to give a fresh and inviting appearance. Bedskirts should be checked for even draping and tucked-up edges.
Always inspect under the bed to remove any items or debris that could affect a guest’s sense of cleanliness. To enhance the visual appeal, consider stacking decorative pillows neatly, folding towels into shapes, or placing mints.
To complete the bed-making process, sanitise high-touch areas near the bed such as remote controls, light switches, and bedside tables. This not only helps prevent the spread of germs but reinforces your hotel’s commitment to providing a safe experience for every guest.
Maintaining exceptional hotel hygiene in guest rooms is essential not only for health and safety but also for securing positive guest feedback. Cleanliness remains one of the most frequently mentioned aspects in hotel reviews, making it a top priority for housekeeping teams aiming to deliver outstanding service.
Start with proper waste management. Rubbish bins in each room should be emptied into a secure receptacle on the hospitality cart, which should then be promptly closed or covered to prevent odours or guest waste from being visible. To uphold hygiene standards and create a tidy, odour-free environment, it's highly recommended to use Rubbermaid Commercial’s indoor bins. These bins help ensure rooms remain clean, fresh-smelling, and aligned with high housekeeping expectations.
Next, take time to check that all light fixtures are functioning properly by switching them on and off. Faulty lighting can affect both functionality and the perceived quality of the space. Dust thoroughly, especially in low-touch or often-overlooked areas like mantels, the tops of doorsills, or behind televisions. Hotel managers commonly inspect these areas and can influence a guest’s perception of overall room cleanliness. Being aware of these subtle details can make a major difference in guest satisfaction.
While the bed is the first place guests look for confirmation of luxury and comfort, the bathroom will be under the strictest inspection for cleanliness. Every surface should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised, then a second pass made for good measure. Turn over bath sheets, hand towels, face rags and the bathmat if used. Make sure items are folded properly and squared on the shelf. Double-check the hair traps in the sink and bath or shower, and polish the tub or shower stall dry - as well as the sink and taps - to remove water droplet marks.
Go over the mirror with appropriate glass cleaning supplies and polish to remove any streaks left from cleaning. Also, polish any metal fittings to a shine. Disinfect high touch areas like the light switches and doorknobs. Clean the toilet inside and out and flush repeatedly to ensure no cleaning solution foam remains. Disposable microfibre cloths may be the best choice for the toilet exterior. Toilet paper should be replaced with a new roll (the remains of a partially used roll can be repurposed for staff bathrooms), and the end released and folded into a neat triangle.
The floor should be thoroughly mopped from the furthest corner while backing out through the door. The final step is to run the exhaust fan while the remainder of the room is being cleaned and put in order. Look at the bathroom from a guest's perspective and ensure that it meets satisfactory hygiene standards and also presents a welcoming and sanitary image. Mop hardwood, vinyl or laminate flooring with a microfibre damp mop, or vacuum carpet with a vacuum cleaner that is in good working order and which has also been cleaned of any dust or debris. Make certain to back out of the room so as not to leave footprints.
Following these steps can help secure the hotel's reputation for cleanliness and ensure that guests' perception of the hotel's hygiene is solidified. For more information on Rubbermaid hospitality products, contact our team today.
