What does a typical day in housekeeping look like for you?
A typical day for me begins at home, when I drag myself out of bed and prepare mentally for the work ahead. Arriving on time is essential, as the first step is setting up my trolley with all the supplies I’ll need throughout the day. I take a quick breakfast, then join the team for the day’s briefing, where supervisors outline the tasks, priorities, and any special requests for guests. Once the day officially starts, it’s a mix of methodical cleaning, attention to detail, and ensuring that every room is ready to meet or exceed guest expectations. From restocking amenities to sanitizing surfaces, the day is physically demanding, but it’s also rewarding. Knowing that guests will walk into perfectly prepared rooms makes all the effort worthwhile.
What’s one thing guests may not realize about what goes into keeping their rooms perfect?
Guests often don’t realize the attention to detail required to make a room truly feel personalized. Every guest has specific preferences—how they like their bed arranged, how they like towels folded, or even the placement of amenities. Understanding and anticipating these subtle details is crucial. What may seem simple, like adjusting a pillow or aligning a remote control, actually takes thought and careful observation. The goal is always to make each guest feel like the room was prepared with them specifically in mind.
How do you stay organized and efficient during busy days?
Organization and efficiency come from teamwork and clear communication. Supervisors play a crucial role by assigning tasks, providing the necessary tools and amenities, and helping us prioritize rooms based on check-ins, check-outs, or guest requests. As housekeepers, we rely on this guidance to manage our time and energy effectively. Knowing which rooms to tackle first, what requires immediate attention, and how to move through the day systematically allows us to complete our work without missing critical details, even during peak hours.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve ever found in a guest room (without breaking confidentiality)?
I’ve seen a lot over the years, but one surprising—and sometimes challenging—aspect is discovering evidence that some guests may be careless or unaware about personal hygiene practices. For instance, in a country like ours, where certain items and practices are considered private, I’ve found blood-stained linens, pads, and undergarments left on the bed. While it’s surprising, it’s also a reminder of the discretion, professionalism, and sensitivity required in housekeeping. These experiences reinforce the importance of respecting privacy while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness.
What song gets you in the mood to clean and conquer your shift?
It really depends on my mood when I wake up. Spiritually uplifting music, such as Grace Idowu’s renditions, helps me focus and feel motivated, especially as a Christian. On other days, energetic tracks like Benson Boone or upbeat beats from the trenches provide rhythm and momentum, keeping my energy high as I move through rooms. Music transforms cleaning into a more enjoyable, almost meditative process, helping me maintain focus and positivity throughout my shift.
Morning shift or evening shift?
I prefer the morning shift. Starting early allows me to set the tone for the day, complete check-outs efficiently, and prepare rooms for incoming guests. Mornings have a sense of momentum and productivity that suits my energy levels, and there’s a special satisfaction in knowing that guests walk into freshly prepared rooms, perfectly ready for their stay.
Solo cleaning or team clean-up?
I generally prefer working solo. I find that working alone allows me to focus fully on each task, maintain my own pace, and ensure nothing is overlooked. While teamwork is important in the department as a whole, solo cleaning gives me a sense of personal accountability and pride in the work I complete.
If your job were a movie, what would it be called?
I would call it “The Cleaning Masterpiece.” It reflects the dedication, precision, and artistry involved in housekeeping. While often unseen, every task contributes to a seamless and memorable guest experience—turning everyday cleaning into a form of craftsmanship.
What’s one thing you’ve learned on the job that you now use in everyday life?
Being a housekeeper has taught me the value of putting things in their proper place and paying attention to detail. I now automatically check for hidden dust, dirt, or clutter around my home and make sure everything is organized. These habits, learned on the job, have become second nature and improve both my personal space and productivity.
If you could design your own housekeeping uniform, what would it look like?
My ideal uniform would be both practical and comfortable: a polo shirt paired with cargo trousers and black sneakers. The design is functional, allowing ease of movement and pockets for essential tools, while also looking professional. Comfort is key in a physically demanding job, and a simple, clean design ensures that housekeepers can work efficiently without sacrificing style or professionalism.
