STEP BY STEP: HOW TO CLEAN A HOTEL BATHROOM

Bathrooms tend to be much more prone to build-ups of dirt, mould, grime, and hair than the bedroom, so your staff need to be methodical and very thorough when cleaning this area. If you want to impress your guests, there shouldn’t be any evidence that the bathroom has been used recently: it should feel completely clean and new.

For a hygienic, sparkling clean bathroom, your staff should follow this routine:

1. Open any windows: Open windows to allow fresh air in, or switch on ventilation units to help air out the room and stop the smell of cleaning products from lingering

2. Remove towels and mats: Soiled towels can be placed in the laundry bag. The usual protocol is to request that guests replace the towel on the rail if they wish to use them again, while dirty towels are placed in the bath or shower. If a guest wants to reuse their towels, put them to one side.

3. Empty the bin: Remove any rubbish and place a new liner in the bin.

4. Tidy guest belongings: Any toiletries or other products belonging to the guests should be neatly moved aside to allow for cleaning. These should be neatly replaced once cleaning has finished.

5. Clean the shower and/or bath area: Glass surfaces, tiling, and chrome shower fittings and taps should be cleaned using a specialist bathroom surface cleaner or glass cleaner to remove water marks and soap scum to create a shiny ‘brand new’ appearance. Pay special attention to the drain and be very careful to remove any hairs. If there is any standing water in the shower, report this to the floor supervisor, as it may indicate a more serious problem with the drain.

6. Clean the sink area and taps: Using an antibacterial bathroom cleaner and a cloth, wipe the sink and surrounding countertop. Clean the taps thoroughly to remove any water stains and provide a shiny finish. Wipe the mirror, being careful not to leave streaks or smears. Ensure the plughole is completely clear.

7. Clean the toilet: The toilet should be thoroughly cleaned using a toilet disinfectant, and bleach should be applied and then flushed away. Pay close attention to underneath the rim and around the joints of the seat where grime and limescale can build up. Toilet freshening devices can be fitted to provide long lasting freshness. When finished, lower the seat and close the lid.

8. Dust: Dust light fittings and the corners of the ceiling to remove any cobwebs or dust, and clean behind and underneath towel rails and radiators. If any pipes are visible — behind the toilet or under the sink, for example — ensure that these are dusted.

9. Wipe the towel rail: This can accrue a surprising amount of dust and dirt, so don’t forget to wipe it clean.

10. Restock amenities and toilet paper: Refill any used guest toiletries, such as shampoos, shower gels, soaps, or toothpastes. Restock clean drinking glasses and toilet paper.

11. Hang clean towels: Finally, restock with clean towels and bath mats, as well as any robes and slippers if the old ones are soiled. If the guest has opted to re-use their towels, fold them neatly and re-hang on the towel rail.

12. Clean the floor: The floor should be swept or vacuumed, and then cleaned using a hard floor cleaner and a mop. As with the bedroom, it’s best to do this last, otherwise you may end up undoing your hard work by making a mess when cleaning other surfaces. Start from an inside corner and work outwards towards the door.