Hotel Housekeeping Checklist

A room attendant's housekeeping checklist for cleaning a hotel, guesthouse or B&B room from check-out to guest-ready.

Published October 18, 2026

Download PDF

Cart and Entry

Stock the cart with linen, towels, amenities and cleaning supplies
Knock, announce "Housekeeping" and wait before entering
Prop the door open and park the cart across the doorway
Open curtains and windows, and switch on all lights to check bulbs

Strip and Clear

Check the room for guest property before removing anything
Look under the bed, in drawers, the safe, the wardrobe and behind the bathroom door.
Strip the bed and check the mattress protector for stains
Remove used towels, bath mat and robes
Empty all bins and replace liners
Remove used cups and glasses for washing or replacement

Bathroom

Apply cleaner to the toilet, shower, bath and sink and leave it to work
Clean the shower, glass screen, tiles and tub
Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind the seat
Clean the sink, counter, taps and mirror
Wipe down and polish the chrome fittings
Check for hair in the drain, shower and floor corners
Hair is the most common complaint in guest reviews of bathroom cleanliness.
Mop the floor and hang fresh towels and bath mat

Bed Making

Fit a fresh bottom sheet or check the mattress protector is clean
Put on the top sheet or duvet with fresh cover, smooth and square
Put fresh cases on all pillows and arrange them to the property standard
Place the bed runner or throw, if used

Dust and Surfaces

Dust from high to low: lights, frames, headboard, shelves
Wipe the desk, bedside tables and wardrobe shelves
Disinfect high-touch items: remote, phone, light switches, door handles
Clean the mirror and any glass surfaces
Check that the TV, lamps, kettle, safe and air conditioning work

Restock Amenities

Replace toiletries, toilet paper and tissues
Restock tea, coffee, sugar, cups and water
Refill the minibar and record what was used, if applicable
Replace the notepad, pen and guest information
Check hangers, the iron and the hairdryer are in place

Floors and Final Inspection

Vacuum from the far corner, backing out toward the door
Look at the room from the doorway as a guest would
Set curtains, lights and air conditioning to the property standard
Log lost property with room number, date and description
Report maintenance faults such as bulbs, leaks or broken fittings
Lock the door and mark the room clean in the system

0 / 36 done

To turn a hotel room, work in the same order every time: strip the bed and remove rubbish, clean the bathroom, make the bed with fresh linen, dust top to bottom, restock amenities and vacuum on your way out. A fixed order is what makes rooms consistent and keeps each turn to a predictable time.

This checklist follows a room attendant through a full check-out clean, from loading the cart to the final inspection. It suits hotels, motels, guesthouses, B&Bs and serviced apartments, and works as a training sheet for new housekeeping staff.

The last section matters as much as the clean itself: walking the room from the guest's point of view, logging lost property and reporting maintenance faults. Those are the details guests notice in reviews.

FAQ

What is the correct order to clean a hotel room?

Air the room, strip the bed and remove rubbish, then clean the bathroom, make the bed, dust from top to bottom, restock amenities, and vacuum last while backing out of the room. Starting the bathroom early lets cleaner work on the fixtures while you do the rest.

What is the difference between a check-out clean and a stayover clean?

A check-out clean resets the room completely, with full linen change, all amenities replaced and every surface cleaned. A stayover clean is lighter: make the bed, tidy, empty bins, refresh towels and amenities, and leave the guest's belongings untouched.

What should housekeeping do with items guests leave behind?

Log each item with the room number, date, description and finder's name, then hand it to the front desk or lost-property store. Never keep or throw away guest property, and follow your property's rules for how long items are held.

How long should it take to clean a hotel room?

A standard check-out room usually takes around 25 to 40 minutes, depending on room size, layout and the property's standards. A stayover clean is typically faster. A consistent checklist is the quickest way to bring times down without missing steps.

Built from public guidance and kept up to date — how we write our checklists. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.