What does a housekeeper do?
Housekeepers work in a variety of settings, including private homes, hotels, hospitals and other establishments. They perform general cleaning tasks, such as mopping floors, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, making beds, vacuuming and dusting. They work either in commercial establishments or private homes.
Besides cleaning, they pick up rubbish and move it to designated areas in the home or facility. They also take care of finishes, antiques and fine fabrics. Housekeeper work typically involves around 40 hours per week, with the possibility of extending to 50 hours in busy locations like London.
Housekeeper skills and qualifications
A housekeeper needs a range of skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively. A successful housekeeper candidate may have the following:
- Ability to read and follow signs and written instructions
- Mature, responsible and friendly behaviour
- Ability to use hand or lightweight cleaning tools
- Physical fitness to work while standing
- Ability to adhere to strict hygiene and cleanliness standards set by management to maintain a high standard of service
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Ability to operate cleaning equipment and stand for long hours
- Physical strength to lift heavy objects or furniture
Housekeeper experience requirements
Many employers prefer to hire candidates with previous experience in housekeeping. Candidates can gain housekeeping experience by working in commercial establishments, hospitals or private homes. Candidates for an entry-level hotel housekeeping position may have to complete on-the-job training, which usually includes working alongside an experienced housekeeper. Those who have culinary or cooking experience may be more competitive for roles where this is required.
Housekeeping education and training requirements
The housekeeping role doesn’t require formal education. However, candidates may need to have basic knowledge of maths and English. Candidates with a GCSE certificate or its equivalent can apply. Some employers might require candidates to obtain industry-recognised certifications, such as the Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Principles (Housekeeping), Level 2 Certificate in Hospitality Industry Skills (Housekeeping) and Level 3 Award in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Principles.
Housekeepers can progress to positions such as head housekeepers, house managers, or executive housekeepers. To perform these roles, candidates usually require experience in supervising other housekeepers, managing budgets and ensuring high standards of cleanliness and organisation are maintained. Additionally, housekeepers can specialise in specific areas, such as laundry, cleaning or maintenance, allowing them to develop expertise in a particular aspect of the job.
Housekeeper salary expectations
Compensation for this position varies based on experience, company size, location and industry. Find current salary data for this role on Indeed Salaries to help benchmark competitive pay.
Housekeeping experience requirements
Housekeeping experience can contribute to your success in this role, as it equips individuals with the practical skills and knowledge needed to maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organisation.
This experience can be gained in various environments, from private homes and hotels to hospitals and other commercial establishments. Through hands-on work, housekeepers learn to efficiently execute a wide range of tasks, including detailed cleaning of diverse surfaces, proper handling of cleaning agents, and effective time management.
Experienced housekeepers often develop a keen eye for detail, the ability to work independently or as part of a team and a deep understanding of maintaining a welcoming and hygienic environment. For entry-level positions, on-the-job training with an experienced housekeeper is common, allowing new recruits to quickly build foundational skills and adapt to specific employer standards.
More seasoned professionals might also bring specialised skills, such as managing inventories, overseeing staff or caring for delicate items, which are highly valued in more senior or specialised housekeeping roles.
Job description samples for similar positions
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