Hotel housekeeping is physically demanding work often undervalued by guests. The job requires speed, detail, and endurance, but many visitors are unaware of how their actions impact those who clean their rooms. After hearing from hotel workers, here are ten things they wish guests would stop doing — and why it matters.
The Burden of “Do Not Disturb”
Many guests leave the “do not disturb” sign up for entire stays, assuming it makes life easier for housekeepers. This is incorrect. Prolonged neglect leads to exponentially dirtier rooms, forcing cleaners to rush through heavily soiled spaces, increasing the risk of injury. Moreover, hotels may reduce shifts for housekeepers if enough guests opt-out of service, cutting wages even though cleaning costs are already included in the room rate.
Wasting Time with Delayed Requests
Guests who repeatedly tell housekeeping to “come back later” create inefficiency. Housekeepers operate on tight schedules, and last-minute requests disrupt workflow. The solution? Coordinate with the front desk to schedule service at a specific time, ensuring efficient use of labor and guest satisfaction.
Skipping Daily Service Isn’t Helpful
The idea that skipping daily cleaning helps housekeepers is a misconception. Untended rooms become significantly dirtier, requiring more strenuous and time-consuming cleaning. Some workers have found extreme messes, including rotting food and biohazards, left for them to deal with. Furthermore, opting out of service can lead to reduced staff schedules, impacting coworkers’ livelihoods.
Towel Waste Hurts More Than It Helps
Unnecessary requests for extra towels burden housekeepers with added laundry and sorting. Conserving resources benefits everyone, including cleaning staff. Using only what’s needed minimizes waste and reduces workload.
Tipping Matters: It’s Not Optional
Housekeepers rely on tips, which supplement low wages and contribute to financial stability. Leaving $5–$10 daily ensures appreciation reaches the worker who actually cleaned the room, not just the checkout staff. These tips fund essentials, from transportation to emergencies.
Reviews Should Include Housekeepers
Hotel reviews often mention front desk or management but rarely acknowledge the work of housekeepers. Guests should specifically name them in positive feedback, as hotels track these mentions and prioritize recognition accordingly.
Safety First: Protective Equipment Is Non-Negotiable
Housekeepers won’t handle hazardous materials without gloves, masks, and proper disposal protocols. Exposure to bodily fluids or dangerous substances poses health risks, and ignoring safety measures is unacceptable.
Panic Buttons Are Essential for Security
Housekeepers working alone in hallways and rooms are vulnerable. GPS-enabled panic buttons, now standard in many unions, provide a critical safety net. Without them, workers risk isolation during emergencies.
Messes Left Behind Strain Workers
Guests who leave excessive trash, food debris, or party remnants create hazardous conditions for housekeepers. Simple consideration, like gathering garbage and tidying up, reduces strain and injury risk. One housekeeper described having to clean up balloon debris and spilled drinks while fearing physical harm from rushing to complete the shift.
Respect Personal Space: Keep Belongings Organized
Housekeepers need clear access to clean effectively. Guests should store personal items neatly in drawers, closets, or suitcases to avoid obstructions. This simple act minimizes cleaning time and reduces the risk of accidental damage or loss.
In conclusion: Hotel housekeeping is a physically demanding job that deserves respect and consideration. By avoiding these ten behaviors, guests can make a tangible difference in the lives of the people who maintain their comfort. Treating housekeepers with dignity not only improves their working conditions but also creates a more sustainable and humane hospitality industry.
