"50 Jargon terms used in the Housekeeping Department"

Stop wondering and start learning the terms used in the housekeeping department. Check out these 50 easy-to-understand explanations!
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The hospitality industry can overwhelm a newcomer who is unfamiliar with jargon. As you gain experience, you will encounter terms and words that may confuse you.

Why search online for explanations? We’ve got your back. Here’s our straightforward dictionary with 50 essential terms, explained in simple, non-technical language.

Words by
Storm CostaBir

Date
24-07-2023

Reading Time
04 min read

1. Deep Cleaning
  1. Thorough cleaning that goes beyond regular daily tasks, focusing on hard-to-reach areas, fixtures, and detailed cleaning
2. Disinfection
  • The process of eliminating or reducing harmful microorganisms through the use of cleaning agents or disinfectants
3. Etiquette
  1. The expected behavior and conduct of staff when interacting with guests, colleagues, and other hotel employees
4. Face Towel
  • Smaller than a hand towel, used to dry the face and palms
5. Full House
  1. The hotel status when it has accepted the maximum number of reservations for a particular day
6. Guest Amenity
  • Complimentary items or services provided to guests, such as toiletries, slippers, robes, or newspaper delivery
7. Guest Room Amenities
  1. Items provided in guest rooms for convenience and comfort, including toiletries, towels, and in-room appliances
8. HKD / HK
  • Housekeeping Department responsible for maintaining cleanliness, order, and overall appearance of the establishment
9. Housekeeping Budget
  1. Allocated financial resources for the housekeeping department, including staffing, supplies, and equipment expenses
10. Housekeeping Cart
  • A mobile cart used by housekeeping staff to carry cleaning supplies, linen, and amenities while servicing guest rooms
11. Housekeeping Checklist
  1. A detailed list of tasks and areas to be cleaned and inspected in guest rooms and public areas
12. Housekeeping Chemicals
  • Cleaning agents and solutions used by housekeeping staff for different surfaces and areas
13. Housekeeping Coordinator
  1. Staff responsible for coordinating housekeeping activities, tracking room status, and managing guest requests
14. Housekeeping Department Organization
  • The structure and division of responsibilities within the housekeeping department, including supervisors, attendants, and coordinators
15. Housekeeping Ergonomics
  1. Practices and equipment designed to ensure the comfort and well-being of housekeeping staff while performing their tasks
16. Housekeeping Inspections
  • Regular assessments conducted to evaluate the cleanliness, condition, and adherence to standards of guest rooms and public areas by the housekeeping department
17. Housekeeping Inventory
  1. A record of housekeeping supplies, linen and amenities; ensuring sufficient stock is available for daily operations
18. Housekeeping Key Control
  • The procedure and protocol in place for handling and securing guest room keys and access cards
19. Housekeeping Logbook
  1. A record book used to document important information, guest requests, incidents, or maintenance issues encountered during housekeeping duties
20. Housekeeping Outsourcing
  • Contracting housekeeping services from external agencies or companies
21. Housekeeping Report
  1. A summary report detailing the daily activities, room status, and any notable incidents or issues encountered by the housekeeping department
22. Housekeeping Service Recovery
  • The process of resolving guest complaints or issues related to housekeeping services and ensuring guest satisfaction
23. Housekeeping Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  1. Established guidelines and protocol for housekeeping tasks and processes to maintain consistency and efficiency
24. Housekeeping Supervisor
  • A staff member who oversees the operations of the housekeeping department, manages staff schedules, and ensures cleanliness standards are met
25. Housekeeping Sustainability
  1. The integration of eco-friendly practices and initiatives in housekeeping operations to reduce environmental impact
26. Housekeeping Training
  • Formal training programs and sessions provided to housekeeping staff to enhance their skills, knowledge and professionalism
27. Housekeeping Trolley
  1. A larger version of the housekeeping cart, used for transporting supplies, linen, and equipment throughout the hotel
28. Housekeeping Uniform
  • The standardized attire worn by housekeeping staff to maintain a professional and cohesive appearance
29. Linen
  1. Term used to refer to bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, and other fabric items used in guest rooms
30. Lost And Found
  • A designated area where lost or misplaced items found in guest rooms or public areas are stored and documented
31. Lost Property Log
  1. A logbook used to record and track lost or misplaced items reported by guests or found by housekeeping staff
32. Maid Service
  • The regular cleaning and maintenance of guest rooms by the housekeeping staff
33. Maintenance
  1. The regular upkeep and maintenance of housekeeping equipment, such as vacuum cleaners and laundry machines
34. Occupied Room
  • A guest room that is currently occupied by a guest
35. Pest Control
  1. Measures taken to prevent and eliminate pests or insects in guest rooms and public areas
36. Public Area Cleaning
  • The cleaning and maintenance of common spaces such as lobbies, hallways, elevators and lounges
37. Quality Assurance
  1. Regular inspection and evaluation conducted to ensure compliance with cleanliness and service standards
38. Room Attendant
  • A housekeeping staff member responsible for cleaning and maintaining guest rooms
39. Room Discrepancy
  1. A mismatch between the actual room status (occupied or unoccupied) and the reported status in the housekeeping records
40. Room Refresh
  • A quick cleaning and tidying of an occupied guest room during a guest's stay
41. Room Status
  1. The current condition or status of a guest room, such as "occupied," "vacant," "cleaning in progress," or "out of order”
42. Scanty Baggage
  • Less bags in the room – chances are the guest could leave without informing the Front Office
43. Skirting
  1. Tiling that runs along the bottom of a room wall and the floor
44. Spring Cleaning
  • A comprehensive and thorough cleaning performed seasonally to remove dust, grime, and accumulated dirt from all surfaces and areas
45. Turfing
  1. The process of removing and replacing used bed linen with fresh ones
46. Turndown Service Gift
  • A token or amenity left on the guest's bed during turndown service, such as chocolates or a personalized note
47. Turndown Service
  1. The process of preparing a guest's room for sleep by closing curtains, dimming lights, and turning back the duvet to allow the guest to get into bed easily, and providing additional amenities
48. Vacant Room
  • A guest room that is unoccupied and ready for cleaning and preparation
49. Vendor Management
  1. The process of selecting and managing suppliers and vendors for housekeeping supplies and equipment
50. Waste Management
  • Proper disposal and management of waste generated during housekeeping operations, including recyclables and hazardous materials

Familiarizing yourself with the jargon we've discussed in this blog, means you've gained a valuable set of tools to navigate the housekeeping department. Knowledge boosts confidence and improves your communication with colleagues, clients and customers. 

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