Housekeeping

Housekeepers are the backbone of the hospitality industry. Without them, hotels would crawl to a standstill quickly. But housekeepers are also at the highest risk for illnesses, such as chronic respiratory ailments, and accidents from contact with toxic chemicals. Great expenses in terms of energy, water and chemical usage are also derived from the Housekeeping department. Consider:

• Operating laundry facilities only at night or during “off peak” hours
• Instituting a towel and linen reuse program (which can save an average of $1.50/occupied room/day)
• Switching to less toxic cleaning agents, such as vinegar and baking soda, or to steam for disinfection
• Using microfiber cloths
• Creating a protocol for the correct amount of cleaning chemicals to be used when cleaning guest rooms
• Reusing laundry hangers
• Instituting recycling throughout the hotel, including guest rooms
• Instituting a donation program for used toiletries, linens, mattresses and furniture
• Buy Energy Star rated washers and dryers or outsource laundry completely
• Use environmentally-friendly dry cleaners who do not use PERC (perchloroethylene) which is linked to breast cancer
• Eliminate all chemicals with ratings over 1 on MSDS
• Upgrade to ozone laundry systems
• Buy chemicals in bulk
• Maintain HVAC setbacks in guest rooms not below 72 degrees F or above 86 degrees F
• Recycle paper, cardboard, aluminum, plastic and glass
• Close drapes of unsold rooms