Institutional housekeeping refers to the
process of maintaining cleanliness, order, and hygiene in establishments that
are not primarily used for lodging guests, unlike hotels. These institutions
have different operational dynamics, target users, and cleaning challenges.
However, the principles of good housekeeping—regular cleaning, sanitation,
maintenance, and waste disposal—remain consistent across all types.
Housekeeping
in Hospitals
Hospitals require some of the most stringent
standards of cleanliness and hygiene due to the critical nature of patient
care and infection control.
a. Objectives
- Prevent cross-contamination and infection.
- Ensure sterile and safe surroundings.
- Maintain patient comfort and well-being.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Regular disinfection of floors, beds, and walls.
- Cleaning of operation theatres, ICUs, and patient rooms.
- Disposal of bio-medical and hazardous waste.
- Management of laundry (bed linen, gowns, towels).
- Pest control and odor management.
c. Staff
Requirements
- Specialized training in infection control.
- Knowledge of hospital cleaning protocols (e.g., 3-bucket system).
- Ability to handle medical waste with proper PPE.
Housekeeping
in Hostels
Hostels provide budget accommodation
primarily for students, backpackers, or temporary residents. Cleanliness and
basic amenities are essential to ensure comfort and health.
a. Objectives
- Provide hygienic and comfortable living conditions.
- Ensure safety and security of personal spaces.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Regular cleaning of dormitories, toilets, and common areas.
- Linen changes and laundry services.
- Garbage collection and pest control.
- Inspection of furniture and room fixtures.
c. Challenges
- High turnover of residents.
- Shared facilities leading to faster wear and tear.
- Limited housekeeping budgets.
Housekeeping
in Malls
Malls are high-traffic commercial spaces
that require continuous housekeeping to maintain a pleasant shopping
environment and ensure safety.
a. Objectives
- Maintain cleanliness and aesthetics to enhance customer experience.
- Ensure hygiene in food courts and washrooms.
- Prevent hazards like spills or debris.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Floor and glass cleaning.
- Restroom sanitation.
- Escalator and elevator cleaning.
- Waste management and recycling.
- Outdoor area maintenance (parking, entrances).
c. Advanced
Techniques
- Use of ride-on scrubbers and auto-cleaning machines.
- CCTV monitoring of cleanliness in high-traffic zones.
Housekeeping
in Residential Establishments
These include apartment complexes, gated
communities, and private residences where comfort, sanitation, and
safety are key concerns.
a. Objectives
- Ensure well-maintained and hygienic living spaces.
- Provide daily or periodic cleaning services.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Sweeping, mopping, and dusting of units and corridors.
- Window and fixture cleaning.
- Garbage segregation and collection.
- Upkeep of gardens and common areas.
c. Trends
- Use of eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Scheduled deep-cleaning services.
Housekeeping
in Offices
Offices prioritize neat, clean, and
organized work environments to boost employee productivity and reflect
brand professionalism.
a. Objectives
- Maintain hygiene in workspaces.
- Provide a tidy, pleasant atmosphere for employees and clients.
- Comply with health and safety regulations.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Cleaning of workstations, conference rooms, and washrooms.
- Pantry and cafeteria cleaning.
- Wastepaper disposal and recycling.
- Dusting electronic equipment and upholstery cleaning.
c. Day vs.
Night Shifts
- Daytime cleaning is often limited to visible areas.
- Night crews handle thorough cleaning and floor polishing.
Housekeeping
in Universities
Universities are vast educational campuses
with varied areas such as classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, hostels, and
laboratories that all require specific cleaning routines.
a. Objectives
- Promote a healthy and productive learning environment.
- Maintain sanitation across large and diverse spaces.
b. Key
Housekeeping Tasks
- Daily cleaning of classrooms and corridors.
- Restroom hygiene and refilling of supplies.
- Library and lab maintenance.
- Waste segregation and disposal.
c. Special
Areas
- Science labs require chemical-safe cleaning practices.
- Auditoriums and sports areas demand regular vacuuming and surface
maintenance.
Housekeeping
in Other Commercial Areas
This includes airports, railways, cinema
halls, banquet halls, IT parks, call centers, and other large-scale service
or recreational spaces.
a. Airports
and Stations
- 24/7 cleanliness is essential due to global footfall.
- Washrooms, terminals, lounges, and baggage areas need frequent
cleaning.
b. Cinemas
and Auditoriums
- Quick cleaning between shows.
- Popcorn, spills, and trash cleanup.
- Seat and floor maintenance.
c. IT Parks
& Call Centers
- Cleaning of cubicles, corridors, washrooms, and cafeterias.
- Special care for electronic devices and indoor plants.
Equipment
and Chemicals Used
Although the function is the same across
institutions, the choice of equipment and chemicals can vary based on the
environment.
a. Equipment
- Vacuum cleaners (dry and wet)
- Floor scrubbers
- Pressure washers
- Trolley carts
- Microfiber mops and dusters
b. Cleaning
Agents
- Disinfectants (hospital grade)
- Degreasers (kitchen/food court)
- Glass cleaners
- Eco-friendly solutions (residences, green buildings)
Institutional
Housekeeping Staff Structure
Though staffing varies, a general hierarchy
includes:
- Housekeeping Manager/Supervisor
- Team Leaders
- Room Attendants or General Cleaners
- Specialized Technicians (for
pest control, landscaping, etc.)
Staff may be in-house or from outsourced
facility management agencies, especially in malls, offices, and commercial
areas.
Key Skills
& Training Required
Housekeeping staff in non-hotel settings
require specific competencies, including:
- Technical knowledge of
chemicals and cleaning tools.
- Soft skills such
as politeness, time management, and teamwork.
- Hygiene and safety
standards compliance.
- Specialized training
(infection control in hospitals, data security in offices).
Challenges
in Institutional Housekeeping
Each institution has its own set of
operational challenges:
- Hospitals:
Infection risk, handling bio-waste.
- Hostels: Overcrowding and limited budgets.
- Malls: High footfall and frequent spills.
- Offices: Cleaning without disturbing work.
- Universities: Vast
areas and shared responsibilities.
- Airports: 24/7 cleaning with international
standards.
Technological
Advancements in Institutional Housekeeping
With the growing role of technology in
facility management, many institutions adopt advanced systems such as:
- IoT-based monitoring for
washroom cleanliness.
- Robotic floor cleaners in
large malls and airports.
- QR code check-ins for
staff time and task tracking.
- Green cleaning tech to
reduce water and chemical usage.
Importance
of SOPs and Schedules
Each establishment follows Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) and cleaning schedules that may differ in
frequency:
|
Area |
Daily |
Weekly |
Monthly |
|
Hospital Wards |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Mall Floors |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Office Cubicles |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
University Labs |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Customized cleaning checklists ensure task
completion, safety, accountability, and efficiency.
Health,
Safety & Legal Compliance
Institutional housekeeping must follow
national and industry-specific health and safety regulations:
- BIS Standards (India) for
cleaning agents and waste management.
- Biomedical Waste Rules in
hospitals.
- Fire and electrical safety in
commercial spaces.
- ISO certifications for
facility management companies.
Benefits of
Effective Institutional Housekeeping
Properly managed housekeeping in institutions
provides the following advantages:
- Enhanced Image and Reputation
- Better Employee/Resident Health
- Efficient Operations
- Compliance with Laws
- Guest or Visitor Satisfaction
Sustainability
in Institutional Housekeeping
Green practices are gaining ground:
- Using biodegradable cleaning products
- Water-saving techniques like
flat mops
- Segregation and recycling of waste
- Energy-efficient cleaning machines
Institutions like universities and IT parks
are leading adopters of sustainable housekeeping models.
