6 Essential Cleaning Tasks Hotel Housekeepers Focus On—And You Should Too

The internet is filled with a plethora of cleaning advice—and believe us, we've tried many of them. But, for the most effective and efficient cleaning techniques, we sought out the experts to share their proven tips and tricks.

We reached out to professional hotel cleaners to discover their top cleaning tips they've perfected over their careers—and which ones they trust enough to use in their own homes. With their hands-on expertise, they offer clever and distinctive advice to help speed up your cleaning routine and achieve a sparkling clean result. Keep reading to uncover the insider secrets they shared.

Create a Crisp Bed

A neatly made bed can instantly enhance the visual tranquility of your room and help establish a more soothing evening routine. And if you're curious about the secret behind a perfectly arranged hotel bed, it often comes down to the meticulously tucked corners.

“Neatly placing a bed sheet with crisp corners all around is a cleaning tip I've adopted in my own home,” says Emilia Chevez, executive housekeeper at Cormorant Boutique Hotel in La Jolla, California. “A simple tuck-over technique works just as well in my home as it does at work.”

The method is commonly called hospital corners, where you carefully fold and tuck the corners of a sheet or quilt, instead of simply stuffing them under the mattress—something many of us might do. (This TikTok video provides an easy tutorial for this technique.) Chevez notes that this trick not only makes the bed look inviting and crisp but also ensures the corners stay in place better, so you won't have to start over each time you remake your bed in the morning.

Minimize Your Use of Strong Cleaning Products

Reevaluate the amount of chemicals you're using to clean around the house. “Excessive use of chemicals isn't necessary,” explains Chevez. “Many people believe that using more cleaning products equals a cleaner space, but the reality is, a small amount is often enough.” (Mixing the wrong chemicals and cleaning agents can also pose risks.)

Chevez suggests using just two to three ounces of cleaning chemicals and diluting them with water. She also recommends gentler cleaning alternatives. “Personally, seltzer water and baking soda have always been my go-to cleaners,” Chevez says. “They’re fantastic for removing tough stains from sheets. I recommend pre-soaking items in these products before washing to tackle common stains like blood, grease, or food spills.”

Focus on Your High-Grime Zones

Your home has specific areas that tend to accumulate grime and mildew, so it's wise to target those spots first—and more frequently. “Concentrate on high-traffic areas prone to visible grime and mildew, like the bathroom, toilet, and shower,” says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, a professional cleaner specializing in hotel rooms in Chicago with ServiceMaster of Lake Shore. She also suggests paying special attention to corners and hard-to-reach places where dirt tends to collect, like underneath toilet seats.

Don’t Forget the Little Details

While addressing the most soiled areas is crucial for maintaining a clean home, don't forget the smaller tasks when tidying up. “Look for fingerprints or residue on frequently touched surfaces, like light switches and doorknobs,” says Rodriguez-Zaba. These tiny details can have a big impact on how clean your home appears.

Rodriguez-Zaba also advises lifting objects like lamps and decor to check for dust buildup underneath—and don’t forget about baseboards. “Baseboards tend to collect dust and dirt that are easily overlooked during routine cleaning,” she adds. “Take a few moments to wipe them down with a damp cloth or vacuum up the dust bunnies that gather around them.”

Explore Alternatives to Single-Use Cleaning Products

To reduce your environmental impact, consider repurposing common household items for cleaning tasks. “One of our creative tips is reusing old pillowcases to clean mirrors,” says Carol Pelaez, housekeeping manager at Conrad New York Midtown. “Since adopting this method, we’ve noticed our mirrors are streak-free and cleaner than when we used microfiber cloths.”

Get Creative with Removing Stubborn Hair and Wrinkles

If you've mopped your bathroom floor and still notice hair left behind, Pelaez recommends using a lint roller to pick up the remaining strands. Additionally, if you’re struggling to smooth out wrinkles in your bed sheets, here’s a helpful tip: “Keep a spray bottle filled with warm water to lightly spritz your sheets and remove any wrinkles,” she says. “At home, I rely on the spray bottle trick to make sure my duvet cover and sheets look just as crisp as the ones in the hotel rooms I clean.”