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Annual Deep Cleaning
by Dick Coyle
Sales & Marketing Manager
MasterCorp, Inc
Usually, the winter and early spring months of each year sets the stage for many resorts to begin the important process of performing a thorough cleaning of all of their units. Commonly referred to as a “Deep Clean” or “Maintenance Clean,” this comprehensive cleaning process could be compared to having an automobile “detailed.” Some resorts perform this service year-round, due to high occupancy levels and unit availability. Others, however, may select another common method, which is to shut down a number of units weekly during low occupancy periods until the work has been completed. The service can be all encompassing and certainly involves the maintenance department, in addition to the housekeeping operation.
Typically, “refurbishing” by the maintenance department occurs first. This may consist of some of the following:
• Replacement of hard goods, such as furniture or appliances
• Installation of new carpeting
• Interior painting, new wall vinyl, flooring or tile work
• Remodeling of bathrooms, kitchens or bedrooms
• Exterior decks/patios treated, repaired
• New windows, doors, etc.
If the units are not scheduled for major refurbishing, the maintenance department may instead perform cosmetic repairs. After completion, the unit is then ready for housekeeping to begin the cleaning process. Depending on specific services, deep cleaning is one the most labor-intensive tasks performed by the housekeeping department. Every area of the unit is typically “dismantled” so to speak, cleaned, and then put back together. Typically, a housekeeping supervisor or inspector may begin the process of “prepping” the unit ahead of the housekeeper. This aids the housekeeper in reducing the overall cleaning times, as well as ensures that all areas expected to be cleaned are covered. Additionally, a cleaning checklist is a great tool to see during this time. Some examples of deep cleaning procedures may include the following:
• Breakdown, detail cleaning and re-assembly of large and small kitchen appliances
• Cleaning and inventory of all china, glass, flatware, cookware and other kitchen items
• Cabinets cleaned inside and out
• Moving of major appliances for cleaning behind/underneath
• Bathroom areas sanitized
• Floors, light fixtures, ledges, wood surfaces, cleaned and treated
• Mattresses are turned/rotated
• Windows cleaned inside and out, where applicable
• Removal of water deposits on chrome bathroom; kitchen fixtures
• Vents, filters, louvered surfaces are treated to remove any buildup
• All lamps, decorative items individually cleaned
• Upholstered furniture, draperies and carpeting are cleaned at this time; Furniture is moved to clean all carpeted areas
• Decks, patios and furniture are all thoroughly cleaned
Laundering and/or dry cleaning of all bedding, including blankets, bedspreads or decorative pillows, is typically done at this time as well. Likewise, all housekeeping services usually performed during a regular departure clean are also incorporated, so the unit is ready for occupancy immediately upon completion. By using the same type of checklist provided to the housekeeper, a supervisor would then perform a very detailed inspection. This final inspection is crucial to the overall success with this type of cleaning program. It allows immediate feedback to the housekeeper who cleaned the unit, as well as to all the other individuals responsible for this process, including the carpet cleaning technicians and maintenance personnel.The importance of this project cannot be emphasized enough. There simply isn’t enough time to perform this detailed cleaning process during a weekly departure. Resorts that provide an annual or in some cases even a bi-annual deep clean, see the positive results in their respective quality scores and owners and guests are more satisfied with their unit.Hopefully, your resort is already involved in this program. If not, it’s never too late to reap the benefits!