Housekeepers perform various light cleaning duties that maintain private households and commercial establishments including hotels, homes, restaurants, and hospitals. They clean rooms, hallways, lobbies, lounges, restrooms, corridors, stairways, and locker rooms. They are responsible for the cleaning of heavy-duty items including rugs, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies.
Housekeepers sometimes care for children or the elderly by overseeing their activities, providing companionship, and assisting them with dressing, bathing, eating, or other needs. Housekeepers perform general cleaning to ensure zones including floors or windows are spotless and presentable to visitors, employees, or residents. They are responsible for tracking and updating an inventory of cleaning supplies and paper goods and ordering and replenishing them when needed. If they work in a setting that includes lodging, they are responsible for changing sheets and linens by removing used items and replacing them with fresh ones. Housekeepers are also tasked with mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning and disinfecting when necessary. There is no minimum education requirement for housekeeping positions, although those who work with children or the elderly may be required to take first aid and CPR courses.