Overview
DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maids perform many tasks in order to meet the
requests of various types of customers. The following duties are frequently
mentioned in association with this job:
Vacuum and Wash Carpets
Maids commonly keep carpeting clean and fresh
by vacuuming, shampooing, and applying deodorizer to all types of carpets. They
need to possess knowledge of what types of shampoos to use for certain types of
carpets and what deodorizers work best in specific situations, such as removing
pet odors or stains.
Dust and Sweep Floors and Surfaces
From sweeping hardwood floors to dusting
furniture, maids keep all floors and surfaces tidy and free of dust and debris.
They dust such items as shelving, ceiling fans, TV consoles, and bookcases.
Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms
Maids are typically responsible for scrubbing
showers, toilets, kitchen counters, and similar surfaces. They apply cleansing
agents to shower tiles and doors to remove soap scum and mold and mildew buildup.
They clean mirrors, wipe down kitchen equipment, clean ovens and refrigerators,
and mop tiled floors.
Replace Linens, Towels, and Other Items
Typically in hotels but possibly in private
residences, maids collect dirty towels and linens and replace them as needed.
They also replace soaps, small bottles of shampoos and conditioners, and
plastic cups in hotel bathrooms. Maids might also leave menus, information
about room service, and surveys in guest rooms.
Fill Specific Housecleaning Requests
Some businesses or homeowners might have
specific requests, such as watering plants, cleaning a basement, or performing
after-party cleanup. Maids should be flexible and have the skills to handle
tasks outside of common housecleaning duties.
Maintain Cleaning Records and Inventory of
Supplies
Maids should keep meticulous records of what
was cleaned and when, whether they are working for businesses, hotels, or in
private residences. These records are important for maintaining information
about when some infrequent tasks should be performed, such as weekly or monthly
cleanings. Maids should also manage an inventory of cleaning supplies and
ensure that they have enough cleansers and other products on hand to complete
their daily duties.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Organized and time-conscious self-starters
would find success as maids. Job candidates who display the following skills
and abilities are those most often considered for this occupation:
·
Cleaning
skills – being a maid is
about more than sweeping and dusting; maids should be knowledgeable about
cleaning methods used for rug shampooing, grout cleaning, floor waxing,
upholstery cleaning, and other relevant skills as needed
·
Physical
capabilities – bending,
stooping, lifting, standing, and carrying are among the physical demands of
being a maid. Those pursuing this type of work should be in good physical
condition to fulfill these obligations
·
Organizational
skills – maids often
adhere to an organized list of tasks that must be completed on any given day or
work shift. These skills also come into play in keeping and maintaining
cleaning supplies and equipment
·
Customer
service – keeping
customers happy and satisfied tops the list of the many skills that maids
should display; companies tend to look for maids that can deliver top-notch
customer satisfaction
·
Self-management – the ability to work independently or
with little supervision is a plus for those working as maids
·
Teamwork – maids sometimes work in pairs or teams
and should have the ability to work well with others
·
Time
management – it is common
for maids to be required to adhere to a given schedule, such as completing the
cleaning of a certain number of rooms or homes in a given day
·
Multitasking – maids are often asked to complete
several tasks in a short amount of time; the ability to multitask is crucial
for success in this job
·
Attention
to detail – half-clean is
not fully clean. Maids should have the ability to focus and take care of every
minute detail to make sure each task meets the requirements and standards of
the company they are working for, as well as those of the customers they are
serving
EDUCATION
AND TRAINING
There are no formal education requirements to
become a maid. On-the-job training is typically conducted in larger venues,
such as hotels or office buildings, as well as maid service companies.
Manuals
or other documentation outlining specific tasks and how to carry them out.
Job Description/Details
DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES
Maids perform many tasks in order to meet the
requests of various types of customers. The following duties are frequently
mentioned in association with this job:
Vacuum and Wash Carpets
Maids commonly keep carpeting clean and fresh
by vacuuming, shampooing, and applying deodorizer to all types of carpets. They
need to possess knowledge of what types of shampoos to use for certain types of
carpets and what deodorizers work best in specific situations, such as removing
pet odors or stains.
Dust and Sweep Floors and Surfaces
From sweeping hardwood floors to dusting
furniture, maids keep all floors and surfaces tidy and free of dust and debris.
They dust such items as shelving, ceiling fans, TV consoles, and bookcases.
Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms
Maids are typically responsible for scrubbing
showers, toilets, kitchen counters, and similar surfaces. They apply cleansing
agents to shower tiles and doors to remove soap scum and mold and mildew buildup.
They clean mirrors, wipe down kitchen equipment, clean ovens and refrigerators,
and mop tiled floors.
Replace Linens, Towels, and Other Items
Typically in hotels but possibly in private
residences, maids collect dirty towels and linens and replace them as needed.
They also replace soaps, small bottles of shampoos and conditioners, and
plastic cups in hotel bathrooms. Maids might also leave menus, information
about room service, and surveys in guest rooms.
Fill Specific Housecleaning Requests
Some businesses or homeowners might have
specific requests, such as watering plants, cleaning a basement, or performing
after-party cleanup. Maids should be flexible and have the skills to handle
tasks outside of common housecleaning duties.
Maintain Cleaning Records and Inventory of
Supplies
Maids should keep meticulous records of what
was cleaned and when, whether they are working for businesses, hotels, or in
private residences. These records are important for maintaining information
about when some infrequent tasks should be performed, such as weekly or monthly
cleanings. Maids should also manage an inventory of cleaning supplies and
ensure that they have enough cleansers and other products on hand to complete
their daily duties.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Organized and time-conscious self-starters
would find success as maids. Job candidates who display the following skills
and abilities are those most often considered for this occupation:
·
Cleaning
skills – being a maid is
about more than sweeping and dusting; maids should be knowledgeable about
cleaning methods used for rug shampooing, grout cleaning, floor waxing,
upholstery cleaning, and other relevant skills as needed
·
Physical
capabilities – bending,
stooping, lifting, standing, and carrying are among the physical demands of
being a maid. Those pursuing this type of work should be in good physical
condition to fulfill these obligations
·
Organizational
skills – maids often
adhere to an organized list of tasks that must be completed on any given day or
work shift. These skills also come into play in keeping and maintaining
cleaning supplies and equipment
·
Customer
service – keeping
customers happy and satisfied tops the list of the many skills that maids
should display; companies tend to look for maids that can deliver top-notch
customer satisfaction
·
Self-management – the ability to work independently or
with little supervision is a plus for those working as maids
·
Teamwork – maids sometimes work in pairs or teams
and should have the ability to work well with others
·
Time
management – it is common
for maids to be required to adhere to a given schedule, such as completing the
cleaning of a certain number of rooms or homes in a given day
·
Multitasking – maids are often asked to complete
several tasks in a short amount of time; the ability to multitask is crucial
for success in this job
·
Attention
to detail – half-clean is
not fully clean. Maids should have the ability to focus and take care of every
minute detail to make sure each task meets the requirements and standards of
the company they are working for, as well as those of the customers they are
serving
EDUCATION
AND TRAINING
There are no formal education requirements to
become a maid. On-the-job training is typically conducted in larger venues,
such as hotels or office buildings, as well as maid service companies.
Manuals
or other documentation outlining specific tasks and how to carry them out.