Hospitality Cleaning Tips for High-Volume Seasons

High-volume seasons can make or break a hospitality business. Whether it’s holiday travellers, event-packed weekends, or a booming tourist period, the influx of guests means higher expectations and, yes, a lot more mess. A spotless, well-maintained space is about creating a welcoming environment that keeps guests coming back (Cleancorp has your Hospitality Cleaning needs covered all year round).

Here’s how you can stay ahead of the cleaning curve during your busiest times with these practical hospitality cleaning tips.

1. Start with a Hospitality Deep Clean

Before the crowds arrive, kick things off with a thorough deep clean of your property. Focus on areas that don’t get daily attention, such as:

• Carpets and Rugs: Remove deep-seated dirt and stains.
• Hard-to-Reach Spots: Ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures.
• Upholstery: Refresh sofas and chairs to eliminate dust and odours.

A deep clean sets the tone for the season, making it easier to maintain high standards as things get busier.

2. Prioritise High-Touch Areas

During high-volume periods, germs can spread FAST. Pay extra attention to sanitising high-touch surfaces, including:

• Door handles and handrails.
• Elevator buttons and light switches.
• Reception desks, card payment terminals, and shared pens.

Regular sanitisation of these areas helps reduce the risk of illnesses, keeping guests and staff healthy.

3. Step Up Hospitality Restroom Cleaning

Nothing leaves a bad impression faster than a dirty restroom. With increased foot traffic, restrooms need more frequent checks and cleaning.

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Ensure restrooms are spotless and stocked with essentials like soap and paper towels.
• Use Odour Neutralisers: Keep restrooms smelling fresh even during peak use.
• Focus on Floors: Wet or dirty floors are a safety hazard and an eyesore – make sure they’re mopped regularly.

Data Snapshot: According to a 2024 hospitality cleanliness report, 72% of negative reviews mention dirty restrooms.

4. Don't Forget Outdoor Areas

Outdoor spaces like patios, entrances, and parking lots often see increased use during high-volume seasons. Keep these areas looking their best by:

• Sweeping debris and cleaning outdoor furniture.
• Power-washing walkways and entryways to remove stains and grime.
• Checking for overflowing rubbish bins to maintain a tidy appearance.

A clean exterior sets the stage for a positive guest experience before they even step inside.

5. Streamline Linen and Laundry Management

Linens take a beating during busy seasons. Stay on top of demand with these tips:

• Have Extra Stock: Ensure you have enough fresh towels, sheets, and tablecloths to handle quick turnovers.
• Schedule Frequent Pickups/Drop-offs: Work with your laundry provider to increase service frequency during peak times.
• Inspect for Wear and Tear: Replace stained or damaged linens promptly to maintain your standards.

6. Implement a Cleaning Schedule

Busy seasons demand a structured cleaning plan. Create a schedule that includes:

• Daily Tasks: Routine cleaning of guest rooms, public areas, and restrooms.
• Periodic Checks: Inspect high-traffic areas multiple times a day.
• After-Hours Cleaning: Tackle deeper cleaning tasks when guests are least likely to be around.

Assign responsibilities clearly so your team knows what’s expected and nothing gets overlooked.

7. Use the Right Tools and Products for High-Volume Hospitality Cleaning

Investing in professional-grade cleaning equipment and supplies pays off during high-volume seasons.

• Use Quick-Dry Solutions: Ensure floors dry fast to prevent slips in high-traffic areas.
• Eco-Friendly Products: Show guests you care about sustainability by using green cleaning products.
• Specialised Equipment: Carpet extractors, steam cleaners, and high-powered vacuums can handle the increased workload.

Eco Insight: Guests notice sustainability. Over 65% prefer properties using green cleaning products (read more about Cleancorp's commitment to sustainability) 

8. Train Your Team for Efficiency

Your cleaning staff is the backbone of your operation. Make sure they’re prepared for the high season by:

• Providing Refresher Training: Cover best practices for sanitisation, efficiency, and guest interactions.
• Encouraging Communication: Create an environment where team members feel comfortable reporting issues or asking for help.
• Recognising Their Efforts: Acknowledge hard work and keep morale high during busy periods.

9. Manage Waste Effectively

More guests mean more rubbish. Avoid overflowing bins by:

• Increasing the frequency of waste collection.
• Adding extra bins in high-traffic areas.
• Encouraging recycling with clearly marked containers.

A clean, waste-free environment makes a big difference in how your space is perceived.

10. Respond to Spills and Messes Quickly

Accidents are inevitable in high-volume settings, but how you respond can make or break the guest experience.

• Equip staff with portable cleaning kits to handle spills immediately.
• Display “wet floor” signs promptly to avoid accidents.
• Train employees to act fast and professionally when addressing messes.

11. Focus on Guests Rooms

Guest rooms are where your hospitality shines (or falls flat). During busy times, ensure every room meets top-tier cleaning standards:

• Inspect Daily: Double-check for overlooked spots, like behind furniture or under beds.
• Stock Essentials: Make sure rooms are fully stocked with toiletries and amenities.
• Freshen the Air: Use subtle air fresheners or open windows to eliminate stale odours.

12. Leverage Feedback for Continuous Improvement

Busy seasons are a great time to gather feedback from guests. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness and use them to refine your processes. Whether it’s online reviews or in-person conversations, guest feedback is a valuable tool for improvement.

Future-Proof Your Hospitality Cleaning

The next wave of cleaning innovation is already here.

• Automation: Robotic vacuums for lobbies and hallways.

• UV Sanitisation: For quick disinfection between room turns.

• Data Dashboards: Predict peak cleaning needs using occupancy analytics.

💡 Sustainability Move: Switch to refillable dispensers and microfiber cloths to reduce waste.

FAQs on Hospitality Cleaning for High-Volume Seasons

1. How often should high-touch areas be cleaned and disinfected in a hospitality setting?

High-touch areas like door handles, elevator buttons, handrails, and reception desks should ideally be disinfected every 2–3 hours during peak guest traffic. These are the surfaces most likely to harbor bacteria and viruses due to constant contact, especially in hotels, restaurants, and venues with high guest turnover.

During low-traffic periods (like late evenings), you can reduce frequency slightly, but never skip a cycle during high occupancy days. A solid practice is to use a rotation checklist that assigns specific time slots and responsibilities to staff, ensuring nothing gets missed.

💡 Pro tip: Use colour-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination between restrooms, lobbies, and food areas. It’s a simple system that’s super effective.

2. What are the best eco-friendly cleaning solutions for hotels and hospitality businesses?

Eco-friendly cleaning in hospitality is a brand reputation booster. Today’s travelers actively look for businesses that show commitment to sustainability. For hotels and venues, this means using products that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, while still tough on grime.

Look for certified green brands (like EcoLogo, Green Seal, or Safer Choice) that meet strict environmental standards. Opt for plant-based disinfectants and refillable dispensers to reduce plastic waste.

You can even integrate sustainability into your marketing: mention your eco-cleaning program on your website or signage; it signals transparency and environmental responsibility, both of which are attractive to the modern guest.

3. How should staff handle guest complaints about cleanliness during busy seasons?

First rule: respond fast. When guests bring up a cleanliness issue, it’s not just about the mess, it’s about how you handle the situation. Start with a sincere apology, then take visible action immediately. For instance, if a guest finds a smudge in their room, send a cleaner within minutes and follow up personally to confirm it’s been resolved.

Guests value responsiveness over perfection. Turning a negative experience into a positive one often earns you a better review than if nothing had gone wrong in the first place.

💡 Pro move: Train your front desk staff to handle complaints empathetically and empower them to offer small goodwill gestures—like a free drink, a breakfast voucher, or a late checkout. Those small touches can turn a one-star moment into a five-star recovery.

4. How can hotels manage laundry and linen more efficiently during peak seasons?

Laundry can be a logistical nightmare during busy periods. The key is forecasting demand and streamlining your system. Start by increasing your linen stock in advance, ideally by 25–30% above your off-season average. This ensures you never run short even when every room is turning over daily.

If you work with an external laundry service, communicate early about expected volume surges so they can schedule more pickups. Inside your operation, use RFID-tagged or barcoded linens to track inventory and identify worn or stained items before they reach guests.

Consider creating a mini “laundry command center” that tracks turnaround times in real-time; keeping your housekeeping team synced and preventing bottlenecks.

5. Should hospitality businesses invest in cleaning technology or stick to traditional methods?

Honestly? A mix of both is the winning formula. While traditional methods (manual scrubbing, vacuuming, and mopping) remain essential for detailed work, cleaning technology can save time and boost consistency, especially in large properties.

Robotic vacuums can handle overnight lobby cleaning. UV-C light sanitizers and electrostatic sprayers ensure deeper, faster disinfection. Meanwhile, IoT-enabled cleaning dashboards can help managers monitor which areas have been serviced and when, reducing oversight errors.

The investment pays off in efficiency and guest perception - tech-savvy cleaning signals modernity and care. Plus, it helps staff focus on guest experience instead of routine grunt work.

💡 Future-forward tip: Start small - pilot smart cleaning tools in one area (like meeting rooms or corridors). Track performance for a month before expanding property-wide.

A Clean Space is the Key to High-Volume Hospitality Success

High-volume seasons can be chaotic, but a clean and well-maintained hospitality space sets the foundation for success. Guests notice the details, and a sparkling environment can leave a lasting impression that turns first-time visitors into loyal customers.

By planning ahead, equipping your team, and focusing on high-impact cleaning areas, you’ll be ready to welcome the rush with confidence. After all, a clean space isn’t just a reflection of your hospitality - it’s the cornerstone of your business.