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.
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:
| Area | What to Target | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carpets & Rugs | Extract deep-seated dirt | Prevent odors and improve air quality |
| Ceiling Fans & Vents | Dust and disinfect | Avoid allergen buildup |
| Upholstery | Steam clean or shampoo | Keep fabrics fresh and inviting |
A deep clean sets the tone for the season, making it easier to maintain high standards as things get busier.
During high-volume periods, germs can spread FAST. Pay extra attention to sanitising high-touch surfaces, including:
Regular sanitisation of these areas helps reduce the risk of illnesses, keeping guests and staff healthy.
Nothing leaves a bad impression faster than a dirty restroom. With increased foot traffic, restrooms need more frequent checks and cleaning.
Data Snapshot: According to a 2024 hospitality cleanliness report, 72% of negative reviews mention dirty restrooms.
Outdoor spaces like patios, entrances, and parking lots often see increased use during high-volume seasons. Keep these areas looking their best by:
A clean exterior sets the stage for a positive guest experience before they even step inside.
Linens take a beating during busy seasons. Stay on top of demand with these tips:
| Item | Average Use/Day (per room) | Recommended Backup Stock |
|---|---|---|
| Towels | 2 sets | 3–4 sets |
| Sheets | 1 set | 2–3 sets |
| Tablecloths | 1 per service | 2–3 per table |
Busy seasons demand a structured cleaning plan. Create a schedule that includes:
Assign responsibilities clearly so your team knows what’s expected and nothing gets overlooked.
Investing in professional-grade cleaning equipment and supplies pays off during high-volume seasons.
Eco Insight: Guests notice sustainability. Over 65% prefer properties using green cleaning products (read more about Cleancorp's commitment to sustainability)
Your cleaning staff is the backbone of your operation. Make sure they’re prepared for the high season by:
More guests mean more rubbish. Avoid overflowing bins by:
A clean, waste-free environment makes a big difference in how your space is perceived.
Accidents are inevitable in high-volume settings, but how you respond can make or break the guest experience.
Guest rooms are where your hospitality shines (or falls flat). During busy times, ensure every room meets top-tier cleaning standards:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.