Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hotel Laundry Worker

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a meticulous and hardworking individual with an eye for detail? This role requires a motivated Hotel Laundry Worker to become the backbone of our hotel's housekeeping operations. In this vital role, you will be responsible for the entire laundry process, from sorting and washing to drying, pressing, and folding all hotel linens. Your dedication ensures that our guest rooms, restaurants, and event spaces are consistently stocked with fresh, clean, and high-quality linens. This position requires physical stamina and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, contributing directly to a seamless and comfortable guest experience.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Housekeeping Attendant / Room Attendant
General Laborer or Warehouse Worker
Entry-Level Hospitality Roles

Advancement To:

Laundry Supervisor or Team Lead
Housekeeping Supervisor
Linen Room Manager

Lateral Moves:

Housekeeping Room Attendant
Public Area Attendant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Efficiently and accurately sort all soiled hotel linens, separating them by type, color, and degree of soiling to ensure optimal washing results and prevent cross-contamination.
Operate large-capacity, commercial-grade washing and drying machines, carefully selecting appropriate cycles, temperatures, and chemical levels for various fabric types to prolong linen life.
Expertly feed clean, damp linens through flatwork ironers, automatic folders, and other pressing equipment to achieve a crisp, professional finish meeting hotel brand standards.
Meticulously inspect all linens for tears, stains, and wear, setting aside damaged items for repair or discard according to established quality control protocols.
Pre-treat and spot-clean heavily stained linens using specialized chemical solutions and techniques to maximize salvage and maintain a high-quality inventory.
Maintain precise and up-to-date logs of processed laundry, tracking weights and counts to assist with inventory control and departmental productivity reporting.
Safely handle and dispense all laundry chemicals in accordance with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and OSHA guidelines, ensuring proper storage and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance on all laundry equipment, including cleaning lint traps and filters, to ensure safe and efficient operation and report any malfunctions promptly.
Organize and stock linen closets on guest floors and in storage areas with freshly laundered items, ensuring adequate pars are maintained to support daily housekeeping operations.
Respond to and fulfill urgent linen requests from housekeeping and other hotel departments in a timely and professional manner to ensure seamless guest service.
Process guest personal laundry and dry cleaning with the utmost care, ensuring proper tagging, washing, pressing, and timely return to meet and exceed guest expectations.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in the laundry facility at all times, including sweeping floors, wiping down surfaces, and disposing of waste.
Coordinate the collection of soiled linens from various drop-off points throughout the hotel and the distribution of clean linens to designated storage areas.
Assist in conducting regular linen inventory counts to track stock levels, identify shortages, and support purchasing decisions.
Fold, stack, and neatly arrange all types of laundered items, including towels, sheets, pillowcases, and napkins, according to specific hotel standards for efficient storage and retrieval.
Communicate effectively with the Laundry Supervisor and Housekeeping Manager regarding operational needs, supply levels, equipment issues, and productivity challenges.
Adhere to all hotel security and safety procedures, including those related to chemical handling, equipment operation, and emergency situations.
Support the hotel's sustainability initiatives by conserving water and energy and utilizing eco-friendly laundry practices whenever possible.
Manage the flow of soiled and clean linen carts, ensuring they are not overloaded and are transported safely throughout the property.
Properly tag and process any lost and found items discovered within soiled linens, following the hotel's established procedures for logging and storing such items.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of different fabric types and the appropriate laundering techniques required for each to prevent damage and ensure longevity.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Housekeeping department with stripping rooms or making beds during periods of high occupancy or short staffing.
Participate in departmental meetings and training sessions to stay updated on new procedures, safety protocols, and hotel standards.
Help maintain inventory levels of cleaning supplies and chemicals, notifying a supervisor when reordering is necessary.
Contribute to maintaining the cleanliness and organization of back-of-house areas, beyond the immediate laundry facility.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Operation of Commercial Laundry Equipment (Washers, Dryers, Ironers)
Stain Removal & Spot Treatment Techniques
Chemical Handling & Safety Compliance (OSHA/SDS)
Linen Quality Control & Inspection
Basic Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
High-Volume Folding and Pressing Proficiency
Understanding of Fabric Care Standards
Inventory & Record-Keeping
Physical Stamina & Ability to Lift Heavy Loads (up to 50 lbs)
Efficient Workflow & Time Management

Soft Skills

Exceptional Attention to Detail
Reliability and Strong Work Ethic
Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability to Changing Priorities
Problem-Solving Skills
Clear Communication
Punctuality and Dependability

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training in hospitality or facilities maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Hospitality
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years.

Preferred:

6+ months of experience in a commercial laundry setting (hotel, hospital, or industrial laundry) is highly advantageous.
Prior experience in a housekeeping or general labor role within the hospitality industry.