You will see thread count referred to with a number followed by tc,
which stands for thread count, such as 200tc. Thread Count refers to the
number of horizontal and vertical threads in one square inch of fabric.
So if a fabric is 200tc or 200 thread count, that means there were 200
threads per one square inch of fabric.
Thread count in bed sheets can range from 60 to 800. The most often
purchased sheets are sheets that range from 180 to 350 thread count.
Basically, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheets feel. Keep
in mind, the higher the thread count, the more expensive the sheets are
as well.
However, higher thread count does not necessarily mean the sheets
will last longer. In fact, thread counts above 380 are kind of deceving.
Many manufacturers twist two threads in a way that lets them double the
sheets thread count. That does not make them last longer though.
Although many linen manufacturers say thread count is the best way to
choose sheets, others point out that the quality of the fibers and
finish are more important to the sheets comforter and durablility. In
fact, sheets made of linen, flannel, or jersey (those t shirt sheets)
have low thread counts due to the type of fabric. A high thread count
would eliminate part of the appeal of these sheets.
According to Consumer Reports Magazine, cotton and cotton blend
sheets with a thread count of 180 to 200 stand up to wear and tear the
best and provide satisfactory comfort. It has been my personal
experience that 200 to 350 thread count feels the best and lasts the
longest. Sheets under 180 thread count tend to pile with wear and become
scratchy to the skin.
So in the end it comes down to what feels good to yiou, and what is
in your price range. If you buy sheets in the 200-250 thread count
range, you will get the most life out of them, and they are comfortable.
You will find may sheet sets listed in our ebay store,
Spills of fruit flavored and sport beverages usually contain acid dyes that can be
removed from carpet using an alkaline detergent solution; either a specialty carpet spot
removal product or a solution made with a mild, liquid dishwashing detergent. Prior to
using any solution, ensure that it will not void any carpet warranties.
While no carpet is completely stain “proof,” new stain-resist carpet treatments
allow most spills to be removed when immediate action is taken and directions are
followed carefully.
1. Immediately blot the spill with a dry, white towel, absorbent plain paper towel, or
cloth. Do not scrub the area. Scrubbing can cause distortion of the carpet face
fiber. Work from the outer edges to the center of the spill to prevent spreading.
Continue to blot with clean towels to remove as much of the spill as possible.
2. Make an alkaline detergent solution of one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing
detergent in one quart (32 ounces) of warm water. Never use a stronger
concentration. Never use an automatic dishwasher or laundry detergent of any
type as it may contain an optical brightener or fluorescent dyes that may
adversely affect the carpet color.
3. Pretest any spot removal solution in an inconspicuous area of the carpet to make
certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or dyes. After applying several drops
to the test area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for ten seconds. Examine the
white cloth for color pickup, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change
occurs, select a different cleaning solution.
4. After successfully pretesting the cleaning solution, apply a small amount of the
solution to a white cloth and work gently into the spill. Do not scrub. Most
detergent solutions require adequate time to begin lifting the stain. Allow the
detergent solution to remain on the spill for eight to ten minutes before attempting
removal.
5. Blot, do not scrub the spill, working from the edges to the center to prevent
spreading the stain.
6. Repeat the application of the detergent solution as long as the spill continues to
transfer to the cloth. This transfer from the carpet to the cloth may be a slow
process - be patient. Complete removal of the spill may require several
applications of the solution.
7. After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly
with warm water, lightly agitate, and blot until all the solution has been removed.
Repeating the procedure several times may be necessary before all foaming has
disappeared. Any detergent left in the carpet will cause rapid soiling.
8. When the detergent solution is completely removed, neutralize the area with a
solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Afterwards, rinse
with warm water and apply a ½ inch layer of white paper towels to the affected
area. Weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Change paper towels as needed to
absorb and remove all the moisture.
9. If the spill remains after repeated removal attempts, contact a carpet cleaning
professional. Cleaning professionals are knowledgeable about spot removal from
carpet and have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning
solutions to remove stubborn spills.
The Senior Assistant Manager Housekeeping (II ½ Stripe) is responsible for assisting Housekeeping Manager in the overall operations of daily housekeeping, as well as planning, organizing and training of Assistant Housekeeping Managers.
Responsibility and authority: He/she will be responsible for:
•
Ensure all Housekeeping and Laundry staff complies with company standards regarding dress and appearance (Carnival Look Book).
•
Have a comprehensive knowledge of all areas of the Housekeeping Department.
•
Oversee all aspects relating to the cleaning of the ship.
•
Ensure that all team members are following appropriate safety procedures with regard to equipment and chemicals at all times and comply with USPH regulations.
•
Ensure that all team members report for duty in a timely manner, and are issued with the relevant tools of the trade to carry out daily tasks.
•
Hand out all work assignments to each team member. Follow-up on tasks assigned to team members regarding job quality and efficiency.
•
Oversee training of new team members on assigned tasks, proper handling and use of chemicals and equipment as well as training on basic safety and Garbage Management Programs implemented by the company.
•
Ensure all staterooms and public areas are supervised and cleaned at all times.
•
Ensure that all operating inventories are accurate and timely ordering of supplies.
•
Responsible for reviewing and assisting performance appraisals of team members based on the company policies and guidelines.
•
Receive reports from the Assistant Housekeeping Managers and summarize each individual result for stateroom steward ratings.
•
Prompt reporting of all repairs and maintenance, as well as followed-up on repair requests.
•
Oversee all machinery used by the department and ensure Assistant Housekeeping Managers report any faults.
•
Responsible for inspecting VIP staterooms and taking care of any special requirements.
•
Liaise between management team and the Housekeeping Manager.
•
Report/ record incidents regarding guest and crew related issues to the Housekeeping Manager.
Reports to: General Manager, Housekeeping Supervisor and Duty Manager Employment: Full Time Seasonal
Duties and Responsibilities: Pre Season Duties
• Clean and set up all guest rooms for opening
• Clean all common areas for opening
• View all unit types in building and understand amenities in building
• Understand how everything operates in guest room ie. Fireplace, windows, etc.
• Make sure all keys are correct and function
• Understand the mountain and village layout and be able to give directions
• Perform any laundry duties
• Any other reasonable request as made by a Central Reservations Manager
Housekeeping
• Clean and maintain guest units while keeping up with standards set by the
Housekeeping Supervisor and General Manager
• Clean and maintain hotel common areas while keeping up with standards set by the
Housekeeping Supervisor and General Manager
• Perform any laundry duties
• Stock and maintain any housekeeping supply rooms
• Ensure high level of customer service is maintained at all times
• Assist guests with all questions and reasonable requests
• Ensure accurate information is provided to all clients with respect to all Big White
and Central Reservations products
Other
• Maintain clean and tidy appearance
• Maintain clean and tidy work area
• Any other reasonable requests as made by a Central Reservations Manager
We all know the burden of housework. The mopping, scrubbing, and folding can seem endless. We also know the stress it puts on our bodies — a strained muscle from lifting a load of laundry or an aching back from tucking sheets under a heavy mattress.
Hotel housekeepers know the stress of this work all too well. Studies show that hotel workers have an injury rate 25% higher than all service workers, and among hotel workers—housekeepers
experience the highest injury rates. In a survey of over 600 housekeepers, 91% of housekeepers reported having suffered work-related pain. Nearly all housekeepers are women, and research shows that women are 50% more likely to be injured than men who work at hotels. Latina housekeepers are twice as likely as their white counterparts to get injured on the job.
Over time, cleaning hotel rooms can lead to debilitating injuries that in some instances require surgical intervention, physical therapy, or lead to permanent disability, like the loss of the full use of one’s arm.
Here’s why.
Hotel housekeepers face the risk of injury due to heavy workloads. Lifting mattresses that can weigh over 100 pounds, pushing
heavy carts across carpeted hallways, bending up and down to clean floors and make beds, and climbing to clean high surfaces all take a physical toll.
In a study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine examining a total of 50 hotel properties from 5 different hotel companies, Hyatt housekeepers had the highest injury rate of all housekeepers studied when compared by hotel company.
At some Hyatt hotels, room attendants clean as many as 30 rooms a day, nearly double what is commonly required in the industry. This workload leaves room attendants as little as 15 minutes to clean a room—that’s 15 minutes to make beds, scrub clean the toilet bowl, bathtub and all bathroom surfaces, dust, vacuum, empty the trash, change linens—among other things.
Rushing to complete the work takes a dangerous toll on workers’ bodies, in some cases leading to permanent injuries. Injured workers must often choose between continuing to work in pain or not working at all. A tough decision in today’s economy. Simple solutions can make the difference.
Hotels can take simple steps to reduce the health risks associated with housekeeping work. Things as common sense as fitted sheets, like we use at home, save women from lifting heavy mattresses repeatedly over a day. Long handled mops and dusters, rather than rags, mean that room attendants don’t have to get down on their hands and knees to clean the floors or climb on bathtubs to reach high surfaces. A reasonable room quota means room attendants aren’t forced to rush around, risking slips and falls. These changes can mean the difference between healthy bodies or hurt housekeepers.
Hyatt hotel housekeepers in eight cities across the U.S. are filing injury complaints and recommending common sense solutions
with the governmental agencies responsible for safeguarding the American workplace. The landmark multi-city filing involving 12 Hyatt properties that employ over 3,500 workers is the first of its kind in the private sector. It is an important step in making hotel work safe.
What is the correct order for washing dishes after a meal?
1. Pots, pans, glasses, silverware, plates
2. Silverware, pots, glasses, pans, plates
3. Glasses, silverware, plates, pots, pans
4. Silverware, plates, pots, pans, glasses
Which cleaning item matches the use?
1. Bar soap/ windows
2. Tide/ clothes washing
3. Pledge/tile floors
4. Windex / dishwashing
Which is the correct way to get rid of garbage?
1.Dump in the woods along the road.
2. Have the garbage man pick up the trash from the kitchen
3. Take the trash to a dumpster at the work
4. Put garbage in a plastic garbage bag and tie securely at the top
The toilet is about to overflow. What should you do first?
1. Call a plumber
2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet
3. Call the maintenance man
4. Put drain cleaner in the toilet
Which is a method for lowering the utility and heating bills?
1. Use an open oven turned on high to heat the kitchen
2. Turn thermostat down before leaving for school or work on a cold, day and shut off all lights
3. Leave the air conditioner on all spring
4. Leave curtains and drapes open on a cold night
SKILL ONE
WASHING DISHES WITHOUT A DISHWASHER:
1.If I am washing dishes in my kitchen sink, I will wash the dishes in the following order:
a.Any glasses or cups.
b.All silverware or cooking utensils.
c.All plates and salad bowls.
d.All pots.
e.Finish with the pans.
2.Then clean off all surface areas with clean soapy water in the kitchen which include:
a.Table
b.Countertops
c.Stove
d.Refrigerator
e.Any other areas not mentioned here.
Instructor:Teaching the participant this skill in the order that it is written will leave him/her a very clean kitchen every day.This is the most important part of the house where everyone tends to go to when they come into anyone’s home.Plus, the participant will be healthier because his/her kitchen is cleaner.
SKILL MASTERY:123
SKILL ONE
WASHING DISHES WITHOUT A DISHWASHER:
1.If I am washing dishes in my kitchen sink, I will wash the dishes in the following order:
a.Any glasses or cups.
b.All silverware or cooking utensils.
c.All plates and salad bowls.
d.All pots.
e.Finish with the pans.
2.Then clean off all surface areas with clean soapy water in the kitchen which include:
a.Table
b.Countertops
c.Stove
d.Refrigerator
e.Any other areas not mentioned here.
SKILL TWO
USING THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCT FOR THE RIGHT CHORE:
1.For washing clothes, I will use detergent like Tide.
2.For cleaning windows, I will use a product like Windex.
3.When I dust my furniture, I will use a spray cleaner like Pledge.
4.When I wash my dishes, I will use dish soap like Dawn.
5.When I wash my hands I will use bar soap like Ivory.
Instructor:Walk the participant through the house and show him/her exactly what kind of cleaning product you use for every job.Follow the list as it is written above, and repeat until mastery.It may seem simple enough for you but remember, someone like you or even the grandmother taught you.
SKILL MASTERY:123
SKILL TWO
USING THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCT FOR THE RIGHT CHORE:
1.For washing clothes, I will use detergent, like Tide.
2.For cleaning windows, I will use a product like Windex.
3.When I dust my furniture, I will use a spray cleaner like Pledge.
4.When I wash my dishes, I will use dish soap like Dawn.
5.When I wash my hands, I will use bar soap like Ivory.
SKILL THREE
TAKING OUT THE GARBAGE:
1.Collect all of the small garbage bags from the garbage cans throughout the house.
2.Place the smaller bags into a larger bag if possible.
3.Take the garbage out to the dumpster, or the large garbage cans that are outside.
4.If in large cans outside, take the cans to the designated area, like the curb on the days the garbage is collected in the area.
Instructor:It is almost a surety that this is a chore the participant has been given already.If not, have him/her start doing now while he/she is still living at home.This will give him/her an opportunity to get use to doing this chore before he/she moves out.The participant may complain about having to do this chore, just give positive statements and re-enforcement when he/she remembers to do it on his/her own.
SKILL MASTERY:123
SKILL THREE
TAKING OUT THE GARBAGE:
1.Collect all of the small garbage bags from the garbage cans throughout the house.
2.Place the smaller bags into a larger bag if possible.
3.Take the garbage out to the dumpster, or the large garbage cans that are outside.
4.If in large cans outside, take the cans to the designated area, like the curb on the days the garbage is collected in the area.
SKILL FOUR
STOPPING THE TOILET FROM OVERFLOWING:
1.Turn off the water supply that is on the back left hand side of the toilet.
2.Try to use the plunger on the toilet.
3.Call the maintenance man, if you live in an apartment building.
4.Call a plumber if living in a house where you are responsible for repairs.
5.Call the landlord or owner of the house if they are responsible for the repairs of the house.
Instructor: Very simple steps for the participant to follow.If you dare, clog the toilet once after reviewing these skills several times to see if the participant has mastered the skill.Go through each step with him/her slowly.Show him/her were the shut off valve is behind the toilet so he/she will know where to look.Teach him/her how to use a plunger.He/she can practice this skill without the toilet overflowing.Have the participant write down the numbers of the maintenance man, landlord, or plumber and hang that list on the refrigerator near the house phone.
SKILL MASTERY:123
SKILL FOUR
STOPPING THE TOILET FROM OVERFLOWING:
1.Turn off the water supply that is on the back left hand side of the toilet.
2.Try to use the plunger on the toilet.
3.Call the maintenance man, if you live in an apartment building.
4.Call a plumber if living in a house where you are responsible for repairs.
5.Call the landlord or owner of the house if they are responsible for the repairs of the house.
SKILL FIVE
LOWERING MY HEATING AND UTILITY BILLS:
1.I will put an extra blanket on my bed at night instead of raising the thermostat.
2.I will shut the water off while I am brushing my teeth, and only turn it back on when I need to rinse.
3.I will shut off all the lights in the house in the rooms in which I am not in at the time.
4.I will turn the thermostat down before leaving for school or work and shut off all the lights in the house before I leave.
Instructor: This is another skill that you have been teaching the participant all along.Sit down with him/her and explain why you have asked him/her to do the things that you have.Explain to him/her the importance of shutting the water off, turning off the lights, lowering the thermostat so he/she understands.After explaining these skills to the participant, have him/her be responsible for the above over a one month period.Reassure them that missing a day is OK, but not something he/she wants to do everyday.We all forget sometimes, but to save money, he/she needs to remember these skills on a daily basis.
SKILL MASTERY:123
SKILL FIVE
LOWERING MY HEATING AND UTILITY BILLS:
1.I will put an extra blanket on my bed at night instead of raising the thermostat.
2.I will shut the water off while I am brushing my teeth, and only turn it back on when I need to rinse.
3.I will shut off all the lights in the house in the rooms in which I am not in at the time.
4.I will turn the thermostat down before leaving for school or work and shut off all the lights in the house before I leave.
Housekeeping Post-Test
Name
Date
What is the correct order for washing dishes after a meal?
1. Pots, pans, glasses, silverware, plates
2. Silverware, pots, glasses, pans, plates
3. Glasses, silverware, plates, pots, pans
4. Silverware, plates, pots, pans, glasses
Which cleaning item matches the use?
1. Bar soap/ windows
2. Tide/ clothes washing
3. Pledge/tile floors
4. Windex / dishwashing
Which is the correct way to get rid of garbage?
1.Dump in the woods along the road.
2. Have the garbage man pick up the trash from the kitchen
3. Take the trash to a dumpster at the work
4. Put garbage in a plastic garbage bag and tie securely at the top
The toilet is about to overflow. What should you do first?
1. Call a plumber
2. Turn off the water supply to the toilet
3. Call the maintenance man
4. Put drain cleaner in the toilet
Which is a method for lowering the utility and heating bills?
1. Use an open oven turned on high to heat the kitchen
2. Turn thermostat down before leaving for school or work on a cold, day and shut off all lights
