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Hotel Housekeeping Bed Making Procedure | SOP | 2025

 

Hotel beds must be presented neatly and professionally.  Guests will always appreciate comfortable and neatly made beds.  It is part of our job in the hospitality industry to make sure that we do everything we can to make the guest’s stay a happy one. It is not enough to have OK service; the service must be excellent so that the guest will keep coming back.

Preparing for Bed Making:

 

• First put on your gloves before stripping the bed.
• Remove soiled bed linen from the bed, making sure that the soiled linen doesn't touch your body. This includes the duvet cover, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcases, etc.
• Look at the mattress pad/mattress protector to see if it is stained, torn, or damaged. If it is not straightening make sure the mattress and box spring are even.
• Always adjust the mattress with your leg and not with your back to avoid any injuries.
• If the mattress pad is stained then remove it straight away.
• Get a clean mattress pad and place it on the mattress:
• Ensure that the mattress itself is ok. Hotel mattresses are turned often to prolong life. 
• Lay the fresh mattress protector on the bed.
• Unfold the pad right-side-up and spread it evenly over the center of the bed.
• Smooth out any wrinkles.
• Mattress pads/mattress protectors come in different sizes, be sure to use the correct size.
• Make sure you have the correct size sheets as well.
• Never use a stained or torn sheet. Place them immediately in your solid linen bag.
• Take the fresh sheets and 4 pillowcases.
• Make sure the pillow covers are of the correct size

 

Download bed making procedure in hotel pdf here

 

Making the bed:

 

• Pull the bed a little away from the headboard.
• Spread the 1st bedsheet and tuck the bottom side of the bed except for the four corners.
• Take the loose end of the sheet, about a foot from the corner at the head of the bed, and pull it straight out, forming a flap. Pull up the flap so it is flat.
• Tuck in the free part of the corner.
• Pull the flap out toward you and down over the side of the bed. Tuck the flap in.
• Move to the corner at the foot of the bed on the same side of the bed and repeat the procedure.
• Spread the second sheet from the wrong side up, from the edge of the mattress.
• Place the duvet/ quilt 6” lower than the 2nd sheet.
• Spread the third sheet over the quilt. If you are using a duvet, do not place a sheet on top.
• Fold the second sheet above the quilt and the third sheet and make a fold approximately 6” to 8”.
• Tightly tuck the sheets under the mattress.
• Go towards the foot of the bed and tightly tuck the second sheet, quilt, and third sheet together.
• Maître the corners.
• Insert the pillows into the new pillowcases and tuck in the loose ends.
• Repeat this process for all the other pillows.
• Place the pillows on the bed with the tucked edges facing the center and the tucked flaps on the other side of the pillows.
• Position the bedspread on the bed with equal amounts hanging over both sides and the foot of the bed.
• Report to the Executive Housekeeper if you notice stains or tears in the bedspread.
• Smooth the bedspread over the pillows to the head of the bed.
• Tuck the remaining of bedspread under the front edge of the pillows.
• Smooth the surface of the bed.
• Check the bedspread for evenness on both sides.
• Push back bed towards the side of headboard in the exact position.
• All the four corners of the bed are mitered properly. Bed linen is stain-free and properly pressed. The bed has to be firm.
• The distance of the pillow from the Headboard to the fold of the bed is approximately 20”.
• Arrange pillow cushions/bed runners on the bed. 
• Add any decorative items as per the hotel procedure. 

 

How long should it take to make a hotel bed?

Bed making should take 5-7 minutes. Also, to consider is that it will also depend on the bed size, linen used, and other decorative items used by the hotel.

 

The importance of room attendants

• Room attendants play an important role in the organization because of their visibility, their guest contact, and their responsibility for clean, hygienic, and comfortable rooms. All of these convey a critical message to guests. You are responsible for the hygiene, safety, maintenance, and appearance of your areas.
• The housekeeping team plays a greater role than any other department in ensuring that the room's product meets the conditions that guests need and expect.

 

Remember: Hotel guests expect beds to look neat and well presented at all times, whether on check-in or during their stay. 

 

This blog is proudly presented by Samkeliso Nkwanyane, a seasoned hospitality expert consultant and trainer. With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sam has dedicated his career to elevating standards, enhancing guest experiences, and maximizing return on investment for businesses. In 2011, he took his passion a step further by founding a hospitality consultancy and training company, offering his invaluable services to Resorts, Hotels, Safari Lodges, and other hospitality establishments across South Africa and beyond. If you're looking to elevate your business with Sam's expertise, reach out at training@hospitalitycourses.co.za or call/WhatsApp +27-82-765-9238.

Creating a welcoming and comfortable sleeping area goes beyond mere housekeeping; it's an art that significantly impacts guest satisfaction and overall experience. A perfectly made bed can transform a room, lift spirits, and improve sleep quality. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the professional bed-making process, step by step. Whether you aim to impress guests, spruce up your space, or simply indulge in the luxury of a well-made bed every night, follow along as we unveil the secrets to achieving perfection.

 

Are you working in the housekeeping department? Do you apply these methods? Which country are you from? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment.