Hospital housekeepers are responsible for sustaining a sterile environment by routinely clean patient rooms, nursing units, surgical areas, administrative offices, laboratory areas, waiting areas and public restrooms, as well as launder all hospital linen. Using various cleaning chemicals and disinfectants, housekeepers wipe equipment, clean furniture, polish floors and vacuum carpets. They make beds, empty trash and restock medical supplies. Housekeepers also collect dirty laundry from all patient areas and distribute the clean linen and hospital gowns back to the appropriate floors.

Housekeeping positions usually require only a high school diploma, basic math skills and the ability to follow instructions. Most employers provide on-the-job training.