How to ensure your property is as clean and safe as can be.

COVID-19 is still a relatively unknown virus and how the virus lives on surfaces is yet to be fully understood. It’s possible for someone to contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface – like a door handle or light switch, and the virus may live on some surfaces for several hours or even days.

It’s likely that your cleaner(s) will be the first ones to enter your property after the last guest’s depart, so it’s essential to protect them with the right equipment and procedures so they stay healthy.

Share information on how they can protect themselves and keep them updated on the latest Government safety advice, so they know you are looking out for their wellbeing.

Here are some recommendations for your cleaning crew:

• Cleaners should not work at all if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Cleaners should wear masks as it’s possible that they are contagious but not experiencing symptoms.
• They should wear safety glasses, shoe covers, gloves and avoid touching any uncleaned surfaces then touching their face.
• They should wash their hands immediately on arrival (following the correct procedure for handwashing) and immediately after gloves are removed. If that’s not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Make sure your cleaners know how to safely remove any cleaning gear, dispose of it, or sanitise accordingly after use.

Corona Cleaning Tips

While every holiday rental is cleaned thoroughly between guests, many of the “high-touch” areas (such as light switches and handles) may get overlooked. The coronavirus requires taking additional steps to sanitise your property to ensure that a previous guest does not infect a future guest.

Many NHS staff and frontline healthcare workers have made the difficult decision to live away from their families while they go to work during the coronavirus outbreak. Although traditional bookings have been cancelled, some holiday lets are offering their properties to such professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are, here are some tips for property managers and cleaning staff during and post COVID-19:

• It’s recommended to keep a minimum gap of 3 days between check-outs and check-ins (where possible) during the pandemic to provide ample time to properly clean and disinfect all areas.
• Don’t just sanitise – clean first then sanitise. It’s better to first clean the area with warm soapy water and then apply disinfectant (let it stand for a few minutes before wiping) to kill viruses, bacteria, and germs.
• Allow fresh air to circulate the property during the entire cleaning process.
• Use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible or machine-wash reusable cloths at the highest heat setting appropriate after use.
• Disinfect kitchen brushes and sponges with detergent and warm water. You could also put sponges or cloths in the microwave on high for a minute or two.
• When items cannot be cleaned using detergents e.g. upholstered furniture, steam clean.
• To prevent contamination of upholstery, cover the furniture with washable sheets. Ideally, remove decorative scatter cushions or cover with washable covers.
• Laundry – machine washed at 60°C all linens, blankets, throws and towels (even unused ones as guests may have touched them). Run the washing machine on empty once a week, either at a high temperature or with a chemical disinfectant to prevent the growth of germs.
• All surfaces that guests have come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected, including: