COVID-19 Cleaning Protocols for Short Term Rental Hosts: Prioritizing Safety and Hygiene

1. Prepare for cleaning:

– Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a mask.

– Ventilate the property by opening windows and doors before cleaning.

2. High-touch surfaces:

– Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls and faucet handles.

– Use an EPA-approved disinfectant that is effective against COVID-19.

3. Laundry and bedding:

– Wash all linen, towels and bedding with hot water and appropriate detergents.

Consider using a colour-safe bleach to disinfect while maintaining the fabric’s quality.

4. Hard surfaces:

– Clean and disinfect hard surfaces such as counters, tables and kitchen equipment.

– Pay particular attention to kitchen areas where food is prepared.

5. Soft furnishings:

– Vacuum upholstered furniture and curtains.

– Consider using fabric-safe disinfectants on soft surfaces.

6. Bathroom hygiene:

– Disinfect bathroom surfaces, including taps, handles and shower areas.

– Use disposable wipes to clean toilet seats and lids.

7. Ventilation:

– Ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and using fans.

– Increased air circulation will help reduce the concentration of airborne particles.

8. Waste disposal:

– Empty and disinfect waste bins and replace liners.

– Dispose of used cleaning materials and PPE properly.

9. Guest information:

– Inform guests of your cleaning procedures.

– Provide guidelines for responsible behaviour during their stay.

10. Post-cleaning inspection:

– Conduct a thorough post-cleaning inspection to ensure that all areas have been properly disinfected.

– Consider using a checklist to check the tasks that have been completed.

11. Communication:

– Communicate your enhanced cleaning protocols to potential guests in your listing description.

– Address any safety concerns that guests may have.

12. Guest check-in:

– Implement touchless check-in procedures to reduce physical interaction.

– Provide key pick-up instructions or digital entry codes.

13. Cleaning frequency:

– Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

– Consider leaving a gap between bookings to allow for thorough cleaning.

14. Training and resources:

– Keep up to date with the latest health authority cleaning guidelines.

– Train your cleaning staff or team members in proper COVID-19 cleaning procedures.

By carefully following these COVID-19 cleaning protocols, you will demonstrate your commitment to the safety and well-being of your guests. As guests seek reassurance and a clean environment, your proactive approach can help create a positive experience while prioritising health in these challenging times.

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