Hygiene, cleanliness and health have never been so important as in these current times. Guest, owners, housekeepers and cleaners all want to be able to enjoy a home from home, while minimizing their risk of contracting, spreading or being infected with Covid-19.
Currently, the government has not issued specific protocols or rules regarding the cleaning holiday cottages. However, we have put information together to help guests, owners and cleaners with extra changes to consider in cleaning regimes.
This is a quick reference/guidance summary. For more detailed references, follow the links below to in-depth articles on the subject;
Advice issued by the UK Government on Cleaning (.gov.uk website)
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Cleaning and Disinfecting for Households
Covid-19 Cleaning Protocols – Cleaning Products and PPE from PASCUK
Cleaning protocols from PASCUK
FAQs in the context of Covid-19 from PASCUK
Risk Assessment for Short-Term and Holiday Rentals and Self-Catering Properties
Checklist for cleaning self-catering properties
General & Preparation for Housekeepers and Cleaners
Of course, sticking to general government advice and common sense cleaning and disinfection is the paramount message. Keep up the basics of frequent and thorough hand washing, social distancing, and self-isolation where indicated. Guests and cleaners/housekeepers should not arrive at the property if they are showing potential symptoms or feel at increased chance of having recently contracted the Covid-19.
• We recommend that cleaners, housekeepers and contractors wash their hands thoroughly before commencing a clean, and after handling rubbish and laundry.
• Avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth during a clean.
• Windows and doors should be opened during cleaning to allow for ventilation.
• If you require more time to complete a deeper clean between bookings, you may need to consider amending check in and check out times
Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitising
Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings
Look for products showing EN14675 or EN14476 to be sure of effectiveness against viruses. Use the appropriate product and ensure it is left on the surface for the required time to kill the virus.
For more on cleaning specific surfaces and suitable products follow this link; Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Cleaning and Disinfecting for Households
Areas of focus
Give attention to high touch areas through the home;
• Doorknobs, stair bannisters, light switches and lamps, window handles, remote controls, thermostats and keys and key safes.
• Appliances such as ovens, fridge freezers, kettles, irons, toasters, and vacuum cleaners.
• Surfaces and edges such as window sills, door frames, door edges and tabletops.
• Bins, bin lids, cleaning equipment eg mops, dustpans & brushes, and brooms.
• Remove or clean other small items and extras such as umbrellas, books,
Generally, consider any objects that you feel are likely to be highly touched or handled by guests as they use the property.
Bedding, Linen and Laundry
Take extra care when changing linen
• Immediately bag dirty linen before removing it from the room.
• Do not shake dirty laundry, this minimises the possibility of dispersing Covid-19 through the air
• Clean your hands after removing dirty linen (including towels bath mats etc), or wear disposable gloves and then remove/replace them once the linen is bagged.
Disposal of Waste
We recommend that waste of any kind should be placed in a plastic bag, tied, and removed from the property and disposed of in an external bin. You should follow government or council guidelines regarding the disposal of hazardous waste.
Other additional options for guest reassurance.
Consider providing extra supplies for your guests to use, over and above what would normally be expected, to ensure guests are able to keep to a high standard of cleanliness. Items such as disinfectant, disposable gloves, new cloths, disposable wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitiser. We also encourage guests to bring along their own supplies if they are concerned.
We advise owners/cleaners/housekeepers, do not conduct any cleaning during a guest’s stay.