As we start to see some slight easing of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, and suggestions that the hospitality industry could begin to open from early July, hotels and holiday accommodation providers are facing a number of decisions about how they can run their businesses safely. Holidays in the UK, and self-catering holidays in particular are likely to be extremely popular this year.
Apart from the need to maintain social distancing, to avoid spreading the virus from person to person, the virus can also land on any surface through coughing, sneezing or touch. Depending on the surface, the virus can remain there for up to 72 hours.
We’ve received numerous enquiries from holiday accommodation providers who are looking for advice on what their cleaning and sanitisation regime should be and the most appropriate types of cleaning equipment to use.
Holiday accommodation providers are of course concerned with the safety and well-being of staff, customers and guests, and will be working to the Guidance from Public Health England so our recommendations are based on this and the various considerations that accommodation providers have identified as they seek to create a safe environment for holidaymakers and once which not only is safe but feels safe, so that their customers can feel at ease and enjoy their break.
Cleaning self-catering holiday accommodation
Self-catering accommodation (including holiday cottages, lodges, yurts, caravans, campervans, motorhomes etc) needs to be thoroughly prepared before guests arrive.
What this means:
Pre-cleaning sanitisation
To protect your cleaning staff, we recommend sanitising the accommodation before cleaning. This is simply and effectively done using a portable fogging machine with a COVID-19 approved disinfectant. The accommodation can then be closed for a period of 5 – 10 minutes, then opened back up to allow it to quickly air dry.
Interior deep cleaning
Hard surfaces can be cleaned using standard cleaning equipment and disinfectant. Every surface that may have been touched must be cleaned – including light switches, kitchen appliances, door handles, taps etc. All cleaning staff must wear appropriate PPE (disposable gloves and aprons as a minimum) which should be disposed of carefully, as explained in the guidance. If there is any suggestion that the accommodation’s previous occupants may have been unwell, then cleaners should also protect their nose, eyes and mouth.
All soft furnishings and curtains which can’t be washed, should be steam cleaned.
Repeat the sanitisation process
Once the accommodation has been properly cleaned, it will need to be sanitised again.
Sanitising outside areas
Please also make sure that outside door handles, keys, handrails etc are also cleaned and sanitised. Outside areas can simply be treated using a hand pump sprayer with the same COVID-19 approved disinfectant.
Cleaning hotels and guest-houses
The same principles apply as for self catering accommodation, and the communal areas also need regular cleaning and sanitisation. Corridors, entrance areas, kitchens and restaurants will require regular cleaning throughout the day.
In all cases, it’s also important to make sure that any cleaning equipment that is being used is also cleaned & sanitised regularly.
So in summary, this is the cleaning and sanitising equipment that we recommend:
1. Cleaning materials and disinfectants (from your usual suppliers)
2. Steam cleaners – which can vary in size and portability, depending on the areas you need to clean
3. Fogging machines / sprayers, used with anti-viral disinfectant.
We have foggers and sanitising equipment in stock and are here to offer our support and advice for any cleaning equipment you may require to carry out these tasks.
We wish you good luck and a successful summer season.
Blog by Ian Hodkinson updated 20th August 2020
