Cleaning in the age of COVID-19

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As of November 20, 2020, all hosts on AirBnB will be required to commit to AirBnB’s Enhanced Clean, which outlines AirBnB’s new COVID-19 safety and cleaning practices.

Hosts who do not commit to AirBnB’s Enhanced Clean by the November deadline may be subject to warnings, suspensions, and in some cases, removal from the AirBnB platform.

So what is AirBnB’s Enhanced Clean?

OVERVIEW

A 5-step enhanced cleaning process that all hosts must follow between guest stays. Key highlights include:

  • Ventilation before and after stays
  • Use of disinfectants
  • Wearing a mask and gloves while cleaning
  • Using the highest heat setting possible on the dishwasher
  • Not re-entering a room once sanitized
  • Emptying and/or cleaning equipment between each stay

All Happy Host cleaners have completed a COVID-19 training course. If you do not list with us, we recommend you watch the video about the new cleaning process, and send the AirBnB cleaning checklist for your listing to your cleaners (or use it yourself), to ensure it is followed during every cleaning.

THE STEPS

1. Prepare

Proper preparation can help you and your team clean more efficiently and more safely. Make sure to:

  • Ventilate the space before and during cleaning, when possible
  • Use disinfectants approved by your local regulatory agencies for use against COVID-19
  • Always read the directions and warnings on your cleaning products carefully
  • Wash or disinfect your hands, and wear a mask and gloves while cleaning
2. Clean

Cleaning is when you remove dust and dirt from surfaces, such as floors and countertops. Make sure to:

  • Sweep, vacuum, dust, and/or mop areas before sanitizing
  • Wash all dishes and laundry at the highest heat setting possible
  • Wipe down hard surfaces with soap and water
3. Sanitize

Sanitizing is when you use chemicals to reduce the number of bacteria on surfaces such as doorknobs and TV remotes. Make sure to:

  • Spray high-touch surfaces in each room with an approved disinfectant spray
  • Let the disinfectant stand for the length of time specified on the product label
  • Allow the surface to air-dry
4. Check

Sanitizing is when you use chemicals to reduce the number of bacteria on surfaces such as doorknobs and TV remotes. Make sure to:

  • Spray high-touch surfaces in each room with an approved disinfectant spray
  • Let the disinfectant stand for the length of time specified on the product label
  • Allow the surface to air-dry
5. Reset

To help prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to finish cleaning and sanitizing a room before replacing items for the next guest. Make sure to:

  • Wash your hands and replace gloves before replacing guest supplies, linens, and cleaning kits
  • Safely dispose of or wash cleaning supplies and protective gear
  • Don’t re-enter a room once it’s been sanitized
  • Empty and/or clean your equipment (e.g. vacuum, microfiber cloths) between each turnover