Now is a time of much uncertainty. One thing that is certain is that many of us still need employment, and there are still people that need a place to stay. When choosing to go stay somewhere, high-level cleanliness is a top priority. Many folks still want and need the ability to leave the safety of their own homes and go seek business, or adventure away.
If you are an owner, manager, or Airbnb cleaner, you have faced this new challenge of ensuring the safety of your guests and yourself. Be proactive during these times, with easy to obtain knowledge. Being educated makes you an asset to your clients and more confident in skills that are imperative during these challenging times.
Being knowledgeable about the newest standards is critical to the success of yourself and your clients. A great place to start is with CDC information. Most of us have heard references of these CDC guidelines throughout the duration of the pandemic. The CDC is constantly updating their website with the latest COVID-19 information, which is important in the ever-changing pandemic.
Other helpful resources would be checking into the individual State guidelines. Your state may have specific guidelines for vacation rentals, cleaning, or just rules about when and where masks should be used. OSHA also has information and some training courses online. They offer tips, ideas, and other helpful information.
TurnoverBnB also offers Airbnb cleaners and hosts with a COVID-19 Education and Safety Course. If you have not checked it out yet, take the course today. I took the course and quiz and found it informative and easy to follow. You can also earn a badge, letting clients know you have taken this course.
Recently I joined the AHCA, The American House Cleaners Association, which is another great resource. I was able to earn a Certification for COVID-19 Cleaning. I can certify my help, and I can gain information and guidance from peers in the Airbnb cleaning industry.
Here are some helpful suggestions –
- Stock up on safety equipment, soaps, and disinfectants, but don’t hoard. There are others that need these supplies too.
- Sanitize your way in. Take a wipe or cloth with disinfectant and actually sanitize as you go into and around the property. Think like a guest, wipe all the high touch areas, sanitize a spot to begin.
- Open up rentals when arriving, let the fresh air flow through, and clear out germs and stale air.
- Launder all the bedding, covers, blankets, throws, and towels. If you don’t have time to do all of these things, invest in a steamer. The high-temperature steam will kill germs and dry quickly.
- Clean all dishes, silverware, etc. in hot water and soap or in the dishwasher with hot water and hi-temp dry.
- Wash and sanitize all surfaces.
- Sanitize your equipment when done.
- Let your clients know the importance of cleaning and disinfecting between guests. Let them know you need ample time to make sure the home is cleaned properly to ensure the safety of their guests.
Not only do these resources provide valuable information, but you learn steps to protect yourself and your Airbnb cleaning crew. Furthermore, clients will be attracted to cleaners that are certified to deal with COVID. This also makes your business and workers more prepared to help in the fight against spreading COVID-19. I know we are all wanting and wishing this pandemic to be over as soon as possible, by educating yourself and being smart about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you are helping to reach that goal.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with some COVID information. Work smart and safe, make some plans and procedures, communicate with your clients.
Stay safe, stay positive, and be well! Share what you learn, as knowledge is power.
