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Summer is quickly approaching, which means the busy season is here, especially in the world of vacation rentals. Now is the perfect time to spruce up your property and think about giving your rental some much needed TLC with spring cleaning! Whether you want to revamp your cleaning protocols or implement a new deep cleaning and maintenance checklist, here are 5 tips to get your spring cleaning underway and meet ever evolving guest expectations.
1. Clean & Disinfect
Cleaning is defined by the CDC as: “the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.” It is important to note that disinfection and sanitation are not the same thing and should come AFTER standard cleaning procedures. Although it may seem like these two tasks have a lot in common, they require completely different processes. Sanitizing reduces the number of germs to safe level while disinfecting kills almost 100% of germs on surfaces or objects.
TIP: Use disinfecting products on ALL high-touch areas, including: door knobs, lockboxes, door bells, electronic lock panels, thermostats, railings, microwave handles, light switches, arms of chairs, refrigerator door handles, toilets, faucets, clothes hangers, touch screens, and remote controls.
2. Utilize SAFE Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are made equal, and despite the common misconception, bleach is not always the answer. Using bleach for mold and mildew only kills what's on the surface and not the root of the problem.
TIP: Opt for safe cleaning products with a neutral Ph, especially on your floors.
- Find Breezeways top safe & natural cleaning alternatives HERE.
3. Don’t Overlook The Cleaning of Soft Surfaces
With heightened guest expectations around cleaning and safety, it is imperative to acknowledge that anything that has a surface must be cleaned. While kitchen counter tops and high touch hard surfaces are often thought of first, high traffic soft surfaces like rugs, duvet covers, throw pillows, and fabric couches are utilized just as often and should not be overlooked. These areas should also be cleaned on a regular basis and during every turnover.
TIP: Clean soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, etc. with soap and water. Disinfect using an EPA listed Nexternal icon product if needed. If items can go in a washing machine, use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
4. Understand Dwell Time
Dwell time is something that most people forget about when using a disinfectant. This is the time it takes the cleaning product to penetrate the surface and do the job it is listed to do (clean, disinfect, or sanitize). Be sure to look at the label of your products to ensure proper dwell time.
TIP: Include dwell times in your checklists to maintain consistency across internal and external teams.
5. Prioritize Inspections
Inspections are a quality control tool that ensure your cleaning checklists and protocols have been met and uphold your brand standards. This is the final step to ensure cleanliness for your next guest and can make all the difference in the hospitality of one's stay.
TIP: Once cleaning inspections are completed, advertise on the front door that the property has been through a disinfection process. This will help meet guests' expectations when it comes to making sure their rental has been thoroughly cleaned.
Looking to optimize you cleaning protocols? Check out our comprehensive sanitation and cleaning program in this Housekeeping Checklist.