Coronavirus: Deep Cleaning Tips for Holiday Rentals

It’s key to regain the trust of visitors and to reassure them that you're providing a correctly cleaned holiday rental for their stay. From disinfecting to using the right products and step-by-step cleaning guidelines, here are some coronavirus cleaning tips to help protect your cleaners and guests during COVID-19 and beyond.

  • Which products for where?

  • Don’t just sanitise – clean first then sanitise. It’s better to first clean the area with warm soapy water and then apply disinfectant (let it stand for a few minutes before wiping) to kill viruses, bacteria and germs.
  • Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate the property during the entire cleaning process and ask guests to air the property during their stay.
  • Use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible or machine-wash reusable cloths at the highest heat setting appropriate after each clean.
  • Disinfect kitchen brushes and sponges with detergent and warm water. You could also put sponges or cloths in the microwave on high for a minute or two.
  • Soft furnishings and carpets – consider using a disinfectant spray or steam cleaner/carpet cleaner. Test on a hidden area first.
  • Some accommodation providers are using fogging machines which disperse disinfectant in a fine mist to cover surfaces after cleaning.
  • To prevent contamination of upholstery, cover the furniture with washable sheets. Ideally, remove decorative scatter cushions or cover with washable covers.
  • Bedding & linen – ask guests to strip beds and place dirty linen into bags on departure.
    • Do not shake dirty laundry as this minimises the possibility of dispersing viruses into the air.
    • Remove from the property before cleaning commences and use fresh clean gloves to put out clean towels and linen onto the beds.
    • Machine wash at 60°C all linen, mattress/pillow protectors, towels, bath mats and tea towels (even unused ones as guests may have touched them).
    • Pillows, duvets, throws, cushions etc. should be sprayed with disinfectant or rotate a clean set between guests.
    • Run the washing machine on empty once a week, either at a high temperature or with a chemical disinfectant to prevent the growth of germs.
  • Ask guests to put their waste in a tied plastic bag and dispose it in an external bin.
  • Double check all surfaces for dust. If you or your guests see dust, then it’s questionable whether the property has been thoroughly cleaned.

All surfaces that guests have come into contact with must be cleaned and disinfected, including:

  • General:

  • Door handles
  • Door frames
  • Surfaces
  • Floors
  • Appliances
  • Light/lamp switches
  • Remote controls
  • Tables
  • Window sills and handles
  • Thermostats
  • Keys
  • Key lock box
  • Hairdryers
  • Stair railings
  • Ironing boards and irons
  • Bins (indoor and outdoor)
  • Plugs and cables
  • Telephone
  • Dog basket
  • Mirrors
  • Blind cords/pulleys
  • Indoor/outdoor furniture & chairs
  • Barbeque

  • Kitchen:

  • Sinks
  • Worktops
  • Tiles
  • Cabinets & handles
  • Fridge and freezer
  • Condiments
  • Run all your crockery, pots, pans, glasses, cutlery,  and utensils through the dishwasher or wash in hot soapy water – not just the ones that the guest used as it’s likely they will have touched many of them

  • Bathroom:

  • Every surface in the bathroom should be disinfected
  • Sinks
  • Taps
  • Tiles
  • Toilets – flush handles, seats and lids
  • Disinfect your toilet brush
  • Showers and bath
  • Toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and soap dispensers

  • Bedroom:

  • Hangers and luggage racks
  • Bed frames
  • Headboards
  • Laundry basket

  • Cleaning:

  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Cleaning supplies & equipment
  • Dustpan, brush and brooms

  • Hot tubs & pools

  • There is currently no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools and hot tubs. Disinfect external touch points (handles, lids, steps and control panels) and follow the proper maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine or bromine) and sanitisation guidelines.

  • Kids’ items:

  • High chairs
  • Cot

  • Guest information:

  • Guest information packs should be stored in wipeable laminated folders. Ideally, you should email guests all the relevant guest information that they need ahead of their arrival or provide a digital guestbook.

  • Welcome basket:

  • If you provide a welcome basket to guests during their stay, consider only offering items which are sealed or packaged – ideally presented in a wipeable container or simply leave them as stand-alone items.

  • Remove non-essential items:

  • Some properties are de-cluttering and removing non-essential amenities that could be regularly touched (e.g. toys, games, books,  flyers) and making them available upon request. Alternatively, rotate items, take them away for 72 hours or consider whether any items can be left and disinfected at changeover.

Finally, as your cleaner or yourself leaves the property, make sure the entry process is disinfected. This might be a keypad, key safe or keys.