Cleaning & Disinfecting Guidelines during the time of Covid-19

Personal Hygiene 

It all starts by looking after yourself, 

 Here are few basic steps that can help keep the Covid-19 virus away from you and the people around you;

1) Wash Wash Wash your hands:  

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

2) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

3) Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

4) Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Cleaning your Home 

COVID-19 has forced us all to take a closer look at what we touch and how we clean.

How do germs “work” and how does COVID-19 stack up?

While research into the COVID-19 virus is ongoing, we know the virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (through coughing and sneezing), and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. The virus may survive on surfaces for a few hours up to several days. The good news? Simple disinfectants can kill it. Now what does this mean for your home? 

Here are some guidelines to follow when cleaning your space between guests. If you work with a cleaning professional, instruct them to use this list, too.

1. Use Personal Protective equipment.

Personal protective items like gloves, gowns, and face masks or cloth facial coverings can provide additional protection. Make sure to throw gloves out after each cleaning and then immediately wash your hands.

2. Ventilate rooms before you clean.

Allow fresh air to circulate for at least 20 minutes. If possible, leave all windows open during the entire cleaning process.

3. Clean, then disinfect.

Use detergent or soap and water to remove dirt, grease, dust, and germs. Once the surface is clean, spray with a disinfectant. Let it stand for a few minutes, then wipe—and if you’re not using paper towels or disposable wipes, it’s best to use a new cleaning cloth for each guest.

4. Use the right disinfectant.

Most common household disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as cleaning solutions with diluted household bleach or at least 70% alcohol, are believed to be effective against the coronavirus. Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces, like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles. (See our full list of surfaces to disinfect at the bottom of the page.)

5. Don’t forget about sofas, rugs, drapes, and other soft, porous surfaces.

Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then clean with the appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. If possible, machine-wash items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer.

That includes bed sheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Remember to wear gloves when handling dirty laundry, and take care to avoid shaking laundry, which could increase the spread of germs.

7. Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers.

If possible, consider using a liner that is either disposable or that you can throw into the washing machine.

8. Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning.

You should wipe down the vacuum cleaner with disinfectant, along with appliances like your dishwasher and washing machine.

9. Line trash cans.

Placing bags into trash bins will make it easier to dispose of tissues and other waste.

10. Dispose of or wash your cleaning supplies.

If you’re using paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning supplies, take the trash out after you’re done. If you’re using cleaning cloths and other reusable products, make sure to machine-wash them at the highest heat setting appropriate for the material.

11. Safely remove any cleaning gear.

When you’re done cleaning, immediately remove any protective outerwear like gowns, gloves, or masks, and dispose of them or wash accordingly. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds afterwards.

Support for the Guests

1) Avoid unnecessary contact with your guests: 

You can help encourage social distancing by offering self check-in and checkout. For more information you can contact the Belvilla Property Management Services on propertymanagement@belvilla.com. 

You can also minimize person-to-person contact by avoiding routine maintenance during your guest’s stay.

2) Stock essential amenities for your guests:

Things like:

  • Antibacterial hand sanitizer
  • Disposable gloves and wipes
  • Hand soap
  • Paper towels
  • Tissues
  • Toilet Paper

Be sure to stock plenty of extra towels and sheets, especially for guests who are staying for more than a few days. You can encourage guests to clean up after themselves by leaving disinfectants and other cleaning supplies for them. You may even want to print and share the above cleaning guidelines so that if they decide to clean or wash linens, they can do so according to the CDC’s guidelines.

3.) Prepare visible signs as reminders: 

If possible prepare and install visible signs for the guests reminding them about washing their hands, instruction on doing their laundry, best practices for cleaning and self care etc.