Cleaning guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19     

To reduce the risk of infection, particularly at this time of the coronavirus pandemic, enhanced cleaning methods are recommended as a precautionary measure. For additional guidelines please click here

On entering the property        

To reduce the risk of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19, you should either remove your footwear or cover them with the disposable shoe covers before entering the property. 

You should avoid all physical contact with others, including physical greetings (handshakes, etc.), and maintain the government recommended social distance from everyone at the property.

Wash your hands        

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before putting on your disposable gloves and (optional) disposable apron.

1. > How to wash your hands: A guide by NHS click here 
2. > How to safely wear and remove disposable gloves click here

Avoid touching your face while cleaning       

It is recommended not to touch your face, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands to avoid contracting and/or spreading COVID-19 —so please pay extra attention when cleaning.

Ventilate rooms before you clean      

Before you start cleaning, be sure to open any windows for ventilation. Remember to close all windows when leaving the property.

Cleaning products and PPE       

As part of your usual cleaning materials (bathroom, kitchen, multipurpose spray etc.), you should also have disposable gloves, disposable shoe covers, masks and an approved disinfectant spray such as Dettol or certified virucidal disinfectant EN 1276 and EN 14476

Cleaning surfaces, including ‘high-touch’ surfaces      

Scientists believe Coronavirus can live on surfaces for up to three days. Therefore, all surfaces should be cleaned with detergent, paying particular attention to ‘high-touch’ surfaces example:

It is recommended that these high-touch surfaces are cleaned using a regular detergent and then disinfected using antibacterial spray. This process will ensure that germs are removed from the surface and reduce the risk of infection.

To avoid contaminating areas already cleaned, start cleaning surfaces from top-to-bottom, working your way down and out of each room.  When finished cleaning and before leaving wash your hands and equipment in the bathroom sink.

Disinfecting ‘high-touch’ surfaces     

All high-touch surfaces should be cleaned using a regular detergent and then disinfected using antibacterial spray.

Spray the antibacterial detergent directly to the surface, wipe over it with a clean damp cloth and leave to dry.

Always read the product label follow the directions for use on the label to ensure that you are using the product, as recommended.  This will maximise its effectiveness and ensure that you do not damage any sensitive surfaces, e.g., granite, marble, etc. 

Use approved disinfectant: Dettol or other certified virucidal disinfectant that meet the EN 1276 and EN 14476 standards are shown to be effective against viruses, including coronavirus.

Cleaning bed linen, clothes, and other soft furnishings       

Bed linen and clothes:  Avoid shaking these items to prevent contaminating clean areas.  Place them delicately in the washing machine and wash them at the highest recommended temperature in accordance with the instruction labels – always read the washing labels.

Soft furnishings: These items (e.g., rugs, cushions, and mats) should be vacuumed with the soft brush attachment.  Do not shake these items out to prevent contaminating clean areas.  These items may also carry germs that can be spread by shaking.

If any of the soft furnishings are soiled, delicately place them in the washing machine, as per the washing instructions, and wash them at the highest recommended temperature – always read the washing labels.

1. > What Do All Those Symbols On Laundry Labels Mean? Click here. 

Vacuuming and Mopping hard floors       

First vacuum the floors, paying attention to corners and under furniture

Hard floors should be cleaned with warm water and a suitable floor cleaning product – always check with your customer what products should be used on their floor. 

To avoid cross-contaminating clean areas, work your way out of the room while mopping.

Dispose of or wash your cleaning products      

If you’re using paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and other disposable cleaning products including  gloves, shoe covers, and apron, carefully put it in the rubbish bag and take it outside 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. Any items which are not machine washable, including mop heads, should be thoroughly rinsed by hand.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap:

1. > How to wash your hands: A guide by NHS click here 
2. > How to safely wear and remove disposable gloves click here