In many parts of the world, travel has resumed almost as normal. However, the spread of COVID-19 still remains a major concern, especially for travelers who are renting vacation properties. If you are a vacation property owner with an AirBnB or VRBO home and you aren’t sure how to best make your guests feel safe and comfortable in your space, here are three simple and effective tips for sanitizing your vacation rental.
1. Offer Additional Guest Support
AirBnB and VRBO Guests are now more likely to be hyper-aware of cleanliness in their vacation rental. You can support them by providing extra precautions and offerings in your AirBnB or VRBO vacation rental.
Some options for additional guest safety could include:
- Implementing contactless check-in and check-out for guests – either online or over the phone and switching to keyless doors.
- Placing disinfectant sprays and wipes on kitchen and bathroom counters, along with a note on how to use them. It’s important to note that you will need to clean the outside of disinfectant bottles before you or your future guests use them.
- Providing hand sanitizer in each room and at the entryway(s) of the rental space.
- Posting proper handwashing instructions near sinks (download our free, printable handwashing poster here), alongside antimicrobial soaps.
- Placing tv remotes in clear plastic bags for safer use.
- Leaving trash cans at all entryways.
2. Start with a Basic Cleaning
When your guests leave, before you start a full sanitization, you should perform a general cleaning of your vacation rental space. Basic cleaning may not necessarily kill germs, but it will remove them and rid the space of things like dirt, dust, and crumbs. This lowers the risk of spreading infection and can help make the more thorough sanitation process more effective.
To start, take out any trash that has been left behind. Wash all bedding and towels that were used on high heat. Wipe down the kitchen counters, bathroom counters, dining tables, end tables, nightstands, and any other hard, high touch surfaces. Run dishes that have been used and left out on the highest heat possible. Lastly, sweep, vacuum, and mop the entirety of the rental space.
Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands regularly when cleaning up after guests. If you hire a housekeeping company to clean your AirBnB or VRBO after guests leave, you’ll want to make sure that the company you hire has policies in place to make sure sick workers don’t come into your vacation rental leaving germs behind.
3. Perform a Thorough Sanitization
After the basic cleaning of your vacation rental, you will want to perform a very thorough, full sanitization. Unlike basic cleaning, sanitization will kill germs on hard surfaces and objects in your rental space.
We recommend sanitizing with products that have been approved by the EPA to kill harmful pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These products are most likely to provide effective sanitization in your space. Follow the instructions that are printed on the label for the best result.
When sanitizing, you should focus primarily on high-touch areas, like doorknobs, faucets, light switches, and cabinet handles. Spray these areas with your sanitizing products, and allow them to air dry.
Additionally, you may want to consider hiring a professional, like Alpha Decon, to sanitize your AirBnB or VRBO for you. Professionals will have all the necessary personal protective equipment, and can typically perform sanitizing services much faster than an individual or typical house cleaning service.
Sanitize Your Vacation Rental Property with Alpha Decon
At Alpha Decon, we offer fast and effective disinfection and sanitization for vacation rentals, AirBnBs, and VRBOs. Our long-lasting spray provides extended protection after application, which helps reduce the transmission of disease when the surface is exposed to pathogens after the service.
Contact us today to schedule your professional sanitizing service, and make your guests feel confident in your space.