In our vacation rentals’ various locations short term rentals had been banned from accepting new bookings and allowing guests to check in since March 2020 due to COVID-19.

However after a few months the short term rental ban was lifted (in May in FL and in June in CA & CO). We are so happy to be back in business!

Part of those reopening plans are requirements for enhanced cleaning protocols as required by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation as well as those suggested by the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) and the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA). (You can view those cleaning guidelines here.)

Prior to this it was already of the utmost importance to Rogers Vacation Rentals to offer clean, comfortable and safe accommodations to our guests. We value our housekeepers immensely because we know that they are the key to our success, so much so that every time we receive a review for one of our properties where the guest mentions how clean the property was when they arrived we give that housekeeper a bonus. We are proud of the good cleanliness reputation that we’ve earned with our guests and that can be seen in our many 5-star reviews!

Taking into consideration these new guidelines Rogers Vacation Rentals will be implementing our new “Enhanced Cleaning Protocol” for our short term rental properties.

Enhanced Cleaning Protocol

Providing a clean and safe environment for our guests is of utmost importance to Rogers Vacation Rentals.

In accordance with the local authorities’ reopening plans we provide the following information about the cleaning protocol that is implemented for our properties.

In addition to the very thorough regular cleaning practices that our contract housekeepers perform during every clean we are taking extra steps to follow the recommended VRHP/VRMA Cleaning Guidelines for COVID-19.

Proper PPE Usage

Our housekeepers have been trained in the proper usage of PPE and the products and cleaning agents necessary to properly clean the condo according to these guidelines.

Cleaning and Inspections

We have provided our contract housekeeping staff with EPA registered and approved cleaning products and disinfectants. Particular focus will be given to frequently touched surfaces during each clean:

door knobs (inside and out)
lockboxes or electronics lock panels
light switches
remote controls
arms of chairs
refrigerator door handles
oven door handles
microwave door handles
sliding door handles
toilets
faucets and knobs

Extra cleaning time shall be allocated to existing turnover timeframes.

As part of the guest departure duties guests shall be asked to turn on all ceiling fans and/or HVAC fans to begin to ventilate the property.

Soft Surfaces and Upholstery

Housekeepers shall treat soft surfaces (such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, etc.) as follows:

Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.
Vacuum as usual.
For soft items that cannot be laundered or have not been laundered, using a pressurized pump sprayer to distribute a sanitizing product across all soft surfaces is best. Be sure to know the limitations of your product and that it is safe to use on the soft goods in the property.

Linens and Bedding

Linens and bedding should not be shaken, so as not to disperse viral particulates into the air.
The housekeeper should remove gloves (safely, as per guidelines) after removing the dirty linen and securing them in bags.
Hand sanitizer should be applied and fresh gloves put on before putting the clean linen on the bed.
Ensure that all pillows have pillow protectors on them and the mattress has a mattress pad covering it. These items could be changed as often as needed or as seems reasonable.
Linens and bedding should be laundered and dried at the highest setting the linen will allow is required.
Items that are not laundered should be treated with an EPA-registered household disinfectant.

Trash Removal

Gloves and masks should be worn at all times.
Use a disinfecting product on the trash barrel or bin and place a fresh liner or bag inside.

References:

The most current and comprehensive sources of information on COVID-19 are the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) available via the links below.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/air/managing-sick-travelers/ncov-airlines.html

World Health Organization (WHO):

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019