How To Keep Yourself Safe When Cleaning During The Pandemic
Life is vastly different now and there is no denying it. With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing down and a vaccine still months away, we have no choice but to adapt to the current circumstances.
We’re washing our hands more often, cleaning high traffic areas multiple times a day, wearing a mask, and keeping our distance from our loved ones to keep them (and us) safe. The list of precautions we take daily is endless.
The place where there is no room for error when it comes to safety is when you are working. Housekeeper.com is here to offer support and tips for how to keep yourself safe when housekeeping. You bring so much joy to families and individuals by providing a clean home (nothing beats that fresh home smell) and we want you to protect yourself during these uncertain times.
Before the cleaning takes place:
Discuss with the homeowner if they will be home during the cleaning. If they will be home devise a plan to ensure you can physically distance. If the weather is nice and there is an outdoor space, ask the homeowner to stay outdoors for the duration of the cleaning.
If there is no access to an outdoor space, ask the homeowner to leave the room in which you are cleaning in. For example, the homeowner can stay in their bedroom as you clean the entirety of the home and call them when you are done to switch places.
These procedures will allow for proper physical distancing.
The day before the scheduled cleaning:
Check in with the homeowner 24 hours before your scheduled cleaning. Ask them if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms such as fever.
Before arriving ask the homeowner for a cleaning checklist. Knowing what you are walking into will better prepare you for the job at hand. If the homeowner does not have a cleaning checklist on hand, we have a template they can use and edit as they see fit.
Confirm with the homeowner if they will have cleaning supplies ready for you. One way to reduce the spread of germs is to not take cleaning supplies from home to home.
Make sure you are cleaning with products that kill COVID-19. There are hundreds of products on the market and walking the grocery aisle can be overwhelming. We have a list of products approved to kill COVID-19. Ask the homeowner to purchase products off of the above list to ensure everything can be as germ free as possible.
Ask the homeowner if they will supply PPE. Make sure you know what to bring. Masks, gloves, and shoe covers are great to have on hand and most homeowners will provide these items.
Day of the cleaning:
Open all doors and windows when you enter the home. The increased ventilation will increase air circulation.
Arrange contactless payment. E-transfer is a great option, or money in an envelope left on the counter reduces the need for face to face contact.
Follow CDC cleaning and safety tips. By now it has become second nature but it’s never a bad idea to have a refresher.
As a closing note, try and space cleanings a day apart. By doing this you allow yourself time to change clothes before entering another home and therefore further reducing the spread of germs. We know this is not always possible but something to keep in mind.
Thank you for all the hard work you do to make our lives easier!
