We have been hosting AirBnB rentals for a few years now, and we can honestly say we weren’t sure what the COVID-19 pandemic was going to mean for our 2020 rental season . If you’re like us, as an AirBnB host, you want to provide your guests the best possible experience. Given the current state of events, we were initially hesitant to commit to opening our home to travelers this year. But after some research and reviewing the protocols Airbnb has developed as a result of the pandemic, we decided to give it a shot. The following is our approach to hosting an Airbnb during a pandemic.
You’ll find many references to the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites in this post. We believe their guidance is tops in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and have incorporated them into our Airbnb hosting protocols.
First Things First – Take the AirBnB Training
Airbnb now offers an ‘Enhanced Cleaning Protocol‘ for hosts. They have worked with leading health and hospitality experts to develop this training. Once you complete Airbnb’s “Enhanced Clean” training, your listing will display that you did so. This provides potential guests with peace of mind that you are being extra diligent during these times. This feature highlights your commitment to sanitizing high touch surfaces, using cleaners and disinfectants with 70% alcohol or higher, wearing a mask and gloves while cleaning, wash linens on high heat settings and follow local guidance.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a long list of all the approved COVID-19 cleaning agents listed here.
Watch the News
While preparing to host your guests, it’s a good idea to have an idea what the news is saying . Be aware of where your guests are traveling from, and provide them information about where they are traveling to. Stay up on local regulations in the town where your Airbnb is located, and be sure to regularly familiarize yourself with the Airbnb requirements.
Allow for one night in between guests
When planning out your Airbnb calendar, the app actually allows you to block out one night in between guests. This allows a full 24 hours to pass without anyone needing to enter the rental space. While it is not fully known how long the virus remains on certain surfaces, it can’t hurt to allow the extra time.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask while cleaning protects both you and the guests by minimizing exposure to the virus. And if you are planning to greet your guests in person, you’ll certainly want to have your mask on and practice physical distancing. You can read more about wearing your mask properly on the CDC website.
Run a fan
Once the guests check out, we open a window, place a fan in the rental space and run it to get the air circulating. Improving airflow is one of the ways to minimize interaction with the virus.
“Taking measures to improve ventilation in an area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 will help shorten the time it takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.”
CDC
Handling Laundry with Care
When doing laundry, we developed a system where we put all the dirty sheets and towels into a trash bag to transfer them from the rental space to the washing machine. We then directly empty the contents of the bag into the washer. We wash and dry the linens on the hot setting.
“If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.”
CDC
Wash Your Hands Frequently
And refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth in between washings. Washing your hands often is one of the best ways to minimize the transfer of the disease.
“Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used. “
CDC
Redecorate a Little
Our rental space was by no means consumed by decorative pieces, but we have made an effort to reduce some of the decorations/knickknacks to minimize touch surfaces around the space. This decreases the amount of surfaces you’ll need to clean in between guests.
Peace of Mind
We also furnish the rental space with anti-bacterial hand soap and disinfectant spray. With these items at their disposal, guests so can regularly wash their hands and any items they bring into the AirBnB.
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. CDC
CDC
Update Your Recommendations
This is also a good time to revisit the list of restaurants and establishments that you usually recommend to your guests. Be mindful that some of the establishments may not currently be open due to the pandemic. Additionally, make recommendations for spots that offer take out and patio seating. And don’t forget to remind them is there is a mask ordinance locally in place.
Make a list and Check it Twice!
It’s helpful to develop a list of cleaning duties, even when a pandemic isn’t afoot. This list will help you stay on task with your cleaning ritual and is super helpful in the event that you need to have someone cover a cleaning shift for you. This ensures cleaning consistency from one guest to the next. Your list should include high touch surfaces like light switches, handles and counter tops. By including knobs, chairs, doors, remotes and bed frames to your list, you’ll cover pretty much all bases.
A thorough cleaning of our ~400sqft Airbnb space takes the better part of four hours. It is essentially a non-stop cleaning while four loads of laundry are washed and dried.
For more ideas and suggestions for starting up an Airbnb or stepping up your Airbnb game, check out 11 Tips to Nail Hosting a Successful Airbnb. Or feel free to drop us a line!
Are you hosting an Airbnb this year? How have you changed your hosting practices?
Wow I never knew that AirBnB offered an enhanced cleaning course. This will definitely put a lot of people’s minds at ease. It’s good to know you’re taking all of these precautions and I hope other hosts see this and take away the useful tips too.
We were very impressed to be honest Ellie! They did a great job at preparing to keep things business as usual. We’re excited to continue hosting those who are still willing to travel 🙂
This was a really good read. While I’m not a host, I have used Airbnb successfully in the past and plan on doing so moving forward. However, there’s a little additional concern right now around the idea of booking a rental somewhere – I love that the company is offering training and letting us know which hosts have taken the time to learn how to offer a safer experience. That’s a great starting point for narrowing down listings that make you feel safer during the current situation.
That’s completely fair Britt. It’s one thing to say you’re doing something and another to actually be doing it. We can only hope the pride we take in maintaining our rental is exercised widely within the Airbnb community. Safe travels once you get back out there and stay well!
Some great advice. Talking the Airbnb course should be mandatory. A good idea to leave 1 min of 1 day in-between guests to allow for cleaning. Great advice.
Completely agreed Rebecca! We’re a little surprised that it isn’t to be honest. We appreciate that they’ve made an effort to inform hosts how to best manage their properties during these times. Hopefully most hosts are following their advice. Stay well!
This is helpful to know as someone who is considering travel. It’s nice to know that AirBnB hosts are being so diligent with safety precautions. I can’t imagine how it must feel to be a host in these unprecedented times but I am grateful that there are people like you out there taking the extra mile to help your guests feel comfortable as they are traveling!
That is so nice of you to say Caylee. As dedicated members of the Airbnb community, we really didn’t want to skip a season so we’re happy that they implemented protocols to give hosts and guests peace of mind. We wish you all the best in your travels this year. Stay well and feel free to reach out if you’re planning to travel to the Outer Banks in NC!
It’s really wonderful to know that there are Airbnb hosts who are taking those extra precautions and making their space as safe as possible with the resources they have. You’ve gone above and beyond with your rental and I love hearing that. It makes me feel a little better about the idea of traveling to an Airbnb in the near future!
It sounds like a lot of extra work for you, but it’s so great to know that Airbnb and hosts like you are really paying attention to cleaning standards and guidance. It makes me less nervous to start traveling again!
Agreed Kait! TO be honest, not sure they had much of a choice as far as having to step above and beyond to encourage folks to keep using their service. Of course, we’re happy to comply!
Great tips! We host with Airbnb and I definitely need a day between guests!
Thanks Kelsey and happy to share! Have you been busy this year? Our summer has been pretty packed, other than the day off between guests. Hope you’re having a good year!
These are great tips! I had a bunch of Airbnb cancellations at the beginning of the pandemic, but there were still a few that followed through because of business or family matters. I made sure to let them know that I had the house professionally sanitized. I also installed smart locks to guarantee there was no in-person contact. The extra time and money it took to get the locks installed and the home sanitized was worth it for the business! I’m so glad you mentioned the Airbnb Enhanced Cleaning Protocol training because I’ve found this is essential to get people to book during this time!
Thanks Sarah! Glad to hear you have been able to keep busy, pandemic aside. We’ve had the smart locks for a couple years now and agree, they are the perfect addition!
Thank you so very much for the supportive article. I am looking forward to hosting my beach cottage in northern Ca again sometime this upcoming spring or summer. I’ve been so concerned if I let go of my long term tenant and start up now that there might be another lockdown here. So I’m excited to be able to plan for and look forward to getting back to hosting and will start with the cleaning course! Very encouraging. I’ve been hosting for 8 years and miss it so much! Take good care and just know you provided a huge service with this article!!
You are most welcome Jeanie! So glad that you found value in this post. Always a pleasure to interact with fellowe hosts. Wishing you all the best with your rental in the years to come! Stay well 🙂
Pingback:11 Tips to Nail Hosting a Successful AirBnB - Staying Afloat