Official Plum Guide Checklist

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• Ventilate rooms before you clean. Allow fresh air to circulate for at least 20 minutes. If possible, leave all windows open during the entire cleaning process.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after each cleaning. Use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear disposable gloves while you clean. Gloves should be thrown out after each cleaning. And make sure to wash your hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• Wear disposable gloves while you clean. Gloves should be thrown out after each cleaning. And make sure to wash your hands immediately after gloves are removed.
• Clean, then disinfect. Cleaning is when you use soap or detergent and water to remove dirt, germs and impurities. Disinfecting refers to the use of chemicals like bleach or alcohol to kill germs. Doing both is the best way to reduce the spread of infection.
• Use the right disinfectant. Diluted household bleach solutions, cleaning products with at least 70% alcohol, and most common disinfectants registered by the Environmental Protection Agency are believed to be effective against the coronavirus.
• Focus on frequently touched surfaces. Light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and faucet handles are just a few of the areas you’ll need to disinfect.
• Don’t forget about sofas, rugs, drapes, and other soft, porous surfaces. Carefully remove any visible dirt or grime, then use the appropriate cleaner for the material. If possible, machine-wash items according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wash all linens at the highest heat setting recommended by the manufacturer. That includes bedsheets, mattress covers, hand and bath towels, kitchen towels, and blankets. Wear gloves when handling dirty laundry.
• Clean and disinfect laundry baskets and hampers. Consider using a liner that’s either disposable or machine washable.
• Empty the vacuum cleaner after every cleaning. Disinfect the vacuum cleaner, along with other cleaning appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine.
• Remember to check the expiration dates on your supplies. And never mix household bleach with ammonia or other cleaning solutions—doing so can release toxic gases.
• Ensure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies to properly clean and disinfectClean and sanitize toilets.
• Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
• Before entering the home, apply the mask to your mouth and nose, gloves, shoe covers and any other PPE that you might have.
• Open all windows and turn on any fans in the home to ventilate.
• Open all windows and turn on any fans in the home to ventilate.

Cleaning

• Empty all rubbish bins and insert new rubbish bags.
• Do all dishes emptying the dishwasher and/or sink.
• Wash all linens at the highest recommended heat setting
• Dust, sweep, and/or hoover all floors.
• Clean all hard surfaces with soap and warm water ensuring no spots are missed.
• Follow the manufacturer instructions to clean soft surfaces.

Disinfecting

• After cleaning a surface, spray with an approved disinfectant, let act, and then wipe it.
• It’s crucial to let the disinfectant do its job. Keep the surface wet for the duration specified on the manufacturer’s label.
• If time permits, allow to air dry.
• When wiping down the surface, use one wipe per surface.
• While natural disinfectants are strong, such as vinegar, germs and bacteria are tougher, no natural disinfectant has been cleared as safe by any health organization.

Checking

• Double-check that high-touch surfaces have been sanitized.
• Review the home room by room.
• Address and repair any maintenance issues ie, replace a light fixture.
• Take note of any disinfectant and cleaning supplies that are running out.

High Touch Surfaces

• Doorknobs and handles.
• Light switches.
• Remote controls.
• Tables.
• Fans.
• Lamps.
• Window-sills and window handles.
• Keys and lockboxes.
• Keys and lockboxes.
• Rubbish and recycling bins.
• Sinks.
• Salt & pepper shakers.
• Kitchenware.
• Chairs.
• Toilets.
• Showers and tubs.
• Shower curtains and doors.
• Shampoo, conditioners and hand soaps.
• Hairdryer.
• Your home manual.
• Appliances.

Refilling and Preparing the Home

• Once again, it’s vital to ensure yours and the guests’ safety, so wash your hands with warm water and soap, and put on clean gloves before refilling any supplies, towels, or linens.
• Safely dispose of cleaning supplies and protective gear.
• Leave a cleaning package for guests with items like paper towels, disinfectants, and extra hand soap instead of, or in addition to, a normal welcome hamper.
• Take some time to appreciate all the work you’ve put into making this home as safe as possible.
• Add to the guests’ peace of mind by leaving a summary of what you are doing in terms of cleanliness.