COVID clean: Learning to suck it up By Mandy Clarke, Editor
However, we do know a few things that do help prevent the spread of the virus: like wearing a face mask, keeping socially distant, and frequent handwashing. While we all have an individual responsibility to abide by these actions, all businesses must ensure they provide a pristine, clean environment for their staff, and customers. In addition to an advanced cleaning routine, we also know that accommodations should be on top of frequently disinfecting high touch areas such as door handles, tables, and chairs, but what about frequent vacuuming? Accom News readers asked whether they should vacuum as normal or whether vacuuming could spread the virus throughout an area rather than eliminate it. The last thing managers and housekeepers want is to put their staff and guests at risk! While it is too early to find any published, peer reviewed research papers that attempt to quantify risk regarding COVID-19 and vacuuming or dusting, there is no evidence that suggests there is any risk of transmission via vacuum cleaning machinery; however, we do know that poor quality vacuums without HEPA filters can potentially pick up particles in the environment and disperse them into the air. This is a concern that may have housekeepers feeling a tad nervous about their cleaning routines, especially if they are not sure whether their vacuums have HEPA filters or not.
©Brian Jackson - stock.adobe.com
We do not know everything about the novel coronavirus, and in general we are learning as we go.
you should only use a vacuum with a quality HEPA filter because although coronavirus particles are small enough to get through the filter, experts also suggest that coronavirus is more likely to pass through by clinging to a larger particle that a filter could potentially block. The risk of spreading SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during vacuuming is unknown. At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 associated with vacuuming. However, as a precaution here are some vacuuming suggestions for housekeepers... •
have gone, the area has closed or do it overnight. •
Wear a facemask when you are vacuuming.
Special issue supplier spotlight Our featured hospitality vacuum supplier this issue is Makita Australia! We asked them what makes their specialist vacuum so perfect for accom, and you can ask them more via email at enquiries@ makita.com.au or via phone on 1300 361 690.
Consider removing any rugs to reduce the need for cleaning, disinfection, and vacuuming.
•
Ventilate! Open windows and increase air circulation in the area.
•
Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
•
Do not vacuum a room or space that has people in it – wait until guests
Similarly, there are no specific studies that show whether a vacuum filter can prevent or eliminate COVID-19 transmission. We do know that a HEPA-filter vacuum can pick up other harmful particles and trap them inside, preventing the spread. For this reason it is recommended that
56
AccomNews - Spring 2020
“Makita’s market leading 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery platform combines the most intelligent batteries and fastest charge times in the industry to power a wide range of cordless products. Every Makita cordless product is backed by a five-year limited warranty* with their batteries and chargers backed for two years. *See Makita.com.au/MyMakita for further conditions. Do your vacuums have HEPA filtration? “Across Makita’s entire range of vacuums, we have models available with HEPA filtration standard or as an optional accessory. Makita understands the importance of ensuring proper filtration for the health and safety of users and consumers.” Do you offer an energy efficient model? “To improve energy efficiency, Makita products have a power control either in the form of a multiple speed switch, control dial or variable speed trigger. This will not only improve energy efficiency and provide longer runtime per battery charge but also reduce noise. Makita’s Brushless motors also provide higher efficiency compared to normal brushed motors.” What enhancements or accessories are available? “Makita has a wide range of accessories for different floor types of detail cleaning applications. Suitable for different tasks these accessories are designed to enhance the useability of our products. We also provide an extensive range of charging and battery options.” Do you have any battery powered/ cordless models available? “Makita’s focus is to provide cordless products to suit a range of solutions where portability and ergonomics are key. Makita’s range will continue to expand and evolve to include applications where cordless products are not yet available.”
HOUSEKEEPING
www.accomnews.com.au
