COVID clean: Learning to suck it up

By Mandy Clarke, Editor

We do not know everything about the novel coronavirus, and in general we are learning as we go.

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 fi nd any published, peer reviewed research papers that att empt 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 fi lters 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 fi lters or not.

Similarly, there are no specifi c studies that show whether a vacuum fi lter can prevent or eliminate COVID-19 transmission. We do know that a HEPA-fi lter vacuum can pick up other harmful particles and trap them inside, preventing the spread. For this reason it is recommended that you should only use a vacuum with a quality HEPA fi lter because although coronavirus particles are small enough to get through the fi lter, experts also suggest that coronavirus is more likely to pass through by clinging to a larger particle that a fi lter could potentially block.

The risk of spreading SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, during vacuuming is unknown. At this time, there are unknown. At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 no reported cases of COVID-19 associated with vacuuming. associated with vacuuming.

However, as a precaution However, as a precaution here are some vacuuming here are some vacuuming suggestions for housekeepers... suggestions for housekeepers...

Consider removing any Consider removing any rugs to reduce the need rugs to reduce the need for cleaning, disinfection, for cleaning, disinfection, and vacuuming. and vacuuming.

Ventilate! Open windows Ventilate! Open windows and increase air and increase air circulation in the area. circulation in the area.

Use a vacuum equipped Use a vacuum equipped with a high-effi ciency with a high-effi ciency particulate air (HEPA) fi lter. particulate air (HEPA) fi lter.

Do not vacuum a room or Do not vacuum a room or space that has people space that has people in it – wait until guests in it – wait until guests

©Brian Jackson - stock.adobe.com

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 perfect for accom, and you can ask them more you can ask them more via email at enquiries@ via email at enquiries@ makita.com.au or via makita.com.au or via phone on 1300 361 690. phone on 1300 361 690. “Makita’s market leading 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batt ery platform combines the most intelligent batt eries and fastest charge times in the industry to power a wide range of cordless products. Every Makita cordless product is backed by a fi ve-year limited warranty* with their batt eries and chargers backed for two years.

*See Makita.com.au/MyMakita for further conditions.

Do your vacuums have HEPA fi ltration?

“Across Makita’s entire range of vacuums, we have models available with HEPA fi ltration standard or as an optional accessory. Makita understands the importance of ensuring proper fi ltration for the health and safety of users and consumers.”

Do you off er an energy effi cient model?

“To improve energy effi ciency, 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 effi ciency and provide longer runtime per batt ery charge but also reduce noise. Makita’s Brushless motors also provide higher effi ciency compared to normal brushed motors.”

What enhancements or accessories are available?

“Makita has a wide range of accessories for diff erent fl oor types of detail cleaning applications. Suitable for diff erent tasks these accessories are designed to enhance the useability of our products. We also provide an extensive range of charging and batt ery options.”

Do you have any batt ery 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.”