In anticipation of a return to travel, Airbnb has announced new cleaning protocols, geared toward health and prevention and developed with help from a former US surgeon general.
The home-share platform introduced its Enhanced Cleaning Initiative on 27 April. The new cleaning protocol includes information on COVID-19 prevention, detailed instructions on how to clean each room, and a learning and certification program for hosts, set to launch in May. After hosts opt in to the program, guests will have the opportunity to find and book accommodations that adhere to these standards.
“Homes have become a place of shelter, and the future of travel will also rely on a new comfort zone, blending the privacy and benefits of a home away from home, without the disturbances of crowds or high turnover,” stated Airbnb’s president of homes, Greg Greeley, in a press release. “We are collaborating with leading experts in health and hygiene to incorporate official guidance and fulfill new personal preferences, with hosts and guests uniting to offer, manage, and enjoy cleaner accommodations.”
The cleaning protocol will recommend approved disinfectants and personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves for hosts and their cleaners. Furthermore, it will require a 24-hour wait period before entering properties, which acts as a precaution against airborne particles potentially lingering for several hours. This initiative has been shaped through consultations with published standards established by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with insights from experts like Dr. Vivek Murthy, former US Surgeon General, and companies such as Ecolab, known for their expertise in cleaning and hygiene technologies and services.
Hosts who implement enhanced cleaning procedures can list their accommodations immediately after. Alternatively, they can opt for a vacancy period between stays using the new Booking Buffer feature, which was designed for the Frontline Stays project. This buffer automatically blocks the host’s availability for a defined period that aligns with the CDC-recommended 24-hour wait time.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the Airbnb community in developing a health and science-based approach to safe travel lodging and experiences. These methods will continue to adapt as our understanding of COVID-19 grows,” Murthy emphasized. “As a society, we need to observe the physical distancing recommendations set forth by public health officials while simultaneously looking for ways to maintain and strengthen human connections.”
For more information, visit airbnb.com.
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