Worldwide, we can imagine that everyone is cringing at the idea of touching that tv remote to watch their favourite Netflix show or grabbing those villa keys to head out to explore the best beaches in Barbados. We put together our Barbados villa cleaning checklist to put your mind at ease. With the additional CDC recommendations of limiting access to any property including for cleaning, during the 24 hours immediately after each guest’s stay. You can be assured that in between bookings we have ample time to properly clean and disinfect all those areas that may incite the germaphobe in you. It’s okay, we’ve got you covered.

As per the CDC, someone can contract COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface, for example, keys, a doorknob or light switch, and the virus can live on some surfaces for several hours or even days. A detailed workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocol for COVID-19 has been developed. Led by Director General, Human Resource, Ministry of Public Service, Gail Atkins. The protocol covers how to clean frequently touched surfaces, for example, doorknobs, tabletops, counters, light switches, elevator buttons, faucets, among others. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive for up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper, and less than 24 hours on cardboard. For this reason, it is essential to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often, especially between reservations.

Priority #1 Understanding Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

Cleaning is the act of removing germs, dirt, and impurities (for example, using a soapy sponge to wipe a dirty counter or surface, especially where dirt is visible).

Disinfecting is when you use chemicals to kill germs (for example, spraying with a bleach solution). By cleaning first, then disinfecting, you can lower the risk of infection.

Gain peace of mind with our top 10 frequent touchpoint checklist. The checklist will be completed after every single guest departs, signed by the housekeeper performing it and submitted – date and time-stamped.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Checklist Post Departure

Disinfect all keys

Disinfect all remote controls

Disinfect all gate remotes

Clean & disinfect all telephones and handsets

Disinfect all lockboxes, safe panels and buttons

Clean & disinfect all blinds, windowsills & lock ledges

Clean & disinfect hairdryer and handle

Clean and disinfect refrigerator handles

Clean & disinfect doorknobs and switch plates

Clean & disinfect baseboards, chair rails, and door panels

This list has been vetted by our expert team of property managers. It’s mainly focused on frequent touchpoints only. If you think that we may have missed something or you just want to reach out to ask us anything about or health and safety standards, email us. We love to hear from you!

Other than providing an excellent Barbados villa experience, the health and well-being of the Blue Sky Luxury family is our number one priority. Under the banner of The Blue Standard, cleanliness has always been included as a standard in our 300pt checklist. Yes, 300, we leave no stone unturned in keeping our guests and staff safe. With the emergence of COVID-19, it has become even more critical as the aim is to reduce the spread of the infection. On behalf of our team, we want to assure you that in times of uncertainty surrounding travel, your safety and well-being has never stopped being our priority. We have implemented the following practices to ensure that you stay, safe.

Health & Safety 

A detailed workplace cleaning and disinfecting protocol for COVID-19 has been developed. Led by Director General, Human Resource, Ministry of Public Service, Gail Atkins. The protocol covers how to clean frequently touched surfaces, for example, doorknobs, tabletops, counters, light switches, elevator buttons, faucets, among others. Protocols by the World Health Organisation, Centres for Disease Control (CDC), USA Centre’s for Disease Control (CDC) and local authorities in respect of cleaning for virus prevention are also being followed in our homes. Our staff has been trained in specific disinfection procedures following recommendations made by local authorities in respect of cleaning for virus prevention, especially in between bookings. Comprehensive COVID-19 guidance is in place globally detailing how to best protect against transmission of the virus and we have included this in our updated protocols for cleaning procedures, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.

Protecting our staff and you

Scared to touch that tv remote or grab those villa keys? We disinfect those too! Put your mind to rest. Read our blog on our Barbados villa cleaning checklist, we’ve thought of everything. For your safety, we have implemented sanitisation stations at all entrances to properties and we provide in-villa sanitization items for you and your family. There are protocols for the use of Personal Protective Equipment for staff, particularly those in foodservice. Our communication on prioritizing the health of both guests and staff is clear and we have advised all of our staff to monitor their health and report to us and the COVID-19 Hotline 536-4500 if feeling unwell. Where possible we can offer self-check-in and check out to encourage social distancing – but don’t worry, we’re always reachable with a 24-hour contact for guest services and our property management team. We’re just a phone call, instant message, or email away and can’t wait to help you make memories.

Space Between Bookings

Based on CDC recommendations, it is advised that access to any property be limited, including for cleaning, during the 24 hours immediately after each guest’s stay. Also, it is a BSL requirement that there is a wait time of 48 hours in between bookings to provide ample time to properly clean and disinfect all areas accessible to the guest/owner, due to a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure. Generally, we maintain 2 days between bookings and for our larger villas 3-bedroom villas we maintain 3 days between bookings.

With guidelines and restrictions changing frequently in Barbados through this challenging time we’ll keep you informed. In advance of your arrival and when you join us we’ll ensure you have complete information on everything you need to know.

Thank you for your support and your loyalty. We will continue monitoring the situation concerning COVID-19 and respond further based on the advice of governments, public health authorities, and medical professionals. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our homes in the future.