It takes 10 minutes for some cleaning products to effectively kill pathogens. Given this fact, and the other protocols necessary, we believe it is prudent to allow 30 minutes between clients.
Room Turnover Sanitation Protocols
- If you have windows, open them immediately after a client has left and while you turn over the room to get as much air circulation in the room as possible (if they are not already open). If you don’t have windows, consider adding a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifier to the space.
- Remove all table setup items; fold linens in on themselves and place in lined, lidded hampers positioned outside the treatment space to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus in the air.
- Use hospital grade, EPA-approved disinfectants to clean anything the client came in contact with, including your table, face cradle, stool, bolsters, door knobs, side tables, chairs, etc. Follow more stringent state or regulatory agency protocols as required. Follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations for contact time (or how long a surface must stay visibly wet before the disinfectant destroys the pathogen). For some products, this can be 10 minutes. Be mindful of porous surfaces on tables and chairs, which can start to be damaged with the use of disinfectants; consider using barrier methods.
- Per CDC recommendations, clean all equipment, devices, and surfaces between each client interaction, including oil or lotion dispensers. This process includes cleaning:
- Hard (Non-Porous) Surfaces: If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, use EPA-approved disinfectants for use against the virus that causes COVID-19. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, application method, and contact time, etc. Additionally, diluted household bleach solutions (at least 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite) can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring a contact time of at least 1 minute, and allowing proper ventilation during and after application. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted. Prepare a bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
- Soft (Porous) Surfaces: For soft (porous) surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning, if the items can be laundered, launder items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items, and then dry items completely. Otherwise, use products that are EPA-approved for COVID-19.
- Electronics: For electronics such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and ATM machines, remove visible contamination if present. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products. Consider the use of wipeable covers for electronics. If no manufacturer guidance is available, consider the use of alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to disinfect touch screens. Dry surfaces thoroughly to avoid pooling of liquids.
- Linens, Clothing, and Other Items That Go in the Laundry: In order to minimize the possibility of dispersing virus through the air, do not shake dirty laundry. Remove all linens, blankets, and table setups; fold items in on themselves before putting in a closed bin or hamper. Wash items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely.
- Repeat your handwashing protocol and reset the table and treatment space for next client.
Sanitation Between Clients
- Continue to wipe down bathroom surfaces (doorknobs, toilet handles, sink areas, light switches, etc.), reception-area countertops, point-of-sale equipment, and chairs (arm rests).
Sanitation at End of Day
- Empty all trash cans (each trash can has a liner), then use cleaning cloths to wipe the inside and outside of the garbage can thoroughly.
- Do end of day post-client cleaning, including the phone, keyboard, thermometer, and all light switches and doorknobs, as well as the bathroom and any other surfaces clients came in contact with.
- Remove bagged laundry from the dirty bin for washing and replace the hamper with a new liner.
