Following in the footsteps of major hotel companies, Airbnb has launched a new program, dubbed the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative, which aims to provide a standardized protocol for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry, the company announced in a statement. The new protocols for hosts were developed with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's published standards, experts including former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and companies in the hospitality and medical hygiene arena, including Ecolab, a provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services.
Beginning in May, the new host cleaning protocol will include a learning and certification program. Specifics include information on Covid-19 prevention, such as the use of personal protective equipment, like masks and gloves for hosts or their cleaners, as well as disinfectants that are approved by regulatory authorities. A 24-hour wait period before entering, recommended by the CDC, also is required. Listings enrolled in the new cleaning program will be available for stays immediately after the enhanced cleaning is performed.
Hosts unable to commit to these new protocols will be able to opt into a new feature called Booking Buffer, which creates a vacancy period between stays, with hosts agreeing to keep their home empty save for cleaning activity. Reservations automatically will be blocked during that timeframe, currently set at 72 hours.
In a global survey conducted by Airbnb in early April, many hosts indicated that they plan to host as or more often as before once the pandemic is over, the company noted. As of late March, Airbnb booking data reflected that the number of reservations beginning at least six months out was greater in comparison with the same time last year.
RELATED: Marriott Launches Cleanliness Council, Hotel Cos. Update Sanitization Protocols