Keeping your boutique clean has never been more important. We’ve rounded up the government guidelines on how to safely clean your shop.
There’s a lot of conversation and debate over the cleaning of bridal boutiques. To help direct your thinking, we have pulled together the government’s guidelines for businesses. This information offers advice for daily cleaning alongside what to do if you think an infected individual has entered your premises.
The infection risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) following contamination of the environment decreases over time. It is not yet clear at what point there is no risk. However, studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that, in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72 hours.
PPE
General:
The minimum PPE to be worn for cleaning an area is disposable gloves and an apron. Hands should be washed with soap and water for 20 seconds after all PPE has been removed.
Potential infection:
Additional PPE to protect the cleaner’s eyes, mouth and nose might be necessary.
Cleaning and disinfecting
General:
Areas where individuals pass through and spent minimal time, such as corridors can be cleaned thoroughly as normal.
Potential infection:
Use disposable cloths or paper roll and disposable mop heads, to clean all hard surfaces, floors, chairs, door handles and sanitary fittings, following one of the options below:
Avoid creating splashes and spray when cleaning
Any cloths and mop heads used must be disposed of and should be put into waste bags as outlined below.
When items cannot be cleaned using detergents or laundered, for example, upholstered furniture and mattresses, steam cleaning should be used (Key point for the bridal industry)
Any items that are heavily contaminated with body fluids and cannot be cleaned by washing should be disposed of.
Laundry
Wash items in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an unwell person can be washed with other people’s items.
Do not shake dirty laundry, this minimises the possibility of dispersing virus through the air.
Clean and disinfect anything used for transporting laundry with your usual products, in line with the cleaning guidance above.
Waste
Potential infection:
Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):
Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.