Fun fact: I always sanitize my hotel room whenever I travel. I cannot get comfortable in a foreign living space until I ensure that my home away from home has been adequately cleaned to my standards. I blame the microbiology class required for nursing school for making me this way. The current pandemic has caused my standards of clean to skyrocket to a level 100. In today’s post, I will share my over the top cleaning routine for sanitizing hotel rooms and living spaces without ruining the furniture.
Are you ready to be initiated into this germ fighting gang? It’s not for the faint at heart.
First things first-bring your arsenal of cleaning products with you to check in. Leave all your other bags in the car until you have fully disinfected your new living quarters. Once you get your keys to the room, head there to check out your sweet digs.
Step 1: Mask on. Make sure you have your Lysol disinfecting spray or air sanitizer in hand before entering the space.
Hopefully you were wearing a mask during the check in process but if not, gear up germ fighter, you’re in for a wild ride. Whip out that can of Lysol spray or air sanitizer and get ready for war. Once you open the room door, immediately start cleansing the air by spraying your disinfectant. Don’t over do it though. You don’t want to overwhelm your poor lungs- speaking from experience here. Pace yourself pandemic warrior. There are more germs to fight.
Step 2: Glove up. Start cleaning hard surfaces and frequently used objects with the disinfecting wipes.
Pro tip: Be sure to turn on bathroom fan before starting this process. I usually pack Clorox clean up wipes for this step but have not been able to secure any during this pandemic. Clorox clean up spray and paper towels are my go to duo at the moment. These items are great for cleaning non porous surfaces like bathroom countertops, tub/shower, toilet, outer surface of mini fridge, etc. It can also be used to clean frequently used objects like the telephone, light switches, remote control, and coffee maker. If the furniture is made from a material other than unsealed wood or metal, you can use the Clorox to clean surfaces on nightstands, coffee tables, and desk and non fabric chairs. Otherwise, opt for spraying lysol on the furniture surface to sanitize instead.
Step 3: Change those gloves. Remove the comforter from the bed post haste.
We all have heard the horror stories about hotel bedspreads. Just save yourself the agony of thinking about what microbes could be lurking on those beautifully patterned or fluffy comforters and roll it like a burrito straight off the bed. Now take your Lysol and spray the remaining linen. Allow to dry. Some of my fellow germ warriors prefer to change the sheets as well. I just prefer to bring my own pillow and blanket for sleeping to limit the amount of laundry I will need to carry after check out. If you’re a frequent traveler, you could invest in a travel UV wand to kill those germs even quicker.
Step 4: Spray the textiles to complete the room.
Disinfect fabric items in the room like the arm chair, throw pillows, and curtains with disinfecting spray to finish off the space. This will complete the sanitization process of your room. Remove those gloves and wash your hands, warrior. Initiation completed. #germgang
This would be a good time to leave the room to go get your bags from the car. It will also allow you the chance to get some fresh air and allow the chemical fumes in the room to settle down.
Step 5: Enjoy your freshly sanitized hotel room.
Return to your space and get settled in. You can relax knowing that you have done what you can to reduce pathogens in your home away from home. Be sure to spray the air sanitizer on your belongings like shoes and bags whenever you re-enter the space to keep those pesky germs at bay. Also, be sure to change your clothing before getting into bed or it kinda defeats the purpose.
At checkout, be sure to spray your travel blanket and pillow and place items in a laundry bag that can be put directly into the washer once you return home. You can store your germ fighting arsenal until the next road trip.
How do you all keep yourself safe in foreign living spaces? What is your go to cleaning product for sanitizing during this pandemic? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading. Stay healthy and be safe.
