With new standards for cleanliness sweeping the globe, we want to make sure that our partners have the resources they need to structure a new cleaning plan for their salon or spa, from creating a general wellness reopening checklist to understanding how to reopen your spa and massage.

Geoff Allard of Yihan Spa, a wellness Day Spa located in Midtown Manhattan, has been working diligently on his reopening strategy since April. He’s put together several thoughtful procedures and protocols for his spa, which reopened in July. Geoff shares his cleaning protocols below. 

Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and sanitation is essential to the successful operation of any spa. Not only are visibly clean spaces more inviting to guests, but thoroughly sanitizing and disinfecting all areas of a spa can be critical to the health and safety of every person who walks through its doors.

Step 1
Gather the Materials Needed to Sanitize your Spa 

Our thoughtful protocol details several updated cleaning standards. Always follow the local, state, and federal regulations applicable to your spa regarding occupancy levels, social distancing protocols, etc. 

Before sanitizing your spa, make sure you have appropriate cleaning materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) on hand. Such items may include:

  • Soap
  • EPA-registered disinfectants (find the list here)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Disposable gowns
  • Face masks
  • Household bleach
  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • Barbicide
  • Cavicide

Additional PPE (protective eyewear, facemasks, face shield) may be required based on the cleaning products or disinfectants being used and whether there is a risk of splash.

Step 2
Sanitize and Disinfect your Entire Spa Prior to Reopening 

Properly sanitizing your spa after an extended shutdown (especially due to a communicable disease like the coronavirus) protects the health and safety of guests and staff. Observe the following guidelines to safely and effectively sanitize your spa prior to reopening. 

Communal Areas (Lounges, Locker Rooms, etc.), Treatment Rooms and Service Areas

Hard Surfaces (not including electronics)

  • Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect 
  • Ensure that the area you are disinfecting is well-ventilated
  • Use an EPA-registered disinfectant to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, lockers, countertops, retail shelves, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, faucets and sinks, chairs, stools, trolleys, vanities, storage containers, etc.

Soft Surfaces—Including Carpeted Floors, Rugs, Furniture and Drapes 

  • Clean the surface with soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on those surfaces
  • Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest appropriate water setting and drying items completely

Electronics

  • Consider a wipeable cover for applicable devices
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting

Step 3
Implement New Cleaning Standards For Opening 

Once your spa has reopened following an COVID-19 shutdown, maintaining high sanitation standards is critical for both reducing the spread of coronavirus that may appear in the future and ensuring peace of mind for guests and staff. Learn more about safety and cleaning guidelines fitness and wellness business owners are implementing in our webinar.

  • Encourage guests to reschedule appointments if they are sick or exhibiting symptoms of illness, especially a cough, fever, sore throat, or shortness of breath
  • Encourage employees to stay home if they are sick or exhibiting symptoms of illness
  • Routinely sanitize communal areas, treatment rooms and restrooms
  • Continue to sanitize hydrothermal areas


Author Bio
Geoff Allard is a co-owner of Yihan Spa. Yihan Spa is a full-service Wellness Day Spa that focuses on bringing your body, mind, and spirit into perfect harmony.


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