Hotel staff should know the differences between cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting.

Enhanced brand standards of cleanliness and hygiene will be rolled out across all Hilton properties worldwide as part of a new ‘CleanStay’ program designed to deliver guests and cleaner and safer stay and improve team member training.

Due to launch in June, the program will see Hilton liaise with RB – makers of well-known hygiene brands Dettol and Lysol. In addition, experts from the renowned Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will assess Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols and provide advice on how to improve techniques.

The Hilton CleanStay initiative will consist of at least eight elements aimed at assuring guests their hotel has been cleaned to the highest standard possible. These will include extra attention on high-touch areas such as light switches, door handles, TV remotes and other spots; higher frequency cleaning of public areas; contactless check-in; disinfecting wipes for guest use and more. Hotels fitness centres will also be closed more frequently each day for cleaning, with guest numbers to be restricted to ensure social distancing measures are maintained.

At the front door of guest rooms, cleaners will apply a seal across the doorway to show guests their room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned.

Room seals will enforce the integrity of a room’s cleanliness prior to guest arrival.

Hilton team members will also be provided with personal protective gear and enhanced training, while the company will investigate the application of electrostatic spray cleaners and ultraviolet light to help ensure surfaces are well sanitised.

Hilton President and CEO, Christopher Nassetta, said the program was developed to meet evolving guest expectations, with recent research showing guests’ concerns are heightened regarding cleanliness and hotel hygiene.

“Hilton CleanStay builds on the best practices and protocols we’ve developed over the last several months, allowing our guests to rest easy with us and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our Team Members who are on the front lines of hospitality,” Nassetta said.

Hilton has been associated with the Mayo Clinic for nearly five decades. As a former patient, company founder Conrad Hilton donated USD$10 million to help establish the Conrad Hilton Building for Laboratory Medicine, which remains part of the Mayo Clinic campus in the US.