The welfare and safety of animals should always be a priority when cleaning the salon. We would make sure dogs are kept safely away from any area that is being cleaned so they cannot come into contact with cleaning products, wet floors or other hazards.
Where possible, we would carry out a full deep clean at the end of the day, once all the dogs have gone home. This helps reduce stress for the dogs and means cleaning can be carried out safely without animals being nearby.
If cleaning needs to be done between grooms, we would safely secure the dog in a crate, behind a secure baby gate or in another suitable area. Dogs should never be left unattended while cleaning is taking place.
We would wash our hands between each dog and wear the appropriate PPE when using cleaning products. All cleaning chemicals would be stored securely in a locked COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) cupboard, away from animals.
Good ventilation is also important when using cleaning chemicals. We would open doors or windows where appropriate, following the instructions on the COSHH information and safety data sheets. This helps fresh air circulate and reduces the build-up of fumes.
We would use all cleaning equipment and products correctly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Equipment should be checked before use to make sure it is safe and working properly. Grooming products such as shampoos and conditioners should also be diluted according to the manufacturer’s recommended dilution ratio to help prevent skin irritation.
After each dog, we would clean and disinfect grooming tables, tools and other equipment to reduce the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of disease. We would also remove excess hair from equipment, such as the HV dryer filter, before the next dog arrives.
Floors should be allowed to dry fully before a dog is allowed to walk across them. We would use wet floor signs where necessary to warn people of any slip hazards.
By following these procedures, we can maintain a clean and hygienic salon while making sure the welfare, safety and comfort of every animal is protected during cleaning.
