Overwhelmed At The Thought Of Cleaning Your Airbnb?

Want to guarantee a five-star review for your Airbnb? It often boils down to one crucial element: cleanliness. This is where having a rock-solid Airbnb cleaning checklist becomes your best friend.

We’ve welcomed hundreds of guests into our properties. Through that experience, we’ve learned firsthand how vital an Airbnb cleaning checklist process is to a smoothly run operation. I continue to rely on one to this day.

We’ve rounded up all of our Airbnb Hosting Must-Haves right here in our Amazon Store. Click here to grab everything you need to curate your property and start earning 5-star reviews.

Table Of Contents:

• Starting Your Airbnb Cleaning Process
  • Focus on Speed Cycles in Laundry
  • Loading the Dishwasher Efficiently
• Top-Down, Left-to-Right Cleaning System
  • Consistency of Cleaning
  • Multi-Level Property Cleaning Strategy
  • Living Room Area
  • Dining and Kitchen Cleaning
  • The Importance of Wiping Down Chairs
  • Bedroom Cleaning Techniques
  • Addressing Floors and Baseboards
  • The Check-In Experience Beyond the Door
  • Using a Checklist System
  • The Final Inspection Walk-Through
• Conclusion

Starting Your Airbnb Cleaning Process

The moment your guests depart, it’s officially cleaning time. Think of it as a race, with the finish line being a pristine space ready for the next guest’s arrival. The first steps are to address laundry and dishes.

With laundry, gather all used sheets, towels, and any other linens. Speed is of the essence here, because the sooner you get these items into the washing machine, the faster you can complete your other cleaning tasks.

Focus on Speed Cycles in Laundry

When purchasing a washing machine, pay close attention to the cycle settings, and choose a machine with a speed cycle. A faster wash cycle is beneficial and look for one with more capacity so that more can be washed at once.

Some hosts opt to have laundry facilities off-site. This can be a significant time-saver in the washing process, allowing you greater flexibility.

Loading the Dishwasher Efficiently

Next are your dishes. Similar to the laundry, load the dishwasher and start it as quickly as you can. Every minute you save is another step closer to having the entire property ready for your next guests.

Understand your dishwasher’s settings. Identify the cycle that cleans most effectively in the least amount of time, and use that setting regularly as part of your checklist process.

Top-Down, Left-to-Right Cleaning System

Professional cleaners often have a strategy, and now you’ll be in on it. They tackle a room from the top down, moving from left to right.

This method is efficient. It prevents you from overlooking any areas and lets you work methodically across your rental.

Consistency of Cleaning

One great thing with Airbnb properties is the continuous upkeep. Because you’re constantly maintaining the space, the depth of cleaning required with each turnover is often lessened. Still, surfaces are crucial for turnover cleaning.

Consider all the items your guests are likely to touch. This includes door handles, light switches, remote controls, and countertops, needing frequent cleaning because of constant use.

Multi-Level Property Cleaning Strategy

If your Airbnb includes multiple floors, implement the top-down approach here, too. Begin cleaning on the top floor and progress downwards to the ground level.

Within each room, begin at the highest point. For example, this could involve dusting a ceiling fan or wiping the top of a window frame. Proceed through each level, cleaning based on what guests interact with.

Living Room Area

In a living space with an open layout, address each section individually. If you have one floor, you could have sections like; a TV area, a cozy reading nook, and even a small workspace. Take a visual inventory of each, and then proceed.

Dust thoroughly. If your space, like many, features brick walls or distinctive architectural elements, pay them extra attention. Coffee tables shouldn’t just be cleared, but also wiped free of any crumbs or dust. If those tables lift up, double-check and dust inside and out.

Ensure all furniture receives the necessary care. Vacuum sofas and chairs, prepping them for the next guests.

Dining and Kitchen Cleaning

Transitioning to the dining space, address the windows initially. Give them a good cleaning, letting you maximize natural light.

Dusting artificial plants might seem minor, but guests can spot the dust, even if the plants aren’t real. Confirm everything is thoroughly dusted and that surfaces beneath any decorative items are wiped. You may want to consider finding eco-friendly cleaning solutions for a sparkling clean and healthy environment.

The Importance of Wiping Down Chairs

Don’t overlook the chairs. Frequently, hosts and people in general miss this aspect. Wipe down not only the table but each chair as well, similar to how an upscale restaurant might after accommodating young children.

Clean under the table, where food particles often accumulate. Wipe everything down with the level of care and focus that gives that area all the detail it needs.

Bedroom Cleaning Techniques

Bedrooms demand significant attention when following a cleaning checklist for Airbnb. Inspect every corner, both high and low, as everything matters.

Examine every area, from the tops of dressers to beneath and around all furniture. Pay particular attention to the spaces under beds, where dust tends to gather. Using both dry and wet Swiffers, if available, can be a great finishing touch.

Consistently checking these often-neglected areas creates a lasting impression on your guests. When they see you care about the small details others overlook, it elevates your listing above the competition.

Addressing Floors and Baseboards

Remain vigilant with your floors to address them correctly. An excessive build-up of cleaning products can result in a sticky residue, something you definitely want to avoid. For instance, “blackfoot syndrome”, when guests walk barefoot, can expose unseen dirt that you don’t want them to experience.

Sometimes, using just hot water can effectively eliminate this kind of residue. Regular, quick sweeps of baseboards with a vacuum can keep your property consistently in excellent condition for guests. This minimizes the need for very deep cleaning sessions as often.

To make your cleaning routine even easier, consider breaking it down by room:

The Check-In Experience Beyond the Door

First impressions are key. Before a guest even unlocks your front door, they should get a sense of how clean it is. Making sure that the exterior is tidy too is vital.

The walkway should maintain a level of tidiness that helps create the best possible arrival impression. Pick up any debris, like leaves or discarded papers. Clear away any cobwebs near outdoor lights and entry points, to present the best possible view for arriving guests.

All of this begins the moment guests park and continues as they approach your entrance. A detailed exterior check will keep everything is in top condition.

Using a Checklist System

An Airbnb cleaning checklist is your best tool, even for experienced hosts. Always stay on track by either using a cleaning aid, technological solution, or our Thanks For Visiting checklist. This way, you are getting things perfect.

Resources such as these break down everything into manageable steps. You can even incorporate photos of how to arrange different areas of your property for easy reference. A major benefit to remote listing management is that resources like ours show cleaning services the required standards.

Think through designing a cleaning system that can prepare your place quickly. That way, when hiring remote help they’ll know how to handle turnover when you’re not there. Brand standards can be maintained when using our checklists.

The Final Inspection Walk-Through

Take a brief break to refresh yourself. Then, once cleaning is supposedly “finished” and you feel satisfied with the work, do a final review. Re-entering the property with a fresh perspective may lead you to make small adjustments you might not have noticed before. Things may appear different during a second check compared to your initial hurried assessment.

You’re changing your perspective. Rather than concentrating solely on the cleaning tasks, re-evaluate your Airbnb as the most discerning guests would. Go back inside and double-check everything.

Are the pillows perfectly arranged on the sofa? Do any chairs by the dining table need repositioning? Is the remote control positioned for a neat presentation? Carrying out these detailed checks contributes to making an Airbnb feel more complete to visitors.

Key Takeaways

Creating a welcoming space for guests requires a detailed approach, best managed with an Airbnb cleaning checklist, particularly in today’s competitive market. It’s about going above and beyond offering just accommodations, and instead crafting a memorable experience, which showcases the value of this work.

This attention to detail shows your guests the high level of care you provide. Developing a detailed Airbnb cleaning checklist is more than just a task; it’s an essential element of great guest service. Put in the work consistently and see the rewards this brings.

If you’re looking to ensure your property is in tip-top shape for every turnover, having a reliable inspector can make all the difference. We recommend hiring an independent contractor to perform property inspections, ensuring everything is in order before new guests arrive. You can easily hire an inspector with our Independent Contractor Agreement. This contract will clarify the expectations for both parties and give you peace of mind knowing your property will be thoroughly checked and maintained. For more details and to download the agreement, visit here.

Calling All Hosts: The Hosting Handbook

If you loved this post we invite you to check out our one-stop-shop solution for hosts everywhere —the Hosting Handbook! While you can download all the easy to consume, step-by-step tips we use in our own hosting business and create the ultimate “book” the Hosting Handbook is so much more than that! If you’ve consumed or content for years (or just met us!) this is the reference guide for all the amazing and tactical tips we have for running a profitable and, more importantly hospitable, short-term rental. How do we price for pets? How do we fold our towels? What sheets do we buy? How do I purchase a short-term rental? All these questions (and more!) can be answered in the Hosting Handbook! Check it out now!

Want to showcase your Airbnb and get some extra exposure? Share your property with us, and you could be featured on our Instagram! We’re always looking for amazing hosts to highlight and celebrate on our platform. It’s a great way to gain some inspiration from fellow hosts while sharing the unique details of your own space. If you’re interested in being part of our STR Share Sunday feature, simply submit your property here. We can’t wait to see your beautiful spaces!

Happy Hosting!