Dive Into Our Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Busy Airbnb Professionals

As warmer weather approaches, many feel the urge to refresh their living spaces. It’s the perfect time to shake off winter’s dust and prepare your home, especially if you anticipate hosting guests. A robust spring cleaning checklist can make this annual ritual smoother and far less overwhelming.

You might be wondering where to begin with such an extensive undertaking. This guide provides the ultimate spring cleaning checklist, drawing from practical experience, to get your property sparkling. Following these spring cleaning tips will help prepare your home for the sunny days ahead.

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Planning Your Ultimate Spring Cleaning Attack

Spring Cleaning for STRs: Start Fresh, Stay Safe
Before diving into deep cleaning, make a plan: tackle one room or task at a time and gather all supplies upfront. Use guest reviews to search for terms like “clean” or “dirty” to identify problem areas. Let fresh air in by opening windows—it improves air quality and sets a welcoming tone. While windows are open, check for proper locks and egress functionality for guest safety. Clean tracks, screens, and glass (hire pros if needed) for a sparkling finish. Finally, book your HVAC or AC tune-up early to avoid summer breakdowns. A little prep now prevents big headaches later!

🧼 Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist

• ☐ Discard expired food from the refrigerator and freezer
• ☐ Wipe down refrigerator and freezer interiors with warm water and mild detergent
• ☐ Defrost freezer if ice buildup is present
• ☐ Clean refrigerator coils (back or bottom)
• ☐ Wipe down cabinet exteriors and interiors
• ☐ Use appropriate cleaners (wood or multi-purpose)
• ☐ Declutter and organize the pantry
• ☐ Discard expired goods
• ☐ Rearrange items for easy access
• ☐ Deep clean the oven (oven cleaner or baking soda paste)
• ☐ Clean stovetop, burner pans, and grates
• ☐ Wash or replace range hood filter
• ☐ Sanitize sink basin and faucets
• ☐ Freshen garbage disposal (run ice cubes and citrus peels)
• ☐ Clean small appliances:
  • ☐ Empty toaster crumb tray
  • ☐ Run vinegar cycle in coffee maker
  • ☐ Steam-clean microwave with lemon water
• ☐ Wipe around and under small appliances
• ☐ Clean kitchen windows, sills, and frames
• ☐ Clean blinds or wash curtains (check care labels)
• ☐ Wipe down high surfaces like the fridge top

🛋️ Living Room & Dining Room Checklist

• ☐ Vacuum and shampoo carpets/rugs
• ☐ Dust and polish furniture
• ☐ Clean upholstery and throw pillows (check care labels)
• ☐ Wipe light fixtures, ceiling fans, and replace bulbs as needed
• ☐ Clean window panes, sills, and screens
• ☐ Declutter and dust bookshelves
• ☐ Move furniture and clean underneath
• ☐ Spot test cleaning products for delicate upholstery
• ☐ Turn off power before cleaning ceiling fans or light fixtures
• ☐ Use a microfiber cloth or duster on high fixtures

🛏️ Bedroom Spring Cleaning Checklist

• ☐ Wash all bedding (comforters, duvets, pillows – check labels)
• ☐ Flip or rotate mattress; vacuum and spot clean
• ☐ Clean under the bed thoroughly
• ☐ Declutter and organize closets
• ☐ Dust nightstands, dressers, and headboards
• ☐ Clean mirrors
• ☐ Vacuum carpets or mop floors
• ☐ Clean blinds or wash curtains (check care instructions)
• ☐ Switch to lighter bedding for warmer months
• ☐ Discard expired cosmetics or personal care items

🚿 Bathroom Deep Clean Checklist

• ☐ Scrub toilet inside and out
• ☐ Clean sink, countertops, shower, and bathtub
• ☐ Wash shower curtain and bathmats
• ☐ Replace shower curtain liner if needed
• ☐ Clean grout and caulk; apply grout sealer
• ☐ Clean mirrors and light fixtures
• ☐ Declutter drawers and under-sink storage
• ☐ Organize toiletries and cleaning products
• ☐ Wash windows and screens if present
• ☐ Ventilate well when using cleaning chemicals

🖥️ Home Office Spring Cleaning

• ☐ Organize and file paperwork; shred old documents
• ☐ Clean and disinfect keyboard, mouse, and phone
• ☐ Dust monitor, printer, and electronics
• ☐ Declutter desk drawers and surfaces
• ☐ Vacuum or mop floor, including under desk
• ☐ Clean window glass and window treatments
• ☐ Backup important digital files
• ☐ Use cable management to reduce visual clutter
• ☐ Use microfiber cloth and compressed air for electronics

🧺 Laundry Room Refresh

• ☐ Clean washer and dryer inside and out
• ☐ Wipe down storage areas and counters
• ☐ Organize detergents and supplies
• ☐ Clean lint trap and check dryer vent
• ☐ Mop floor and clean behind appliances
• ☐ Run cleaning cycle with vinegar/baking soda in washer
• ☐ Label and organize laundry supplies

🌷 Outdoor Spring Cleaning Checklist

• ☐ Clean gutters and downspouts
• ☐ Pressure wash siding, decks, and patios
• ☐ Clean and prep outdoor furniture
• ☐ Wash exterior windows and screens
• ☐ Prune shrubs, tidy landscaping, plant spring flowers
• ☐ Organize garage or shed; declutter tools and supplies
• ☐ Inspect siding and paint before washing
• ☐ Use appropriate methods based on furniture material

🧹 General Spring Cleaning Tasks

• ☐ Replace smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries
• ☐ Clean air vents and replace HVAC filters
• ☐ Wipe down baseboards, door frames, and crown molding
• ☐ Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans
• ☐ Clean light switches, doorknobs, outlet covers
• ☐ Dust ceiling corners and remove cobwebs
• ☐ Wash or dry clean curtains (check labels)
• ☐ Ensure all light fixtures are dry before turning power back on

✨ Final Touches

• ☐ Swap heavy winter decor for light spring accents
• ☐ Add fresh flowers or green plants
• ☐ Open windows to let in fresh air
• ☐ Set out spring-scented candles, diffusers, or essential oils
• ☐ Place a new welcome mat or update planters

Summer-Ready Forgot Something Basket

If you’re not yet familiar with a “forgot something” basket, it’s a simple yet incredibly thoughtful amenity for your guests. Think of it as a mini concierge service, stocked with common travel items they might have accidentally left behind. This is one of those cleaning tips that extends to guest experience.

Typically, this basket includes travel-sized toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. For the warmer months, adapt the contents to suit summer activities. Sunscreen is a must-have item for sunny destinations.

Bug spray is also a great addition, especially if your property is near wooded areas or water. Aloe vera gel can be a true lifesaver if someone experiences a bit too much sun exposure. Consider what other items might be appropriate for your rental’s specific location and the activities guests might engage in during the summer; for instance, lip balm with SPF or after-sun lotion are good choices. Grab our completely free Forgot Something Guide right 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!

Happy Hosting!

Want more Airbnb cleaning inspo? Check out our Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Guide for our left to right, top to bottom strategy.