Updated : Oct 30, 2024
With the whole world dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, cleanliness is even more crucial. Experts in infectious diseases are leaning towards private rentals like Airbnb because they’re seen as a safer option for travel. That’s because there’s less person-to-person contact compared to hotels.
Airbnb is on board with this, too, and has introduced a new ‘Enhanced Cleaning’ policy. It gives hosts guidelines on how to keep their places spick and span. Whether you’re doing the cleaning yourself or getting pros to do it, having a checklist is always a smart move. It helps you quickly go through everything and make sure everything’s just perfect.
An Airbnb house cleaning requirement is like a to-do list, either on paper or online, that guides hosts or cleaning services on what needs to be done between guests’ stays.
What is Airbnb Cleaning Checklist?
An Airbnb cleaning checklist is a comprehensive list of cleaning tasks that need to be completed before and after guests stay in a rental property. This checklist is crucial for hosts to ensure that their property meets high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, which can significantly influence guest satisfaction and lead to positive reviews.
Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: Cleaning Plan Must-Have
As mentioned earlier, guests consistently evaluate the cleanliness of a place and often leave comments on Airbnb.
Putting extra effort into cleaning is highly recommended to avoid dealing with negative reviews that can consume a lot of your time and resources. Airbnb allows you to charge a separate Airbnb Cleaning Fee to help cover your cleaning costs.
Here’s a checklist of essential cleaning tasks for your Airbnb, ensuring a thorough job for each guest:
- Inspect and Clear: Go through your rental and remove any items left behind by previous guests.
- Linen Change: Change the bed linens, wash the used ones, and make the beds.
- Kitchen Cleanup: Clean the kitchen thoroughly, ensuring everything is stowed away neatly.
- Dusting and Wiping: Dust and wipe down every surface in the house to eliminate any accumulated grime.
- Floor Maintenance: Clean the floors and vacuum carpets, rugs, and mats.
- Bathroom Scrub: Scrub and sanitize toilets, bathtubs, and showers.
- Focus on Touchpoints: Pay attention to high-touch areas like countertops, door handles, and light switches.
- Trash Disposal: Dispose of all trash and clean the dustbins.
- Amenity Restocking: Replenish promised amenities such as coffee, trash bags, paper towels, and hand soap.
- Clear Surfaces: Clean transparent and reflective surfaces for a polished look.
- Germ-prone Area Disinfection: Disinfect areas prone to germs to ensure a hygienic environment.
- Final Touches: Add the finishing touches to enhance the welcoming feel of the space before leaving.
What to Include in Airbnb Cleaning Supplies
If you’re taking on the cleaning duties yourself, here’s a list of must-have cleaning products for your Airbnb:
- A reliable vacuum cleaner
- Plenty of microfiber cloths
- A handy microfiber mop
- Glass cleaner
- Wood cleaner and polish for that fresh furniture look
- All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
- Dishwashing soap
- Shower cleaner
- A trusty toilet brush
- Disinfectant for germ-prone areas
- A sturdy scrubbing brush
- Scrub pads
- Sponges
- Detergent
This is a basic list, so feel free to add more products based on the specific needs of your vacation home. Happy cleaning!
Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
Even though you’ve got the basics down for cleaning your Airbnb, each room has its unique needs. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list to guide you on what to focus on in every part of your property.
Cleaning Kitchens
The kitchen is a key attraction for guests in Airbnb vacation rentals, providing them with the convenience of cooking their own meals. A well-equipped kitchen not only enhances guest satisfaction but also plays a significant role in your Airbnb pricing strategy. Here’s a kitchen-specific checklist to ensure your vacation home is in top shape:
- Disinfect all surfaces where food is prepared.
- Wipe down appliances, worktops, drawers, and cupboards with a disinfectant.
- Scrub all utensils, even those unused by previous guests.
- Ensure a clean stove.
- Clean hoods and vents.
- Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
- Empty and clean the refrigerator.
- Clean the sink and sink drain.
- Discard any leftover food.
- Replace the trash bag and clear the trash.
- Wipe windows and mop the floors.
Cleaning Bathroom
The bathroom is a critical area for guest satisfaction. A sparkling clean and odor-free bathroom can significantly impact your Airbnb reviews. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Sanitize the toilet.
- Clean the sink and mirrors until they shine.
- Spot clean the shower.
- Scrub the glass shower screen.
- Unclog and clean drain holes.
- Replace trash bags and take out the trash.
Cleaning Living Room
Moving on to the living room, a space often heavily used by guests, it requires special attention to create an inviting atmosphere:
- Wipe down all surfaces.
- Polish wooden furniture.
- Disinfect light switches and remotes.
- Vacuum all sofas.
- Clean under furniture thoroughly.
- Mop hard-surface floors.
- Vacuum rugs and mats.
- Check for and remove any cobwebs.
- Wipe windows.
- Dust baseboards and moldings.
Cleaning Bedroom
The bedroom is a sanctuary where guests unwind and recharge after their travels. As a thoughtful host, providing a clean and inviting bedroom is crucial for ensuring your guests enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Here’s a checklist to help you maintain a pristine bedroom:
- Change the linens with fresh ones.
- Empty the bins.
- Dust all surfaces.
- Wipe windows and mirrors.
- Disinfect light switches, doorknobs, and remotes.
- Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans.
- Remove any cobwebs.
- Ensure dressers and closets are empty.
- Polish all wooden surfaces.
- Clean under the bed.
- Vacuum the mattress and hard-to-reach corners.
- Clean the floor.
- Fluff pillows and cushions.
- Periodically clean the curtains.
- Vacuum rugs and carpets.
Cleaning Utility Room
Utility rooms, including laundry rooms, may not see much foot traffic, but they’re essential to include in your Airbnb cleaning checklist. Here’s what to focus on:
- Clean the dryer for any trash or lint build-up.
- Wipe down the washer and dryer inside and out.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like knobs, buttons, and doors.
- Shine the sink and clear out the drain.
- Clean windows and blinds if present.
- Restock supplies like laundry detergent and softener.
- Clean laundry baskets and drying racks.
- Dust baseboards and moldings.
- Clean the floors.
- Vacuum rugs and mats.
- Ensure there is no waterlogging.
Re-Stock
Restocking essential items is a considerate touch for a pleasant guest experience. Here’s a list of commonly provided items:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Sugar
- Paper towels
- Toilet rolls
- Bin liners
- Garbage bags
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Facial tissues
- Hand soap
- Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and body lotion.
Some Finishing Touches
Adding thoughtful finishing touches can transform your accommodation into a welcoming haven for your guests, making them feel at home. These touches can also influence pricing your vacation rental based on the services provided. Here are some final enhancements to consider before your guests arrive:
Outdoor Areas:
If you have outdoor spaces like porches or balconies, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned from dust, debris, and leaves. Tidy up to create a positive first impression for your guests.
Interior Touches:
Plump up cushions, straighten rugs, arrange decor items, and leave out guest information booklets. Redraw blinds and curtains for a polished look.
Extra Mile Gestures:
If you like to go the extra mile for your guests, whether it’s complimentary chocolates, wine, flowers, bread & cheese, or vouchers, ensure everything is neatly arranged. If you have a welcome board, set it up with the guests’ names for a personal touch.
These finishing touches enhance the overall experience for your guests and contribute to the charm and appeal of your vacation rental. It’s a thoughtful way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making your guests’ stay truly memorable.
Free Airbnb Cleaning Checklist PDF
To simplify your turnover cleaning process, make use of our downloadable PDF containing a sample checklist tailored for hosts and cleaners. This printable Airbnb checklist template is categorized by room, ensuring an easy and thorough cleaning routine with just a few clicks. Download, print, and streamline your cleaning tasks effortlessly.
How to Hire a Cleaning Crew for Airbnb?
Hiring a cleaning crew for your Airbnb property ensures a consistently pristine and welcoming space for guests. Professional cleaners bring expertise, efficiency, and attention to detail, enhancing the overall guest experience. Their specialized services streamline turnover between bookings, guaranteeing a thorough and reliable cleaning routine.
- Define Your Needs and Budget
- Frequency: Determine how often you need cleaning services (e.g., after each guest stay, weekly, etc.).
- Scope of Work: Outline the specific tasks required (e.g., cleaning bathrooms, changing linens, restocking supplies).
- Budget: Set a budget based on market rates and the scope of work.
- Research and Identify Potential Cleaning Services
- Online Directories: Use platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, or Thumbtack to find reputable cleaning services.
- Local Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from other Airbnb hosts or local businesses.
- Airbnb Host Communities: Participate in Airbnb host forums or Facebook groups to get referrals.
- Check Credentials and Reviews
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the cleaning service is licensed and insured to protect against any potential damages or liabilities.
- Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Airbnb (if they service other Airbnb properties).
- References: Ask for and contact references to verify the quality and reliability of their services.
- Request Quotes and Conduct Interviews
- Obtain Quotes: Contact several cleaning services to get detailed quotes.
- Interview: Conduct interviews to assess their experience, reliability, and compatibility with your needs. Ask about:
- Their experience with Airbnb or short-term rental properties.
- Their cleaning procedures and standards.
- Availability for quick turnarounds between guests.
- Use of eco-friendly products if that’s important to you.
- Test Their Services
- Trial Period: Hire the cleaning crew for a trial period to evaluate their work.
- Feedback Loop: Provide feedback on areas of improvement and see how they respond to it.
- Guest Feedback: Monitor guest reviews and feedback specifically related to cleanliness.
- Set Up a Contract
- Service Agreement: Draft a detailed service agreement that includes the scope of work, frequency, payment terms, and any specific requirements.
- Cancellation Policy: Include a clear cancellation policy and terms for termination of services.
- Responsibilities: Outline responsibilities, including who provides cleaning supplies and how damages or issues are handled.
- Establish Clear Communication Channels
- Point of Contact: Designate a primary point of contact for scheduling and communication.
- Scheduling: Use a shared calendar or scheduling tool to coordinate cleaning times.
- Emergency Protocols: Set protocols for last-minute cleanings or emergency situation.
- Build a Long-term Relationship
- Feedback: Maintain open communication and provide ongoing feedback.
- Incentives: Consider incentives for consistent, high-quality service, such as bonuses or referrals.
Conclusion
Maintaining the cleanliness of your short-term rental is paramount, especially in the era of heightened guest concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the expectations of your guests and ensure your property rivals high-end hotels, a meticulous cleaning routine is essential.
As bookings increase, managing this task can become overwhelming. Establishing a swift cleaning protocol or having professional cleaners readily available is advisable. Utilize this airbnb cleaning checklist template to prepare your space for guests efficiently. By systematically checking off each item, you can guarantee a pristine property, minimizing the likelihood of cleanliness-related complaints from your guests.
