No matter how perfect the location, stunning the decor, or thoughtful the amenities, if your Airbnb isn’t sparkling clean, guests won’t be happy. And that means no five-star reviews or repeat bookings. While Airbnb provides a general cleaning guide, we're diving deeper to share the best tips and tricks we've picked up from cleaning, hosting, and staying in vacation rentals all over the country.
So, grab those rubber gloves, and let’s get (talking about) cleaning!
Having stayed in numerous vacation rentals, we’ve experienced both spotless spaces and, well, less-than-clean ones. One Airbnb, in particular, left us itching to grab a mop. Hair in the drain, dusty floors, no forks in the kitchen, etc. Let’s just say, the lack of cleanliness overshadowed everything. After that week, I learned a valuable lesson—always check those reviews!
But let's save you from a cleaning nightmare. We've compiled an Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist based on personal experience, expert advice, and a ton of research.
Here’s the best order to follow:
1. Linens
Before you strip the beds, inspect for any stains that need to be treated before washing. Then remove all bed linens, towels, bath mats, and tea towels for laundering. Replace them with fresh, clean ones. Quick tip: Always keep a backup set of linens ready to go.
2. Kitchen
Start here, just in case the guests didn’t run the dishwasher. Load it up, start it, and circle back later to unload. Check for food remnants, wipe down counters, and clean all appliances, including the inside of the microwave and oven.
3. Bathrooms
No one likes stray hairs in the bathroom—especially in the drains! Make it a habit to check for and remove any hairs every time. Trust us, it’s way easier to deal with regularly than to let it build up. Also, wipe down mirrors, sinks, and toilet bowls, and ensure you’re using fresh towels and bath mats.
4. Dust & Tidy
As you go room to room, dust surfaces, and tidy up. Fluff pillows, arrange throws, and make sure everything looks photo-ready—just like when you first listed the space. Keep an eye out for fingerprints on glass and smudges on appliances.
5. Restock Consumables
Keep a running inventory of essentials like shampoo, toothpaste, and dish soap, as well as those little extras that make your guests feel special. Whether it's a bottle of wine, chocolates, or toiletries, having them restocked and ready will earn you bonus points with your guests.
6. Vacuum & Mop
Leave the floors for last. Vacuum carpets and rugs, and sweep or mop hard floors. Work your way out of the space so the last thing you do is leave behind a spotless floor.
7. Finishing Touches
Add that personal touch—leave a handwritten note, along with the wine and chocolates, or whatever extra amenities you offer. These little gestures go a long way in making your guests feel welcome and appreciated.
Bonus Tip: Lint Roller to the Rescue
Keep a lint roller handy at all times. Whether it’s for a rogue hair on the sofa or a stray thread on the bedspread, a quick roll will keep your space looking pristine. Believe it or not, just one stray hair can make a clean space feel... not so clean.
By following this checklist, you’ll avoid the common cleaning pitfalls that can turn off guests and instead create a welcoming, spotless environment that will leave them raving in reviews.
Are you an AirBnb or VRBO owner/manager who's just plain tired of this day-to-day chore? Ready to use your time for something more rewarding? Hand over the mop, and we'll take care of the rest.
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