Nothing frustrates Airbnb guests more than arriving at a vacation rental that looks clean but isn’t. Hair on the bathroom floor, crumbs under the sofa, or a smudged mirror is all it takes to ruin a five-star review. Yet for many hosts, keeping track of every cleaning detail across every stay feels overwhelming. That’s why you should have a clear, reliable Airbnb cleaning checklist.
In this guide, we will share the must-have cleaning tasks, room-by-room checklists, and pro tips to manage cleaning more efficiently.
Want to spend less time chasing cleaners or double-checking jobs? Hostex lets you automate cleaning schedules, assign tasks with custom checklists, and manage your entire short-term rental operation with ease. Try it from just $4.90 per month.
Must-Have Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
To maintain a high standard of cleanliness, it is essential to have a professional Airbnb cleaning checklist in place. A well-structured list guides both turnover cleaning after guest check-out and ongoing maintenance between stays.
1. Post-Guest Turnover Cleaning Checklist
After each guest leaves, a thorough top-to-bottom clean is essential to get your property guest-ready again.
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Dust furniture, shelves, and décor
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Disinfect high-touch areas (doorknobs, switches, remote controls)
- Replace all bed linens and towels
- Deep-clean the bathroom (toilet, sink, shower, tub)
- Clean the kitchen (appliances, counters, dishes)
- Empty trash and replace liners
- Check for damage or maintenance issues
2. Regular Maintenance Cleaning Checklist
Ongoing cleaning between stays helps your property stay in excellent condition, especially during slower booking periods.
- Wipe down surfaces and dust regularly
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Sanitizing the bathroom
- Clean the kitchen, including appliances and countertops
- Restock essentials (toiletries, paper products, cleaning supplies)
- Inspect for any damage or repair needs
3. Cleaning Tools and Supplies Checklist
The right tools make cleaning faster and more effective. Keep these essentials stocked:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Microfiber cloths
- Glass and all-purpose cleaners
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Cleaning gloves
- Broom and dustpan
- Trash bags
- Laundry detergent for linens and towels
4. Cleaning Workflow Checklist
Having a well-defined cleaning workflow ensures that all areas of your vacation rental are thoroughly cleaned.
- Start from the top of the room and work downward
- Clean each room from left to right, moving clockwise
- Tackle one task at a time for maximum efficiency
- Use color-coded cloths for different zones to avoid cross-contamination
- Don’t forget often-missed spots like baseboards and light switches
Room-by-Room Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
Different rooms in a vacation rental require different cleaning approaches. To keep every space spotless, you can print the following room-specific checklists and share them with your cleaning team.
1. Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
The bedroom is a sanctuary for your guests, and it’s crucial to provide a clean and comfortable space.
- Change and wash all linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers
- Dust and wipe surfaces like nightstands, dressers, and lamps
- Vacuum or sweep floors, including under the bed
- Clean mirrors and windows for a spotless shine
- Restock hangers, spare blankets, and any room amenities
2. Living Room Cleaning Checklist
The living room is where guests gather and unwind, so it must feel fresh and welcoming.
- Vacuum or sweep all flooring, including under sofas and chairs
- Dust and clean coffee tables, bookshelves, and media units
- Spot-clean upholstery and cushions to remove stains or odors
- Restock entertainment items like books or games
- Arrange pillows and throws to enhance the cozy feel
3. Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
A sparkling bathroom is non-negotiable for guest satisfaction. Be sure to:
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, sink, shower, and tub
- Wipe down mirrors, counters, and fixtures
- Restock toiletries like shampoo, soap, and toilet paper
- Wash and replace towels and bath mats
- Check for proper ventilation and signs of mold or mildew
4. Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
For guests who love to cook, the kitchen should be spotless and ready to use:
- Sanitize countertops, sink, and stovetop
- Wipe down all appliances, including the fridge, oven, and microwave
- Restock essentials like pots, pans, utensils, and dish soap
- Wash and replace kitchen towels and oven mittens
- Empty and clean the dishwasher if available
5. Laundry Room and Utility Closet Checklist
If your Airbnb property has these spaces, it’s crucial to keep them clean, functional, and organized.
- Wipe down the washer, dryer, and surrounding surfaces
- Clear lint from the dryer trap
- Organize cleaning products and tools
- Restock laundry detergent and dryer sheets
6. Balcony and Yard Cleaning Checklist:
Outdoor areas should be as inviting as your interiors. Remember to:
- Sweep away leaves, dirt, or debris
- Clean patio furniture, railings, and surfaces
- Wipe down or deep-clean the grill
- Check and clean outdoor lights
- Address any signs of pests promptly
Airbnb Cleaning: Effective Management Techniques
A clear Airbnb cleaning checklist only takes effect when it is properly managed. After speaking with many experienced hosts, one thing became clear: behind every spotless property and five-star review is a well-organized cleaning system that runs smoothly, day after day.
Here are some actionable strategies to help you manage your cleaning team more efficiently.
1. Finding Reliable Cleaning Personnel
Finding reliable cleaning personnel is the first step toward effectively managing your cleaning team.
- Thorough Screening Process: Conduct a thorough screening process when hiring cleaning personnel. This may include background checks, reference checks, and interviews to ensure you are selecting trustworthy individuals.
- Experience and Expertise: Look for cleaners with experience in the hospitality industry or vacation rental cleaning. They should be familiar with the specific requirements and cleanliness standards expected for Airbnb properties.
- Positive Reviews and Recommendations: Seek recommendations from other hosts or property managers who have had positive experiences. Online platforms and forums dedicated to vacation rental management can also be valuable resources.
- Clear Expectations: Communicate your expectations regarding cleaning standards, task scope, and schedules to potential hires. This helps you find individuals who align with your operational needs.
2. Assessing Cleaning Personnel Performance
Once your cleaning team is in place, it is essential to assess their performance regularly to maintain consistency.
- Checklists and Guidelines: Provide your cleaners with detailed checklists and guidelines outlining the tasks and cleanliness standards required. This acts as a shared reference for accountability.
- Random Inspections: Conduct random inspections to evaluate the thoroughness and attention to detail of each turnover. These spot checks help you catch any inconsistencies early.
- Guest Feedback: Encourage guests to provide comments on the cleanliness of your property after their stay. Their feedback is often candid and helps identify areas needing improvement.
- Performance Reviews: Hold regular reviews with your cleaning team to discuss strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and provide any needed training or resources.
3. Automating Cleaning Tasks
As a short-term rental host, automating your cleaning processes brings multiple benefits. It not only saves time and energy but also reduces errors and simplifies remote management.
Hostex offers advanced features that allow you to automate your cleaning operations with ease:
- Task Scheduling: Hostex lets you create and schedule cleaning tasks automatically based on check-in and check-out dates. This ensures that your cleaners are always notified promptly.
- Task Assignments: Easily assign tasks to specific cleaning team members. This streamlines delegation and ensures every job is owned.
- Task Checklist: When scheduling cleaning tasks, you can attach a customized checklist. Your cleaners must confirm each item as completed, minimizing the risk of missing any steps.
- Real-Time Updates: Hostex provides real-time status updates for each task, allowing you to monitor progress and completion. This adds transparency and control to your workflow.
- Notifications and Reminders: Automated reminders ensure that cleaning team members are aware of their upcoming tasks and deadlines, helping prevent delays or oversights.
By leveraging Hostex’s automation tools, you can reduce manual coordination, avoid costly mistakes, and maintain a consistently high standard of cleanliness with far less effort.
Common Questions About the Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
Even with a detailed checklist in place, hosts often run into questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Airbnb cleaning.
1. How often should I deep clean my Airbnb?
In addition to standard turnover cleaning, it’s essential to schedule deep cleaning regularly. A deep clean addresses areas often overlooked during routine cleanings, such as under appliances, inside vents, or behind furniture.
We recommend a full deep cleaning every one to three months, depending on how frequently your property is booked. For high-traffic rentals, monthly deep cleaning helps maintain property quality and prevents long-term issues.
2. What should I include in my cleaning fee?
Your Airbnb cleaning fee should reflect both time and material costs. It typically covers:
- Labor (time spent cleaning and resetting)
- Laundry (washing linens and towels)
- Consumables (cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toiletries)
- Deep cleaning of high-touch areas
- Trash disposal
Make sure the fee is reasonable for your market. If it’s too high, it may discourage bookings. If it’s too low, you risk losing money or compromising on cleanliness.
3. How do I handle cleaning complaints from guests?
Even with a strict checklist, guests may sometimes raise concerns. The best way to handle cleaning-related complaints is to stay calm and proactive:
- Apologize promptly and acknowledge their concern
- Offer to send someone to fix the issue, or provide a small refund or gift card as goodwill
- Document your cleaning process to show that proper steps were followed (Hostex’s task checklist with timestamped confirmations can help)
Encourage guests to leave feedback, and use negative reviews as opportunities to improve.
4. How can I make sure my cleaners follow the checklist every time?
Consistency is key. Even experienced cleaners can overlook steps when rushing. Here are a few methods to ensure accountability:
- Provide a printed or digital checklist for each clean
- Use a tool like Hostex to assign cleaning tasks, attach checklists, and request confirmation
- Rotate random quality checks or ask guests for private feedback after check-in
- Offer bonuses or recognition for consistently well-executed cleaning jobs
5. How do I reduce my cleaning workload as a solo host?
If you clean your Airbnb yourself, efficiency is everything. Here are a few quick tips:
- Stick to a standardized layout for beds, amenities, and decor to simplify resets
- Store essential supplies in a locked closet on-site
- Use multi-surface cleaners and microfiber cloths to reduce the number of products you need
- Batch tasks like laundry and supply restocking
Most importantly, consider using tools like Hostex to automate scheduling and checklists, so nothing falls through the cracks.
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