How to Clean an Airbnb Property. Tips from an airbnb cleaning specialist. (2024)

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What are the most important things to clean in an airbnb on a regular basis? This post will walk you through the airbnb cleaning process. Hopefully, the tips here will help you guide your airbnb cleaning service or help you set expectations. First, here are some tips that will help you score 5-star cleanliness reviews on Airbnb.

The Basics of Airbnb Cleaning for Beginners

First, do a walkthrough of the property to make sure nothing is broken or stolen. If anything is broken or stolen, report to the host or to Airbnb. Next, strip the beds and count the linens and towels to make sure there is nothing missing. If you find any lost and found, report it immediately to the last guest, they will appreciate it. If the cleaning is going to take longer than expected, let the host know or the next guest checking in if it interferes with their timing.

Wall to Wall Method

The wall to wall method means you must finish one room before moving to another. It helps to ensure nothing is missed or forgotten. Focus helps the cleaning go quicker and increases the quality of the clean itself.

How long does cleaning an airbnb take?

Cleaning an airbnb takes approximately 4-6 hours if the laundry is done onsite. With offsite laundry, the turnover cleaning team can be reduced to 2-3 hours. Condos can be cleaned in a little over an hour if laundry is prepared.

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What supplies do you need to clean your Airbnb?

You need the right cleaning supplies to clean an airbnb. Do not go into the job unprepared!

Here are my airbnb cleaning supply recommendations:

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Your Airbnb Must Have a Clean Kitchen

Most guests actually cook or reheat food while they stay in an airbnb. It is one of the main perks of renting a short-term rental. The refrigerator should be sanitized and wiped down. No leaks and no spills! To clean the kitchen of your Airbnb, perform the following tasks:

  1. Wash and dry all dishes
  2. Organize dishes in the kitchen cabinets
  3. Check all dishes that were already cleaned, they may have been put back dirty by the guest or the previous cleaner
  4. Clean the stovetop and oven
  5. Clean the refrigerator, being careful not to miss any leaks and spills in the crevices
  6. Check the odors of the freezer and refrigerator, place baking soda if necessary
  7. Always check and clean the coffee maker and toaster, it is often missed
  8. Any extras like crockpot and blender need to be cleaned
  9. Shine the stainless steel
  10. Place a new sponge and refill dish soap
  11. Take out the trash, clean trash receptacles, and place new trash liners
  12. Run garbage disposal and dishwasher
  13. Clean the surfaces with correct chemical, shine granite, clean backsplash
  14. Run your hand across the counter to make sure there is no left over debris
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How to clean the bathroom of your Airbnb

Since your guests will be using the toilet and taking showers, you need to make sure when they are doing their business that they do not see anything gross like the lasts guest’s public hair, a clogged drain, or toe nails – yuck! Here is the task list to clean the bathroom like a airbnb cleaning pro

  1. Clean the toilet bowl, underlid, seat, and bottom of toilet. Do not forget behind the toilet as well.
  2. Squeegee the mirrors and glass
  3. Clean the tracks of the shower if any
  4. The tubs and showers should be cleaned with bleach if the surface can handle bleach / Clorox.
  5. Clean the grout lines with magic eraser – it works wonders on mildew
  6. Vacuum or broom, then mop, then vacuum again the get out any hairs left
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Making the beds in your Airbnb

Clean beds are so inviting! First, make sure that everything is laundered. This includes the mattress pad, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow cases, and blanket. Make the bed tight, military or hotel style! Here is how to make the bed in an Airbnb:

  1. Place the clean mattress pad first on the mattress
  2. Put the fitted sheet on tight
  3. Then, put the flat sheet on and quarter fold the top so it looks tight
  4. Put the pillowcases and pillows on the bed neatly
  5. Add the comforter or blanket on top
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Doing the laundry in your airbnb

Laundry is super important since there is only so much time during a turnover cleaning. You can expect to wash 4-5 loads, so anything that cannot be completed in the washer and dryer should be laundered offsite. When first entering the property, your airbnb cleaners should strip the beds and start the laundry. Next, warm water wash what you can to rid the linens of dust mites. Also, linens must be sanitized to avoid bed bugs and dust mites.

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How Airbnb Cleaners Clean the Rooms

First, your vacation rental cleaning service should check the room.

Experienced airbnb cleaning services will check the entire room. Here is what your airbnb cleaner should check.

  1. Under the bed
  2. Under cabinets
  3. In drawers
  4. In the closet
  5. The windowsills
  6. Behind the doors
  7. Beds that do not look used, they should be checked and washed

Check everywhere! Why? Guests sometimes find things (or report that they did for refunds…) in the above areas. If your airbnb cleaner can, ask them to take photos of areas they have checked to provide backup documentation in case of a cleanliness complaint from your airbnb guest.

Finally, after checking the room and making the beds, do the following:

  1. Vacuum / mop the floors
  2. Organize the closets
  3. Stage the room for the next guest

How to clean the exterior and outside of your Airbnb

Is the outside of your place clean? How is your landscaping (no weeds)? Are your windows clean from the outside as well? The outside windows are just as important as the inside of your airbnb.

The entryway of your home should not be cluttered and needs to be sparkling clean, this is your first impression and you want it to be an inviting one.

If you have a pool, it needs to be sparkling blue. If you have a deck, there can be no cigarette butts, hair, bandaids, or trash.

Trash must be removed and should not be in the trash bin or anywhere around the property, it will carry a smell and is a horrendous first impression.

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Cleaning the common areas in your short term rental

Remember, common areas must be staged and cleaned for check-in like no one has ever stood. This means the floors have to be mopped and vacuumed. Also, all surfaces, blinds, and curtains should be fresh and cleaned. Next, tables should not have food particles from previous guests. Even the remotes should be sanitized. Here are other areas to clean in your airbnb common areas:

  1. Behind the TVs and the entertainment center
  2. Clean all drawers and check underneath furniture
  3. In the sofa and couch cushions, you would be surprised what you can find there
  4. Tracks of sliding doors
  5. The handles and door knobs
  6. Any and all surfaces
  7. Finally, floors, floors, floors – these are a major complaint when not cleaned correctly
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How to inspect your Airbnb after cleaning

Don’t forget, every vacation rental needs to be inspected. This is called the final walk-through. Here is how to inspect an airbnb:

  1. Checking every dresser, drawer, closet, and under every bed to make sure nothing has been left behind by previous guests.
  2. Inspecting the pantry and cabinets need to be checked for left behind food. All dishes must be clean.
  3. Surfaces and floors must have no streaks, hand prints, or footprints.
  4. Checking for hair. Pay special attention to the bathrooms for small hairs.
  5. Document any damages by taking pictures and pay special attention to items needing maintenance. Photo evidence is required for claims on Airbnb and VRBO.
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How to Clean an Airbnb Property. Tips from an airbnb cleaning specialist. (2024)

FAQs

Do Airbnb cleaners get tips? ›

Although gratuity is not required, experts were mixed on whether you should leave some cash behind. “I tip housekeeping in a hotel, but I don't tip in an Airbnb, because I know I'm paying a cleaning fee,” says Ben Pundole, founder of A Hotel Life, who has worked in the hospitality industry for the past 30 years.

How to efficiently clean an Airbnb? ›

Make sure you:
  1. Sweep, vacuum, dust, and/or mop areas before sanitizing.
  2. Wash dishes and laundry on the highest heat setting possible.
  3. Wipe down hard surfaces with soap and water.

What is expected of an Airbnb cleaner? ›

Becoming a professional Airbnb cleaner means taking on the responsibilities of cleaning and preparing rental properties for guests. Your main job is to make sure the space is spotless and welcoming for the next guest. Every corner needs to be clean and tidy, from the floors to the linens.

What are the rules for cleaning Airbnb hosts? ›

Cleanliness: Hosts should provide listings that meet a high standard of cleanliness (free of extensive dust, pet dander, dirty dishes, etc.). Guest turnover: Hosts should be sure to clean between every stay (do laundry, take out trash, vacuum/sweep, wipe down surfaces, etc.).

How much should I get paid to clean an Airbnb? ›

The average cleaning fee on Airbnb is between $50 – $80, however, this average is somewhat misleading. With such a huge spectrum of listings from tiny rooms in shared houses, to opulent mansions with 10+ rooms, it's very hard to find an accurate average.

How much do you tip Airbnb staff? ›

Generally, tipping is considered commonplace for jobs that don't pay a living wage, such as waitstaff. Considering the fact that Airbnb requires its United States hosts to pay its cleaners a living wage, there's no need to tip housekeepers.

What is the 5 step cleaning process? ›

The five key steps include pre-rinse, clean, intermediate rinse, sanitize, and final rinse. 1. Pre-Rinse – Requires that all surfaces be rinsed with adequate water until syrup and beverage residues are removed. This step also improves the effectiveness of the cleaner.

How many hours does it take to clean an Airbnb? ›

How long should it take to clean an Aribnb? Most people leave a gap of about 4 hours for tidying up between guests.

How often should Airbnb be deep cleaned? ›

While Airbnb does not have specific guidelines for deep-cleaning frequency, it's generally recommended to perform one at least once every few months.

Are Airbnbs cleaned daily? ›

Well, this is really up to you as the host, and while it is true that, unlike hotel rooms, most Airbnbs are not cleaned daily, there is no way you can skimp on a regular cleaning schedule and an occasional deep clean if you want guests to leave you 5-star reviews.

Does Airbnb hosts clean daily? ›

Unlike a hotel room, Airbnbs are not usually cleaned daily. In many ways, it's up to you as the host to decide how cleaning tasks will get done during a guest's stay. Some hosts provide guests with cleaning products for everyday spills and messes.

Why is the cleaning fee so much on Airbnb? ›

A cleaning fee is a one-off charge for cleaning the space you stay in and is set by the Host. It's an extra amount on top of the nightly rate when you book a listing. This fee covers the extra expenses Hosts incur when getting their place ready for guests to arrive or after they leave.

Does the Airbnb cleaning fee include dishes? ›

Here are the expenses that your Airbnb cleaning fee should cover: The time spent cleaning (tidying the rooms, changing the bedsheets and towels, washing the dishes, etc) Replenishing cleaning supplies and toiletries. Occasional repairs/maintenance.

How to wash bedding for Airbnb? ›

All sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers can be washed with warm water under a “normal” or “permanent press” cycle. Blankets and throws should be washed with warm water under a “bulky” cycle.

What is the app to bid on Airbnb cleaning jobs? ›

Turno for Cleaners, formerly TurnoverBnB Cleaner App, helps professional vacation rental cleaners find high target hosts and deliver quality service. Grow your cleaning business: find new customers in your area on the Turno Marketplace (TurnoverBnB). Set your own prices and bid for free!

Do Airbnb hosts expect tips? ›

Tipping on Airbnb is not a common practice. The cost of your stay typically covers all expenses, and hosts set their prices accordingly. However, it's always appreciated to show gratitude by leaving a positive review or a small token of appreciation, like a note.

Does the host get the cleaning fee on Airbnb? ›

Airbnb cleaning fees are a one-time charge pocketed by hosts to cover costs such as doing laundry or scrubbing toilets between guest stays. They're separate from the base price and are in addition to service fees or charges for optional add-ons.

Do you tip housekeepers? ›

Most larger cleaning service companies, like The Maids, will tell you that it is neither required nor expected. If you hire an individual, it is customary to tip 10 to 20% of the cleaning price, assuming you are pleased with the quality of work.

Can Airbnb host ask for more money for cleaning? ›

If you already agreed and paid a cleaning fee, the host has no right to ask for additional cleaning, unless you made a real mess.

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