Ultimate Short-Term Rental Cleaning Checklist 📋

Key Takeaways

• Cleanliness in vacation rentals is a pivotal factor for success. Data shows that properties with higher cleanliness ratings are more likely to achieve a Guest Favorites badge.
• The guide compares professional cleaning services and DIY cleaning. Professional services are efficient for multiple or large properties, while DIY cleaning offers cost savings that may appeal to first-time or small property hosts.
• Adopt our detailed cleaning checklist for each area of your rental, along with our list of necessary cleaning equipment and supplies to maintain high standards.

In the competitive arena of vacation rentals, cleanliness is more than just a tick on a checklist; it's a pivotal factor in turning an ordinary stay into an extraordinary experience.

Here’s where the numbers speak volumes: In 2023, the average cleanliness score for Airbnb listings in the U.S. was 4.82 out of 5, just slightly better than the average value score of 4.76. For property managers chasing the prestigious Superhost or Guest Favorite status for their vacation rental, nudging up that cleanliness rating is a smart move. 

Why? When it comes to vacation rentals with the guest favorite badge, their average cleanliness rating soars to 4.98. That’s a significant jump from the average rating of 4.73 for hosts without the badge. This gap highlights a clear trend: guests value and reward exceptional cleanliness.

An airbnb cleaning checklist may help you get on top of your cleaning routine. Our comprehensive short-term rental cleaning checklist provides all of the information you need to make not only your property shine, but your hosting reputation too.

Vacation Rental Cleaning Process

Consider cleanliness as the prerequisite for your guests enjoying any of the other amenities that you offer. While there are numerous ways to excel as a host, maintaining a pristine home stands out as one of the most crucial factors. 

Ensuring every nook and cranny is spotless leaves you with two choices: assembling your own cleaning team to tackle the task or engaging a professional cleaning service. Each option has its own set of pros, cons, and suitability based on your circumstances as a host.

Hiring a professional cleaning service is beneficial for its expertise, efficiency, and consistency. Hiring a professional cleaner can save you time and personal investment in high-quality cleaning products and equipment. This option is particularly ideal for hosts managing multiple properties, larger rentals, or those with high guest turnover. Employing a vacation rental cleaner is also a practical choice for hosts with limited time or physical ability. The downsides to hiring a professional cleaning service include higher costs, less personal control over the cleaning process, and potential scheduling issues.

Cleaning your rental yourself offers cost-effectiveness and personalized attention, allowing for flexible scheduling to accommodate last-minute bookings. Managing your own cleaning team allows you to adjust the cleaning protocol as you see fit. This approach suits first-time Airbnb hosts, those with one or smaller properties, hosts who want to be personally involved in managing their rental, and budget-conscious property managers. The challenges with owning your cleaning duties involve their time-consuming nature, the physical effort required, and maintaining consistency in cleanliness standards, especially during busy periods.

Your decision should align with your specific needs, capabilities, and goals as a host. Whether opting for a professional cleaner or handling the Airbnb cleaning checklist yourself, the ultimate aim is to provide a consistently clean, welcoming, and comfortable experience for your guests. As we delve deeper, we'll focus on the DIY approach for those who find its advantages outweigh the cons.

List of Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

Having the right arsenal of cleaning equipment and cleaning supplies is critical to elevating your vacation rental property's cleanliness standards. 

The ultimate cleaning kit should include:

• Multi-surface cleaners
• Microfiber cloth
• Scrub pads 
• Paper towels
• Vacuum cleaner
• Broom and dustpan
• Mop and bucket
• Cleaning caddy
• Gloves
• Trash bags

Keep in mind that effective cleaning products can vary based on the location and your type of property. 

Consider specific cleaning tools such as specialized sand-removing mats, fabric and upholstery stain removers, and high-performance outdoor surface cleaners for beachfront properties. In mountain cabins, wood polish, mold and mildew removers, and specialized floor cleaners may be essential. 

Adapt your cleaning supplies to the unique demands of each location. 

Short-Term Rental Cleaning Checklist 

Simplify and standardize the cleaning process by taking it step by step, addressing each area systematically. Bring a pre-prepared cleaning kit with you or have one on-site to maximize your efficiency.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and its cleanliness is crucial. The kitchen is a common gathering spot for your guests and keeping it spotless ensures that the space is hygienic and safe for preparing meals.

• Wipe down surfaces. Start by wiping down all surfaces, including countertops, appliances, cabinets, and trash cans to remove any lingering dust or debris.
• Sanitize high-touch areas. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and handles.
• Check and clean appliances. Inspect and clean all kitchen appliances, from the microwave to the oven. Don't forget to clear out any expired food items from the fridge.
• Do the dishes. Make sure there are no dirty dishes and that you have an empty dishwasher. Empty the drying rack if there are clean dishes to be put away. 
• Refill and restock. Fill up the dish soap dispenser, restock scrub pads, and provide ample trash bags and paper towels for the next guests. 

Living Areas 

The living room serves as the primary communal space in your vacation rental property, where guests relax, socialize, and spend a significant amount of their time.  A clean and tidy living room sets the tone for the entire rental, as it's often the first space seen upon guest arrival. 

• Dust and wipe furniture. Dust all surfaces and wipe down furniture and coffee tables. Pay attention to commonly overlooked areas like lampshades and electronics.
• Vacuum carpets and rugs. Carpets and rugs trap dust and allergens. Regular vacuuming keeps the space  clean and comfortable for your guests.
• Mop the floors. Mopping the floors removes allergens and can give  the space a nice smell. Pick a scent that is not too overpowering as some guests might have a sensitive sense of smell.
• Check upholstery. Inspect and clean upholstery regularly. Address any stains promptly to keep the living areas looking fresh.
• Organize and declutter. A clutter-free space feels cleaner. Regularly organize and declutter, removing any personal items left by previous guests. 
• Make it cozy. Fold any blankets that you provide, fluff pillows and make sure the coffee table is neat. Cozy details can make a real difference in creating a homey and welcoming feeling. 

Bedrooms

The cleanliness of the bedroom directly impacts the quality of sleep and overall satisfaction of your guests.

• Change bed linens. Always provide freshly laundered bed linens. This simple act contributes significantly to a positive guest experience.
• Dust surfaces. Dust all surfaces, including nightstands, dressers, and any decorative items.. Remember to check on top of the ceiling fan, as this is often overlooked. 
• Check for stains. Regularly inspect mattresses and upholstery for any stains. Promptly address stains to maintain a pristine appearance.
• Empty and clean closets. Keep closets empty and clean. Guests appreciate the ability to use ample storage space during their stay.
• Carbon monoxide detectors. Safety is important, so make sure the carbon monoxide detectors are working and that there are batteries, if needed. 

Bathrooms

A clean bathroom might go unnoticed, but a dirty bathroom will leave a mark that is impossible to wash away. The bathroom, a highly trafficked area used for essential daily routines and personal hygiene, demands rigorous attention to cleanliness.

• Scrub and sanitize surfaces. Scrub all surfaces, including sinks, countertops, and shower/tub areas. Sanitize high-touch areas such as the sink faucet thoroughly.
• Check and refill toiletries. Regularly check and refill toiletries. Ensure that guests have an ample supply of hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and toilet paper.
• Clean mirrors.  Use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to polish mirrors. Use rubbing alcohol to spot-clean stubborn residue.
• Inspect and fix leaks. Keep an eye out for any leaks or plumbing issues. Promptly address and fix them to maintain a functional and clean bathroom.
• Pay attention to  the details. Clean shower drains and other areas that are easy to miss. Inspect the toilet brush and replace it as needed. Deep clean the bathroom on a regular basis, wiping down walls, maintaining grout and replacing the shower liner and curtain as they accumulate wear and tear. 

Laundry Room

A well-maintained laundry room, free from lint build-up and clutter, not only ensures the safety and efficiency of appliances but also enhances the convenience and comfort of your guests' stay.

• Inspect and clean laundry appliances. Ensure that washing machines and dryers are clean and functioning properly. Regular maintenance prevents unpleasant surprises.
• Fold and store linens. Fold and store bed linens and towels neatly. Presenting a well-organized linen closet adds a touch of professionalism to your short-term rental.
• Fill up and restock. If the guest wants to use the washing machine, make sure there is laundry detergent and that the laundry baskets are clean and empty. 

Outdoor Areas

Outdoor areas, such as patios, decks, and gardens, face unique cleaning challenges due to their exposure to natural elements like wind, rain, and sunlight. This exposure can lead to a buildup of debris, dirt, and weather-related wear and tear, especially on outdoor furniture, grills, and decor.

• Sweep and clean patios/balconies. Sweep and clean outdoor areas regularly. Guests appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a clean and well-kept outdoor space.
• Check and clean outdoor furniture. Inspect and clean outdoor furniture. Ensure cushions are free from stains and debris. Move outdoor furniture into storage during the off season to maintain their quality.
• Maintain landscaping. Regularly maintain landscaping. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and address any issues promptly to enhance the overall curb appeal.

Customize Your Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Template

We’ve laid the foundation for a basic short-term rental cleaning checklist, guiding you through the essential steps to ensure each area of your property is meticulously cared for. However, it's important to remember that every rental property is unique, and customizing this template to fit your specific needs is crucial for optimal results.

Why Customize? Your rental might have unique features that aren't covered in a standard checklist and require additions to your cleaning kit. If your rental is pet-friendly, you'll need to include additional steps such as removing pet hair from furniture, deep cleaning to eliminate pet odors, and ensuring outdoor areas are safe and clean for animal guests. If your property includes unique amenities such as a hot tub, pool, or special outdoor entertainment areas, these should also be included in your customized cleaning plan.

Tailoring your Airbnb cleaning checklist to the unique aspects of your property ensures comprehensive care and maintenance, enhancing the guest experience and preserving the quality and appeal of your rental.  This customization enhances the guest experience and also helps maintain the longevity and quality of your property.

Should You Charge Cleaning Fees? 

Deciding whether to implement cleaning fees for your vacation rental property demands thoughtful evaluation because it impacts both your revenue and guest satisfaction. Examine your overall pricing strategy for your short-term rental property, taking into account factors such as location, size, amenities, and cleaning costs. 

It’s common for short-term rentals to set cleaning expectations of guests in the check-out process, such as taking out the trash or washing dirty dishes. Take into consideration guest contributions when you’re setting vacation rental cleaning fees.

Charging a separate cleaning fee informs guests about the precise costs associated with maintaining your space. However, many guests prefer all-in pricing that includes cleaning fees in the total. For a deeper understanding of optimizing cleaning fees, check out our blog post on the topic: Airbnb Cleaning Fees: What Hosts Need to Know.

Striking the right balance between setting a cleaning fee that actually covers costs, having happy guests, and getting the most revenue is crucial for a successful short-term rental business. Leveraging data is a great way to offer a competitive average daily rate and reach your earning goals. 

Spotless Spaces, Happy Faces

Maintaining a high cleaning standard is critical to the success of your short-term rental property, particularly if it’s listed on platforms like Airbnb. It’s one of just 6 categories by which guests can rate your property. It’s a straightforward way to boost positive guest reviews and become a Super Host. Want other tips on how to become a superhost? Check out the article: How to Become an Airbnb Superhost: Meaning, Tips, Requirements