How to Find the Best Airbnb Cleaning Service: Key Tips

Key Takeaways

• Evaluate whether you need a cleaning service based on factors like occupancy rate, property size, guest feedback on cleanliness, and your own availability.
• Find the right service by getting recommendations, checking credentials, comparing prices, and conducting a trial clean to assess quality and fit.
• Vet potential cleaning companies thoroughly by asking questions about their experience, services, quality controls, cleaning supplies, and scheduling flexibility.

Imagine this: a new set of guests arrive at your Airbnb, instantly charmed by the quaint front porch you recently upgraded and the vibrant potted plants artfully arranged by the door. Upon entering, though, their enthusiasm for your Airbnb wanes. A musty odor hangs in the air, and the kitchen tile grout is stained and grimy. 

Just like that, all the good impressions vanish. That’s the power of a clean house—it can make or break your guest experience, no matter how great everything else is.

Finding the perfect Airbnb cleaning service will make all the difference in maintaining those five-star reviews and keeping guests happy. Whether you’re dealing with high turnover or just want to save time, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks for finding the right professionals to keep your rental sparkling clean.

How to Find a Good Airbnb Cleaning Service

Finding the best vacation rental cleaning services requires more than a casual google search. Try a multifaceted approach to source a reliable service provider:

• Ask for recommendations: Reach out to other hosts or property management companies for recommendations. If a fellow host has a trusted Airbnb cleaner they rely on, chances are they’re worth a call. If you’re buying an existing Airbnb, the previous owner might already have a trusted cleaner that can continue serving the property once it's been transferred over to you. 
• Search online: Look for cleaning services that specialize in vacation rentals and read reviews to get a sense of their reputation. There are apps dedicated to helping you find and manage cleaning services—check out our recommendations in the Most Useful Airbnb Apps for Hosts 2024.
• Check credentials: Verify that the company is licensed, insured, and has trained employees.
• Request quotes: Get quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and services before you make your selection.
• Schedule a trial clean: Arrange for a trial cleaning to assess the quality of their work before committing to a long-term contract.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Vacation Rental Cleaning Company

You've found what you think is the perfect cleaning company for your Airbnb. Their website boasts sparkling reviews and their prices seem just right. Before you hand over the keys to your cherished rental, though, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Here are some key questions to pose:

What experience do you have with vacation rental cleaning services?

Cleaning a vacation rental is different from cleaning a regular home. It requires attention to detail, quick turnaround times, and consistent, standardized cleaning practices—none of the quick "shove-the-laundry-under-the-bed" solutions that you might adopt in your own space! When you’re cleaning a vacation rental, you’re not just tidying up for yourself; you’re preparing a space for paying guests who expect perfection.

Take a beach house, for example. Guests will likely track in sand, and the salty air can lead to quicker wear and tear on furnishings. You’ll need an Airbnb cleaning service that knows how to handle these specific challenges, like thoroughly vacuuming sand from carpets, dealing with salt residue on windows, and keeping outdoor spaces spotless. They should also be adept at quickly refreshing the property between back-to-back bookings without compromising on quality.

What services are included in your standard cleaning package?

Different companies offer various services, so it's essential to know what's included in their standard package. A good Airbnb cleaning service should cover a comprehensive cleaning checklist that includes sanitizing bathrooms and kitchens, vacuuming and mopping floors, and dusting all surfaces. Ask if they also handle laundry service for bedding and towels.

Assess whether the cleaning company offers deep clean services and if those are separate from the standard package. You should weigh the standard of cleaning and how much you pay for it against the amount of traffic through your short-term rental and the rate of wear and tear relative to the location. If you host a cabin in the woods, for instance, you’re more likely to see dirt, snow and other pieces of the outdoors tracked into your rental on a regular basis.

How do you ensure consistency and quality?

Ask the company about their quality control processes—do they use routine inspections or detailed checklists to ensure every clean meets high standards? Find out if they have trained supervisors who review the work of their Airbnb cleaners to maintain consistency and top-notch quality across all their properties.

What cleaning supplies do you use?

The type of cleaning supplies can impact how effective the clean is as well as the safety of your property. Ask if they use eco-friendly products or if they can accommodate any specific preferences you have. Knowing the products they use can help you avoid potential allergies or sensitivities your guests might have. Plus, sustainability-minded travelers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly rentals. Your choices have an impact on your short-term rental brand, even down to the cleaning products.

How do you handle scheduling and last-minute requests?

Flexibility and reliability are essential for keeping your Airbnb running smoothly. You need an Airbnb cleaning service that can adapt to your schedule without breaking a sweat. Ask about their scheduling system: How do they handle last-minute bookings or sudden changes? A high-quality vacation rental cleaning service should be able to accommodate your needs, whether it's a surprise booking or an unexpected extension. They should also provide prompt and reliable responses to any requests, ensuring your property is always guest-ready—no matter what curveballs come your way.

Are your employees vetted and insured?

Security and trust are crucial when allowing cleaners into your property. Just like you carefully screen your guests, you need to be just as diligent with your cleaning crew—after all, they're the ones regularly handling your precious vintage dining room table. You might worry about guests scratching it, but you should also be concerned about who’s polishing it and with what products. Ensure the company performs thorough background checks on their employees and carries proper insurance. This protects you from liability and gives you peace of mind knowing your property is in safe hands.

Can you provide references or testimonials from other Airbnb hosts?

Hearing from other hosts about their experiences with the vacation rental cleaning service can provide valuable insights. Ask for references or check online reviews to gauge the company's reliability and performance. Positive testimonials from fellow hosts can help you feel more confident in your choice.

Do You Need Vacation Rental Cleaning Services?

Before you even start searching for an Airbnb cleaning company, determine if you really need a professional cleaning service for your vacation rental business. 

Think about:

• Your occupancy and turnover rates: If you consistently have back-to-back guest bookings, you’ll need to clean your Airbnb quickly and efficiently to accommodate the frequent turnover.
• Size of property: Small apartments or private rooms might be easy enough for you to clean on your own, but consider hiring a cleaning company if you’ve got a larger space.
• Past reviews: If you’ve gotten feedback about cleanliness issues from guests, you may need professional cleaning services.
• Your free time: If cleaning the property yourself is becoming too time-consuming or you manage your Airbnb remotely, hiring a cleaning service will save you valuable time.

How much should I pay for Airbnb cleaning services?

The cost of cleaning your Airbnb can vary widely based on factors such as the size of your property, location, and the level of cleaning required. Rates can range from $50 to $150 per cleaning. Cleaning companies that serve high-demand urban areas may charge more, which may motivate hosts to increase their cleaning fees.

Airbnb Cleaning Company Services

A good Airbnb cleaning service does more than just make your listing look spotless—it tackles the invisible dirty work that guests never see (but would definitely notice if it were left undone). 

Think of them as the behind-the-scenes heroes who deep clean those overlooked areas, preventing future messes and ensuring your property is always guest-ready. Here are some essential services to look for:

• General cleaning: Vacuuming, dusting, mopping, and wiping down surfaces to keep the property tidy.
• Deep cleaning: Periodic deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas.
• Bathroom and kitchen cleaning: Thorough cleaning and sanitizing of all bathroom and kitchen surfaces, including sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances.
• Laundry service: Washing and replacing bed sheets, towels, and other linens between guest stays.
• Restocking supplies: Replenish essential supplies such as toilet paper, soap, and cleaning products.
• Attention to detail: Cleaning light switches, door handles, and other frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of germs.
• Report inventory: Letting the host know when inventory is low if they provide the cleaning supplies.

Elevate the Guest Experience with the Best Airbnb Cleaning Service

Finding the right vacation rental cleaning service is the foundation  for maintaining the high standards your guests expect. You can find a reliable partner that helps keep your rentals spotless and welcoming by asking the right questions and thoroughly vetting potential companies.