Cleaning your rental isn't a one-size-fits-all. Depending on how large your property is, the type of guests you host, and the amenities you offer, your cleaning needs can really differ. That's why having a personalized checklist is so important to make sure your space shines--cleanliness is something all guests care about, after all.
Don't leave any stone unturned with a detailed Airbnb cleaning checklist: it keeps everything spotless, so whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a cleaning crew, you can make sure your guests have a great experience!
Before getting into deep cleaning, here’s a checklist of what you should do:
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have all necessary cleaning supplies, including disinfectants, cleaning cloths, vacuum, mop, and trash bags.
- Ventilate: Open windows and doors to air out the space and improve ventilation.
- Declutter: Remove any clutter left by guests, including personal items, trash, and used linens.
- Inventory Check: Check for missing or damaged items, such as towels, dishes, or decor, and replace or report as needed.
- Safety Check: Ensure all safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, are in working order.
- Laundry: Collect all used linens and start the laundry process to have fresh replacements ready.
Having trouble managing the cleaning of your Airbnb? Hand it off to a professional full-service property management company. Full-service property managers handle all the cleaning and everything else, so you can sit back and relax.
How We Came To Determine This Airbnb Checklist
Creating the ultimate Airbnb cleaning checklist wasn't just a shot in the dark! We talked to hosts and expert cleaners who shared their experiences and any tips and tricks they may have gathered. We focused on common pain points, resulting in a checklist that makes sure your rental is spotless and ready for the next arrival.
1. Kitchen
Cleaning the kitchen is often the most daunting task, but it can be incredibly rewarding when done right! This step involves ensuring that every nook and cranny is sparkling clean, from countertops to appliances.
Here's what you need to accomplish cleaning the kitchen of your Airbnb:
- Gather your cleaning supplies such as all-purpose cleaner, sponges, and a reliable scrub brush. Use rubber gloves if your skin is sensitive. Don’t forget to have some microfiber cloths handy for shiny surfaces!
- Start with wiping down surfaces, moving to appliances, and finishing with the floor. Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles as well.
- Clean your appliances inside and out: this means polishing the exterior of the refrigerator and scrubbing the front of the dishwasher. Don't neglect smaller appliances, like coffee makers, too!
- Clean and sanitize the sink, and rinse and wipe down the faucet.
- It’s essential to pay attention to tricky spots, like underneath appliances and behind the sink and the fridge, which can gather grime over time.
- Be cautious of certain surfaces that require gentle care—like stainless steel, which can easily scratch.
- Once you're done with the surfaces and appliances, sweep and mop the floor. Pay special attention to corners and under cabinets.
- For the final touches, replace dish towels with clean ones, and restock any necessary kitchen supplies like trash bags or dish soap.
2. Living Room
Now, let's move on to the living room. The living room is where your guests will spend time together, so make sure it's clean!
Keep these points in mind when cleaning the living room for your Airbnb:
- Grab your vacuum or broom, microfiber cloths, a duster, furniture polish, and any necessary cleaning sprays.
- Put away any items that don’t belong in the living room. Organize magazines, remote controls, and any knick-knacks to create a tidy space.
- Always start from the top and work your way down. Use a duster or cloth to wipe down shelves, picture frames, and light fixtures. Don't miss ceiling fans or window sills!
- Vacuum and spot clean curtains or blinds. Make sure they're dust-free.
- Whether you have fabric or leather furniture, be sure to vacuum or wipe down your sofas and chairs. If you're up for it, throw any cushion covers in the wash!
- Take a moment to dust or polish your decorative pieces, such as vases and lamps.
- Vacuums are the key to clean carpets, while hardwoods do well with a good sweeping and mopping! Again, pay any attention to corners, under the rug, and check and vacuum under couches and behind any large furniture.
- Use a glass cleaner to polish windows and any mirrors.
- Finally, fluff up throw pillows, fold blankets neatly, and spray a room spray for a fresh scent.
3. Dining Room
A warm and inviting dining room is another common area where your guests tend to gather. Eating in a cluttered and messy space is not only unhygienic, but also very stressful.
Make every mealtime enjoyable with these tips to make your dining space sparkle:
- Again, gather your cleaning supplies: a vacuum, broom, cleaning cloths, a duster, furniture polish, and cleaning sprays.
- Clear the dining table of any unnecessary items, placing them in their proper places.
- Dust off the top of the dining table and chairs first! Use a duster or cloth to wipe down surfaces, adding polish for that extra shine.
- Spot clean chairs, especially if they have any upholstery.
- Don’t forget to clean any decorative items on the table, like centerpieces or candlesticks.
- Use a window cleaner on any nearby windows or sliding doors to let in that natural light.
- Vacuum or sweep the floor. If your dining area has rugs, make sure to give those a good shake or vacuum, too!
- Check for any spots on the walls or baseboards, and wipe them down for a fresh finish.
- Lastly, arrange your dining chairs neatly and, if you love a pleasant aroma, add a scented candle or fresh flowers to brighten the space!
4. Bedrooms
Arguably the most important space of your rental, a calming bedroom is essential for your guests to get privacy and restful sleep.
Here's how to clean bedrooms for your Airbnb property:
- Use a vacuum, cleaning cloths, duster, surface cleaner, and any fabric fresheners.
- Clear nightstands and dressers of unnecessary items. Put everything back in its designated spot.
- Use your duster or cloth to clean all horizontal surfaces, including shelves and headboards, for that fresh feel. Check for stains on upholstered headboards and any fabrics (like armchairs) and spot clean.
- Strip the bed of old linens and disinfect the mattress with a commercially-available cleaner or a vinegar mix.
- Open the windows to let in some fresh air.
- Throw pillows and pillowcases into the wash, and replace them with fresh ones.
- Fix the mattress with a clean mattress protector, clean, fresh sheets and a duvet or comforter, if it's chilly enough.
- Sweep and vacuum the floor, and make sure to get under the bed and around furniture for a thorough clean.
- Use window cleaner for any glass surfaces.
- Spritz a fabric freshener or a room spray.
- Take a few minutes to tidy up the closet, ensuring everything is in its proper place. If you have any extra linens, you may want to store clean sheets, blankets, and duvets for your guests.
5. Bathrooms
Creating a clean bathroom is crucial for your guests' first impressions! Take a look at these tips.
- Gather an all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, sponge, mop, and disinfectant wipes.
- Throw away any old garbage.
- Remove any items from countertops and shelves; this will make cleaning easier.
- Apply toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit while you tackle the other areas.
- Wipe down all surfaces, starting with countertops, sinks, and faucets. Don’t forget to target those pesky spots and soap scum.
- Clean mirrors with glass cleaner for that streak-free shine.
- Scrub the tub and/or shower, ensuring to clean any grout lines and fixtures for a fresh finish.
- Return to the toilet and scrub the inside with a toilet brush, then wipe down the exterior, including the seat and base.
- Mop the floor, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet for a truly thorough clean.
- Replace any used towels with fresh, fluffy ones, and place a newly-washed bath mat on the floor.
- Stock up on essentials like toilet paper, soap, and shampoo. Add a fresh roll to the toilet paper holder, and a new waste bin liner inside the trash can. Any toiletry extras (like more toilet paper, etc.) should go inside a cabinet.
6. Other Common Areas
Don't neglect other common areas, like outdoor spaces! While you probably have a maintenance crew to handle these spaces, it's always great to know how to do it yourself.
Check these off your list as you go down the common room:
- Grab a broom, rake, pressure washer (if available), outdoor cleaner, garbage bags, and gardening tools.
- Start by picking up any trash, debris, or fallen leaves. Always check in corners and under patio furniture!
- Sweep patios, decks, and walkways to remove dirt and leaves. Rake any remaining leaves from your lawn.
- This is an optional tip, but if you have a pressure washer, give driveways, patios, and decks a deep clean to banish grime and stains.
- Wipe down tables and chairs with a suitable outdoor cleaner. Spot clean cushions if needed.
- Ensure your outdoor lights are functional. Replace any burnt-out bulbs and clean the fixtures you have.
Bottom Line
Having an Airbnb cleaning checklist in place is key to keeping your rental shining and spotless. Being organized is how you ensure that every nook and cranny is attended to, from the kitchen countertops to the bathroom tiles. And, by following this comprehensive checklist, you'll be sure to get rave reviews from your guests!
