Airbnb cleaning checklist: the complete room-by-room turnover guide

As a vacation rental host, cleanliness is a crucial factor in guest satisfaction and securing good reviews on Airbnb or other rental platforms.

A comprehensive and practical Airbnb cleaning checklist can be your secret weapon, ensuring your property meets high standards of cleanliness while streamlining your turnover process.

Below is the full room-by-room Airbnb cleaning checklist we use, the supplies to keep stocked, and a free printable PDF you can hand straight to a cleaning team. Download the Airbnb cleaning checklist PDF.

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The turnover in brief

1. Strip the beds and start laundry first, before anything else.
2. Gather dirty dishes and run the dishwasher.
3. Walk the whole property and photograph any damage.
4. Clean room by room, top to bottom.
5. Restock consumables: toiletries, paper products, coffee and tea.
6. Final walkthrough: check for odors, test that everything works, stage the space.
7. Set the thermostat, confirm keys and access, and lock up.

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Why use a cleaning checklist

A checklist turns cleaning from memory into a repeatable system, which is what keeps quality consistent across busy weeks, multiple properties, and different cleaners. It does three things:

• Protects your reviews. Cleanliness is one of the loudest signals in guest reviews, and consistent turnovers are what earn Superhost and Guest Favorite status.
• Prevents misses. Every task gets done every time, even during back-to-back turnovers.
• Speeds up turnover. A set order cuts the time between checkout and the next check-in, so you lose less availability.

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Airbnb cleaning supplies to keep stocked

• Disinfectant
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Wood polish
• Stain remover and linen spray
• Oven cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Gloves
• Duster
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop (or Swiffer)
• Garbage bags
• Magic erasers
• Toilet brush

Lowe's Pro or Amazon Business are two of the best options for keeping these items stocked, and HostGPO members are able to get even more savings when they link their accounts. Same speed, variety, and convenience as always with Lowe's or Amazon, just with even more savings. Depending on how many turns you’re doing, it adds up fast.

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The complete room-by-room cleaning checklist

Whether you clean yourself or hand it to a team, this room-by-room checklist makes sure every area gets the attention it needs and the turnover stays efficient.

Where to begin:

• Laundry (if you wash linens on-site)‍
  
  • In order to make the most of your time, the first thing you should do when you walk into your property is strip the beds, grab all the used bath towels and dish towels, and get the laundry started
  • For tips on how to remove tough stains from your white linens, check out our complete stain removal guide
• Dishes‍
  
  • Gather all dirty dishes and start the dishwasher
• Full Walk-through‍
  
  • Take a lap of the entire home, both interior and exterior, to access the state of the home
  • Conduct a damage check, photograph any damage and call for extra help if needed

General Cleaning Tasks for All Rooms:

• Dusting‍
  
  • Ceiling fans, lamp shades, blinds, furniture, woodwork, shelves, baseboards
  • Remove cobwebs from corners of rooms
• Windows and Walls‍
  
  • Wipe down windows and window sills, inside and out
  • Clean walls where dirty (use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for dirty spots)
• HVAC‍
  
  • Wipe HVAC vents/intake
  • Change HVAC filters every 3-4 months
  • Clean AC window units
• Floors‍
  
  • Vacuum Carpets
  • Mop all Floors
• Appliances and Utility Maintenance‍
  
  • Clean laundry machines and empty lint traps
  • Wipe down light switches and door handles
• Waste Management‍
  
  • Empty and clean all wastebaskets and recycling containers 
  • Take out the trash

Bathroom Cleaning List:

• Deep Clean‍
  
  • Clean, scrub and sanitize showers (including doors/curtains and shelves), bathtubs, toilets, vanities, mirrors, and sinks
  • Check sink and shower drains for hair or clogs
  • Clean and empty waste bins
  • Mop floors and scrub tile walls
• Accessories and Towels‍
  
  • Restock facial tissues, toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash if needed
  • Ensure a hairdryer is available under the sink
  • Launder or replace dirty towels and bathmats

Bedroom Cleaning List:

• Linens and Bedding‍
  
  • Strip beds and wash any dirty linens (if you haven't already)
  • Wash mattress protectors if needed
  • Make beds with clean linens
  • Inspect condition of bed sheets and towels
• Furniture and Storage‍
  
  • Dust and clean bedside lamps, tables, dressers and surfaces
    
  • Check dresser drawers and closets for items left behind by guests
  • Check for hangers in closets
  • Vacuum or sweep all floors, including under beds
  • Clean and empty waste bins

Living Room Cleaning List:

• Cleaning and Dusting‍
  
  • Wipe down and dust TV screens and electronics
  • Clean and disinfect the remote control
  • Dust end tables, coffee tables, other furniture, shelving, decor, and fans
  • Launder and replace any dirty throw blankets, couch covers or pillow covers
  • Vacuum floors and couches, including under cushions and furniture
• Fireplace‍
  
  • Clean and tidy the fireplace area (sweep ashes, etc.)

Dining Room Cleaning List:

• Cleaning and Dusting‍
  
  • Wipe down the dining table and chairs, focusing on all surfaces and undersides
    
  • Dust and clean any buffet, hutch, or cabinets, organizing the interiors neatly
  • Vacuum or mop the floor, clean under the table and chairs, and handle any rug cleaning
  • Clean overhead lighting fixtures and dust wall-mounted items; wipe down scuffs or marks on the walls.
• Maintenance ‍
  
  • Check to make sure the dining chairs and table are not wobbly and that nothing needs to be repaired or replaced

Kitchen Cleaning List:

• Cleaning and Sanitation‍
  
  • Clean counters, cabinets, appliances, tables, and chairs
  • Scrub and sanitize sinks, countertops, and backsplashes
  • Clean inside the oven, microwave, and refrigerator/freezer (including tops and sides)
  • Throw out leftover food and coffee grounds
  • Sweep and mop the floors
• Dishware and Storage‍
  
  • Clean dishes, glasses, cookware, and empty the dishwasher
  • Clean inside cabinets
• Restocking and Prep‍
  
  • Put out clean dish towels
  • Restock essentials like tea, coffee, paper towels, dish soap, condiments, etc.
  • Ensure sufficient plates, utensils, wine openers and cooking pots are available and in good shape
  • Place a new sponge on the counter, and ensure trash cans are emptied and clean with fresh garbage bags

Exterior and Outdoor cleaning List:

• Cleaning and Maintenance‍
  
  • Sweep and tidy entryway, driveway, pool area, and hot tub covers
  • Clean the pool and hot tub; ensure BBQ and tools are clean and propane is off
• Safety and Convenience ‍
  
  • Turn off pool heater, close pool cover, and bring in trash bins
  • Unplug string lights and close outdoor umbrella

Final Preparations and Property Readiness:

• Operational Checks‍
  
  • Do a final walkthrough to ensure no damages are missed and photograph any identified damages
  • Inspect overall cleanliness and check for any odors
  • Assess whether repainting or deeper cleaning is needed based on the current state
  • Ensure all appliances, smoke detectors, blinds, and curtains are functioning properly
  • Check WiFi connection and speed
  • Review TV connections and verify correct account logins
  • Check remote control batteries
• Pre-Arrival Setup‍
  
  • Ensure all appliances, heaters, AC units, and lights are off when leaving
  • Check that all lamps, TVs, and other electronic devices are plugged in and functioning
  • Verify the availability of keys, garage/gate clickers, and parking passes
  • Set out extras like chocolates or wine
  • Ensure that printed house rules, emergency contact information, and other necessary welcome details are visible and easily accessible
  • Place your Airbnb Welcome Book in a prominent location if available

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How much should I charge for a cleaning fee?

Base the fee on what the clean actually costs: cleaner labor, supplies, and laundry. Fees vary widely by market and property size, commonly landing somewhere between $100 and $150 for a typical home and higher for large or luxury properties, so price yours to your real cost rather than a number you saw elsewhere.

One caution: guests see the cleaning fee added to the nightly rate at checkout, and an inflated fee is a common reason a booking gets abandoned. Charging much more than your actual cost tends to cost you more in lost conversions than it recovers. Cover your cost, keep it proportional to the nightly rate, and let the price stay competitive.

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Downloadable Airbnb Cleaning Checklist PDF

To help manage your cleaning tasks more effectively, we’ve compiled the above list into a downloadable Airbnb Cleaning Checklist PDF. This detailed list breaks down each task in a room-by-room format, ensuring an easy-to-follow process. You can work through the checklist on your own or print out to hand over to a cleaning team. Download the free PDF here.

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Frequently asked questions

What should be on an Airbnb cleaning checklist?

A complete checklist covers laundry and dishes first, general tasks for every room (dusting, floors, waste, switches), then room-by-room deep cleaning for the bathroom, bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and kitchen, plus outdoor areas and a final walkthrough with a damage check and restock.

How long does an Airbnb turnover take?

Roughly two hours for a studio or one-bedroom, three hours for a mid-size home, and three to five-plus hours for a large property, depending on whether you launder on-site and whether one person or a team is cleaning.

How much should I charge for an Airbnb cleaning fee?

Base it on your actual cost of labor, supplies, and laundry, commonly $100 to $150 for a typical home and higher for large or luxury properties. Keep it proportional to your nightly rate, since a high cleaning fee can lower your booking conversion.

How do I clean an Airbnb between guests quickly?

Start the laundry the moment you arrive, follow a fixed room-by-room order so you are not doubling back, keep spare linen sets so you never wait on a wash, and stage a stocked supply caddy so nothing stalls the turnover.

What cleaning supplies do I need for an Airbnb?

Disinfectant, multi-surface and glass cleaner, laundry detergent, stain remover and linen spray, oven cleaner, microfiber cloths, gloves, a vacuum, mop, broom, magic erasers, a toilet brush, and garbage bags.

How often should You deep clean Your Airbnb?

Deep cleaning should be performed every six months, or after every 20 stays, to maintain deep-seated cleanliness and address areas not covered in regular cleanings.

Can You charge guests an Airbnb cleaning fee?

Yes, hosts can incorporate a cleaning fee into their listing prices. This fee should reflect the actual cost of cleaning the property.

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Conclusion

By following this Airbnb Cleaning Checklist, you can ensure that your property is spotless and inviting for every guest. Don’t forget to download our Airbnb Cleaning Checklist PDF to hand off to cleaning teams and easily implement this in your rentals.