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.

In this article, you’ll find the ultimate Airbnb cleaning list, including everything from tasks to supplies. You can also download our Airbnb cleaning checklist PDF, which is a handy tool for you to stay organized and efficient, and to hand-off to a cleaning team.

Benefits of Using a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist

A well-structured cleaning checklist ensures thorough cleaning, which prevents oversights and guarantees a spotless environment for every guest. Here’s how a systematic approach to your cleaning process can significantly enhance the guest experience:

• Improves reviews: Spotless cleaning leads to positive guest reviews, which lead to more bookings and can help you become an Airbnb Superhost or an Airbnb Guest Favorite.
• Aids in task management: Having a checklist ensures that every cleaning task is remembered and completed, which is particularly useful during busy seasons or if you manage multiple properties.
• Streamlines turnover: A systematic Airbnb turnover checklist speeds up the cleaning process between guest stays, ensuring efficient turnovers and reducing downtime.

Essential Airbnb Cleaning Supplies

To efficiently manage your cleaning tasks, keep a well-stocked supply of cleaning agents and tools. Here’s what we recommend:

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

PRO TIP: You can shop for these items or restock them at a discount through HostGPO. 

Complete Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist

Whether you’re taking on the cleaning yourself or delegating tasks to a cleaning team, this room-by-room cleaning checklist for vacation rentals guarantees that every area of your property receives the attention it deserves. This structured approach streamlines the turnover process, making it efficient and stress-free. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown to guide you or your cleaning team through each area, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

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

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.

FAQs: Cleaning Your Airbnb

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.

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.