If you are an Airbnb host or planning to be one, then starting by keeping a clean place will help you receive glowing reviews. According to Airbnb data, a lack of cleanliness is one of the top reasons for negative reviews.
Cleanliness directly translates into positive customer reviews and consequently increased occupancy.You can never afford to skimp on or neglect keeping your Airbnb accommodation spotless.
The effort, money and time you put into this assist you win the respect and loyalty of your visitors. Try these Airbnb cleaning tips from Clean-Corp hosts, or hire the best cleaning service for Airbnb to ensure that your place is sparkling clean.
The Guest Perspective: What They’re Really Looking For
Let’s face it: when guests book an Airbnb, they’re not just looking for a place to crash. They’re seeking an experience, a home away from home. And nothing sets the stage for a fantastic stay quite like a spotless space.
Picture this: Your guest opens the door to your Airbnb. What’s the first thing they notice? Is it the fresh scent of lemon and lavender? The gleaming surfaces? The neatly arranged throw pillows? These first impressions can make or break their stay – and your reviews.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness” they say. In the world of Airbnb, it’s next to five-star reviews and repeat bookings.
Studies show that cleanliness is a top priority for travelers. In fact, a survey by Booking.com found that 97% of travelers consider cleanliness to be the most important factor when choosing accommodation. That’s huge!
Pre-Cleaning Preparations: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Before you dive in with a mop and bucket, let’s talk strategy. Proper preparation can save you time, energy, and headaches down the road.
- Stock up on supplies: Don’t get caught short-handed mid-clean. Here’s a quick checklist:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop and bucket
- Scrub brushes
- Gloves
- Create a cleaning checklist: Break down your cleaning tasks room by room. This will help you stay organized and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
- Time management: How long should you allocate for cleaning? A good rule of thumb is:
- Studio/1 bedroom: 2-3 hours
- 2-3 bedrooms: 3-4 hours
- 4+ bedrooms: 4-6 hours
Remember, it’s better to overestimate than to find yourself rushing at the last minute!
Deep Cleaning: Going Beyond the Surface
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to the nitty-gritty. Deep cleaning is where the magic happens, folks!
Living Areas
Start with dusting and vacuuming. Don’t forget those often-overlooked spots like ceiling fans, baseboards, and behind furniture. For upholstery and rugs, invest in a good fabric cleaner. Pro tip: Use a lint roller for a quick refresh between deep cleans.
Windows and mirrors can make or break the overall impression of cleanliness. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar for a streak-free shine. Newspaper works wonders for buffing!
Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and it deserves extra love. Here’s a deep-cleaning checklist:
- Appliances: Clean inside and out, including that gunky microwave and the often forgotten toaster
- Countertops and cabinets: Sanitize and polish
- Sink: Scrub and shine, including the drain (baking soda and vinegar work wonders here)
- Stubborn grease: Mix dish soap with baking soda for a powerful degreaser
Bathrooms
Ah, the bathroom. It is where the cleanliness battle is won or lost. Focus on:
- Tackling soap scum and water spots (white vinegar is your friend)
- Sanitizing high-touch areas like faucets, toilet handles, and doorknobs
- Freshening up the space with a deep clean of the toilet, shower, and floors
Don’t forget to replace towels and toiletries between guests!
Bedrooms
Clean, fresh bedrooms are crucial for a good night’s sleep. Here’s your game plan:
- Launder all linens and bedding (including duvet covers and mattress protectors)
- Rotate and flip mattresses regularly
- Organize closets and drawers, ensuring there’s space for guests’ belongings
Recommended Blog: 20 cool houses with a flat roof design
The Devil’s in the Details: Often Overlooked Areas
It’s the little things that can elevate your Airbnb from good to great. Don’t neglect these often-missed spots:
- Light switches and doorknobs
- Remote controls and electronics (wipe them down with disinfectant)
- Under furniture and in corners (hello, dust bunnies!)
- Outdoor spaces (sweep patios, clean outdoor furniture)
Stocking Up: Amenities That’ll Wow Your Guests
Want to really impress your guests? Go beyond the basics with these amenities:
| Essential | Nice-to-Have | Luxury Touch |
| Shampoo & Conditioner | Coffee & Tea | Local Treats |
| Hand Soap | Extra Blankets | High-end Toiletries |
| Toilet Paper | Board Games | Smart Home Features |
| Kitchen Basics | Universal Charger | Welcome Basket |
Maintaining Cleanliness Between Guests
Quick turnover? No problem! Here are some rapid-fire cleaning tips:
- Focus on high-touch surfaces
- Use multi-purpose cleaning wipes for efficiency
- Keep a “quick clean” kit handy with essentials
For keeping your space fresh between deep cleans, try these tricks:
- Open windows for 15 minutes daily
- Use air purifiers or dehumidifiers
- Place small bowls of white vinegar in problem areas to absorb odors
When to Call in the Pros: Professional Cleaning Services
Sometimes, it pays to bring in the big guns. Professional cleaning services can:
- Save you time and energy
- Provide a deeper clean with professional-grade equipment
- Offer consistency, especially if you manage multiple properties
When choosing a service, look for:
- Experience with short-term rentals
- Positive reviews from other Airbnb hosts
- Flexible scheduling options
While it’s an added expense, many hosts find that the ROI in terms of better reviews and repeat bookings is well worth it.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Keeping It Green
More and more guests are eco-conscious these days. Show them you care by adopting some green cleaning practices:
- Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice
- Opt for reusable cleaning cloths instead of paper towels
- Choose eco-friendly laundry detergents and dish soaps
Not only is this better for the environment, but it can also be a selling point for your listing!
Tech Tools to Streamline Your Cleaning Process
Welcome to the 21st century of cleaning.These tech tools can make your life easier:
- Cleaning apps and scheduling software (try Properly or TurnoverBnB)
- Smart home devices for monitoring (think air quality sensors or smart thermostats)
- Automated messaging systems to communicate cleaning status to guests
The Psychology of Clean: Creating a Lasting Impression
When it comes to Airbnb hosting, cleanliness isn’t just about hygiene—it’s about psychology. A spotless space doesn’t just look good; it makes guests feel valued, safe, and comfortable. Let’s explore how you can use this to your advantage.
The Power of Scent
Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion. Use this to create a positive, lasting impression:
- Natural scents: Opt for light, natural fragrances like lavender, citrus, or vanilla.
- Avoid overwhelming odors: Strong artificial scents can be off-putting.
- Consistency is key: Use the same scent profile throughout your property for a cohesive experience.
“The scent of cleanness is the first thing guests notice, even before they see how spotless everything is,” says Maria Rodriguez, a top-rated Airbnb host in Miami.
Visual Cues of Cleanliness
Sometimes it is not enough for a space to be clean it needs to look clean too. Here are some visual cues that signal cleanliness to guests:
- Neatly folded towels and linens
- Streak-free mirrors and windows
- Organized closets and drawers
- Spotless kitchen appliances
- Fresh flowers or plants
Also read this: What are the Different Modern Kitchen Interior Designs?
Tackling Tough Cleaning Challenges
Every Airbnb host encounters cleaning hurdles. Here’s how to tackle some common ones:
Stubborn Stains
| Stain Type | Solution |
| Red wine | Salt + club soda, then blot |
| Coffee | Vinegar + water paste, let sit, then wash |
| Grease | Dish soap + baking soda, scrub gently |
| Mold | Vinegar spray, let sit, then scrub |
Hard Water Buildup
Hard water can leave unsightly stains on faucets and showerheads. Try this:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a plastic bag
- Secure the bag around the affected area with a rubber band
- Let sit for several hours or overnight
- Remove and scrub away the loosened deposits
Eliminating Odors
Sometimes, unwanted odors can linger. Here’s a room-by-room approach:
- Kitchen: Place a bowl of coffee grounds in the fridge to absorb odors
- Bathroom: Use a mixture of baking soda and essential oils in a jar with holes poked in the lid
- Living areas: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets before vacuuming
Seasonal Cleaning Tips
Different seasons bring different cleaning challenges. Stay ahead of the game with these seasonal tips:
Spring
- Deep clean windows and screens
- Wash or dry clean curtains and drapes
- Check for and clean any mold that may have developed over winter
Summer
- Clean and prepare outdoor spaces
- Check and clean air conditioning units
- Be vigilant about insect control
Fall
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Prepare heating systems for winter use
Winter
- Focus on entryways to manage tracking of snow and salt
- Increase frequency of bathroom cleaning due to more indoor time
- Pay extra attention to indoor air quality
Creating a Cleaning Schedule That Works
Consistency is key in maintaining a spotless Airbnb. Here’s a sample cleaning schedule:
Daily (if guests are present):
- Quick tidy of common areas
- Wipe down bathroom surfaces
- Empty trash if necessary
Between guests:
- Complete turnover cleaning (all surfaces, linens, etc.)
- Restock amenities
- Conduct safety checks (smoke alarms, etc.)
Weekly:
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Clean inside of microwave and fridge
- Launder all used linens
Monthly:
- Deep clean appliances
- Wash windows
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
Quarterly:
- Steam clean carpets and upholstery
- Clean behind and under furniture
- Check and clean vents and filters
The Role of Technology in Airbnb Cleaning
Embrace technology to streamline your cleaning process:
- Smart locks: Allow cleaners to enter without key handoffs
- Cleaning apps: Use apps like Properly for customized checklists
- Robot vacuums: Schedule automatic cleaning between guests
- UV sanitizing wands: For quick disinfection of high-touch surfaces
Educating Guests on Cleanliness
While you are responsible for providing a clean space, guests play a role too. Here’s how to encourage cleanliness during stays:
- Provide clear, friendly cleaning guidelines in your welcome book
- Leave easily accessible cleaning supplies for guest use
- Offer incentives for leaving the space tidy (e.g., a small discount on next stay)
- Use gentle reminders in your messaging about check-out procedures
Conclusion
Phew. We have covered a lot of ground have we not? From deep cleaning tips to eco-friendly practices you are now armed with the knowledge to make your Airbnb shine literally and figuratively.
Remember, a clean Airbnb is not just about elbow grease. It is about creating a welcoming space that feels like home to your guests. It is about attention to detail and going the extra mile. And most importantly it is about consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my Airbnb?
Aim for a deep clean every 3-4 months, or after every 10-15 bookings, whichever comes first. High-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms should be deep cleaned more frequently.
What’s the best way to tackle pet hair in my pet-friendly Airbnb?
Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair. Use rubber gloves or a damp sponge to collect hair from upholstery. Consider using washable slipcovers on furniture for easy cleaning between guests.
How can I ensure my Airbnb smells fresh without using artificial air fresheners?
Try natural methods like simmering cinnamon sticks and orange peels on the stove, using essential oil diffusers, or placing bowls of coffee grounds or baking soda in problem areas to absorb odors.
What is the most efficient way to clean between back-to-back bookings?
Create a streamlined cleaning checklist focusing on high-impact areas. Use time-saving tools like steam mops and multi-surface cleaners. Consider hiring help for quicker turnovers during busy periods.
How can I encourage guests to keep the space clean during their stay?
Provide clear, friendly guidelines in your house manual. Make cleaning supplies easily accessible. Consider offering a small discount for guests who follow basic cleaning rules, like taking out trash and loading the dishwasher before check-out.
