Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for Hosts: Turnover Made Easy

Why Cleanliness is Critical for Airbnb Hosts

Cleanliness is the number one factor in Airbnb guest reviews. A single complaint about cleanliness can tank your ratings and booking rate. This checklist ensures consistent, professional results every turnover.

Before You Start

Essential Supplies

• All-purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Bathroom disinfectant
• Fresh linens (multiple sets)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Microfibre cloths
• Rubbish bags
• Fresh towels
• Toilet paper and paper towels

Time Management

Allow 2-3 hours for a one-bedroom property. Add 1 hour for each additional bedroom.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Living Areas

Surfaces:

• ☐Dust all surfaces, shelves, and decorations
• ☐Wipe TV screen and remote controls
• ☐Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
• ☐Wipe light switches and door handles
• ☐Empty and wipe bins

Furniture:

• ☐Vacuum sofas and cushions
• ☐Check for stains or damage
• ☐Fluff and arrange cushions
• ☐Wipe tables and chairs

Floors:

• ☐Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly
• ☐Mop hard floors
• ☐Check under furniture for forgotten items

Kitchen

Appliances:

• ☐Clean inside microwave
• ☐Wipe down hob and oven exterior
• ☐Clean inside and outside of fridge
• ☐Empty and clean dishwasher filter
• ☐Wipe kettle and toaster
• ☐Clean coffee machine

Surfaces:

• ☐Sanitise all worktops
• ☐Wipe splashbacks
• ☐Clean sink and taps
• ☐Wipe cabinet fronts

Dishes and Utensils:

• ☐Ensure all dishes are clean and put away
• ☐Check for broken or damaged items
• ☐Replace worn tea towels
• ☐Stock with fresh dishcloths

Bins:

• ☐Empty all bins
• ☐Wipe bin interiors
• ☐Replace with fresh liners

Bathroom(s)

Fixtures:

• ☐Scrub and disinfect toilet (inside, outside, behind)
• ☐Clean bath/shower thoroughly
• ☐Descale shower head
• ☐Clean sink inside and out
• ☐Polish taps and fixtures

Surfaces:

• ☐Clean all tiles
• ☐Wipe mirrors until streak-free
• ☐Clean shelving units
• ☐Wipe towel rails

Supplies:

• ☐Fresh toilet paper (at least 2 rolls)
• ☐New hand soap
• ☐Fresh towels (folded neatly)
• ☐Bathmat clean and dry

Bedroom(s)

Bed:

• ☐Fresh, clean sheets
• ☐Multiple pillows (fluffed)
• ☐Duvet shake and air
• ☐Decorative throws/cushions arranged

Surfaces:

• ☐Dust bedside tables
• ☐Clean lamps and switches
• ☐Empty and wipe drawers
• ☐Check for items under bed

Wardrobe:

• ☐Check for left items
• ☐Provide empty hangers
• ☐Wipe shelves
• ☐Check for musty smells

Entrance and Hallways

• ☐Vacuum and mop floors
• ☐Wipe door handles
• ☐Clean welcome mat
• ☐Check outdoor areas for debris

Quick Quality Checks

Before guests arrive, do a final walkthrough:

1. Smell test - Does anywhere smell musty or unpleasant?
2. Light test - Are all bulbs working?
3. Guest view - Look at the space as a guest would
4. Touch test - Run your finger along surfaces
5. Functionality - Check all appliances work

Professional vs DIY Cleaning

DIY Works When:

• You live nearby
• You enjoy cleaning
• Turnovers are infrequent
• Property is small

Hire Professionals When:

• Multiple properties
• Quick turnovers (same-day)
• High booking volume
• You want consistent quality

Building a Cleaning Team

For reliable Airbnb cleaning:

1. Build a roster of 2-3 cleaners
2. Create detailed cleaning checklists
3. Do quality checks regularly
4. Pay competitive rates
5. Communicate clear expectations