The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for Vacation Rental Hosts

According to recent industry data, 92% of guests say cleanliness influences their decision to book again. There's more to a pristine property than aesthetics — trust, comfort and creating a space that guests can enjoy.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything property managers and hosts need to know about maintaining a spotless, guest-ready space that ensures positive reviews, repeat bookings and protects the value of your property.

Why Cleanliness Matters For Short-Term Rentals

Cleanliness shapes a guest's first impression and overall satisfaction with a rental. A spotless property gives peace of mind, while even minor oversights — like dust or smudges — can lead to dissatisfaction. 69% of travelers say they wouldn’t stay at a property with cleanliness issues., This can result in bad reviews and harm your reputation on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.  

Additionally, cleanliness protects your property’s value by preventing long-term damage from grime, mold and pests.

The Hidden Costs of Neglecting Cleaning

Failing to meet cleanliness standards can lead to financial losses far beyond negative reviews. Dirty properties are more likely to result in complaints, refunds or even early check-outs, with the average cleaning-related issue costing hosts anywhere from $50 to $300 per stay.

Moreover, properties with 5-star cleanliness ratings tend to see higher occupancy rates than those with lower scores. Maintaining a high level of cleanliness can have a direct impact on your bottom line by attracting more guests and allowing you to charge premium rates. Clean, well-maintained properties are more appealing, leading to higher occupancy rates and the ability to justify higher pricing based on the superior guest experience.

How Much Should You Spend on Cleaning Your Short-Term Rental?

One of the most common questions among hosts and property managers is, “How much should I budget for cleaning?” The answer depends on a few factors, including your location, property size and the frequency of guest turnover. According to Turno’s national cleaning report, the average cleaning cost for a short-term rental in the U.S. was $150. 

A general breakdown for clarity:

• Small units (1 bedroom): $60–$100 per clean.

• 2–3 bedroom homes: $120–$180 per clean.

• Luxury properties: Over $200, especially when additional services like laundry and deep cleaning are included.

These costs can be passed along to guests through cleaning fees, but the return on investment is clear: a well-maintained property leads to better reviews, more bookings and fewer cleaning-related issues.

Essential Cleaning Supplies for Short-Term Rentals

Stocking your rental with the right cleaning supplies ensures that you (or your cleaning team) can handle messes quickly and efficiently between bookings. Not sure what you need? 

Here’s a handy list of essential cleaning supplies every short-term rental should have:

1. All-purpose cleaner

This is your go-to for just about everything. All-purpose cleaners can tackle most surfaces, from kitchen counters to bathroom sinks. Keep a couple of bottles handy — one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.

2. Disinfectant wipes

Wipes are a lifesaver for quick cleanups. They’re great for sanitizing high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and remote controls — areas guests will frequently touch but might not think about cleaning themselves.

3. Glass cleaner

Sparkling windows and mirrors make a property feel brighter and cleaner instantly. Glass cleaner works wonders on fingerprints, smudges and water spots, so it’s a must-have for a quick shine.

4. Vacuum cleaner and broom

Floors can gather dust, crumbs and dirt after just one stay. A good vacuum cleaner is essential, especially if your rental has carpets or rugs. Have a broom and dustpan ready for a fast sweep for hard floors.

5. Microfiber cloths

These reusable cloths are perfect for wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks or lint. They’re also eco-friendly and can be washed between cleanings.

6. Mop and bucket (or Swiffer)

A mop or a Swiffer-type product is ideal for tile or hardwood floors. It helps to give the floors a polished look that guests will immediately notice when they walk in.

7. Toilet brush and cleaner

Keeping the bathroom fresh is essential. Always have a toilet brush and a reliable cleaner to ensure the toilets are spotless after each guest.

8. Trash bags and liners

Don’t forget to have plenty of extra trash bags in different sizes. You’ll need liners for bathroom trash bins as well as larger bags for the kitchen.

9. Laundry detergent and stain remover

If your rental includes linens and towels, ensure you’re stocked with detergent and a good stain remover. Guests don’t want to see marks or stains on bedding or towels, so it’s best to have these on hand for quick turnarounds.

10. Air freshener

First impressions matter! After a deep clean, a light, fresh scent can go a long way in making the property feel welcoming. Choose neutral, non-overpowering scents to keep the space smelling clean.

Creating An Effective Short-Term Rental Cleaning Checklist

Staying organized is the key to maintaining cleanliness across all areas of your property. A detailed cleaning checklist ensures no part of your rental is overlooked, from the high-traffic living spaces to less obvious areas like light switches or remote controls.

General living areas

• Dust all surfaces and clean furniture.

• Vacuum or mop floors.

• Wipe down windows and blinds.

• Disinfect light switches and door handles.

• Remove any cobwebs or dust in the corners.

Kitchen

• Sanitize countertops and clean appliances.

• Scrub the sink and ensure the garbage disposal is clean.

• Empty and clean the fridge.

• Wipe down the stovetop, oven and microwave.

• Empty trash and replace it with a fresh liner.

Bathrooms

• Scrub the toilet, sink and shower.

• Disinfect handles, faucets and light switches.

• Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.

• Restock towels and toiletries.

• Remove any mold or mildew from shower areas.

Bedrooms

• Change and launder bedding after each guest.

• Dust surfaces, including headboards.

• Vacuum or mop floors.

• Disinfect frequently touched areas.

Outdoor spaces (if applicable)

• Sweep patios and decks.

• Clean outdoor furniture.

• Ensure BBQ grills are clean.

• Remove any trash or items left by previous guests.

A structured checklist ensures that every part of your property is accounted for, creating a seamless turnover between guests.

Automating your Cleaning Operations

If you manage multiple properties or experience high guest turnover, keeping up with cleaning schedules can be daunting. Automation tools like Hostaway can help streamline your operations by automating cleaning schedules, tracking staff performance and managing communication with your cleaning team — all in one place.

Tips for efficient cleaning management

• Automate cleaning schedules: Use property management software to automatically assign cleaning tasks after each guest checks out.

• Communication tools: Ensure that cleaning teams can report back with photos or notes when issues arise.

• Supply management: Keep an inventory of cleaning supplies to avoid last-minute trips for essential items.

Reducing Cleaning Turnover Time

One of the keys to maximizing bookings is reducing your cleaning turnover time without sacrificing quality. Faster turnovers mean more availability for guests, especially if you offer same-day check-ins.

Here are a few ways to improve your turnover speed:

• Pre-stock supplies: Keep extra sets of linens, toiletries and cleaning materials ready for quick swaps between guests.

• Professional cleaners: Consider hiring specialized short-term rental cleaning services that understand the nuances of short-term rental cleaning and can complete tasks quickly and efficiently.

• Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to catch maintenance or deep cleaning issues before they become major problems.

The Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

Cleaning by yourself can be time and energy-consuming, especially if you manage multiple properties. 

Hiring professional cleaning services offers a range of benefits for short-term rental owners, especially those managing multiple properties or experiencing high turnover. Here are some key advantages:

Expert knowledge

Professionals are trained to handle deep cleaning, ensuring high standards and attention to detail.

Specialized equipment

They have access to advanced tools and products for removing stubborn stains, disinfecting and tackling hard-to-reach areas.

Time efficiency

Outsourcing cleaning allows you to focus on other aspects of your rental business.

Consistent quality

Professional services ensure the property is always in guest-ready condition.

Turnover alignment

Scheduling can be tailored to fit guest check-ins, ensuring smooth operations.

Damage checks

Professionals often spot issues early, helping you address them before the next guest arrives.

Selecting the Right Cleaning Service

When choosing a cleaning service for your short-term rental, ensure the provider is licensed, insured and flexible with scheduling. Opt for services using eco-friendly products. 

To streamline cleaning tasks, consider integrating with property management tools such as Hostaway, which offers partnerships with platforms like Operto, Breezeway, Turno, Doinn, Properly and Turnify. These platforms automate cleaning schedules, track performance and ensure seamless guest turnovers.

Cleanliness is the Foundation Of Success

Cleanliness matters. It's not just about dodging bad reviews. It’s key to creating a fantastic guest experience and driving repeat bookings. Guests rank cleanliness as their top priority, so it's essential to go beyond the basics.

To keep your property in great shape, use thorough checklists. Leverage automation tools like Hostaway and don’t hesitate to hire professional cleaning services. This approach will enhance guest satisfaction and improve your reviews. Plus, it helps protect the value of your property.

In a nutshell, cleanliness isn’t just a minor detail. It’s the foundation for your short-term rental's success.