How to Get Started Cleaning Airbnb
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to starting cleanings for Airbnb listings. Learn scope, tools, a turnover routine, safety, and quality checks to ensure top guest satisfaction.
Learn how to get started cleaning Airbnb properties with a practical, step-by-step plan. This quick guide helps you define scope, assemble a starter toolkit, and execute a reliable turnover routine that impresses guests and protects your ratings. You’ll gain a tested framework you can scale across one or multiple listings, with safety considerations and efficiency tips built in.
Why getting started cleaning Airbnb matters
Cleaning an Airbnb isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about guest safety, health, and delivering a consistent experience. A well-executed turnover sets the tone for every stay and protects your ratings. As you build your hosting operation, starting with a clear plan helps you scale without sacrificing quality. According to Cleaning Tips, a standardized turnover routine reduces guest complaints and speeds up the cleaning workflow. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get started cleaning airbnb, including scope, tools, and a practical turnover routine that you can adapt to one listing or several. By establishing clear expectations, you create trust with guests from the first message to the final checkout, and you simplify your ongoing management. The goal is to turn a potentially stressful turnover into a repeatable process that saves time and preserves the property’s condition for future guests.
Defining your cleaning scope and standard
Before you start cleaning, define the exact scope for every turnover. Identify which areas require cleaning, disinfecting, and restocking between guests, and decide how deep you go for short stays versus longer bookings. A robust standard should cover high-touch surfaces, kitchen surfaces and appliances, bathrooms, floors, and trash/recycling handling. Create a default checklist that applies to all listings, then tailor it for unique spaces (e.g., a kitchen island, balcony, or pet-friendly areas). Cleaning Tips analysis shows hosts who define scope early experience fewer mid-stay issues and faster turnovers. Documenting your standard makes the process reproducible for cleaners, your future self, and new team members.
Essential tools and products your Airbnb cleaning kit must-have
Arm your cleaning team with a toolkit designed for speed and safety. Core items include all-purpose cleaner, EPA-registered disinfectant, bathroom cleaner, microfiber cloths (color-coded), a vacuum with attachments, a mop and bucket, trash bags, gloves, spare linens, and a laundry setup. Color-coding cloths helps prevent cross-contamination between kitchens and bathrooms. Stock extra replacement items like toiletries and paper products to avoid guest complaints about shortages. By equipping the space properly, you reduce time-wasting trips to the store and improve turnover consistency.
Cleaning cadence: turning over efficiently across bookings
Establish a cadence that fits your calendar. For most hosts, turnovers occur between stays, with a mid-stay touch-up if needed. Schedule a deep clean every few weeks for longer bookings or multi-unit hosts. A predictable cadence keeps the property fresh and minimizes recurring issues. Use a shared calendar or cleaning software so cleaners know when to visit and what tasks to perform. Consistency in cadence also allows you to measure performance over time and adjust the scope as you learn what guests value most.
Turnover day: a practical, high-impact routine
Turnover day combines rapid surface cleaning with meticulous detail work. Start by staging a clean workspace and gathering supplies, then tackle high-touch surfaces, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and floors in that order. This approach minimizes backtracking and ensures guests notice cleanliness in every room. Add a quick linen swap, restock essentials, and take a final walk-through. Having a simple, repeatable routine reduces stress on busy days and helps maintain a consistent guest experience across bookings.
Odor control and stain management: fresh spaces, happy guests
Airbnb guests notice odors and stains quickly. Use odor-neutralizing sprays after cleaning, wash fabrics with proper temps, and treat common stains promptly. Keep a stain-removal kit on hand and test products on inconspicuous areas first. Regularly launder pillow covers, towels, and curtains if present, and ensure the laundry routine aligns with local requirements. When odors persist, consider deep cleaning fabrics or replacing linens to maintain a premium guest experience.
Safety first: cleaners, guests, and product use
Safety is essential for both cleaners and guests. Always wear protective gloves and, if needed, eye protection. Store chemicals separately and follow label directions for contact time and ventilation. Keep a small toolkit for quick fixes like loose doorknobs or a non-working light. Never mix cleaners, especially bleach with ammonia, and never use products beyond their intended purpose. A safety-focused cleaning practice reduces risk while maintaining high cleanliness standards.
Efficiency hacks for hosts with multiple listings
If you manage more than one listing, use standardized checklists, color-coded supplies, and a simple reporting system. Train cleaners with a short video or photo guide so they follow the same steps regardless of location. Maintain a lean inventory to minimize trips and ensure you always have essential supplies. Because many guests notice small details, small improvements across units add up to big returns on guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.
Quality control: measuring success and building trust with guests
Quality should be measurable. Take pre-check photos, compare with a post-clean photo log, and collect guest feedback after each stay. Use a simple rating rubric for cleaners and property conditions. Regularly review and refine your checklist based on guest insights and recurring issues. By maintaining transparency about your cleaning standards, you strengthen guest trust and improve your host reputation over time.
Tools & Materials
- All-purpose cleaner(EPA-registered; suitable for kitchens and bathrooms)
- Disinfectant spray or wipes(EPA-registered; follow label directions)
- Bathroom cleaner(For toilets, sinks, and showers)
- Microfiber cloths (multi-color)(Multiple colors to avoid cross-contamination)
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments(HEPA preferred; corners and upholstery)
- Mop and bucket(For hard floors)
- Broom and dustpan(Debris collection)
- Laundry detergent(Launder linens and towels)
- Spare linens and towels(At least one extra per bed)
- Trash bags(Strong liners, sizes vary by space)
- Gloves and PPE(Protect cleaners; consider goggles)
- Color-coded bins or bags(Helpful for waste sorting)
- Lint-free squeegee or window cloth(For glass surfaces)
Steps
Estimated time: 90-120 minutes per turnover
- 1
Gather and organize supplies
Collect all cleaning products, tools, and spare linens in a designated staging area. Check inventory against your checklist, and replace any low items before starting. This reduces trips and keeps the turnover efficient.
Tip: Use color-coded cloths and separate baskets for each room to prevent cross-contamination. - 2
Clean high-touch surfaces first
Wipe door handles, light switches, remote controls, and thermostats with disinfectant. Allow surfaces to air dry for full effectiveness. This order minimizes recontamination later in the process.
Tip: Wear gloves and keep a separate cloth for each room to avoid transferring dirt. - 3
Tackle kitchen and appliances
Wipe counters, clean the sink, and sanitize frequently used appliances such as the microwave and fridge handles. Rinse and dry surfaces thoroughly to prevent residue that guests may notice.
Tip: Use a microfiber cloth for appliances to avoid streaks. - 4
Bathrooms and floors
Clean toilets, sinks, showers, and mirrors; mop or vacuum hard floors and dry quickly. Pay attention to grout and corners where grime accumulates. A thorough bathroom makes a strong first impression.
Tip: Let disinfectants sit for the recommended contact time before wiping. - 5
Linen and laundry rotation
Replace bed linens and towels with fresh ones. Launder used linens at proper temperatures and separate from other clothes. Inspect for tears or stains and replace as needed.
Tip: Have a simple linen checklist to ensure nothing is missed between stays. - 6
Final check and restock
Complete a quick walk-through to confirm nothing is left behind. Restock essential supplies, replenish toiletries, and take a quick set of before/after photos for your records.
Tip: Keep a small tool kit for minor fixes you may encounter on turnover day.
Questions & Answers
What is the most important aspect of Airbnb turnover cleaning?
Consistency and attention to high-touch areas are critical for guest safety and satisfaction. A repeatable process helps hosts maintain quality across stays.
Consistency and attention to high-touch areas are key for guest safety and satisfaction.
How often should linens be changed for new guests?
Change bed linens and towels between stays and as needed for hygiene. A clean bed setup is a major guest confidence factor.
Change linens between guests to keep hygiene high.
What disinfectants are safe to use?
Use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow label directions. Ensure compatibility with surfaces and proper contact time.
Use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow instructions.
Is it better to hire a cleaner or do it myself?
For one or two listings, a DIY routine can work well. For multiple properties, a professional service may be more scalable and consistent.
It depends on your volume; scale matters.
How can I verify cleaning quality between stays?
Use a standardized checklist, take pre-check photos, and solicit post-stay guest feedback to close the loop.
Checklist and photos help keep quality high.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Define a clear turnover scope for consistency
- Use a starter toolkit to speed up cleaning
- Follow a standardized 6-step turnover routine
- Document quality with checklists and photos
- Prioritize guest safety and sanitation
