Cleanliness is the single most important factor in Airbnb guest reviews. A spotless property earns 5-star ratings, while even minor cleanliness issues can tank your reviews and destroy your booking rate. This comprehensive Airbnb cleaning checklist gives you everything you need—room-by-room tasks, high-touch surface protocols, turnover workflows, and the exact systems we use to maintain multiple properties. It’s an essential part of implementing the Airbnb tips that drive success.
Shaun Ghavami is the Founder of 10XBNB, an online coaching program that teaches individuals how to build a profitable Airbnb business – and an Airbnb Superhost® who has generated over $5 million in booking fees and has over 1,000 5-star guest reviews on his Airbnb management company Hosticonic.com. Shaun has an official Finance Degree from UBC and completed certification with Training The Street.
Whether you clean yourself or manage a cleaning team, use this checklist to ensure nothing gets missed and every guest walks into a sparkling vacation rental. If you’re just getting started with your Airbnb business, establishing cleaning systems early is critical.
What Is an Airbnb Cleaning Checklist?
An Airbnb cleaning checklist is a systematic, room-by-room guide that ensures consistent cleanliness standards across every turnover. It transforms cleaning from a vague task into a repeatable process with specific, verifiable steps.
Why it matters:
- Prevents missed tasks that lead to bad reviews
- Creates accountability for cleaning teams
- Ensures consistent quality across multiple properties
- Reduces turnover time through efficient workflows
- Protects your Superhost status
Without a checklist, cleaners rely on memory and judgment—which leads to inconsistency. With a checklist, you get predictable results every time.
Why Cleanliness Makes or Breaks Your Airbnb Business
Let’s be blunt: guests are ruthless about cleanliness. One hair in the bathroom, one sticky counter, one dusty shelf—and you get a 4-star review instead of 5 stars. Over time, those lost stars compound and destroy your ranking.
The data:
- Cleanliness is mentioned in 40%+ of negative Airbnb reviews
- Listings with consistent 5-star cleanliness ratings rank higher in search
- Guests filter by “cleanliness” rating when booking
- A single bad cleanliness review can take months to recover from
The good news: Cleanliness is 100% within your control. Unlike location or property features, you can always deliver a spotless space with the right systems.
The Airbnb Enhanced Clean Program
In response to COVID-19, Airbnb developed the Enhanced Clean program with health and hospitality experts. While the pandemic has passed, the standards set a new baseline for guest expectations.
The 5-Step Enhanced Clean Process
- Prepare: Put on fresh gloves, ensure cleaning supplies are ready
- Clean: Remove dust, debris, and dirt from all surfaces
- Sanitize: Use approved disinfectants on all surfaces
- Check: Verify all tasks are complete using a checklist
- Reset: Stage the property for the next guest
Even if you don’t formally enroll in Enhanced Clean, following these principles demonstrates professionalism to guests.
Complete Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
The kitchen is high-traffic and high-scrutiny. Guests will open every cabinet and inspect every appliance.
Countertops & Surfaces
- Wipe down all countertops with disinfectant
- Clean backsplash and wall areas behind counters
- Sanitize sink and faucet (inside and handles)
- Wipe down cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean any decorative items on counters
Appliances
- Clean microwave inside and out (remove turntable, wash separately)
- Wipe down oven/range exterior
- Clean oven interior if visibly dirty
- Clean stovetop and burner grates
- Wipe refrigerator exterior (handles are high-touch!)
- Check refrigerator interior—remove old items, wipe shelves
- Clean dishwasher exterior and interior edges
- Wipe down toaster, coffee maker, and small appliances
- Run a cleaning cycle on coffee maker weekly
- Empty and clean drip trays
Dishes & Cookware
- Run dishwasher or hand wash all dishes
- Verify all dishes are clean and put away properly
- Check glasses for water spots and lipstick marks
- Ensure all cookware is clean and organized
- Confirm full dish set is present (check inventory)
Trash & Supplies
- Empty all trash cans and replace liners
- Clean trash can interior if needed
- Restock dish soap, sponge, paper towels
- Restock trash bags (leave extras under liner)
- Check and restock pantry basics (coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, oil)
Floor
- Sweep thoroughly, including corners and under appliances
- Mop with appropriate floor cleaner
- Clean floor mats or rugs
Living Room Cleaning Checklist
The living room creates first impressions. It must feel inviting and fresh.
Furniture
- Vacuum all upholstered furniture (cushions, under cushions)
- Spot clean any stains on fabric
- Wipe down leather/vinyl surfaces
- Dust all wood furniture with appropriate cleaner
- Straighten and fluff throw pillows
- Fold and arrange throw blankets
Entertainment & Electronics
- Dust TV screen with microfiber cloth (no chemicals!)
- Wipe down TV stand and media console
- Sanitize remote controls (high-touch—wipe with disinfectant wipe)
- Verify all remotes have working batteries
- Test that TV and streaming services work
- Dust speakers, gaming consoles, and other electronics
Surfaces & Decor
- Dust all shelves and decorative items
- Wipe down coffee tables and end tables
- Clean any glass surfaces (tables, frames)
- Dust lampshades and lamp bases
- Clean light switch plates and outlet covers (high-touch)
- Dust ceiling fan blades if present
- Clean windows interior and sills
Floor
- Vacuum all carpet thoroughly (use attachments for edges)
- Vacuum or sweep hard floors
- Mop hard floors
- Check under furniture for debris
- Shake out or vacuum area rugs
Bedroom Cleaning Checklist
Guests spend 8+ hours in bedrooms—cleanliness here is critical.
Bed & Linens
- Strip all bedding (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers)
- Check mattress protector—replace if stained
- Inspect mattress for stains or damage
- Make bed with fresh, crisp linens
- Ensure all pillows are fluffed and positioned neatly
- Fold and place extra blankets
- Check bed skirt is straight and clean
Furniture
- Dust all nightstands and dressers
- Empty and wipe out dresser drawers
- Clean bedside lamps and lampshades
- Dust headboard and bed frame
- Wipe down any chairs or seating
- Clean mirrors with glass cleaner
Closet
- Empty closet of any left items
- Wipe down closet shelves and rod
- Verify adequate hangers (10+ per guest)
- Check for extra pillows and blankets
- Ensure luggage rack is clean and positioned
High-Touch Surfaces
- Sanitize light switches (bedroom, closet)
- Sanitize door handles (both sides)
- Wipe down alarm clock buttons
- Clean phone charging areas if provided
Floor
- Position bedside rugs neatly
- Vacuum thoroughly including under bed
- Mop hard floors
Bathroom Cleaning Checklist
Bathrooms receive the most scrutiny. Any oversight here will be noticed and mentioned in reviews.
Toilet
- Clean inside bowl thoroughly (under rim)
- Sanitize toilet seat (top and bottom)
- Clean toilet base and behind toilet
- Wipe toilet exterior and tank
- Sanitize flush handle (high-touch)
- Ensure toilet paper is stocked (full roll + extras visible)
Shower/Tub
- Scrub tub/shower floor and walls
- Clean shower door or curtain (replace curtain liner if needed)
- Remove any hair from drain
- Clean showerhead (descale monthly)
- Wipe down shower fixtures
- Clean soap dishes and shelves
- Check grout for mold—treat if needed
- Scrub any caulking that shows mildew
Sink & Vanity
- Scrub sink basin thoroughly
- Sanitize faucet handles and spout
- Clean and polish mirror
- Wipe down countertop
- Clean inside and under vanity cabinets
- Empty and wipe out drawers
- Check drain for hair/debris
Supplies & Amenities
- Restock toilet paper (2+ rolls visible)
- Provide fresh hand towels (neatly folded or rolled)
- Provide fresh bath towels (2 per guest minimum)
- Restock soap (hand soap and body wash)
- Restock shampoo and conditioner
- Provide new toothbrush holder items if offered
- Stock tissue box
- Provide hair dryer and verify it works
Floor & Walls
- Mop floor thoroughly including corners
- Clean behind toilet
- Wipe baseboards
- Clean exhaust fan cover
- Wash bath mats or replace with fresh ones
Dining Room Cleaning Checklist
- Wipe down dining table completely
- Clean all dining chairs (seats, backs, legs)
- Sanitize light switches
- Dust any buffet or sideboard furniture
- Clean any decorative items
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Mop hard floors
- Ensure adequate chairs and place settings
Outdoor Areas Cleaning Checklist
Don’t neglect outdoor spaces—they’re often photographed and mentioned in reviews.
Patio/Deck
- Sweep patio/deck surface
- Wipe down outdoor furniture
- Clean outdoor cushions or replace if stained
- Clear any cobwebs
- Remove any debris, leaves, or litter
- Wipe down outdoor tables
Grill (if applicable)
- Clean grill grates
- Wipe down grill exterior
- Empty grease trap
- Check propane level
- Ensure grill tools are clean and present
Hot Tub/Pool (if applicable)
Review Airbnb hot tub rules for compliance, then:
- Test and adjust chemical levels
- Skim surface for debris
- Wipe down edges and controls
- Ensure quality towels are available nearby
- Verify temperature settings
Entryways
- Sweep front porch/entryway
- Clean doormat or replace if worn
- Wipe down front door (both sides)
- Clean door handle and lockbox/smart lock
- Ensure porch light works
- Remove any flyers or debris from mailbox
Laundry Area Cleaning Checklist
- Wipe down washer exterior and dispensers
- Run empty cleaning cycle on washer monthly
- Clean dryer exterior and lint trap
- Wipe down folding surfaces
- Restock laundry detergent
- Provide fabric softener/dryer sheets
- Include stain remover
- Post simple operating instructions
High-Touch Surface Disinfection Protocol
High-touch surfaces require extra attention—these are where germs spread and guests notice grime.
Always sanitize these surfaces with disinfectant:
- Door handles (interior and exterior, both sides)
- Light switches (every room)
- Remote controls
- Toilet flush handles
- Faucet handles
- Appliance handles (refrigerator, microwave, oven)
- Cabinet pulls and drawer handles
- Stair railings
- Thermostats
- Alarm keypads
- Smart lock keypads
- Keys and lockbox
Use disinfectant wipes or spray with paper towels. Let surfaces stay wet for the contact time specified on your disinfectant (usually 1-3 minutes) before wiping dry.
Pre-Guest Inspection Checklist
After cleaning, do a final walkthrough before every guest:
Functionality Check
- All lights work
- TV and streaming services function
- WiFi is working (test connection speed)
- HVAC system is set to appropriate temperature
- Hot water works
- Smoke detectors have power (green light)
- All door locks function properly
- Garage door opener works (if applicable)
Staging Check
- Beds are perfectly made
- Towels are neatly folded/hung
- Toilet lids are down
- All lights are off (except entry light)
- Blinds/curtains are in consistent position
- Welcome book/guidebook is placed with keys
- No cleaning supplies left visible
- Property smells fresh (not overpowering)
Photography Check (optional but recommended)
- Take photos of key areas after cleaning
- Document current property condition
- Note any pre-existing damage or issues
- Store photos in case of damage claims
Working with Cleaning Services
Most successful hosts outsource cleaning. Here’s how to manage cleaners effectively:
Finding the Right Cleaner
- Ask other Airbnb hosts for referrals
- Check local Facebook groups for vacation rental cleaners
- Look for cleaners experienced with short-term rentals
- Interview multiple candidates before deciding
- Start with a trial period (3-5 cleanings)
Setting Clear Expectations
- Provide this checklist on day one
- Walk through the property together
- Show exactly how you want beds made, towels folded
- Create a “Standard Property Appearance” (SPA) guide with photos
- Be explicit about expectations—don’t assume anything
Communication Systems
- Share your Airbnb calendar with cleaners for seamless coordination
- Use scheduling apps (Turno, Properly, Breezeway) to assign turnovers
- Set up automatic notifications for new bookings through hands-free automation
- Establish check-in/check-out protocols
- Create a group chat for urgent issues
Quality Control
- Conduct surprise inspections periodically
- Review guest feedback related to cleanliness
- Address issues immediately and constructively
- Provide positive feedback when standards are met
- Consider bonuses for consistently excellent work
Handling Turnover Days Efficiently
Quick turnovers require systems. Here’s how to clean a property in 2-3 hours:
Pre-Turnover (before checkout)
- Confirm guest checkout time
- Notify cleaner of incoming booking check-in time
- Prepare any restocking supplies needed
Turnover Workflow
- Start with laundry (sheets and towels—longest task)
- Strip beds and start washer immediately
- Clean bathrooms while laundry runs
- Clean kitchen (dishes in dishwasher)
- Transfer laundry to dryer
- Clean living areas and bedrooms
- Make beds with fresh linens
- Final walkthrough and staging
- Report completion with photos
Time-Saving Tips:
- Keep backup linen sets to swap instead of waiting for laundry
- Pre-stock cleaning supplies at the property
- Use color-coded cleaning cloths (one for bathrooms, one for kitchen)
- Empty trash last to consolidate all waste
Setting Your Cleaning Fee
Airbnb allows hosts to charge a cleaning fee that guests pay once per stay.
How to calculate
- Determine your actual cleaning cost (cleaner rate + supplies)
- Add a small buffer for unexpected issues (10-15%)
- Research competitor cleaning fees in your area
- Consider your property size and turnover time
Typical cleaning fees
| Property Type | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Studio/1BR | $50-$100 |
| 2-3BR | $100-$175 |
| 4BR+ | $150-$300 |
| Luxury/large properties | $200-$500 |
Strategy tip: A reasonable cleaning fee encourages longer stays (the fee is the same whether guests book 1 night or 7 nights). Avoid undercharging—guests expect professional cleaning.
Addressing Maintenance Issues During Cleaning
Proper maintenance is a key part of Airbnb risk management. Train cleaners to identify and report issues:
Check for
- Burned out light bulbs
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- HVAC filter status (monthly replacement)
- Smoke detector batteries
- Loose handles or fixtures
- Stains that need professional treatment
- Items left behind by guests
- Any damage to furniture or property
Reporting protocol
Create a simple system for cleaners to report issues—a shared spreadsheet, messaging app thread, or property management software. Prioritize repairs before the next guest arrives.
Customizing Your Cleaning Checklist
Every property is different. Customize this checklist based on:
Property features
- Add hot tub/pool maintenance if applicable
- Add fireplace cleaning during season
- Add specific appliance instructions
- Include garage/storage areas
- Add yard maintenance tasks
Guest expectations
- Adjust for luxury vs. budget properties
- Add welcome amenities setup
- Include staging for photography angles
- Consider seasonal decorations
Local requirements
- Add any local health department requirements
- Include specific vacation rental regulations
- Adjust for climate (dehumidifiers, snow removal, etc.)
The Role of Cleanliness in Guest Reviews
Here’s exactly how cleanliness impacts your success:
Review Algorithm
- Airbnb asks guests to rate cleanliness on a 1-5 scale
- This rating directly impacts your overall rating
- Consistent 5-star cleanliness helps maintain Superhost status
Search Ranking
- Higher-rated properties rank higher in search results
- Guests can filter by cleanliness rating
- Poor cleanliness ratings suppress your visibility
Booking Conversion
- Guests read reviews before booking
- Cleanliness complaints in reviews kill conversions
- One “dirty” review can cost you dozens of bookings
Pricing Power
- Clean, well-reviewed properties command higher rates
- Guests pay premium for guaranteed quality
- Poor cleanliness forces price reductions to compete
Cleaning Supplies Checklist
Stock your property with these essentials:
Cleaning Solutions
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Floor cleaner appropriate for your flooring
- Grout cleaner
- Descaler for showerheads and faucets
Tools & Equipment
- Vacuum cleaner (kept at property)
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Microfiber cloths (multiple colors for different areas)
- Scrub brushes
- Toilet brush
- Duster or microfiber duster
- Squeegee for shower doors
- Rubber gloves
Restocking Supplies
- Toilet paper (keep 2-week supply)
- Paper towels
- Trash bags (all sizes used in property)
- Dish soap
- Hand soap
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher pods
- Guest toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my Airbnb?
Perform a standard clean after every guest checkout. Schedule a deep clean monthly (or every 10-15 turnovers) to address areas that aren’t covered in regular turnovers—inside ovens, behind furniture, window washing, carpet shampooing.
How much should I pay my Airbnb cleaner?
Rates vary by location and property size. Typical range is $25-$50 per hour or $75-$200 per turnover for standard properties. Luxury or large properties may cost more. Pay competitively to retain quality cleaners.
What should be included in an Airbnb cleaning fee?
Your cleaning fee should cover the full cost of turnover: cleaner wages, cleaning supplies, laundry, and restocking consumables. Most hosts charge $75-$150 for standard properties.
How do I handle guests who leave the property extremely dirty?
Document everything with photos immediately. If damage exceeds normal wear, you can file a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center. For extreme cases, consider charging additional cleaning through the platform. Learn more in our guide on dealing with bad Airbnb guests.
Should I clean my Airbnb myself or hire cleaners?
This depends on your scale and time value. Self-cleaning works for 1-2 nearby properties. Beyond that, or if your time is worth more than the cleaning cost, hire professionals. Quality cleaners protect your reviews and free your time for higher-value tasks.
What’s the best way to remove odors from an Airbnb?
Identify and eliminate the source (trash, laundry, drains). Open windows for ventilation. Use baking soda on carpets before vacuuming. Run HVAC system with fresh filters. Avoid masking odors with strong fragrances—guests prefer neutral, clean scents.
Final Thoughts: Cleanliness Is Your Competitive Advantage
In a crowded Airbnb market, cleanliness is one of the few areas where you can consistently outperform competitors. Properties with impeccable cleanliness earn better reviews, rank higher in search, and command premium prices.
Your action plan:
- Print this checklist and customize for your property
- Train your cleaning team on every detail
- Implement quality control inspections
- Review guest feedback weekly for cleanliness mentions
- Continuously improve based on feedback
The hosts who obsess over cleanliness win. The hosts who treat it as an afterthought struggle with 4-star reviews and declining bookings.
Want to start your own cleaning business serving Airbnb hosts? Check out our guide on starting an Airbnb cleaning business.
Need help building profitable Airbnb systems? Explore 10XBNB’s complete training program for hosts who want to scale without sacrificing quality. See real student results to learn how others have succeeded.
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source https://learn.10xbnb.com/airbnb-cleaning-checklist/
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