Complete Cleaning Checklist for Airbnb Hosts

Nothing like a dirty rental property to getting bad reviews. Cleaning is one of the biggest pain points of the vacation rental industry, whether for managing schedules, keeping a standard, or finding professional cleaners to do the job.

With that in mind, we thought we’d make things easier for you: below is a complete cleaning checklist for Airbnb properties, with a few tips on how to do it the right way.

Click here to download TIDY's free complete cleaning checklist for Airbnb hosts.

Cleaning Checklist: Why Use One?

Having a cleaning checklist unique to each property removes any guesswork from the process. This ensures that every peculiarity in a listing will be taken care of and guests will arrive at a clean, tidy home.

It’s a good idea to have one for turnover cleanings between check-ins and check-outs and a more thorough, comprehensive one for deep cleanings. The deep cleanings should occur every three to six months, depending on occupancy rate, general property condition, and maintenance needs.

A Digital To-Do List on your Phone

Yes, we will give you a complete cleaning checklist below – plus a free template to print and use – but it’s a good reminder that it is a general one. This means that we thought this through based on any property out there, covering all the basics. It’s a starting point.

If you want to create specific, customized to-do lists for each and every one of your properties, there’s no better way than going digital. TIDY offers you the ability to do that within the app, with specific instructions on rooms and needs, and the possibility to upload photos.

This ensures that the listings are always up to par and gives the service pro a clear map of what’s expected and how things should look. Nothing better, right? Below see our general to-do, and at the bottom of the page, a free template to download!

Complete Cleaning Checklist for Airbnb

Basic Supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant cleaner for bathrooms
• Magic eraser
• Brushes, scrub pads and sponges of various sizes and shapes
• Microfiber cloths
• Toilet Brush and toilet disinfectant
• Wood polish
• Floor cleaners
• Duster
• Laundry detergent
• Dish Soap
• Soap
• Dryer Sheets
• Disinfect remote controls

Before Guest Check-In

Living Room

• Vacuum/wipe down couch and armchairs
• Dust and disinfect all surfaces
• Wipe down the TV
• Organize any decor items and books
• See if any pillow covers and throw blankets need to be washed
• Remove area rugs to clean
• Vaccum and mop the floors
• Apply wood finisher if needed

Kitchen

• Put clean dishes away
• Empty the dishwasher
• Do any dirty dishes
• Clean microwave
• Clean stovetop and oven
• Wipe down cupboards and appliances
• Ensure trash bins have bags and that extra ones are available
• Empty refrigerator and wipe shelves
• Clean out drain filter in sink
• Wipe down the backsplash behind the counter and sink
• Vacuum and mop the floors

Bedrooms

• Wipe down all surfaces
• Dust small light fixtures
• Disinfect headboards and nightstands
• Clean inside dresses and closets
• Dust ceiling fan
• Vacuum and mop the floors
• Use wood finisher if needed
• Make the beds with clean, fresh linens

Bathrooms

• Clean the entire toilet, bottom half, behind it, on top
• Disinfect the toilet, sink and tub/shower
• Clean the mirror and faucets
• Scrub down any grime
• Clean out the sink and tub/shower drains
• Wipe down all surfaces
• Clean the mirror
• Wash all towels and mats
• Vacuum, mop and disinfect the floor

Commonly Forgotten Areas

• ​​Light switches
• Doorknobs
• Cupboard handles
• Refrigerator handle
• Oven handle
• Deep cleaning rugs
• Dust and cobwebs on light fixtures
• Dust and cobwebs in ceiling corners
• Space between couch cushions
• Expired food in pantry
• Window frames
• Window glasses (outside)
• Top of curtain rods
• Washing curtains
• Laundry/Utility room
• Inside the oven and microwave
• Door frames
• Doormats
• Pantry
• Inside cabinets, closets, and cupboards
• Mattresses

Immediately After Guests Check-Out

• Check under the couch, beds, and in dresser drawers for forgotten items
• Check appliances for scratches and spills
• Look in the freezer and fridge for leftover food
• Empty garbage bins in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Remove linens and bath towels
• Replace any used amenities

Click here to download TIDY's free complete cleaning checklist for Airbnb hosts.

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