A clean Airbnb can make the difference between a guest walking in and immediately feeling at home, or noticing the little things that have been missed. A thorough Airbnb cleaning checklist helps make sure every room is ready for the next guest, from fresh linen and spotless bathrooms to the details that are easy to overlook.
Whether you’re managing one property or several, having a consistent checklist can make turnovers easier, help maintain your standards and create a better experience for every guest.
Here’s what to include in your Airbnb cleaning checklist.
Start with the bedrooms
The bedroom is one of the first places guests expect to feel clean and comfortable. Start by stripping the bed and replacing all used linen with fresh sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers.
Your bedroom checklist should include:
- Changing all bed linen
- Checking the mattress and mattress protector
- Dusting bedside tables, lamps and surfaces
- Cleaning mirrors
- Vacuuming or sweeping floors
- Cleaning underneath the bed where accessible
- Emptying bins
- Checking wardrobes, drawers and hangers
- Removing any items left behind by previous guests
Don’t forget to check the small details. A stray hair on a pillowcase or dust on a bedside table can be surprisingly noticeable.
Give the bathroom a proper clean
Bathrooms are one of the areas guests are most likely to notice, so they deserve particular attention during every turnover.
Clean and disinfect:
- Toilet, including the seat, lid and exterior
- Sink and taps
- Shower or bath
- Shower screen or glass
- Tiles and other splash areas
- Mirrors
- Floors
- Bins
- Handles and other frequently touched surfaces
Replace used towels, bath mats and toiletries where provided. Check drains for hair and make sure there is no build-up around taps, shower fittings or other areas that are easy to overlook.
The goal is for the bathroom to look, smell and feel freshly cleaned when the next guest arrives.
Reset the kitchen
A clean kitchen is about more than wiping down the counters.
Your Airbnb cleaning checklist should include:
- Wiping and disinfecting countertops
- Cleaning the sink and taps
- Cleaning the stovetop
- Wiping down the oven exterior
- Checking the inside of the microwave
- Cleaning the fridge and removing leftover food
- Checking cupboards for spills or crumbs
- Emptying the bin
- Washing and putting away dishes
- Checking glasses, mugs, plates and cutlery
- Sweeping and mopping the floor
Take a quick look inside appliances and cupboards too. Guests may not expect every cupboard to be spotless, but they will notice obvious crumbs, spills or leftover food.
Don’t forget the living areas
Living rooms can be easy to overlook during a quick turnover, particularly if they appear tidy at first glance.
Dust and clean:
- Coffee tables
- Side tables
- TV stands
- Shelves
- Lamps
- Remote controls
- Other frequently touched surfaces
Then vacuum or sweep the floors, including underneath furniture where possible.
Straighten cushions, fold throws and return furniture and décor to their usual places. You’re not just cleaning the room; you’re resetting it for the next guest.
Check the entrance and outdoor areas
The guest experience starts before they unpack their bags.
Sweep or clean the entrance, check the front door and make sure outdoor areas are presentable. If your property has a balcony, patio, garden or braai area, these should also be included in the turnover.
Check for:
- Dust and dirt
- Leaves and debris
- Full bins
- Dirty outdoor furniture
- Marks on doors or windows
- Items left behind by previous guests
A tidy entrance immediately gives guests the impression that the property has been well looked after.
Clean the things guests touch most
Some of the smallest details can make a big difference.
Include frequently touched surfaces in every turnover, such as:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Remote controls
- Appliance handles
- Cupboard handles
- Tap handles
- Stair rails
These areas can be missed because they’re not always visibly dirty, but they’re touched repeatedly throughout a guest’s stay.
Check the property before you leave
Once the cleaning is finished, do a final walkthrough as if you’re the guest arriving for the first time.
Check that:
- Everything is clean and in its place
- Fresh linen and towels are ready
- Toiletries have been replenished
- Bins are empty
- Appliances are switched off where appropriate
- Lights and remotes are working
- There are no obvious maintenance issues
- Nothing has been left behind by the previous guest
This final check gives you an opportunity to spot anything that might have been missed during the clean.
Don’t forget the details
A good Airbnb cleaning checklist is about creating a consistent experience every time someone walks through the door.
Fresh linen, clean bathrooms and spotless kitchens are the essentials. But it’s the little details: a dust-free bedside table, streak-free mirror, clean remote control or neatly arranged cushions, that help a property feel properly guest-ready.
If you’re managing back-to-back bookings, cleaning can quickly become another job on an already busy schedule. Sweepsouth connects you with trusted cleaning services that can help you get your Airbnb ready for its next guests, so you can spend less time worrying about the turnover and more time managing your property.
ALSO SEE: HOW TO GET YOUR AIRBNB READY FOR A BUSY SPRING SEASON
