How Do Hosts Usually Manage Cleaning on Airbnb?

Introduction

Are you curious about how Airbnb hosts keep their homes sparkling clean for guests? As a seasoned traveler, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Airbnbs and have always been impressed with the level of cleanliness. But have you ever wondered how hosts manage to maintain this level of tidiness? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the different ways that Airbnb hosts typically manage cleaning and provide some helpful tips for those looking to become successful hosts themselves. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!

Cleaning Tips for Airbnb Hosts

As an Airbnb host, you are responsible for keeping your rental property clean and tidy for your guests. However, with busy schedules and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to find the time to clean your rental yourself.

Here Are Some Tips on How to Manage Cleaning for Your Airbnb Rental:

Hire a professional cleaning service: This is the easiest way to make sure your rental is always clean and presentable for guests. Simply schedule a regular cleaning service to come in and take care of everything for you. You can also explore some helpful cleaning shortcuts to make the process even more efficient.

Create a cleaning schedule: If you prefer to do the cleaning yourself, create a schedule and stick to it. Dedicate a few hours each week to cleaning your rental so that it is always ready for guests.

Enlist help from friends or family: If you need an extra hand with cleaning, ask friends or family members to help out. They can pitch in when you are busy or away, and help keep your rental clean.

By following these tips, you can easily manage cleaning for your Airbnb rental and provide a comfortable space for guests.

Which Commonly Overlooked Areas Should You Clean?

While it’s easy to give your space a quick tidy-up, seasoned Airbnb guests often notice the difference when a host pays attention to those sneaky, often-missed spots. If you want rave reviews (and who doesn’t?), make sure you’re not skipping these key areas:

• Beneath the Beds: Dust bunnies, stray socks, and the occasional forgotten phone charger love to hide here. Give under-bed areas a thorough sweep or vacuum.
• Inside Drawers and Cabinets: Pull open every drawer even the ones you’re sure are empty. A quick wipe inside prevents crumbs and hair from gathering.
• Cabinet Doors, Edges, and Handles: Wipe down the fronts and edges, especially fingerprints and smudges guests inevitably leave behind.
• Appliances (Inside and Out): Crumbs in the toaster, coffee stains in the coffee maker, and the infamous microwave splatter be sure to check and clean inside and out for each appliance.
• Decor and Surfaces: Dust loves settling on bookshelves, window blinds, frames, and even the leaves of houseplants. A microfiber cloth does wonders here.
• Outdoor Entryways and Patios: Sweep up dirt, leaves, and spider webs. Outdoor spaces set the first impression, so don’t let cobwebs steal the show!

Attention to these easily forgotten spaces will leave your guests feeling like they’ve checked into a boutique hotel without you having to run a Hilton.

Essential Cleaning Tools and Supplies for Airbnb Hosts

To keep your Airbnb consistently fresh and guest-ready, having the right cleaning tools on hand is essential. Professional cleaners recommend building an efficient “essentials kit” so you’re always prepared for any mess or quick turnaround.

Here are some must-have supplies to stock up on:

• Multi-surface mop: Choose one with interchangeable microfiber pads or brush heads for tackling everything from dusty corners to sticky floors.
• Dual-chamber mop bucket: This makes it easy to separate clean and dirty water, ensuring you’re actually cleaning rather than spreading grime around.
• Vacuum with versatile attachments: A quality vacuum (such as from Dyson or Miele) with crevice tools is invaluable for cleaning both carpets and those hard-to-reach spots like under beds or along window tracks.
• Extendable shower hose or sprayer: Ideal for rinsing bathtubs, showers, or sinks, especially in bathrooms lacking built-in spray features.
• Glass scraper or razor tool: Perfect for removing cooked-on messes from stovetops and stubborn residue from shower doors.
• Non-toxic cleaning solutions: Eco-friendly cleaners like Method or Seventh Generation work well on everything from countertops to appliances, and are safer for both your guests and the environment.
• Non-scratch sponges: Great for scrubbing stainless steel fixtures or lifting hard water stains without leaving marks.
• Dryer balls: Wool dryer balls help reduce static, lint, and hair from linens and towels perfect for maintaining that crisp, hotel-quality feel.
• Reusable lint roller: Keep one handy for quick touch-ups on upholstery and bedding, especially if you welcome guests with pets.
• Portable caddy or locked supply closet: Store all your supplies in one easily accessible spot, and check regularly to restock before running low.

By keeping these supplies organized and close at hand, you’ll streamline your cleaning routine and ensure your space is spotless for every guest who walks through the door.

Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Organized

One simple way to streamline your cleaning routine is by keeping all your products and tools in one convenient spot. Use a portable caddy or designate a secure cabinet as your go-to location for everything from sponges and disinfectant to paper towels and floor cleaner. Not only does this save you valuable time hunting for supplies, but it also helps you notice when you’re running low, so you can restock before your next guests arrive. An organized setup means you can move from room to room efficiently, turning cleaning into a breeze instead of a chore.

Why Refilling Amenities and Tidying up Matters

While basic cleaning goes a long way, the small thoughtful touches can truly elevate the guest experience in your property. Refilling essential amenities such as fresh bottles of hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and even a brand new dish sponge shows guests that you care about their comfort and are attentive to their needs.

Taking a few extra minutes to tidy up accessories around the home also makes an impact. Straighten up throw pillows on the couch, line up remote controls, and neatly organize items in drawers or cabinets. Even the simple act of arranging kitchenware like pots and pans or making sure the hair dryer is visible and easy to find helps guests settle in quickly and feel right at home.

If you want to add a little flair, consider folding the ends of toilet paper or paper towel into neat points. It’s a subtle detail, often seen in hotels, that signals your space has been given special attention. These finishing touches reassure guests that real care has gone into preparing the property for their stay, making them feel welcomed and valued before they’ve even unpacked.

What Extra Finishing Touches Can Help Create a Five-Star Impression for Guests?

Once you’ve tackled the basics, a few thoughtful details can really elevate the guest experience think of these as the cherry on top for your Airbnb.

• Restock essentials: Make sure everyday necessities like dish soap, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner are topped up before each guest arrives. If you offer disposable items, such as fresh sponges or kitchen cloths, leave them in their original packaging for a crisp, professional touch.
• Organize and tidy accessories: Take a moment to neatly arrange things like remote controls, throw pillows, and any frequently used items tucked away in drawers or cupboards (hair dryers, pots and pans, etc.). These little details help guests feel welcomed and cared for.
• Add a bit of hotel-style flair: For that added sense of luxury, try folding the edges of toilet paper or paper towels into a neat triangle, just like the pros at big-name hotels often do. Even something as simple as folding a trash bag neatly can make your space memorable.

These small touches are a quiet way of saying, “We prepared just for you,” and guests will surely appreciate the effort.

Best Ways to Keep Your Airbnb Smelling Fresh and Neutral

First impressions matter, and a clean, subtle scent makes guests feel at home. Here’s how to keep your space fresh without overpowering:

• Air it out: Open windows during cleaning to clear stale odors.
• Use purifiers: Run an air purifier between stays to remove musty smells.
• Light on cleaners: Skip heavy sprays opt for gentle, plant-based disinfectants.
• Go natural: Eco-friendly cleaners leave behind a mild, pleasant aroma.
• No masking: Avoid candles or strong air fresheners; tackle odors at the source.

Guests will love arriving to a space that smells clean, light, and natural.

Why Avoid Strong Scents and Harsh Chemicals?

It’s important to remember that not everyone has the same preferences when it comes to smells. What might seem like a pleasant fragrance to you could be overwhelming or even unpleasant for your guests. Using strong air fresheners, bleach, or heavy-scented cleaners in your rental can backfire, as these scents often linger and mix in unpredictable ways.

Instead of creating a welcoming environment, masking odors with powerful chemicals may actually make guests wonder what you’re trying to hide. Sensitive guests might even have allergies or sensitivities to these products, which can affect their comfort and overall experience.

For best results, stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleaners (there are plenty available at supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths) and focus on removing, not covering, the source of any odors. A clean, neutral-smelling space is universally inviting and your guests will notice the difference.

The Different Ways to Clean an Airbnb Rental

There are a few different ways that Airbnb hosts typically manage the cleaning of their rental properties. The most common method is to hire a professional cleaning company to do a deep clean of the property between guests. This ensures that the property is always clean and welcoming for new guests.

Some hosts also choose to do a lighter cleaning themselves between guests, focusing on areas that tend to get dirty quickly (like kitchens and bathrooms). This can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget or if you don’t mind doing some light cleaning yourself. 

Finally, some hosts choose to leave the cleaning entirely up to their guests. This means that guests are responsible for ensuring that the property is clean and tidy before they check out. While this option can save you money on professional cleaners, it’s important to make sure that your guests are aware of your expectations around leaving the property clean.

What Should Be Included in a Comprehensive Cleaning Routine Between Guests?

A well-planned cleaning routine between guests can make or break your reputation as an Airbnb host. To ensure your rental stands out for all the right reasons, it’s important to go beyond a quick tidy think of it as preparing for a five-star review every single visit.

Start by stripping all beds and gathering used towels. Pro tip: Keep spare sets of linens and plush towels handy, especially for those back-to-back bookings when laundry turnaround time is tight.

Next, tackle the often-missed areas that guests will certainly notice:

• Under beds and furniture: Peek underneath and clear away dust bunnies and any forgotten items.
• Inside drawers: Empty them of debris so each guest opens to a fresh, clean space.
• Cabinet faces and handles: Wipe down the fronts and edges, removing fingerprints and smudges.
• Household appliances: Give extra attention to the toaster, microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Remove crumbs, stains, and old food no one wants a surprise from last week’s guest.
• Living room and decor: Dust all surfaces, including window sills, blinds, and spot-clean indoor plants.
• Outdoor spaces: Sweep entryways, patios, and balconies to ensure they’re inviting nothing says “welcome” like a clean doorstep!

Don’t forget the finishing touches: closely inspect dishes and laundry as you put them away, checking for any missed spots or lingering grime.

And finally, even if you’re a fan of regular cleanings, schedule a thorough deep clean every couple of months. This helps you tackle bigger tasks and keeps your property fresh and welcoming for every guest.

How to Hire a Professional Cleaner for Your Airbnb

There are a few things to consider when hiring a professional cleaner for your Airbnb. First, you’ll want to decide how often you need the cleaning service. If you only host occasionally, you may only need a one-time deep clean. However, if you’re a frequent host, you’ll probably need a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning service.

Next, you’ll want to consider what kind of cleaning services you need. Do you need general cleaning, laundry service, or something more specific? Once you know what kind of cleaning services you need, research local cleaners and compare prices. Be sure to read reviews and check references before making your final decision.

Small Decorative Touches that Make a Big Difference

Once the main cleaning is done, a few thoughtful details can truly elevate the guest experience. These finishing touches help make your space feel extra inviting and leave guests feeling genuinely cared for.

• Restock Essential Amenities: Double-check all the basics dish and hand soap, body wash, and shampoo. If you provide disposable items, like a Scotch-Brite dish sponge, put out a fresh one in its packaging.
• Organize Accessories: Take a minute to neatly arrange remote controls, fluff and straighten throw pillows, and tidy up items in drawers or cabinets (think hair dryers, kettle, pots, and pans). A little organization goes a long way in helping guests feel at home.
• Add a Touch of Style: Fold the ends of toilet paper and paper towels into neat points or fun shapes, just like you’d see in a hotel. Even something as simple as tucking in the trash bags can make the space feel more polished.

It’s these little details often overlooked that show you’ve put thought and heart into preparing the space. Your guests will notice, and they’ll appreciate the extra care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hosts who manage an Airbnb property should take cleaning seriously in order to ensure that their guests have a comfortable experience. There are several different ways for hosts to approach the task of cleaning and each method has its own pros and cons. From using professional cleaners to DIY methods, it’s ultimately up to the host which approach they want to use. While the cost associated with hiring professional cleaners may be higher than other approaches, it is often worth it for hosts as it saves them time and stress when managing their properties.

Enjoy the luxury of a spotless home without the effort! Book your appointment today and experience instant freshness.