We know that when it comes to vacation rentals, competition is fierce. In Airbnb alone there are over 5.6 million listings and over 4 million hosts. Keeping your rental property immaculately clean is necessary to remaining competitive and standing out as a top pick among guests looking for vacation rentals.
Why You Need a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist?
The cleanliness of a rental property has always been an aspect in how guests rate their experiences, with Airbnb highlighting it first in all guest reviews. However, as important as it is, 44% of vacation rental hosts still find cleaning a big hassle when managing their property.
Now more than ever, a clean, sanitized rental property plays a significant role in where guests choose to book their stay. Excellent cleanliness of your rental is vital for a good reputation among guests and will ensure they give your Airbnb property 5 star rating every time.
On the other hand, dirty vacation rentals can leave a long-lasting negative impression on guests and are an absolute no-go. Not having a thorough deep cleaning checklist as part of your game plan may mean that some rooms and surfaces get overlooked.
A cleaning checklist provides a well organized approach to cleaning your rental property and will make the cleaning process easier, faster, and more meticulous.
Here is your foolproof vacation rental cleaning checklist for providing an excellent, time-saving cleaning service that will rake in those 5-star guest reviews.
What Supplies Do You Need for a Thorough Cleaning? [10 Must-Haves]
Before you start cleaning your vacation rental, it’s important to make sure you are fully prepared with all the cleaning supplies and equipment. This way, you will not have to run around looking for things you need at the last minute.
To save time, remember to keep your cleaning products replenished and well-stocked, and perform regular checks on your cleaning equipment to make sure they are in working order. If something has run out or stopped working, set a reminder to restock or repair it ahead of time so that you are not caught out when you really need it. There are also many home inventory apps that can help you keep track of your cleaning supplies and equipment.
Here are our top 10 cleaning supplies and equipment to keep well-stocked and in working order:
- A reliable vacuum cleaner with adjustable attachments
- A good-quality mop suited for cleaning both tile and hardwood floors
- Rubber gloves
- Microfiber cloths
- Multi-purpose cleaning detergents and stain removers, including disinfecting sprays
- Cleaning brushes and scrub pads
- Function-specific cleaning products: dishwashing liquid, window and glass cleaners, bathroom (more specifically, toilet) cleaners, and pool chemicals (if needed)
- Laundry detergents
- Air freshening sprays
- Furniture polishes for wood, metal, or leather finishes.
How to Ensure Your Property Is Sparkling Clean? [Checklist By Room]
Once you are well equipped, it’s time to clean. When organizing your cleaning tasks, it is best to do so in the most time-efficient way.
A huge time-saver is to group general cleaning tasks that apply to all or most rooms and do those activities first. After all general cleaning tasks are complete, you will have much less to do in each individual room.
It is also a good idea to plan ahead and see where you can multitask. For example, while you are doing the laundry, you can do other tasks in between. The more multitasking you are able to do, the quicker your cleaning will get done.
In Between-Rentals Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
- Clean appliances, counters, cabinets, tables, and chairs.
- Clean, scrub, and sanitize sinks, countertops, and backsplashes.
- Clean the range top and wipe out the inside and outside of the oven.
- Clean appliance exteriors, including the inside of the toaster.
- Clean inside the kettle. Once a month, descale the kettle.
- Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator.
- Clean inside and outside of the microwave oven.
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floor.
- Empty the dustbin and put in a new bin liner.
- Check all cups and plates and re-wash if necessary.
- Rearrange inside the cupboards.
- Ensure there are enough plates and cups for 8 guests.
- Replace any broken kitchen ware; plates, cups etc.
- Restock auto dish detergent, liquid dish soap, coffee filters, and trash bags.
- Put out clean dish towels, and a new dish rag/sponge.
- Check if the hot water is working.
- Check and replenish coffee, tea and sugar.
- Clean the tap, the sink, and the dish drainer.
Living Room
- Clean, dust, and vacuum (clean the carpet and then vacuum).
- Dust window sills and ledges.
- Dust furniture.
- Dust blinds, picture frames, knickknacks and lamps.
- Vacuum furniture, including under seat cushions.
- Check the cushions for stains and wash if needed.
- Clean under the sofa.
- Empty and clean trash bins.
- Be sure to leave clean linens for the sofa bed.
- Check the blanket for stains and wash if needed.
- Water any indoor plants.
Bedrooms
- Change sheets and pillowcases
- Check the pillows in the wardrobe and change the pillow case as required.
- Vacuum floor and under beds.
- Check for personal belongings left in drawers and closets.
- Dust furniture and clean mirrors.
- Check windows for fingerprints.
- Make sure light bulbs are not burned out.
- Check for wear and tear or stains on sheets and blankets.
- Wash blankets and comforters after every month.
- Check cushions for stains and smell.
- Check the mattress protector is stain free.
- Mattress protectors should be washed every month.
- Make the bed
Bathrooms
- Clean, scrub and sanitize showers, bathtubs, vanity, sinks, and backsplashes.
- Clean mirrors.
- Clean and sanitize toilets.
- Wash/bleach the toilet brush holder and the toilet brush.
- Wash floors and tile walls.
- Empty trash bin.
- Replenish toiletries.
- Supply clean linens, 1 hand towels per bathroom, 1 per bathroom and 1 floor mat.
Alleyway, Flat Entrance and Flat Hallway
- Sweep alley way, get rid of all cigarette butts.
- Sweep and mop flat entrance.
Other areas
- Be sure the washer and dryer are empty; clean out the lint trap.
- Check light bulbs, change if necessary.
- Check all electronics if working.
- Check internet and cable is working.
- Check supplies if anything is missing.
- If you are a property manager notify the owner immediately if you notice any damages, missing items, or if the home was left excessively dirty.