Cleanliness of your short-term rental is something that can break or make the impression. You might have the most expensive couch, that one premium table and a well-built desk yet all of it can go in vain if your airbnb property feels unkempt. Cleaning isn’t a quick task that can be rushed through in minutes. To make the home look welcome-y, you need a lot of time, especially if your last guest has left the place messy.
To help you save from last minute hassle, we have come up with a 5-step airbnb cleaning guide so that you dont panic before your next guest arrives!
What is included in this Article?
In this article, we’ll explore
- The 5 step airbnb cleaning process
- Pro Tips for Efficient Airbnb Cleaning
- Airbnb Cleaning Supplies & Tools Comparison
- Common Airbnb Cleaning Errors to Avoid
Why Airbnb's 5-Step Cleaning Process Matters
Airbnb’s 5-step cleaning process is a game-changer for keeping things fresh and safe. It’s not just about making a place look good; it’s about serious hygiene. The process breaks it down easy—prep, clean, sanitize, check, and reset. Basically, hosts follow these steps to make sure their space is spotless and germ-free. It’s like the gold standard for keeping things tidy, especially after COVID. So, when you walk into an Airbnb that follows this, you know it’s not just clean—it’s clean-clean.
Step 1: Prepare for Cleaning
Before diving into the scrubbing, hosts should kick things off by ventilating the space. Crack open those windows and let the fresh air flow for at least 20 minutes to help clear out any lingering odors or germs. Next, it’s time to gather the right supplies.
Supplies You Need:
- Disinfectants
- Multi-surface cleaners
- Microfiber cloths
- Gloves
- Masks
- Trash bags
- Broom and mop
- Vacuum cleaner
- Paper towels or cleaning rags
- Air freshener (optional)
Step 2: Clean All Surfaces
When you’re cleaning, you’re removing dirt, dust, and grime. But sanitizing? That’s a whole different ball game—it’s about killing those nasty germs. So, start with dusting shelves, vacuuming carpets, and wiping down hard surfaces like countertops, tables, and doorknobs. Make sure you’re cleaning first, then hit everything with a sanitizing spray to get rid of bacteria.
Surfaces to Clean
- Countertops: Kitchen, bathroom, and dining surfaces
- Tables: Dining tables, coffee tables, nightstands
- Shelves: Bookcases, display shelves, TV stands
- Doorknobs: All doors, cabinets, and closets
- Light switches: Common touch points throughout the home
What to Vacuum
- Carpets: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways
- Rugs: Area rugs, entrance mats
- Upholstery: Sofas, chairs, cushions
- Curtains: If dusty, give them a quick vacuum
What to Wipe
- Hard surfaces: Tables, countertops, shelves
- Appliances: Microwave, fridge, stove, TV screens
- Fixtures: Faucets, knobs, light switches
Step 3: Sanitize High-Touch Areas
Now that everything’s clean, it’s time to sanitize. This step focuses on disinfecting high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, handles, and even remote controls. Here’s how to do it:
- Use EPA-approved disinfectants to ensure you’re getting rid of bacteria and viruses.
- Spray the disinfectant directly onto a cloth (not the surface) and wipe down these areas thoroughly.
- Make sure to let the surface air dry—don’t wipe it off immediately, as most disinfectants need to sit for a few minutes to be effective.
Popular Disinfectants (EPA-Approved)
Disinfectant | Type | Effective Against | Contact Time | Scent |
Lysol Disinfectant Spray | Aerosol spray | Viruses (including COVID-19) | 10 minutes | Lemon Breeze |
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes | Pre-moistened wipes | Bacteria, Viruses | 4 minutes | Fresh |
Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant | Spray | Germs, Flu Viruses | 5 minutes | Fragrance-free |
Seventh Generation Disinfectant | Botanical spray | Cold & Flu Viruses, Bacteria | 10 minutes | Citrus & Thyme |
Disinfecting is all about the details—this is where guests will notice how clean and fresh everything feels!
Step 4: Step-by-Step Airbnb Cleaning Guide
Hotel-Style Bedroom
The bedroom is the first space to tackle because fresh linens are a must for a welcoming stay. Start with laundry and work your way through dusting, cleaning, and bed-making.
Tasks:
- Strip the Beds – Remove linens and mattress protectors, then place them directly into a laundry basket, not on the floor.
- Dusting & Wiping – Use a microfiber cloth to dust all surfaces like the bed frame, nightstands, and blinds. Then, wipe with a suitable cleaner for each surface.
- Vacuum Thoroughly – Don’t forget window sills, baseboards, and underneath the bed.
- Make the Bed – Layer with a mattress protector, fresh sheets, and arrange the pillows and duvet neatly, ensuring it looks crisp and inviting.
Deep Cleaning Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress to deodorize, and vacuum after 15 minutes.
Sparkling Bathrooms
Bathrooms are all about hygiene and freshness. From the shower to the toilet, every area should shine.
Tasks:
- Clear Used Towels – Remove all towels and place them in the laundry.
- Sanitize Surfaces – Clean mirrors, wipe tiles, and make sure all chrome fixtures sparkle. Use a separate paper towel for cleaning the toilet to avoid cross-contamination.
- Refill Essentials – Ensure fresh toilet paper, hand towels, and toiletries are neatly placed for guests.
Deep Cleaning Tip: Rotate cleaning behind and under the sink cabinet or shelves.
Kitchen Ready for Cooking
Even if your guests don’t plan to cook, they expect a spotless kitchen. Focus on cleanliness and ease of use.
Tasks:
- Clear and Clean the Fridge – Remove any perishables left behind, clean shelves, and make space for your guest’s groceries.
- Wipe Down Appliances – Ensure the microwave, toaster, and stove are free of grime. Clean countertops and the sink.
- Restock – Provide fresh dish soap, sponges, and paper towels.
Deep Cleaning Tip: Every few turnovers, deep clean the oven and reorganize cabinets.
Welcoming Living Room
Your guests’ first impression is often the living room. A clean, clutter-free space with some thoughtful touches will leave a lasting impact.
Tasks:
- Tidy Up – Remove any trash, vacuum the couch (don’t forget under the cushions), and dust surfaces.
- Stage the Space – Make the room look inviting by fluffing pillows and neatly arranging items.
Deep Cleaning Tip: Sprinkle baking soda on the couch and rugs to refresh the fabric, then vacuum thoroughly.
Maintenance Check
After cleaning, check each room for minor issues. Test appliances, lights, and Wi-Fi to ensure everything works perfectly for your next guest.
Step 5: Reset the Space
Resetting the space for the next guest is all about creating a welcoming and organized environment. After you’ve completed cleaning, the final touches ensure that the room looks perfect and feels inviting. This is where attention to detail makes a difference.
How to Reset the Space:
- Arrange Furniture
Restore the layout to its original position as shown in your listing photos. This helps maintain consistency, allowing guests to feel as though they’ve arrived at a carefully curated space. Make sure chairs are aligned, cushions are fluffed, and everything is in its designated spot. - Set Up Amenities
Refill essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, and shampoo. Make sure towels are folded neatly and placed in the bathroom or on the bed. Create a little “welcome kit” with extras like tea, coffee, and snacks. For long stays, leave some basic cleaning supplies like a broom, dustpan, or disinfecting wipes in accessible areas. - Final Walkthrough
Double-check that the temperature is set to a comfortable level, lights are functioning, and Wi-Fi information is visible. Open the windows for a brief moment to air out the space or light a soft-scented candle (if allowed) before the guest arrives.
Pro Tips for Efficient Airbnb Cleaning
Ensuring your Airbnb runs smoothly involves streamlining your cleaning process and preparing for the unexpected. Here are some advanced tips to help you manage time and unforeseen situations:
- Schedule Your Cleaning Time Efficiently
Block out an appropriate cleaning window between check-outs and check-ins to give yourself (or your cleaner) enough time. Use a checklist for each cleaning session and focus on high-traffic areas first. If you have multiple properties, create a rotating cleaning schedule for deep-cleaning tasks like oven or cabinet cleaning. - Manage Laundry in Advance
If you’re managing laundry on-site, plan to wash and dry linens as soon as the guest checks out. Invest in extra sets of towels and bedding to avoid delays if something takes longer to dry. Alternatively, outsource laundry to a service if it helps you keep on schedule. - Prepare for Early Check-ins or Damaged Items
Early check-ins happen! To handle them, try to keep the main areas guest-ready while tackling deep cleaning in the less urgent spaces. If you encounter damaged items during your routine, have a set of backups (like an extra coffee maker or extra glasses) to replace them quickly and minimize disruptions.
Airbnb Cleaning Supplies & Tools Comparison
To ensure top-notch cleanliness for your Airbnb, choosing the right products and tools is essential. Below is a comparative table highlighting the pros and cons of commonly used cleaning supplies and tools for maintaining an Airbnb:
Product/Tool | Pros | Cons |
Disinfectant Spray (e.g., Lysol, Clorox) | Kills 99.9% of germs, great for high-touch surfaces | Strong smell, some guests may have allergies |
HEPA Filter Vacuum (e.g., Dyson V11, Shark Navigator) | Captures allergens and dust, powerful suction | Expensive, requires maintenance and filter replacement |
Microfiber Cloths | Reusable, excellent for dust and streak-free surfaces | Needs regular washing, can retain dirt if not cleaned properly |
All-Purpose Cleaner (e.g., Method, Mrs. Meyer’s) | Safe for multiple surfaces, eco-friendly options | May not tackle tough stains as well as specialized cleaners |
Steam Cleaner (e.g., Bissell PowerFresh) | Chemical-free sanitization, ideal for floors and fabrics | Bulky, needs time to heat up |
Scrub Sponges | Great for tough scrubbing, inexpensive | Can harbor bacteria if not replaced frequently |
Common Airbnb Cleaning Errors to Avoid
Even with the best cleaning supplies, mistakes can happen, especially when prepping for quick turnovers. Below are common cleaning errors and how to avoid them:
- Missing High-Touch Areas
Mistake: Skipping over high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and handles.
Solution: Include these areas in your checklist and use disinfectant to clean them after every stay. - Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Mistake: Using a general cleaner on surfaces that require specific care (e.g., wood, glass, or stainless steel).
Solution: Match the cleaner to the surface—use wood polish for wooden furniture, glass cleaner for windows and mirrors, and specialized cleaners for stainless steel appliances. - Not Vacuuming Under Furniture
Mistake: Only vacuuming visible areas and neglecting under the bed or sofa, where dust accumulates.
Solution: Use a vacuum with an attachment or a microfiber mop to clean under furniture for a thorough job. - Skipping Deep Cleaning on a Regular Basis
Mistake: Focusing only on surface cleaning between stays and neglecting deep cleaning tasks like scrubbing grout, descaling faucets, and wiping down baseboards.
Solution: Schedule a rotating deep-cleaning list so that each area gets proper attention at least once a month. - Overusing Cleaning Products
Mistake: Using too much cleaning product, which can leave residue and make surfaces sticky.
Solution: Follow the recommended usage on the label and always spray the product onto the cleaning cloth, not directly onto the surface.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean Airbnb is crucial for guest satisfaction and ensuring your property receives high ratings. By selecting the right cleaning products and tools, avoiding common cleaning mistakes, and consistently resetting your space for guests, you’ll be able to run a more efficient and welcoming property. Investing in high-quality supplies and refining your cleaning routine will pay off with repeat bookings and happy guests.
