Revamping your Airbnb home has never been simpler with our tailor-made Airbnb cleaning checklist designed specifically for busy hosts.
Cleanliness is a key factor in earning glowing 5-star guest reviews. A spotless Airbnb can make all the difference between a top-notch review and a mediocre rating. With these expert cleaning tips, you’ll have your space sparkling and ready to impress your guests in no time.
Why Deep Cleaning and Organization Matter
Let’s be real: surface-level cleaning doesn’t cut it. You may wipe the counters and vacuum the floors, but what about the grime behind the fridge? Or the mountain of forgotten junk stuffed in your closet? That’s where deep cleaning and smart organization come into play. They go beyond the visible mess, diving into the hidden layers of dirt, dust, and disarray. A deeply cleaned and well-organized home not only looks better—it feels better. It boosts your mood, improves your health, and saves you time in the long run.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is not your average weekend tidy-up. It’s a thorough, detailed process that targets areas often missed during regular cleaning. We’re talking baseboards, light fixtures, behind appliances, grout lines, air vents, and more. Deep cleaning eliminates built-up dirt, bacteria, and allergens, creating a healthier and more pleasant environment.
Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning
Regular cleaning is your daily or weekly ritual: dusting, sweeping, mopping, wiping surfaces. Deep cleaning goes several steps further. It includes:
Scrubbing tile grout
Disinfecting all surfaces
Degreasing kitchen appliances
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
A well-organized cleaning kit is every Airbnb host’s secret weapon, simplifying the hosting experience and ensuring a consistently spotless space. A properly equipped toolkit not only saves time but also takes the stress out of maintaining your property to perfection.
When building your cleaning arsenal, consider every corner of your home that might need attention. With a little preparation, the cleaning process becomes more efficient and far less overwhelming.
Prepare the Space
To get your Airbnb ready for a seamless cleaning session, start by pre-cleaning. By preparing the space, you’ll begin your cleaning session off on the right foot and give yourself the best chance of a spotless, glistening finish.
Declutter and Organize
To transform your Airbnb into a guest-ready heaven, start by decluttering and organizing the space. These simple, systematic steps will make the cleaning process smoother.
– Empty all trash bins and remove any leftover items from the previous guest.
– Align furniture, fluff pillows, and neatly arrange decorations.
– Place utensils, dishes, and cookware in their designated spots.
– Arrange bathroom essentials neatly, making sure toiletries are replenished if needed.
– Implement a system for storing books, games, and other entertainment amenities.
“This article really dives deep—pun intended—into what true deep cleaning and organization should look like! I appreciate how it goes beyond surface-level tips and focuses on practical, step-by-step guidance. Perfect for anyone looking to refresh their space and create a more peaceful, clutter-free environment. Great read!- thank you Al Rukam."
Finishing Touches and Extras
The finishing touches are just as important as your cleaning routine. Invest some time in adding little extras to your Airbnb to give it a cozy, luxurious feel. Whether it’s equipping the kitchen with all cooking essentials, throwing in a few good books for leisure reading, or stocking up local tour guidebooks, the possibilities are infinite.
Check Inventory and Restock
The key to seamless hosting lies in regular inventory audits. Ensuring your Airbnb never runs short of essentials from toiletries to kitchenware will save you from frantic last-minute runs. By maintaining a diverse array of amenities like comfy bedding to coffee pods, you give your guests a positive experience, echoing the comforts of their home.
Follow a Room-by-Room Cleaning Routine
By following a meticulous room-by-room cleaning procedure, you can ensure every corner of your Airbnb property is spotless. Don’t let strenuous cleaning responsibilities dull the joy of hosting. Break down the task into room-by-room cleaning sessions, making it manageable. This tailored approach places you on a smooth, hassle-free path, maintaining a pristine Airbnb ready to welcome guests.
Deep Cleaning the Kitchen
Appliances, Cabinets, and Hidden Grime
Start by emptying and disinfecting the refrigerator. Pull it out to clean the coils and floor underneath. Don’t forget:
Scrubbing the oven and microwave inside out
Cleaning cabinet doors and shelves
Wiping backsplash tiles
Degreasing the range hood and stove burners
Deep Cleaning the Bathroom
Tackling Mold, Mildew, and Soap Scum
Bathrooms can be bacteria havens. Focus on:
Scrubbing tile grout with a baking soda paste
Cleaning the toilet base and behind it
Washing shower curtains and bath mats
Descaling faucets and showerheads
Organizing toiletries and throwing out expired products
Deep Cleaning the Bedroom
Under the Bed, Closets, and Upholstery
Your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Refresh it by:
Vacuuming under the bed and furniture
Washing all linens, pillows, and mattress protectors
Dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures
Decluttering closets and donating unused clothes
Living Room Cleaning Checklist
Furniture, Curtains, and Electronics
The living room gathers the most foot traffic. Deep clean by:
Vacuuming and shampooing carpets or rugs
Dusting electronics, cords, and remotes
Cleaning behind and under sofas
Washing curtains or blinds
Polishing wood furniture
Cleaning the Garage and Storage Areas
Garages can quickly become dumping grounds. Tackle it by:
Removing everything and sorting it
Sweeping and pressure-washing the floor
Wiping shelves and reorganizing tools
Disposing of hazardous waste properly
Common Deep Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes in deep cleaning is overlooking hidden or hard-to-reach areas like behind appliances, under furniture, or ceiling corners where dust and cobwebs accumulate. Another common error is using harsh chemical cleaners without proper ventilation or protective gear, which can be harmful to both your health and your surfaces. People also tend to rush the process, skipping essential steps like rinsing or allowing cleaners to sit for the recommended time. Lastly, using the wrong tools or products for specific materials—like abrasive sponges on delicate surfaces—can lead to damage rather than a cleaner space.
Add Personalized Touches
Surprising your guests with personalized touches will make your Airbnb stand out. Consider leaving personalized postcards or guidebooks of the area, offering a unique keepsake of their stay. Keep in mind that personal touches don’t have to be extravagant. It can be as simple as providing quality toiletries or arranging the towels creatively. The goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for your guests.
Do a Final Walkthrough
As the capstone of your cleaning process, the final walkthrough is critical. Be sure to scrutinize every area for dirt or clutter that might have been overlooked. This helps in presenting a flawless Airbnb home to your guests.
During this final inspection, think like a guest, not a host. Check the functionality of appliances, level of comfort, and overall livability. The goal is to ensure a well-prepared space that paves the way for those highly coveted 5-star reviews.
