6 Simple Steps to Perfect Your Airbnb Cleaning Routine

At Fix Linens, we place the highest priority on helping STR owners host like a pro. While our quick sorting sheet system helps to make the process of laundering sheets and making beds as easy and stress free as possible, we know making the bed is only one step in prepping your rental for awaiting guests. Guests who book your property have expectations of not only comfort, but cleanliness. 

Whether you employ a cleaning crew to help with this task or tackle it yourself, there are many ways to simplify and streamline your cleaning procedures to ensure that your guests are impressed and your property is kept in tip top shape. 

One of the most important steps when cleaning between bookings is to make sure all traces of previous guests are removed. Chances are your check out instructions ask guests to check and double check the property for their possessions and to empty any left over food or products from cupboards, drawers and the refrigerator. As a host, you’ve probably learned that some guests are more responsible than others. That being said, even the most cognizant guest can accidentally leave a phone charger or a castaway sock behind. Start your cleaning process with a quick check of each living space- especially under beds, in closets and inside any accessible storage areas. Close inspections of bathrooms and kitchens are also exceedingly important. A mislaid tissue, discarded wrapper, or a single hair hiding under the sink can make your new guest uneasy and question the cleanliness of the entire property. Laundry rooms are also lost and found hotspots. If your property has an accessible washer and dryer, it wouldn’t be uncommon for a guest to forget that drying beach towel during the packing process. Doing a quick check of each room post check-out can not only reunite past guests with lost items, it also ensures new check-ins don’t encounter “ghosts” of vacations past during their stay. 

When setting up a new property, it is important to develop a cleaning routine. As the property owner, you are the best person to craft a plan that reflects your expectations and your property’s unique needs. In order to come up with an effective cleaning procedure, ‌start with a room-by-room walk-through and take notes on tasks that need to be addressed in each room before and after check-ins. You might want to create a two-column chart for each space where you record tasks that should be completed after each stay as well as deep clean tasks that only need to be completed once a month or at the beginning and end of your busiest season. This will depend on the layout of your property but also the frequency of turn-over. 

Once you have completed your walk-through notes, create a checklist that will guide cleaning sessions. If you do your own cleaning, a checklist can be a great reminder of the tasks at hand- especially when you are multitasking during your property prep. For a cleaning crew, this list provides defined and detailed expectations for your property’s preparation. Having the cleaners check off each task can be helpful documentation. If you ever have a guest who is not satisfied with the cleanliness of a certain area within your property, you can bring this up with your crew and refine and revise cleaning procedures if needed. A checklist can also be a great communication tool between you and your cleaners. Providing a space for the crew to notate damages, list items in need of replacement or replenishment, or record tasks that may need to be added on for the next clean is a great use of this tool. Click this link to find our free cleaning checklist to get you started or help you build your own. 

While having a task oriented cleaning checklist is a must, it is also a good idea for hosts to create an overarching seasonal or yearly cleaning plan for your property. This plan would identify times within the year that need deep cleans or special maintenance. Scheduling these tasks ahead of time can enable you to block out dates for this work to be done. Blocking out time for these tasks will cut down on rental interruptions due to emergency repairs, and will also contribute to a well maintained property.

Do not overlook your guests’ role in maintaining the cleanliness of your property. Providing your guests access to basic cleaning supplies such as a broom, stick vacuum, paper towels, and multi-purpose surface cleaners during their stay is actually preferred by most guests and promotes day-to-day tidying up. Refined checkout instructions are also important in maintaining the cleanliness of your property. It is an acceptable industry standard to have guests load the dishwasher and remove and dispose of their trash before their departure. In addition, defining a space where guests can leave dirty linens will cut down on cleaning and turn-over times. And remember, reviews go both ways! Make sure to give that clean-freak guest a shining review. In addition, help fellow hosts out by leaving informed and honest reviews for guests who may have left your space in disarray.

Having the right cleaning supplies on hand is essential for keeping a tidy rental property. Like any item you use or buy for your rental, care should be taken when selecting cleaning products. If you hire a cleaning crew, you might not have a lot of choice when it comes to the products they use. You can, however, seek out companies that prioritize natural products or strive to use cleaners that are more “kind” than others. If you are purchasing supplies yourself, make considerations when it comes to the “footprint” any cleaning product may leave behind as far as odors and environmental factors. It is important to select products that clean effectively but don’t leave a strong odor. While some guests may equate the smell of products like bleach and ammonia with “clean”, others may find these scents overpowering and distracting.

When purchasing cleaning supplies, it is best to buy in bulk. As we all know, property turnover can vary from rental to rental. Running out of the supplies you need between bookings can cause a real kink in your cleaning routine. If you purchase cleaning supplies for your cleaning team, have your cleaners communicate with you if a product is running low- especially if you are just starting out on your STR journey. Tracking product usage can help you come up with a buying schedule. This is a great time and money saver as it enables property owners to “subscribe and save” with many online retailers.

Most owners choose to store their overstock of cleaning supplies in a designated owner’s section of their property. While it is a good idea to leave your guests with access to basic cleaning supplies, leaving product oversock in areas accessible to guests can be problematic. Stocking your products in an owner's pantry or closet ensures that products are not wasted and that they do not clutter your guests’ stay. 

While cleaning is probably not the most enjoyable part of owning and running an STR, it is certainly one of the most important. When guests enter your property they should be welcomed to a space that was prepared for them. Taking time to come up with an individual plan for each of your properties will ensure that your guests are comfortable and your property is shown in the very best light. A clean and well-maintained property is a surefire way to gain good reviews and repeat bookings while maximizing your profits. Check out our other pro-tips on how to help your STR reach its full potential at fixlinens.com.