The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist and Template for a Spotless Rental

Keeping your Airbnb rental spotless can mean the difference between getting 5-star reviews and ending up with poor ratings. However, we know how hard it can be to consistently maintain cleanliness within your property. This is where an Airbnb Cleaning Checklist comes in.

So today, we're taking you through what an Airbnb cleaning checklist is and providing you with a free template to keep your rental sparkling clean.

What Is an Airbnb Cleaning Checklist?

Picture this: your guests arrive at your Airbnb and the place sparkles as if it's welcoming them with open arms. That’s the magic of a well-executed Airbnb cleaning checklist. This handy guide serves as a roadmap for Airbnb owners. It lists the major things they need to do to get a property ready for new guests.

Why Have a Checklist?

A cleaning checklist helps keep your rental, well, clean. Think of it as this to-do list that covers all of your bases and ensures that you or your chosen cleaning service does a good job of tidying the property up.

• Streamlines the Cleaning Process - Usually, you'd have a list of individual tasks for each room or area in your rental. Once each task is finished, you simply check it off and move on to the next one. This is how it streamlines the cleaning process and guarantees that no spot is left dirty.
• Guest Satisfaction - Cleanliness plays a massive role in ensuring guest satisfaction. One of the first things you notice about a rental you're staying at is the neatness and tidyness of the room. Well, a clean room can be easily achieved by following a cleaning checklist.
• Improved Reviews - When your guests find a tidy, clean property, it’s like like showing them that you actually care. They're more likely to leave you with great reviews and have a better mood during their stay.
• Less Complaints - Nobody likes complaints, right? Cleanliness is one of the top complaints across Airbnb rentals. A well-crafted cleaning checklist is your secret weapon to avoid them. Why wait for bad reviews, when you can prevent them?

Honestly, having a cleaning checklist for your Airbnb isn't really a necessity. But, it's definitely a "nice-to-have." It simplifies your process and makes cleaning management easy, whether you're hiring a professional cleaner or DIYing. It also saves you time and effort in the long-run.

Essential Cleaning Tasks for Airbnb

Let’s break it down into the dirty details, pun intended, of what it takes to get every space squeaky clean, so your guests feel right at home.

1. Tidy and Organize Bedrooms

The bedroom is where guests unwind, so it's got to be perfect. Ensure beds are made with crisp, fresh linens––like a hotel. Toss out any tired pillows, perhaps once a year, to maintain that fluffy feel. Clear off surfaces, organize your closets, and dust the furniture. Don't forget to vacuum or sweep the floors. While you’re at it, look for maintenance issues such as flickering light bulbs or wonky window blinds. These small fixes can make a huge difference!

2. Clean and Stock Kitchens

A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Wipe down every corner, from countertops to appliances like the fridge and oven. Ensure that all dishware and utensils are washed, dried, and placed away in the cupboards. Load up on essentials, such as dish soap and paper towels. A running kitchen inventory list beside your cleaning checklist keeps track of these things, too.

3. Refresh Living Areas

Living areas are where guests chill, so let’s keep them inviting. Dust and wipe down all furniture, and don't forget electronics and decor. Vacuum carpets and clean hard floors to banish dirt and debris. Arrange the seating areas enticingly and the furniture strategically. If you notice any stains on the upholstery, treat them immediately.

4. Sanitize Bathrooms

Bathrooms have to sparkle. So scrub those sinks, toilets, and showers until they shine. Swap out used towels for fresh ones, and replenish any missing toiletries. Empty trash bins and sanitize surfaces to keep those germs away. A streak-free mirror and polished fixtures can make the bathroom feel like a mini spa.

5. Arrange Dining Spaces

Dining spaces create a backdrop for meals. Set the dining table with clean dishware and utensils. Then wipe down the table and chairs, getting rid of any spills or crumbs. Create a tidy, inviting space. Dusting or rearranging decor items can add a nice touch, too.

6. Maintain Laundry Facilities

If you offer laundry, keep them neat. If not, check the washer and dryer for lint buildup and clean as needed. Make sure you have laundry supplies like detergent and fabric softener. Put laundry baskets or hampers in an accessible location. Look out for any maintenance issues that can interrupt guests' plans for doing laundry.

7. Tidy Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are a perk for guests. Sweep patios or decks to remove leaves and debris. Wipe down outdoor furniture and set it up nicely for guests. Look for maintenance issues such as broken chairs or dim lighting. Additionally, ensure trash cans are emptied and organized.

Must-Have Items for A Cleaning Kit

What's the use of your well-crafted cleaning checklist if you don't have the tool to back it up? To achieve a spotless property, you need a cleaning kit that's well-stocked and carefully organized. Here are a few of the things we recommend.

Basic Cleaning Supplies

Let’s start with the basics. These are must-have items for any cleaning arsenal.

Here's a quick list to keep you on track when stocking your cleaning kit:

• Disinfectant sprays and wipes
• Microfiber cloths
• Sponges and Scrub brushes
• Dusters and a Vacuum Cleaner
• Mops and mop heads
• Gloves
• Chemicals and Cleaners (All-Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Stain Remover, Furniture Polish, etc.)
• Trash bags
• Paper towels and toilet paper
• Air Fresheners
• Laundry Detergent
• Hand soap

Ensure anything you use adheres to health and safety regulations. That way, your place will not only look clean, it will be genuinely safe. Make it a habit to check your inventory regularly. Keep in mind that a smooth turnover relies on having your cleaning kit readily available and replenished. You don’t want to search for supplies during a hectic day.

Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Template

We here at BNBCalc created this simple and basic Airbnb cleaning checklist template to help you get started. Feel free to download and use it for your own rental. We did our best to cover most of the basics, but, each rental has its own unique properties that we simply can’t account for. This is why, we highly recommend adjusting and editing our checklist to fit your own needs.

General Areas (Living Room, Hallways, Common Areas)

• Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, TV stands, etc.).
• Wipe down and sanitize light switches, remote controls, and doorknobs.
• Vacuum or sweep and mop floors.
• Check for and remove cobwebs.
• Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.
• Straighten pillows, throws, and decor items.
• Empty and sanitize trash bins; replace liners.

Kitchen

• Wipe down countertops, backsplash, and cabinets.
• Clean sink, faucet, and drain area; remove food debris.
• Sanitize and polish appliances (fridge, microwave, oven, toaster, coffee maker).
• Empty the refrigerator of any leftover items; wipe interior shelves.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Wash and dry any dirty dishes or load dishwasher.
• Refill essentials (coffee, tea, sugar, etc.).
• Check for and replace any missing or damaged utensils or dishware.

Bedrooms

• Strip used bedding and replace with fresh, clean sheets.
• Dust nightstands, lamps, and other surfaces.
• Vacuum or sweep and mop floors.
• Check under beds and inside closets for left-behind items.
• Ensure all lights and alarm clocks are functional.
• Arrange decorative pillows and bedding neatly.

Bathrooms

• Clean and sanitize the toilet, sink, shower, and tub.
• Wipe down mirrors, counters, and faucets.
• Restock essentials (toilet paper, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.).
• Empty and sanitize trash bins; replace liners.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Ensure fresh, clean towels are provided.
• Check for and remove any hair or residue.

Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

• Sweep patios, decks, and pathways.
• Wipe down outdoor furniture.
• Check BBQ/grill; clean if used.
• Empty outdoor trash bins and replace liners.
• Inspect for and remove any litter or debris.

Final Touches

• Set thermostat to guest comfort level.
• Place welcome note and/or gift (if applicable).
• Ensure Wi-Fi instructions are visible.
• Double-check for personal items left behind by guests.
• Lock all windows and doors upon leaving.