Maintaining an immaculate short-term rental is the single most important factor in securing glowing 5-star reviews and Superhost status. Guests have high expectations for vacation properties, and unlike a traditional home, any oversight—from a stray hair in the shower to a dusty coffee table—is immediately noticed and often penalized in public reviews.
A structured, room-by-room turnover system ensures consistency, efficiency, and perfection between every guest checkout and check-in.
Quick Answer: What Should Be Cleaned Between Airbnb Guests?
Between every guest stay, your property requires a full reset:
- Sanitize & Disinfect: Wipe down all high-touch surfaces, door handles, light switches, and remote controls.
- Launder All Linens: Strip and wash every sheet, pillowcase, duvet cover, towel, and bath mat.
- Deep-Clean Wet Areas: Scrub kitchen counters, sinks, appliances, toilets, showers, and bathroom tile.
- Vacuum & Mop: Clean all floors, paying close attention to hidden spaces under beds and furniture.
- Restock Essentials: Replenish toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, and coffee supplies.
Why Airbnb Cleaning Directly Affects Reviews
- Cleanliness is the #1 Metric: Airbnb guest feedback overwhelmingly highlights cleanliness above all else. A single missed spot can drop a 5-star rating down to a 3-star review instantly.
- Sets the First Impression: Stepping into a spotless, fresh-smelling home builds immediate trust and makes guests feel pampered from the moment they walk through the door.
- Drives Repeat Bookings: Guests remember immaculate spaces and are far more likely to rebook or recommend your rental to friends.
Whole-Property Reset Checklist
Entryway
- Sweep front porch, shake out welcome mats, and wipe down the exterior door handle.
- Organize guest shoe racks or umbrella stands.
- Wipe down hallway tables and check for items left behind by previous visitors.
Living Room
- Dust all electronics, media consoles, coffee tables, and decorative shelves.
- Sanitize TV remotes and light switches.
- Vacuum sofas, lift cushions to clear out crumbs or lost items, and fluff pillows.
- Clean windows and glass surfaces for a streak-free shine. (For guidance on achieving perfect glass, see our tips on how to clean windows without streaks).
Kitchen
- Empty the refrigerator completely, discard leftover food, and wipe down interior shelves.
- Scrub the sink, polish the faucet, and run an empty cycle on the dishwasher.
- Clean the interior and exterior of the microwave, oven, and stovetop.
- Wash all dishes, cutlery, and cookware (never leave a loaded dishwasher for guests to unpack).
Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet bowl, tank, base, and behind the seat.
- Deep-clean shower walls, tubs, glass doors, and check drains for loose hair.
- Wipe down vanity mirrors until spotless and polish chrome fixtures.
- Replace all used towels with fresh, crisp sets.
Bedrooms
- Strip all used bedding and remake beds with fresh, professional-grade linens.
- Dust nightstands, headboards, and closet shelves.
- Check inside drawers, closets, and underneath beds for forgotten guest belongings.
- Vacuum carpets and edge along baseboards.
Laundry
- Wash, dry, and fold backup linen sets neatly in storage closets.
- Clean out the dryer lint trap and wipe down washer and dryer exteriors.
High-Touch Areas Guests Notice
- Door handles and knobs
- Light switches and thermostat panels
- TV remotes and gaming controllers
- Cabinet and drawer pulls
- Microwave and refrigerator handles
Kitchen Checklist for Short-Term Rentals
- [ ] Sanitize all countertops and backsplashes.
- [ ] Clean inside and outside the microwave, including the turntable.
- [ ] Verify the refrigerator temperature setting and ensure shelves are spotless.
- [ ] Wipe down small appliances (coffee maker, toaster).
- [ ] Restock fresh dish sponge, dish soap, trash bags, and paper towels.
Bathroom Checklist for Airbnb Turnovers
- [ ] Scrub soap scum and water spots from shower enclosures and glass.
- [ ] Disinfect sink basins, countertops, and faucets.
- [ ] Polish mirrors to a streak-free finish.
- [ ] Replenish toilet paper rolls (leave at least one spare visible).
- [ ] Restock shampoo, conditioner, and body wash dispensers.
Final Guest-Ready Inspection
Before walking out the door, conduct a final 360-degree quality check:
- Do a “smell test” to ensure the air is fresh and odor-free (ventilate if needed).
- Verify that all decor and furniture match the reference photos in your listing.
- Ensure AC/heating thermostats are set to a comfortable welcoming temperature.
- Turn off unnecessary lights, lock back doors, and secure the property.
Cleaning Supplies Hosts Should Keep Stocked
- Multi-surface disinfectant spray and all-purpose cleaner
- Heavy-duty bathroom and scale remover
- Glass cleaner and lint-free microfiber cloths
- Toilet bowl cleaner and sturdy brush
- Extra trash liners, sponges, and dish soap
- Ample backup sets of white hotel-quality linens and towels
When to Hire Professional Airbnb Cleaning
Tight turnover windows (such as a 4-hour gap between back-to-back bookings) make DIY cleaning high-stress and risky. Partnering with a professional turnover cleaning service guarantees hotel-grade sanitation, rapid turnaround times, and consistent staging that protects your Superhost rating year-round.
FAQ
What is included in an Airbnb cleaning checklist?
An Airbnb cleaning checklist includes sanitizing all high-touch surfaces, scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms, laundering all bed linens and towels, vacuuming and mopping floors, checking for left-behind items, and restocking guest essentials.
How clean should an Airbnb be between guests?
An Airbnb must be impeccably clean—meeting or exceeding hotel standards. There should be zero visible dust, hair, crumbs, or fingerprints anywhere in the property.
How long does Airbnb turnover cleaning take?
Depending on the property’s size and layout, a thorough turnover clean typically takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. Larger homes or properties with extensive outdoor spaces require a dedicated multi-person cleaning team.
What do guests notice most in a rental?
Guests notice cleanliness issues immediately, paying the closest attention to bathroom hygiene, spotless bed linens, hair-free showers, clean kitchen counters, and the overall scent of the property.
Should Airbnb hosts hire professional cleaners?
Yes. Hiring professional short-term rental cleaners saves you from burnout, ensures reliable turnarounds between tight bookings, and provides the meticulous attention to detail required to maintain consistent 5-star reviews.