How to become an Airbnb Cleaner

Cleaning an Airbnb is far more than just wiping down surfaces and vacuuming carpets. As an Airbnb cleaner, you’re often tasked with tight turnovers, ensuring every inch of a property is spotless, and meeting the ever-rising standards of guests who expect hotel-like cleanliness. Falling short on any of these fronts can lead to negative reviews, which can impact a host’s business, and your reputation as a cleaner.

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In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning for an Airbnb, including essential rules, tips, and tricks. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, this blog will help you master the art of Airbnb cleaning, ensuring your clients and their guests are always satisfied.

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Why Airbnb cleaning is different

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I've made an entire post on why airbnb cleaning is different from regular house cleaning that I would recommend to check out. Long story short, cleaning a short-term rental like an Airbnb comes with its own set of unique challenges compared to standard house cleaning. For starters, you’re often working on a much tighter timeline, and you’re cleaning for guests who have specific expectations about the space. Unlike traditional housekeeping, where minor details can be overlooked, Airbnb guests scrutinize everything. Even the smallest mistake, like a smudge on a window or a stray hair in the bathroom, can lead to a bad review.

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• Fast turnovers: Many Airbnbs have check-out and check-in times within hours of each other, so speed and efficiency are essential.
• High guest expectations: Guests expect a pristine, hotel-like experience.
• Variable property conditions: Some properties may require a deeper clean than others, depending on how the previous guests left the space.
• Airbnb cleaning rules: Airbnb has its own set of standards that hosts often follow to avoid penalties, and you need to meet those standards to ensure the host remains in good standing.

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Airbnb cleaning rules you should know

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When cleaning for an Airbnb, it’s crucial to understand the rules and standards that hosts expect. Many hosts adhere to guidelines set by Airbnb, but they also often have additional personal requirements that align with guest preferences. Below are some key rules to follow:

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1. Disinfect high-touch areas: This includes doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and kitchen appliances. Since the pandemic, Airbnb has emphasized the importance of sanitizing these areas to ensure guest safety.
2. Replace linens between every stay: Fresh sheets, pillowcases, and towels are non-negotiable. Even if the bed doesn’t look slept in, always replace linens.
3. Restock essentials: Hosts typically provide amenities like soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and sometimes coffee or tea. Make sure these items are fully stocked before the next guests arrive.
4. Follow a detailed checklist: Each host may have different preferences, but creating a comprehensive checklist ensures you don’t miss anything.
5. Leave no trace of previous guests: Empty trash cans, vacuum thoroughly, and make sure there are no signs of past occupants, like hair or leftover food.

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Pro Tip: Airbnb cleaning checklists

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Airbnb cleaning checklists are essential for ensuring consistency, thoroughness, and high standards in short-term rental cleanings. They help cleaners stay organized and ensure no critical tasks are overlooked, from sanitizing frequently touched surfaces to restocking essential items. A checklist guarantees that the property is cleaned to meet guest expectations and Airbnb's cleanliness standards, which can lead to better reviews and higher guest satisfaction.

Let’s break down what a cleaning checklist for Airbnb looks like on a room-by-room basis. This is where attention to detail really matters because each room serves a different purpose, and guests will evaluate them individually.

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1. Kitchen

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The kitchen is often a guest's focal point, especially for longer stays. Not only does it need to be spotless, but it must also be sanitary.

• Wipe down countertops, appliances, and cabinets. Don’t forget to clean behind small appliances like toasters or coffee makers, which often get neglected.
• Empty the fridge of any leftover food items. Wipe it down inside, and make sure the shelves are crumb-free.
• Sanitize sinks, faucets, and handles. Water spots and food debris can easily build up here, so make sure they’re spotless.
• Restock items. If the host provides items like dish soap, kitchen towels, trash bags, etc. ensure they are replenished.

2. Bathroom

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Bathrooms are a dealbreaker for most guests. According to a survey by Airbnb, 70% of guests prioritize a clean bathroom over any other area in the property.

• Scrub the toilet, sink, and shower/tub. Pay extra attention to grout lines, drains, and behind the toilet, as these areas often get missed.
• Replace all towels and mats. Even if they appear clean, it’s important to give every guest fresh towels and bathmats.
• Polish mirrors and glass. Streaky or foggy mirrors can give the impression of uncleanliness, so always finish them with a streak-free polish.
• Empty trash bins. Don’t overlook small details like a used trash bag, it can leave a bad impression.

3. Living area

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The living room is where guests will relax, so a clean and cozy vibe is a must.

• Vacuum thoroughly, including under furniture. Dust bunnies hiding under the couch will not go unnoticed by eagle-eyed guests.
• Dust all surfaces, including electronics. Be sure to dust TVs, picture frames, lamps, and ceiling fans.
• Sanitize high-touch items. Remote controls, light switches, and furniture handles should be wiped down with disinfectant.

4. Bedroom

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Guests expect a hotel-like experience in the bedroom, which means fresh linens and a tidy atmosphere.

• Change bed linens. Always use fresh sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, no matter how clean the previous guest left them.
• Vacuum or sweep thoroughly. Pay attention to corners and under the bed.
• Dust all surfaces. Nightstands, dressers, and even window sills should be dust-free.
• Check closets and drawers. Make sure they’re empty and clean for the next guest.

5. Staging

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Not only is important to make sure the place looks sparkling clean, but also to make sure the place is staged like no one was ever there. Re-staging an Airbnb after cleaning is crucial to creating a welcoming, consistent guest experience. It ensures the property looks as advertised in photos, enhancing guest satisfaction and increasing the likelihood of positive reviews.

• Kitchen: Make sure all small appliances are neatly arranged, and an organized, clutter-free space. Ensure all utensils, cookware, and dinnerware are clean and stored properly, with frequently used items like coffee makers or toasters placed accessibly.
• Bathrooms: Ensure toiletries neatly arranged or removed for a minimal, clean look. Ensure fresh towels are folded or hung neatly, and restock essentials like toilet paper, soap, and shampoo.
• Living area: it's important to stage a clean and inviting space by arranging furniture neatly and fluffing pillows or cushions. Decorative items or books arranged tastefully. Electronics, such as remotes and gaming consoles, should be neatly placed and easily accessible.
• Bedroom: Ensure nightstands are tidy, with minimal décor such as a lamp or a book. Clothing storage areas like closets or dressers should be organized, and personal items removed. If the host provides throw blankets or bed scarf at the foot of the bed can enhance the welcoming feel. The room should look serene, inviting, and match the listing photos to ensure guest satisfaction.

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Tips and Tricks for efficient Airbnb cleaning

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Maintaining a clean and fresh Airbnb is crucial for delivering a great guest experience and receiving positive reviews. Here are some expert tips and tricks to make your cleaning routine more efficient and ensure the property is in top condition for every stay:

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• ‍Eliminate odors with an ozone machine: Unpleasant odors can quickly ruin a guest’s experience. To tackle stubborn smells like smoke, pet odors, or lingering food scents, consider using an ozone machine. These machines release ozone gas, which neutralizes odors by breaking down odor-causing molecules. Just be sure to use the machine when the property is unoccupied, as ozone can be harmful to breathe in high concentrations. Afterward, air out the space thoroughly to leave it smelling fresh and clean.

• ‍Use microfiber cloths for dusting and polishing: Microfiber cloths are essential for cleaning an Airbnb efficiently. They trap dust, dirt, and debris better than traditional cloths or paper towels, reducing the time spent dusting and polishing. Use them on surfaces like countertops, furniture, mirrors, and glass for a streak-free shine.

• ‍Speed up bathroom cleaning with vinegar and baking soda: Bathrooms can be challenging to clean, especially when dealing with hard water stains or soap scum. A mix of white vinegar and baking soda can be a powerful natural cleaner. Use this solution to scrub sinks, bathtubs, and tiles, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing tough spots. This eco-friendly method not only disinfects but also helps break down grime.

• ‍Invest in a good vacuum with HEPA filters: A high-quality vacuum with HEPA filters is a game-changer, especially if your property allows pets. HEPA filters trap allergens and dust particles, ensuring a deep clean that improves air quality. Regular vacuuming of carpets, upholstery, and rugs keeps your Airbnb free of dirt, pet hair, and allergens, contributing to a more welcoming environment for your guests.

• ‍Deodorize with Essential Oils: After cleaning, use essential oils to give the property a pleasant, natural scent. Mix a few drops of essential oil (lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus work well) with water in a spray bottle, and lightly mist soft furnishings like curtains, pillows, and upholstery. This not only freshens the space but also creates a calming and inviting atmosphere for guests.

• ‍Clean High-Touch Areas with Disinfectant: To ensure your property meets health standards, focus on high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and handles. Use a disinfectant or antibacterial wipes to thoroughly clean these areas after every stay. This helps reduce the spread of germs and gives guests peace of mind about the cleanliness of the space.

• ‍Create a Cleaning Checklist: Consistency is key in maintaining a well-kept Airbnb. A detailed cleaning checklist can ensure nothing is overlooked. Include everything from cleaning floors and surfaces to replacing toiletries and checking appliances. This not only keeps the property spotless but also helps new cleaners understand the expectations, should you bring someone new on board.

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Common mistakes inexperienced Airbnb cleaners make

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As an experienced Airbnb cleaner, you’ll want to avoid the pitfalls that often plague those new to this line of work. Missing key areas or rushing through the job can lead to re-work, costing you time and your reputation.

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‍Missing high-touch areas: One of the most common complaints from guests is that certain high-touch areas, like door handles or light switches, were missed during cleaning.

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Neglecting under furniture: It’s easy to vacuum or sweep around large pieces of furniture, but dust and debris often accumulate underneath.

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Forgetting to restock essentials: Inexperienced cleaners may overlook the importance of restocking soap, toilet paper, and other basic items.

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Rushing through the job: Speed is important in Airbnb turnovers, but not at the expense of quality. Missing key details leads to re-work and can damage your professional reputation.

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What matters most to Airbnb guests?

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Let’s take a closer look at some key statistics that reveal what Airbnb guests value most in cleanliness and what can lead to negative reviews.

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• 50% of Airbnb guest complaints are related to cleanliness. This means that half of all guest complaints come down to something being dirty, unsanitary, or poorly maintained. Guests will quickly pick up on dust, grime, or bad odors, making it crucial to nail every aspect of cleaning.

• 70% of guests prioritize the bathroom as the most important area to be clean. According to surveys, bathrooms are the top concern for most guests. If the bathroom isn’t spotless, guests are likely to complain, even if the rest of the property is well-maintained.

• 15-20% of Airbnb cleaning jobs result in re-work due to missed items or areas. Commonly missed tasks include restocking essentials, vacuuming under furniture, and properly sanitizing high-touch areas. Re-work not only delays turnovers but also impacts your standing with hosts.

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How to avoid re-work: Tips for consistent quality

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Avoiding re-work is key to being a successful Airbnb cleaner. Re-work often happens when small, but essential, details are missed or when the job is rushed. Here are some tips to ensure consistent quality:

• Use a checklist: A detailed checklist helps ensure that nothing is missed, especially in high-turnover situations.

• Do a final walkthrough: Always take a few minutes to walk through the property after completing the cleaning. This is your chance to catch anything you may have missed.

• Prioritize high-touch areas: Areas like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and appliance handles should be sanitized thoroughly every time.

• Don’t cut corners: No matter how tight the timeline is, make sure you cover all key areas, including under furniture, inside cabinets, and behind appliances.

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At the end of the day, cleaning for an Airbnb is all about balancing speed, efficiency, and quality. Meeting guest expectations consistently is how you’ll build trust with hosts and how you will land new jobs as Airbnb cleaner. But even with great cleaning skills, managing pricing and ensuring fair pay can be a challenge. That’s where KwickTurn comes in.

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With KwickTurn’s pricing tool, cleaners can easily set their rates based on property characteristics like the number of beds, baths, and square footage. This standardized approach eliminates bidding wars, creates transparency, and ensures cleaners are paid fairly for their work. Plus, the app’s automatic calendar sync feature means you’ll never miss a booking. Hosts will sync their Airbnb calendars with KwickTurn, which will not only notify you every time a new cleaning project is created for you, but also you can see what projects are coming up to organize yourself!

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By combining these professional cleaning tips with KwickTurn’s streamlined platform, you’ll not only meet but exceed the expectations of hosts and guests, setting yourself up for long-term success in the Airbnb cleaning business.

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