If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a host, it’s that consistency is king when it comes to cleaning. Those glowing 5-star reviews that keep your calendar full? They don’t happen by accident.
Let me share something most successful hosts already know: your cleaning system can make or break your short-term rental business.
Why Your Cleaning Process Matters More Than You Might Think
It can feel like there are a lot of things stacked against you when it comes to maintaining the highest level of cleanliness at your property. That crazy-short window between checkout and check-in. The guests who apparently used every towel and blanket in your house during their two-night stay. The last-minute text from your cleaner saying they can’t make it. These are exactly the moments when important cleaning tasks get missed – and guests definitely notice.
There goes your perfect review streak. (On a side note, the world will not come to an end if you get a less than 5-star review, but that doesn’t keep us hosts from trying!)
Here’s the truth: guests expect hotel-level cleanliness with the charm of a home. It’s a tall order, but achievable with the right system in place.
The Problem with Most Airbnb Cleaning Approaches
I see three common cleaning mistakes hosts make:
- The Mental Checklist Approach – Keeping everything in your head leads to forgotten tasks when you’re rushed or distracted.
- The Bare Minimum Method – Just hitting the obvious areas might work sometimes, but this method with come back to bite you. You may not see the spill on the counter, but your guests will notice it when they rub their hand across it.
- The Inconsistent Team Strategy – Different cleaners focusing on different priorities creates an inconsistent experience for guests.
When I started hosting, I tried all three approaches at various times. The results weren’t pretty: frantic last-minute cleaning sprints, running back to the property to do one more thing that I forgot while I was there, having cleaners who didn’t do things to my standards (because I didn’t communicate them), and enough stress to make me question why I started hosting in the first place!
The Short Term Rental Cleaning System That Changed My Hosting Game
Everything changed when I developed a comprehensive cleaning guide for my turnovers. Suddenly, my cleanings became:
- Consistent – No matter who cleaned, the results were the same
- Comprehensive – Even easy-to-forget spots got attention
- Efficient – Less time spent figuring out what to do next
- Stress-free – No more wondering if something was missed
Getting clear on what needs to be done with each cleaning made my life and the lives of my cleaning crew much easier.
What Makes an Effective Airbnb Cleaning Guide?
So, what goes into a cleaning guide that actually works? From my experience (and many cleaning mishaps!), the best guides include:
1. Room-by-Room Breakdown
Breaking tasks down by space ensures nothing gets overlooked. Your bathroom cleaning should be just as thorough as your kitchen prep.
2. “Easy to Forget” Sections
These are the details that separate good stays from great ones:
- Check the inside of the fridge and freezer
- Replace bags in tiny trashcans
- Inside the microwave cleaned
- Shower curtain liner checked for mold
- Coffee maker thoroughly cleaned
3. Restocking Protocols
There’s nothing worse than a guest messaging at 11 PM because they’re out of toilet paper. A proper inventory system prevents these emergencies.
4. Clear Standards
What does “clean” actually mean? Define it. “Wipe down surfaces” could mean different things to different people. Pointing out the surfaces that need to be wiped down in each space ensures you’re your cleaning crew remembers to clean the areas that are easy to overlook.
How to Implement Your STR Cleaning System
Whether you clean yourself or work with a team, implementation is key:
- Document Everything – Create your comprehensive guide with photos if possible. Below is a pic of the inside of an owner’s closet. She took pictures of each room ready to go and posted them for the cleaning crew to reference.
- Train Properly – Walk through the guide with anyone who will be cleaning.
- Check Regularly – Spot-check to ensure standards are maintained.
- Refine Over Time – Update your guide based on guest feedback and experience.
The Airbnb Cleaning Guide That Does It All
After lots of trial and error with my own cleaning process, I created the Customizable Cleaning Guide Template to help Airbnb hosts like you avoid my mistakes. You also have a tutorial on how to customize the cleaning guide template.
This isn’t just another checklist. It’s a complete system that:
- Covers every room in detail
- Highlights those easy-to-forget areas
- Includes inventory management
- Can be customized to your specific property
- Saves you hours of planning and prevents costly mistakes
The best part? It’s fully editable in Canva, so you can adapt it to your specific needs, add your branding, and make it work perfectly for your unique space. Here are some examples of what the guide looks like an includes.
Beyond Clean: The Real Impact of Systematizing Your Airbnb Cleaning Process
A proper cleaning system does more than just create a clean space. It:
- Protects Your Investment – Regular, thorough cleaning prevents long-term damage
- Saves Money – Fewer emergency replacements and repairs
- Boosts Your Ratings – Cleanliness is consistently the top factor in review scores
- Increases Repeat Bookings – Guests remember and return to exceptionally clean properties
- Reduces Your Stress – The peace of mind knowing everything is handled properly is priceless
Your Next Step to Hosting Success
If you’re ready to elevate your hosting game, streamline your turnover process, and consistently impress your guests, it’s time to implement a proper cleaning system.
Get the Customizable Cleaning Guide Template and transform your cleaning process today. Or, create your own guide! You can definitely create your own from scratch – going this route will just save you time and prompt you to remember all the details.
With your new cleaning system in place, you’ll spend less time worrying about dust bunnies and more time counting those five-star reviews—because a sparkling clean Airbnb isn’t just good hospitality, it’s the secret ingredient to turning one-time guests into repeat customers who can’t wait to come back to their home away from home!
What cleaning challenges are you facing in your Airbnb? Share in the comments below, and I’ll help you troubleshoot!