Vacation rental cleaning best practices: A guide to Airbnb and short-term rental hygiene

A single missed spot can lead to a negative review, and in the competitive short-term rental market, cleanliness is non-negotiable. Whether you're hosting on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com, maintaining hotel-level hygiene is key to earning 5-star ratings and maximizing bookings. This guide covers everything you need—from essential cleaning checklists to professional tips—to keep your rental spotless and guest-ready every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for vacation rental cleaning, from essential checklists to post-pandemic hygiene standards. Whether you’re managing your property yourself or working with a cleaning team, these tips will help you save time, impress your guests, and boost your bookings. Read on to discover:

• Why cleaning standards matter in vacation rentals
• Essential vacation rental cleaning checklist??
• Turnover cleaning vs. deep cleaning
• Recommended cleaning supplies and tools??
• How to speed up the cleaning process without sacrificing quality
• Hygiene and safety standards post-pandemic
• Professional cleaning services vs. DIY cleaning
• Common cleaning mistakes to avoid
• Final touches for a guest-ready rental

Ready to streamline your hosting process? Pair these cleaning best practices with a Touch Stay digital guidebook to reduce guest questions and enhance their stay.?

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Why cleaning standards matter in vacation rentals???

The impact of cleanliness on guest reviews and bookings?

First impressions matter, and for vacation rental guests, cleanliness is often the first thing they notice. A spotless property can lead to glowing reviews, repeat bookings, and even word-of-mouth referrals. On the flip side, a single complaint about dirt or mess can tarnish your reputation and scare away potential guests.??

• Positive reviews?

Cleanliness is consistently ranked as one of the top factors in guest satisfaction. According to a survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), 77% of guests consider cleanliness the most important factor when choosing a rental.?

• Higher occupancy rates

A well-maintained property attracts more bookings and can justify higher rates. Guests are willing to pay a premium for a clean and well-kept space.?

• Repeat guests

Happy guests are more likely to return or recommend your rental to others. A clean property builds trust and loyalty.??

Airbnb and Vrbo policies on hygiene and sanitation??

Both Airbnb and Vrbo have strict cleanliness policies to ensure guest safety and satisfaction. Hosts who fail to meet these standards risk penalties, including removal from the platform.??

• Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning initiative

A 5-step process that includes sanitising high-touch surfaces, using approved disinfectants, and allowing adequate ventilation between stays. Hosts who follow this protocol can display a special badge on their listing, signaling to guests that they prioritise cleanliness.??

• Vrbo’s cleaning guidelines

Emphasis on thorough cleaning and disinfection between stays, with a focus on high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.??

By adhering to these policies, you not only protect your guests but also safeguard your hosting business.??

Essential vacation rental cleaning checklist??

A detailed cleaning checklist ensures no corner of your property is overlooked. Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you maintain impeccable hygiene standards.??

Kitchen cleaning: where hygiene is non-negotiable??

The kitchen is one of the most scrutinised areas in a vacation rental. Guests expect it to be spotless and fully functional.

• Appliance sanitisation: clean inside microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators. Wipe down exteriors, including handles and buttons.
• Dishware cleaning: wash all dishes, utensils, and glassware. Check for chips or cracks and replace damaged items.
• Countertop disinfection: use a food-safe disinfectant to clean countertops and sinks. Pay special attention to areas around the stove and sink, where grease and grime can accumulate.
• Floor cleaning: sweep and mop the floor, focussing on corners and under appliances.??

Pro tip: include a note in your Touch Stay digital guidebook about how to use appliances and where to find cleaning supplies.?

Bathroom cleaning: preventing mould and ensuring freshness??

A clean bathroom is a must for guest satisfaction. Focus on both visible cleanliness and hidden areas like grout and drains.

• Mould prevention: use mould-resistant cleaners in showers and around sinks. Regularly inspect grout lines and re-caulk if necessary.
• Restocking toiletries: ensure soap, shampoo, and toilet paper are fully stocked. Consider providing extras like hand sanitiser and disposable towels.
• Deep cleaning: scrub toilets, sanitise faucets, and polish mirrors. Don’t forget to clean shower curtains or glass doors.
• Ventilation: ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and mildew.??

Bedrooms & living areas: creating a cosy, clean space??

Guests want to feel comfortable and relaxed in their sleeping and lounging areas.

• Dusting: wipe down all surfaces, including shelves, nightstands, and baseboards. Use a microfibre cloth to trap dust effectively.
• Laundering linens: wash and replace all bedding, including pillowcases and duvet covers. Use hypoallergenic detergents for guests with sensitivities.
• Sanitising high-touch surfaces: clean light switches, remote controls, and door handles. These areas are often overlooked but are critical for hygiene.
• Vacuuming and mopping: pay attention to corners and under furniture. For carpets, consider using a HEPA vacuum to remove allergens.??

Outdoor areas: don’t forget the exterior??

If your rental includes outdoor spaces like patios, balconies, or gardens, these areas also need regular cleaning.

• Sweeping and debris removal: clear leaves, dirt, and other debris from walkways and seating areas.
• Furniture cleaning: wipe down outdoor furniture and check for any damage or wear.
• Pool or hot tub maintenance: if applicable, ensure these are clean and properly sanitised.

Check out our comprehensive Airbnb cleaning checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Turnover cleaning vs. deep cleaning??

Quick turnover cleaning for back-to-back bookings??

When you have tight turnaround times between guests, efficiency is key. Focus on high-impact areas to ensure your property is guest-ready.??

• Prioritise high-touch surfaces: doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Refresh linens and towels: replace with clean sets.??
• Quick vacuum and mop: address visible dirt and debris.??
• Bathroom touch-ups: wipe down sinks and toilets, and restock toiletries.??

When to schedule deep cleaning for long-term maintenance??

Deep cleaning is essential for maintaining your property’s condition over time. Schedule it during low-demand periods or at least once a quarter.??

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning: remove deep-seated dirt and stains.
• Appliance maintenance: clean behind and under large appliances.
• Window washing: ensure windows are streak-free and sparkling.
• Grout and tile cleaning: use specialised cleaners to restore shine and remove buildup.

Learn more with our rental home inspection checklist, so you don’t miss a single detail - from flickering lightbulbs to that pesky drip from the bathroom tap!

Recommended cleaning supplies and tools

Eco-friendly vs. chemical-based products??

Choosing the right cleaning products is crucial for both effectiveness and guest safety.??

• Eco-friendly options: safe for guests and the environment. Ideal for hosts with eco-conscious branding. Examples include vinegar, baking soda, and plant-based cleaners.
• Chemical-based products: stronger disinfectants for high-touch areas and deep cleaning. Ensure they are EPA-approved and safe for use around guests.??

Must-have tools for efficiency??

Investing in the right tools can save time and improve results.??

• Microfibre cloths: perfect for dusting and wiping surfaces.??
• Steam cleaners: effective for sanitising without chemicals.??
• HEPA vacuums: capture allergens and fine dust particles.??
• Scrubbing brushes: ideal for tackling tough grime in bathrooms and kitchens.??

How to speed up the cleaning process without sacrificing quality??

Creating and using a standardised cleaning checklist??

A standardised checklist ensures consistency and prevents oversights.??

• Break tasks into manageable steps: assign specific tasks to team members.??
• Use a digital cleaning checklist: tools like Touch Stay can help you organise and track cleaning tasks.

Organising cleaning teams for maximum efficiency??

If you work with a cleaning team, clear communication and organisation are key.

• Assign roles: divide tasks based on team members’ strengths.
• Set time limits: ensure tasks are completed within the allotted time.
• Provide training: ensure everyone understands your standards and procedures.??

Touch Stay digital guidebooks streamline the vacation rental cleaning process by simplifying communication with cleaning and maintenance teams.

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Create your cleaning checklist today

Hygiene and safety standards post-pandemic??

Updated cleaning protocols and recommendations??

The pandemic has raised the bar for cleanliness in vacation rentals.

• Focus on high-touch areas: regularly disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Provide hand sanitiser: place it in common areas for guest convenience.
• Ventilation: open windows and use fans to improve air circulation.??

Disinfecting vs. cleaning: what hosts need to know??

Cleaning removes dirt, while disinfecting kills germs. Both are essential for guest safety.??

• Clean first: remove dirt and debris before disinfecting.
• Use EPA-approved disinfectants: ensure they are effective against viruses and bacteria.??

Professional cleaning services vs. DIY cleaning??

When to hire a cleaning service for vacation rentals??

Outsourcing cleaning can save time and ensure consistent results.??

• High booking volume: if you have frequent turnovers, a professional service can handle the workload.
• Larger properties: bigger spaces may require specialised equipment and expertise.??

Pros and cons of managing cleaning yourself??

DIY cleaning can be cost-effective but requires time and effort.

• Pros: full control over cleaning standards and costs.
• Cons: time-consuming and physically demanding.??

Need to share your Airbnb calendar with your cleaner? Learn how to do it easily.

Common cleaning mistakes to avoid??

• Overlooking hidden dirt: clean behind furniture, under rugs, and inside cabinets.
• Using the wrong products: avoid harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces like wood or marble.
• Skipping deep cleaning: regular deep cleaning prevents long-term damage and maintains your property’s appeal.??

Final touches for a guest-ready rental??

• Add hospitality touches: fresh flowers, welcome notes, or a small gift.??
• Stock essentials: ensure toiletries, extra linens, and cleaning supplies are available.??
• Check functionality: test appliances, lights, and locks to ensure everything is in working order.

By following these vacation rental cleaning best practices, you’ll create a safe, welcoming space that delights your guests and keeps them coming back.?

And don’t forget - pair your cleaning routine with a Touch Stay digital guidebook to enhance the guest experience and save time on repetitive questions.