Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: Simplify Your Hosting Duties

Clean your Airbnb after every guest, working through it room by room: declutter and secure personal items first, then clean living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms top-down, paying extra attention to high-touch surfaces like handles, switches, and remotes. Launder all bedding and towels, restock essentials, and finish with a walkthrough as if you were the guest. Cleanliness is one of the biggest factors in your reviews, so a consistent checklist is the easiest way to keep ratings high. Here’s the full checklist.

With this checklist, tailor-made for busy hosts, you’ll have your Airbnb spotless and guest-ready in no time. (If you’d rather hand turnovers off, Pro Housekeepers offers short-term rental cleaning.)

Gather your cleaning supplies

A well-organized cleaning kit saves time and takes the stress out of turnovers. A little preparation makes the whole process less daunting.

Build a cleaning kit

Pack a dedicated kit so you’re not hunting for supplies each time:

• Multipurpose cleaning spray
• Bleach or disinfectant
• Glass cleaner
• Floor cleaner
• Scrub brushes
• Microfiber cloths
• Disposable gloves
• Duster
• Trash bags
• Sponges
• Paper towels
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Magic eraser
• Vacuum cleaner bags or filters
• Mop and bucket
• Waste bin liners

Stock the right products

Choose reliable, high-quality products suited to your Airbnb’s surfaces and materials, and keep enough on hand:

• Eco-friendly cleaning products
• Multipurpose cleaners
• Disinfectants
• Specialty cleaners for unique materials and surfaces
• Window and glass cleaners

Stockpiling tips

• Bulk-buy commonly used products.
• Keep a backup supply of essentials.
• Monitor and replenish your stock regularly.

Prepare the space

Start with a quick pre-clean to set yourself up for a spotless finish.

Declutter and organize

Begin by decluttering and organizing the space:

• Empty all trash bins and remove anything left by the previous guest.
• Straighten furniture, fluff pillows, and arrange decorations.
• Return utensils, dishes, and cookware to their spots.
• Arrange bathroom essentials neatly and replenish toiletries if needed.
• Have a system for storing books, games, and other amenities.

Secure personal items

Before guests arrive, protect your privacy and belongings:

• Store personal documents and valuables somewhere secure.
• Lock any rooms not designated for guest use.
• Remove or lock away sentimental or personal items.
• Store your personal toiletries out of sight.

Remove excess belongings

Less stuff means less mess. Remove excess furniture or decor that isn’t serving a purpose — it makes the space more appealing and easier to clean.

Clean room by room

Breaking the job into rooms keeps it manageable and ensures every corner gets covered.

Living area and common spaces

Dust furniture, vacuum rugs, mop floors, and clean mirrors. For a deeper clean, shampoo carpets, machine-wash removable fabrics, and scrub hard surfaces.

Kitchen and dining area

Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Check that the oven is grease-free and the fridge is empty and clean. Clean kitchen tools and make sure utensils are in good condition. For the dining area, ensure dishes, glassware, and silverware are spotless.

Bathrooms and toilets

Scrub the tub and sink, wipe mirrors and countertops, and mop the floors. Clean the shower and faucets. For the toilet, apply cleaner to the bowl, scrub thoroughly, and flush, then wipe and disinfect the exterior surfaces — especially the handle.

Bedrooms and sleeping areas

Dust every surface from the headboard to the nightstands, vacuum the floors and under the bed, and clean the mirrors. A light spritz of fabric freshener on curtains, rugs, and upholstery adds a welcoming touch.

Focus on high-touch surfaces

Your Airbnb’s high-touch surfaces — door handles, light switches, remote controls — deserve special attention, both for cleanliness and for guests’ health.

Disinfect and sanitize

Use an EPA-registered household disinfectant on high-touch surfaces, countertops, appliances, and bathroom fixtures, following the product’s contact-time instructions so it works properly.

Don’t skip handles and switches

Give frequently touched items like handles and switches extra care. Wiping them with disinfectant wipes or a diluted bleach solution helps eliminate germs.

Bedding and linen care

Every piece of bedding and linen needs routine care — washing, drying, folding, and a check for stains and damage — to keep a fresh, restful space for guests.

Inspect for stains and damage

Check linens regularly for stains and wear. Catching problems early keeps your inventory in good shape and avoids last-minute scrambles before check-in.

Finishing touches and extras

The finishing touches matter as much as the cleaning. Small extras — stocking the kitchen with cooking essentials, leaving a few books, or adding local guidebooks — give the space a cozy, welcoming feel.

Check inventory and restock

Regular inventory audits keep you from running short of essentials, from toiletries to kitchenware. Keeping amenities stocked — from comfy bedding to coffee pods — gives guests a comfortable, home-like experience.

Add personalized touches

Personal touches help your Airbnb stand out, and they don’t have to be extravagant — a local guidebook, quality toiletries, or neatly arranged towels all work. The goal is a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Do a final walkthrough

Finish with a walkthrough, scanning for any dirt or clutter you missed. Think like a guest, not a host: check that appliances work and the space feels comfortable and livable. That’s what paves the way for five-star reviews.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my Airbnb property?

Clean after every guest’s stay, to ensure a fresh, welcoming environment for the next one.

Can I hire a professional cleaning service?

Yes — a professional service is a convenient option for busy hosts, ensuring the property is thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next guest.

How much does professional Airbnb cleaning cost?

It varies with the size of the property and the services required. See our vacation rental cleaning guide for typical pricing.

Do I need to provide cleaning supplies?

Cleaning services generally bring their own supplies, but confirm with the company beforehand.

What if a guest leaves the property a mess?

Document the damage or mess with photos and contact Airbnb support, who can guide you on next steps.

What if a guest reports cleanliness issues during their stay?

Apologize for the inconvenience and act immediately — offer to send a cleaning crew or provide a refund if appropriate.