Airbnb cleaning checklist for every turnover
Cleanliness is one of the categories guests rate most harshly, and a single hair in the shower can cost a star. Most cleanliness complaints are not about a dirty property; they are about the few spots that a hurried turnover missed. A written checklist, used every time, makes turnovers consistent no matter who does them. Here is one to adapt.
Before you start
The walkthrough matters: damage found after cleaning is hard to attribute to a specific stay.
- Check the guest has left and confirm checkout time with the host.
- Open windows to air the property.
- Walk through every room once before cleaning and note anything broken, missing or damaged, with photos.
- Start the first load of laundry so it finishes while you clean.
Kitchen
Work from top to bottom, so crumbs and drips land on surfaces you have not cleaned yet.
- Empty and wipe the fridge, discarding anything left by guests unless the host says otherwise.
- Run the dishwasher, then check every item put away is clean and dry.
- Clean the hob, oven door, microwave inside and out, kettle and coffee machine.
- Wipe counters, cupboard handles, the sink and the tap.
- Empty and clean the bins, and fit new bags.
- Restock dish soap, sponges, coffee, tea, salt, pepper and cooking oil if provided.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms generate more cleanliness complaints than any other room. Check them twice.
- Clean the toilet inside and out, including the base and behind the seat hinges.
- Clean the shower or bath, glass, tiles, plughole and drain cover. Check for hair.
- Clean the sink, tap and mirror without streaks.
- Wipe light switches, door handles and the toilet flush.
- Restock toilet paper (with a spare roll), hand soap, shower gel and shampoo if provided.
- Hang fresh towels, folded the same way every time.
Bedrooms
Fresh linen on every bed, every time: guests can tell when a bed was only straightened.
- Strip and remake every bed with fresh linen, including beds that look unused.
- Check under beds and behind bedside tables for forgotten items and dust.
- Check mattress protectors and pillows for stains; replace as needed.
- Dust surfaces, lamps and headboards.
- Check wardrobes and drawers are empty, with enough hangers.
Living areas
The living area is the first room guests see, so it sets their impression of the whole clean.
- Vacuum sofas and under cushions; check for crumbs and lost items.
- Dust shelves, the TV, remote controls and decorative items.
- Wipe light switches, door handles and remote controls with disinfectant.
- Vacuum and mop all floors, finishing at the entrance.
- Straighten furniture to match the listing photos.
Final checks before leaving
The final photos protect everyone: they show the property was ready, and they make it easy to spot what changed during the next stay.
- Every light, appliance and the hot water work.
- Heating or air conditioning set to the host’s standard setting.
- Wi-Fi sign and welcome information in place and current.
- Keys or lock box ready for the next arrival, code changed if required.
- Windows closed and locked, bins out if it is collection day.
- A final photo of each room, matching the listing.
Report problems before the next guest finds them
Anything broken, missing or worn should be reported to the host immediately, with a photo, the room and whether it affects the next stay. A light bulb is a quick fix now and a review complaint tomorrow. Damage that may need a claim should be photographed before anything is moved or cleaned.
Use one shared place for these reports rather than personal messages, so nothing gets lost between the cleaner, the host and maintenance, and recurring problems become visible.
Make the checklist stick
Print it or keep it on a phone, and tick items off every time, even after the hundredth turnover. Agree on a standard time per property so cleaners are not rushed, and review the checklist whenever a guest mentions something that was missed. Each complaint should become a line on the list.