Last updated: January 2026

‍Even with the most beautiful property in the most perfect location, your reputation as a host can be wiped out overnight. When a guest discovers a film of dust on a windowsill or a spot of mold on a shower curtain, things can go downhill fast. Guests are unforgiving when it comes to cleanliness.Utilize an Airbnb cleaning checklist to avoid being the victim of the number one guest complaint (that’s a dirty rental!). Every owner and property manager needs an Airbnb cleaning checklist as part of their overall game plan to keep their short-term rental spik and span at all times. Let’s get into it!

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Why do you need an Airbnb cleaning checklist?

Whether you hire a cleaning company to handle the dirty work or you plan to be the one mopping floors or scrubbing toilets (who said being an Airbnb host is sexy?), you need to approach the work in a structured way so no detail is overlooked. An Airbnb turnover checklist will speed up how quickly you prepare your home for the next guest. It ensures that nothing is forgotten and takes the guesswork out of what and when to clean.If you outsource your cleaning to a cleaning team, a cleaning checklist for your Airbnb is the perfect way to ensure your cleaners know exactly what they’re supposed to clean and when. This way, nothing is lost in translation, and there is less room for misunderstandings.If you want to take it one step further, which we would highly recommend, you can combine the Airbnb checklist for cleaning with a standard property appearance (SPA) guide. This document details your preferences for how you want every room to be prepared for your guests. For example, this could include where you want the extra blankets and pillows in the bedrooms to be stored, or what items should be left out on the kitchen counter to welcome your guests.We have created a complete Airbnb cleaning checklist (pdf) template for you to download as a starting point, which you can adapt to fit your needs.

What tools and cleaning supplies should I have in my Airbnb?

To speed up the process of cleaning, you want to make sure your property is always stocked and ready for the next cleaning. Have the following items on hand:

• Vacuum cleaner
• A microfiber mop with both wet and dry pads for hardwood floors
• Glass cleaner
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant for toilets, bathtubs, and other germ-prone areas
• Microfiber cloths
• Scrub pads
• Pumice stone
• Toilet brush
• Wood polish
• A variety of trash bag sizes

Add to this any specific tools or products you may need for your rental. For example, a ceramic oven top cleaner, a barbecue cleaning brush, an extra-long duster, or a stepladder to get to hard-to-reach places.

The ultimate Airbnb cleaning checklist

Often missed spots to add to your Airbnb cleaner checklist

• Light switches
• Doorknobs
• Cupboard handles
• Refrigerator handle
• Oven handle
• Under and around rugs
• Cobwebs on light fixtures
• Cobwebs in corners
• Spaces between couch cushions
• Inside cupboards

Living spaces

• Disinfect all remotes.
• Vacuum/wipe down all sofas. Be sure to vacuum between and under the cushions as well.
• Disinfect light switches.
• Dust/disinfect coffee tables.
• Clean the TV screen.
• Keep bookshelves or magazine racks tidy.
• Wash throws and pillow covers.
• Vacuum under the furniture.

The kitchen

• Wipe down the microwave inside and out.
• Wipe down the oven and stove, removing and cleaning dirty drip pans if needed.
• Clean off any fingerprints or smudges on cabinets.
• Clean out crumbs in drawers.
• Empty the refrigerator and wipe the shelves.
• Clean out the drain filter in the sink.
• Wipe down the backsplash behind the counter and sink.
• Make sure any long-life condiments are still good.
• Have a fresh supply of cleaning supplies like sponges and towels on hand.

The bathroom

• Clean the entire toilet, including the bottom half.
• Clean behind the toilet.
• Make the faucet shine with window cleaner or stainless steel cleaner.
• Clean the mirror.
• Scrub soap grime from the tub.
• Clean around the jets of a jacuzzi tub.
• Clean any hair out of the drain and off the walls.
• Wash all towels and bathmats.
• Dust off any decorations.
• Replace all complimentary toiletry items.
• Provide two towels per guest.
• Inspect tiles and re-seal if necessary.

The bedroom

• Straighten out and replace the bed skirt when needed.
• Check between the mattress and the headboard for lost items or garbage.
• Dust the nightstand.
• Dust light fixtures, including small nightlights.
• Disinfect bed posts.
• Disinfect light switches or remotes.
• Empty out all dressers and closets.
• Check under the bed.
• When vacuuming the floor, get around the edges or around furniture well with the nozzle.
• Have two sets of sheets for each bed in the home.
• Use removable duvet covers and have multiple sets on hand.

The laundry/utility room

• Clean out the washing machine detergent tray.
• Clean up any soap or softener spills that are left on the washing machine.
• Clean out the dryer lint.
• Disinfect the knobs, buttons, and doors of the machines.
• Clean out the sink and anything in its drain.
• Restock complimentary laundry detergent, softener, or dryer sheets.
• Pull out the machines and sweep/dust behind them.
• Keep supplies well labeled and organized.
• Dust around, underneath, and behind supplies.
• Check that laundry baskets or drying racks are clean and ready to use.

Tips for doors and windows

• If needed, hire a professional to clean the exterior windows to ensure there are no streaks. Don’t forget about the window frames and shutters.
• Clean the glass interior of the windows.
• Open the window and clean dirt and bugs out of the track.
• Dust off the tops of the curtain rods.
• Vacuum or wash curtains when needed.
• Disinfect door handles.
• Dust door frames, including the tops.

Outside spaces

• Pull weeds and remove debris from the garden.
• Remove any fallen leaves or branches.
• Wipe dust and bird droppings from lawn furniture.
• Wash down chair cushions.
• Wipe off railings.
• Clean glass railings with window cleaner.
• Remove leaves and other debris from the pool.
• Disinfect safety railings or ladders leading into the pool.
• Clean burnt-on food and drippings from the barbecue.
• Sweep out patios.
• Disinfect any outdoor eating areas/tables.

How often should you perform the tasks on your Airbnb cleaning checklist?

Maintaining a clean Airbnb is essential to providing a great guest experience. However, not all cleaning tasks require the same frequency of attention. Some items need to be addressed after every guest checks out, while others can be tackled weekly, monthly, or even seasonally.

Tasks to perform after every check-out

• Change and launder all bed linens and towels.
• Clean and sanitize all bathrooms, including toilets, sinks, showers, and mirrors.
• Vacuum, sweep, and mop all floors in the property.
• Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including furniture, countertops, and appliances.
• Empty all trash bins and replace them with fresh liners.

Tasks to do weekly or bi-monthly

• Deep-clean kitchen appliances, including ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators.
• Wash and sanitize reusable items like coffee makers, cutting boards, and utensil holders.
• Check and replace air filters or clean vents as necessary.
• Inspect the property for minor maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets or loose fixtures.
• Wash windows and clean window sills.

Seasonal tasks

• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging.
• Trim trees and shrubs for optimal growth and appearance.
• Repair or replace any damaged window screens.
• Clean and store outdoor furniture before severe weather hits.

FAQs about your Airbnb cleaning checklist

How often should my Airbnb be cleaned?

A property must be cleaned between every guest stay. No exceptions. That said, you may want to consider scheduled cleanings during a guest's stay, particularly if it’s an extended stay. You can provide this as part of a long-term stay or choose to offer it as an optional upsell.

Can my guests do some cleaning tasks?

Yes and no. You really want to minimize how much you’re asking your short-term rental guests to do upon check-out. Otherwise, they might as well have stayed at a hotel. However, it’s reasonable to ask guests to load and start the dishwasher or clean up any lingering messes in the kitchen. Be sure to include these basic cleaning guidelines in your house rules. Additionally, have cleaning supplies on hand and in an obvious location for guests to see.

Should you set a cleaning fee for your Airbnb?

Setting a cleaning fee for your Airbnb can help cover the costs of professional cleaning services, supplies, and the time required to prepare the property for each guest.

How much does it cost to clean your Airbnb?

The cost of cleaning your Airbnb can vary depending on the size and location of your property, as well as any additional services you may require. It is important to factor in the costs of supplies, labor, and any fees charged by professional cleaning companies.

Should you hire an Airbnb cleaning service for your vacation house?

Yes, hiring a professional cleaning service for your vacation house can be highly beneficial. Not only does it save you time and effort, but it also ensures that your property is cleaned to a high standard for each guest.

Download our free Airbnb cleaning checklist template

Don't see the form to download our free printable Airbnb cleaning checklist? Click here.