Introduction
For short-term rental hosts, maintaining a clean and welcoming space is key to receiving positive reviews, repeat bookings, and higher ratings. Today’s guests expect the same level of cleanliness they would find in a hotel, which means that STR/Airbnb cleaning requires attention to detail and consistency. A spotless rental doesn’t just enhance the guest experience—it also helps you stand out in a competitive market and earn better reviews.
In this ultimate guide to STR/Airbnb cleaning, we’ll cover essential tips and strategies for impressing guests with a clean, comfortable space every time. From high-touch surfaces to detailed sanitization routines, you’ll learn how to keep your property guest-ready and leave a lasting impression.
1. Start with a Detailed Cleaning Checklist
Consistency is crucial when it comes to STR cleaning. A comprehensive cleaning checklist helps ensure that no detail is overlooked and that each cleaning session follows the same standard. This also saves time by streamlining the cleaning process, making it easier to prepare the property for the next guest.
Essential Areas to Include
A thorough checklist should cover every area in the rental, including:
- Living Room: Dust surfaces, wipe down electronics, vacuum or mop floors, and arrange pillows and décor neatly.
- Bedrooms: Change bed linens, dust furniture, vacuum, and check under beds for any left-behind items.
- Kitchen: Wipe down countertops, clean appliances (including inside the microwave and fridge), and sanitize all surfaces. Empty the trash and run the dishwasher, if needed.
- Bathroom: Scrub toilets, showers, and sinks, restock essentials, and ensure towels are fresh and neatly arranged.
Add Extra Touches for a Welcoming Atmosphere
In addition to cleaning, little touches make a big difference. Add fresh flowers or set up a welcome note for an added personal touch. This shows guests that you care about their experience and are committed to providing a comfortable, inviting space.
Summit Maids provides professional STR cleaning services that include a detailed checklist, ensuring that every part of the home is ready for guests and meets the highest standards of cleanliness.
2. Focus on High-Touch Surfaces and Deep Cleaning
Short-term rentals see frequent turnovers, which means that high-touch surfaces require regular sanitization. These areas are especially important for guest health and comfort, as they can harbor germs and bacteria if not properly cleaned between stays.
Sanitize High-Touch Areas
Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces, including:
- Doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls
- Cabinet and drawer handles
- Appliance buttons and knobs
- Tabletops, countertops, and chair armrests
Using disinfectant wipes or a spray, sanitize these surfaces thoroughly. This practice not only ensures a safer environment for your guests but also provides peace of mind in an era when hygiene is a top priority for travelers.
Incorporate Deep Cleaning into Your Routine
In addition to sanitizing high-touch areas, it’s essential to schedule deep cleanings periodically. Deep cleaning includes scrubbing grout lines, steaming carpets, washing curtains, and cleaning air vents. Deep cleanings help maintain the overall freshness and quality of your space, ensuring that your rental remains inviting and well-kept over time.
3. Refresh Linens and Towels with Every Stay
Guests expect fresh, clean linens and towels, so it’s crucial to change these items between each stay. In addition to standard bedding and bath linens, consider providing extras for added comfort and convenience.
Use High-Quality Bedding and Towels
Investing in quality linens and towels not only enhances the guest experience but also withstands frequent laundering. Opt for white or light-colored linens, as they can be easily bleached and show guests that cleanliness is a priority. Replace worn or stained linens regularly to maintain a fresh and inviting appearance.
Add Extra Amenities
Aside from standard bedding and towels, consider adding items like:
- Extra blankets or throws for added warmth
- Hand towels and washcloths for the bathroom
- Kitchen towels and cleaning cloths for easy access in the kitchen
These thoughtful touches help guests feel more comfortable and allow them to settle in without worry.
4. Stock Essential Supplies for Your Guests
Providing essential supplies not only improves the guest experience but also makes it easier for guests to keep the space tidy during their stay. Make sure these items are restocked before each guest’s arrival, so they have everything they need at their fingertips.
Bathroom Essentials
Stock items like toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. To avoid waste, consider using refillable dispensers for liquid products, which you can easily refill between stays.
Kitchen Basics
Guests may appreciate basics like dish soap, sponges, and trash bags. For longer stays, add items like coffee, tea, salt, and pepper. Having these essentials ready makes the kitchen feel more usable, and guests will appreciate the extra convenience.
Cleaning Supplies
Keep a few cleaning supplies on hand, such as disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and a small broom or vacuum. These items allow guests to clean up minor messes themselves, helping maintain the space during their stay. Guests also appreciate having these supplies readily available, as it helps them feel more at home.
5. Prioritize Odor Control for a Fresh, Inviting Space
One of the first things guests notice upon entering a rental is its scent. A fresh-smelling home creates a positive first impression, while lingering odors can detract from the overall experience. Use odor-neutralizing methods and keep air quality in mind for a welcoming atmosphere.
Air Out the Space Between Stays
If possible, open windows for a few minutes between guests to allow fresh air to circulate. This helps eliminate any odors that may have lingered from cooking, cleaning products, or previous guests. Airing out the space is an easy and effective way to refresh the room naturally.
Use Natural Odor Neutralizers
Rather than relying on artificial air fresheners, which can be overpowering, opt for natural solutions. Essential oil diffusers, for instance, add a pleasant scent while purifying the air. Baking soda can also be used to absorb odors in places like the refrigerator, trash bins, and closets.
By focusing on odor control, you ensure that guests are greeted with a clean, pleasant scent as soon as they walk through the door. Summit Maids includes odor control as part of their STR cleaning services, helping keep your space fresh and inviting for every stay.
6. Create a Personalized Guest Experience
Beyond cleaning, a personalized touch can leave a lasting impression on your guests and set your rental apart. Small gestures go a long way in creating an experience that feels warm, welcoming, and unique.
Prepare a Welcome Package
Consider putting together a welcome package with local snacks, a map of the area, or a guidebook of nearby attractions. For example, if your rental is near popular hiking trails, leave a list of local favorites. Personalized touches like these make guests feel valued and enhance their experience.
Leave a Contact Card for Guests
Ensure that guests have an easy way to reach you or your property manager if they have any questions or issues during their stay. Leave a card with your contact information, along with any other useful numbers or resources, such as emergency contacts or nearby amenities. This reassures guests that assistance is readily available, adding to their overall peace of mind.
By providing a unique and thoughtful experience, you can leave a lasting impression and encourage positive reviews. Personal touches combined with a clean, well-prepared space make a world of difference in guest satisfaction.
Conclusion
For STR and Airbnb hosts, cleanliness is a cornerstone of success. A clean, welcoming environment not only impresses guests but also leads to better reviews and repeat bookings. By following a detailed cleaning checklist, focusing on high-touch areas, and creating a personalized experience, you can ensure that your rental meets the highest standards of hospitality.
For those seeking professional help, Summit Maids provides reliable STR cleaning services tailored to meet the needs of short-term rental hosts. With a commitment to excellence, they’ll help you maintain a spotless space that keeps guests coming back. With the right cleaning practices, you can create an unforgettable guest experience that elevates your rental above the rest.
