An Airbnb cleaning checklist ensures every room gets cleaned consistently between guests. Following a structured checklist prevents missed tasks, speeds up turnovers, and maintains the cleanliness standards guests expect.
This guide provides a complete room-by-room breakdown for how to clean Airbnb properties efficiently. Use this airbnb host checklist to train cleaning teams, maintain consistency across multiple properties, and reduce the time spent on each turnover.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Gather all supplies before starting. Carrying everything needed prevents multiple trips and saves 15 to 20 minutes per property.
Essential supplies:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Floor cleaner appropriate for surface type
- Microfibre cloths (at least 6)
- Toilet brush
- Scrubbing brush or sponge
- Vacuum cleaner with attachments
- Mop and bucket
- Bin bags
- Rubber gloves
- Duster or extendable duster
Optional but useful:
- Limescale remover (essential for London’s hard water)
- Oven cleaner
- Stainless steel polish
- Furniture polish
- Lint roller
- Cleaning toothbrush for grout and tight spaces
Open all windows and doors for ventilation. Fresh air circulation removes stale odours and helps surfaces dry faster. In properties without good cross-ventilation, open windows in opposite rooms to create airflow.
Turn on all lights to spot dirt, dust, and stains more easily. Natural and artificial light together reveal issues you might miss in dim conditions.
Check the property for any guest belongings before starting. Look in wardrobes, under beds, bathroom cabinets, and kitchen drawers. Contact guests about forgotten items before disposing of anything.
Take a quick photo of each room before cleaning if you document property condition between guests. This creates a record of how guests left the space.
Complete Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
Surfaces and appliances:
- Wipe down all countertops and backsplash
- Clean outside of all appliances (fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, kettle, toaster)
- Clean stovetop and remove any burnt food or grease
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Clean and polish sink and taps
- Remove limescale from taps if present
Inside appliances:
- Clean inside microwave, including turntable
- Wipe inside fridge and freezer, remove expired food
- Check fridge temperature setting is correct (3-5°C)
- Clean oven interior if visibly dirty (full oven clean monthly)
- Empty and clean toaster crumb tray
- Wipe inside dishwasher door seal
Dishes and storage:
- Empty dishwasher and put away all clean items
- Wash any hand-wash items
- Check all dishes, glasses, and cutlery are clean and put away correctly
- Wipe down dish drainer
- Check all cupboards are tidy and items arranged neatly
Bins and floors:
- Empty bin and replace liner
- Wipe bin exterior if sticky or dirty
- Sweep floor thoroughly, including under appliances if accessible
- Mop floor with appropriate cleaner
- Check floor is dry before leaving room
Restocking:
- Refill dish soap dispenser
- Replace kitchen sponge if worn
- Check tea towels are clean and hung properly
- Restock dishwasher tablets if provided
- Replace bin bags
Time estimate: 25-35 minutes for standard kitchen
Bathrooms
Toilet:
- Apply toilet cleaner inside bowl and leave to work
- Wipe toilet seat top and bottom
- Clean toilet lid top and bottom
- Wipe entire exterior of toilet including base
- Scrub inside toilet bowl with brush
- Flush and check bowl is clean
- Sanitise toilet handle
- Wipe toilet brush holder
Sink and surfaces:
- Clear all surfaces of items
- Spray and wipe sink, taps, and surrounding counters
- Remove soap scum and limescale from taps
- Clean mirror until streak-free
- Wipe any shelves or ledges
- Polish chrome fixtures
Shower and bath:
- Spray all surfaces with bathroom cleaner
- Scrub shower walls, paying attention to grout lines
- Clean shower door or curtain, remove soap scum
- Scrub bathtub including sides and base
- Remove hair from drain
- Clean taps and showerhead, remove limescale
- Rinse all surfaces thoroughly
- Wipe down shower door or rail
Floor and finishing:
- Sweep or vacuum floor
- Mop floor with disinfectant
- Clean floor around toilet base thoroughly
- Empty bathroom bin and replace liner
- Wipe exterior of bin
Linens:
- Remove used towels and bath mat
- Replace with fresh, folded towels
- Hang towels attractively on rail or fold on shelf
- Replace bath mat
Restocking:
- Refill soap dispenser
- Restock toilet paper (at least 2 rolls visible)
- Check shampoo and conditioner levels if provided
- Replace bin liner
Time estimate: 20-30 minutes per bathroom
Bedrooms
Bed linens:
- Strip all bed linens completely
- Check mattress for stains
- Replace with fresh sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover
- Make bed neatly with hospital corners
- Fluff and arrange pillows
- Smooth duvet and arrange decoratively
- Add throws or cushions as styled
Surfaces and furniture:
- Dust all surfaces including nightstands, dressers, shelves
- Wipe bedside table thoroughly
- Clean any mirrors
- Check all drawers are empty
- Wipe inside empty drawers if dusty
- Check wardrobe is empty and tidy
- Remove wire hangers if present
- Dust wardrobe shelves
Electronics and details:
- Dust lampshades and light fittings
- Check light bulbs work
- Wipe light switches
- Clean and sanitise TV remote if present
- Dust window sills
- Wipe door handles
Floor:
- Vacuum under bed thoroughly
- Vacuum entire floor including edges and corners
- Mop hard floors
- Check no items left under bed or furniture
Time estimate: 15-20 minutes per bedroom
Living Room and Dining Room
Dust all surfaces, including coffee tables, side tables, and shelving. If your property has carpets in the living areas, be sure to use our carpet cleaning services for a deep clean.
Furniture:
- Dust all surfaces including coffee tables, side tables, shelving
- Wipe dining table and chairs
- Arrange furniture according to standard layout
- Fluff sofa cushions and arrange neatly
- Fold throws and arrange on sofa
- Check between sofa cushions for debris or lost items
Electronics:
- Dust TV screen gently with microfibre cloth
- Clean and sanitise all remote controls
- Dust any gaming consoles or electronics
- Check all cords are tidy
Details:
- Dust decorative items and return to position
- Clean mirrors and picture glass
- Wipe window sills
- Dust blinds or curtain rails
- Check windows are clean (inside only for turnover)
- Wipe light switches
- Clean door handles
Floor:
- Vacuum thoroughly under all furniture
- Vacuum sofa and chairs to remove crumbs and hair
- Vacuum or sweep entire floor
- Mop hard floors
Time estimate: 20-30 minutes depending on size
Entrance, Hallway, and Stairs
Surfaces:
- Wipe down any tables or surfaces
- Dust any decorative items
- Clean mirror if present
- Wipe light switches
- Clean all door handles
- Wipe skirting boards if visibly dusty
Floor:
- Sweep or vacuum entrance mat
- Vacuum hallway and stairs thoroughly
- Mop hard floors
- Check entrance area looks welcoming
Time estimate: 10-15 minutes
Outdoor Areas (if applicable)
Balcony or patio:
- Sweep outdoor flooring
- Wipe down outdoor furniture
- Clean glass on balcony railings
- Remove cobwebs from corners
- Empty and wipe outdoor ashtray if provided
- Check plants are alive and tidy
Garden or yard:
- Clear any litter or debris
- Sweep front path
- Check outdoor lighting works
- Tidy any garden furniture
Time estimate: 10-20 minutes, depending on size
High-Touch Disinfection Checklist
These surfaces require disinfection every turnover, not just cleaning. High-touch areas transfer germs between guests and need sanitising with antibacterial products.
Throughout the property:
- All door handles and knobs (interior and exterior)
- Light switches in every room
- Stair railings
- Window handles and locks
- Thermostat controls
- Curtain pulls or blind cords
Kitchen:
- Fridge and freezer handles
- Oven and microwave handles
- Dishwasher controls
- Kettle handle
- Tap handles
- Cabinet and drawer handles
Bathroom:
- Toilet flush handle
- Tap handles
- Shower controls
- Bathroom cabinet handles
- Towel rail
Living areas:
- TV remote controls (every button)
- Gaming console controllers
- Sofa arm rests
- Phone handsets if provided
Other:
- Key safe or lockbox
- Keys themselves
- WiFi router if guests access it
Use antibacterial spray or wipes on these surfaces. Let disinfectant sit for the time specified on the product (usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes) before wiping. This contact time is essential for killing bacteria and viruses.
Final Inspection Walkthrough
Walk through the property as if you’re a guest arriving for the first time. This perspective reveals issues you miss when focused on cleaning tasks.
Visual check:
- Does every room look inviting and clutter-free?
- Are beds made neatly with no wrinkles or creases?
- Do towels look fresh and arranged attractively?
- Is furniture arranged according to photos?
- Are cushions and throws positioned correctly?
Cleanliness check:
- Run your hand over surfaces to check for dust
- Look at floors from different angles to spot missed debris
- Check corners and edges for dust buildup
- Inspect mirrors and glass for streaks
- Look under furniture for forgotten items
Smell check:
- Does the property smell fresh, not of cleaning products?
- Are there any stale or musty odours?
- Do bathrooms smell clean?
- Is there food smell lingering in kitchen?
Functionality check:
- Turn on all lights to check bulbs work
- Test hot and cold water in all taps
- Check heating or cooling works if guests will need it
- Ensure TV and remote work
- Check WiFi connects
Stock check:
- Are toilet rolls visible (at least 2 per bathroom)?
- Is there hand soap in every bathroom?
- Are there enough towels for guest count?
- Is the kitchen stocked with basics if you provide them?
Take a photo of each room after cleaning. This documents the property condition and helps train cleaning teams on the expected standard.
Time Estimates by Property Size
Understanding how long cleaning takes helps you schedule turnovers and set appropriate fees.
Studio or 1-bedroom flat:
- Standard turnover: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Deep clean: 3 to 4 hours
2-bedroom property:
- Standard turnover: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Deep clean: 4 to 5 hours
3-bedroom property:
- Standard turnover: 3 to 4 hours
- Deep clean: 5 to 6 hours
4+ bedroom property:
- Standard turnover: 4 to 5 hours
- Deep clean: 6 to 8 hours
These estimates assume a single cleaner working at normal pace. Two cleaners working together complete jobs in 60% to 70% of the time, not 50%, because coordination and working around each other adds time.
Properties left in poor condition by guests add 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the mess. Excessive dirt, stains requiring treatment, or post-party cleaning all increase time significantly.
Deep Clean vs Turnover Clean
Turnover cleans happen between every guest. Deep cleans happen monthly or quarterly and include tasks too time-consuming for regular turnovers.
Turnover clean includes:
- All tasks in the room-by-room checklist above
- Surface cleaning of all visible areas
- Standard bathroom and kitchen cleaning
- Floor vacuuming and mopping
- Linen changes
- High-touch disinfection
- Restocking supplies
Deep clean adds:
- Interior window cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning (ground floor)
- Detailed skirting board cleaning
- Behind and under appliances
- Inside oven deep clean
- Limescale removal from all taps and showerheads
- Grout scrubbing in bathrooms
- Carpet steam cleaning or professional cleaning
- Sofa and cushion deep cleaning
- Light fixture cleaning including bulb changing
- Extractor fan cleaning
- Door frame and architrave wiping
- Detailed blind or curtain cleaning
- Under furniture that normally doesn’t move
Schedule deep cleans every 4 to 6 weeks for frequently booked properties. Properties with monthly or longer gaps between guests can extend to 8 to 12 weeks.
Deep cleans prevent dirt buildup that makes properties look tired. They extend the life of carpets, upholstery, and appliances. They also catch maintenance issues like limescale damage, mold, or broken fixtures before guests complain.
For hosts managing cleaning costs, deep cleans cost £40 to £80 more than standard turnovers but prevent the need for more expensive remedial work later. Read our article about Airbnb Cleaning service Cost in London.
Managing Tight Turnaround Times
Back-to-back bookings with same-day check-ins create time pressure. These strategies help manage tight turnovers without compromising quality. If you’re managing multiple properties or need professional help to ensure quick and thorough turnovers, consider our Airbnb cleaning services in London to keep everything running smoothly.
Build buffer time into your calendar. Set checkout for 10am or 11am and check-in for 3pm or 4pm. This gives cleaners 4 to 5 hours to work without rushing. Guests requesting early check-in pay a premium to cover expedited cleaning.
Keep multiple linen sets. Having two or three complete sets of linens for each bed lets you strip, clean, and remake beds without waiting for laundry. Better Maid provides hotel quality linen hire service. Dirty linens get washed after the turnover deadline passes.
Use a backup cleaner. When your regular cleaner is unavailable or multiple properties need cleaning simultaneously, having a trained backup prevents cancellations. Train backup cleaners using your checklist and photos.
Pre-stock cleaning supplies in the property. Cleaners carrying supplies between properties waste time. Store a complete cleaning kit on-site in a locked cupboard. Check and restock supplies weekly.
Create a priority order for rushed cleans. When time is extremely tight, prioritise visible areas guests use immediately: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom. Complete these perfectly before spending time on less visible areas.
Send two cleaners for rushed turnovers. Two people complete cleaning in roughly 60% of normal time. The cost increase is less than the value of making a check-in deadline and avoiding disappointed guests.
Charge appropriate cleaning fees. Same-day turnovers cost more because they require schedule flexibility and sometimes additional staff. Guests understand paying £15 to £25 extra for tight turnaround service.
Seasonal Deep Clean Additions
Add these tasks to your deep clean routine before peak booking seasons (summer and Christmas) and during quiet periods when you can take properties offline.
Spring clean (March-April):
- Wash all curtains or send for dry cleaning
- Deep clean or replace mattress protectors
- Rotate and flip mattresses where possible
- Clean windows inside and out thoroughly
- Wash outdoor furniture cushions
- Check and repair any winter weather damage
- Deep clean carpets and rugs professionally
- Service heating system before next winter
Summer preparation (May-June):
- Clean and test air conditioning units
- Check outdoor spaces are guest-ready
- Clean BBQ grills thoroughly if provided
- Pressure wash patios or decks
- Trim garden plants and refresh outdoor areas
- Check for insect problems and treat if needed
Autumn preparation (September-October):
- Clear gutters of leaves
- Check and repair any summer wear
- Deep clean after summer holiday rush
- Service heating systems before winter
- Check weatherproofing around windows and doors
- Clean or replace worn bath mats and towels
Winter preparation (November-December):
- Check heating works in all rooms
- Seal any drafts around windows and doors
- Deep clean after Christmas bookings
- Check hot water system pressure
- Replace any worn linens before spring
- Refresh or repaint scuffed walls
Seasonal maintenance prevents problems from developing into expensive repairs. It also keeps properties looking their best during peak booking seasons when most guests visit and leave reviews. For more tips on preparing your Airbnb for different seasons, check out our seasonal Airbnb prep tips to keep guests happy all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should Airbnb cleaning take?
Standard turnovers take 1.5 to 2 hours for studios, 2.5 to 3 hours for 2-bedroom properties, and 3 to 4 hours for 3-bedroom properties. Deep cleans take roughly double these times. Cleaning speed depends on property condition, cleaner experience, and whether one or two people work.
What should I clean between every guest?
Everything visible plus all high-touch surfaces. This means complete bathroom cleaning, kitchen cleaning, fresh linens, vacuumed floors, dusted surfaces, and disinfected door handles, light switches, and remote controls. Never skip areas to save time – guests notice and mention it in reviews.
How often do I need to deep clean my Airbnb?
Deep clean every 4 to 6 weeks for properties with frequent bookings. Properties with longer gaps between guests can extend to 8 to 12 weeks. More frequent deep cleans prevent dirt buildup and maintain the property in better condition long-term.
What cleaning products work best for Airbnb properties?
Multi-surface cleaners, bathroom disinfectants, glass cleaners, and floor cleaners appropriate to your flooring cover most needs. In London, limescale remover is essential due to hard water. Choose products that clean effectively without leaving strong scents. Many guests have sensitivities to harsh chemical smells.
Should I hire professional cleaners or clean myself?
Professional cleaners make sense when you manage multiple properties, live far from your rental, or your time is worth more than cleaner costs (typically £20 to £30 per hour). DIY cleaning works for hosts with single properties nearby and flexible schedules. Quality and consistency matter more than who does the work.
What’s the biggest cleaning mistake Airbnb hosts make?
Rushing through turnovers and missing details. Stray hairs on bathroom floors, dust on surfaces, or fingerprints on mirrors create negative impressions that override everything else. Taking time to clean thoroughly and check every detail prevents bad reviews.
How do I handle guest damage during cleaning?
Document everything with photos immediately. Check house rules about damage deposits and contact guests promptly about significant damage. For minor damage like broken glasses, many hosts absorb the cost rather than claiming through Airbnb. Include damage checking in your cleaning checklist so nothing gets missed.
Can I use the same checklist for all my properties?
Create a master checklist covering all standard tasks, then customize for each property’s specific features. A property with a dishwasher needs different kitchen tasks than one without. Properties with balconies, gardens, or hot tubs need additional sections. Customize but maintain consistency across the core cleaning tasks.
Final Thoughts
A complete Airbnb cleaning checklist ensures consistent quality across all turnovers. Following the room-by-room tasks above, maintaining cleaning order, and conducting final inspections prevents the missed details that affect guest satisfaction and review scores.
The key to successful Airbnb hosting is reliability. Guests expect the same cleanliness standard every time they book. A structured checklist removes guesswork and creates accountability for every task.
Properties cleaned to consistent standards book more frequently and achieve higher nightly rates than those with variable cleanliness. One missed detail can cost you a five-star review. Five-star properties appear higher in Airbnb search results and attract more bookings.
Better Maid provides professional Airbnb and holiday let cleaning across Greater London, including turnover cleaning, deep cleaning, and linen service. Services cover Canary Wharf, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Hackney, Camden, Southwark, Lambeth, and surrounding areas.