Cleaning is where vacation rental operations succeed or fail. A spotless property earns five-star reviews. A single hair in the bathroom or dusty surface can tank your ratings.
This guide covers professional cleaning standards, efficient turnover procedures, and systems to maintain consistency.
Why Cleaning Standards Matter
Guest Expectations Have Risen
Post-2020 travelers expect higher cleanliness standards. What was acceptable five years ago may not meet today’s expectations:
- Visible cleanliness: Surfaces should look clean, not just be clean
- Fresh feeling: No lingering odors from previous guests
- Sanitization: High-touch surfaces need proper disinfection
- Attention to detail: Guests notice the small things
Reviews Focus on Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the most frequently mentioned factor in vacation rental reviews—both positive and negative. A single cleanliness complaint can:
- Drop your star rating
- Push you down in search results
- Deter future bookings
- Require response and damage control
It Affects Everything Else
When cleanliness is solid, guests forgive minor issues. When it’s not, they notice every other flaw.
The Complete Cleaning Checklist
Kitchen
Appliances:
- Refrigerator interior and exterior (including top)
- Oven interior, stovetop, and hood
- Microwave inside and out
- Dishwasher interior (run empty cycle if needed)
- Coffee maker (descale regularly)
- Toaster (empty crumb tray)
- All small appliances
Surfaces:
- Countertops and backsplash
- Cabinet fronts and handles
- Sink and faucet (check for water spots)
- Inside all drawers and cabinets (quick wipe)
Details:
- Replace dish sponge/brush
- Fresh dish towels
- Check soap and supplies
- Empty and replace trash liner
- Clean trash can interior monthly
Bathrooms
Fixtures:
- Toilet (inside bowl, seat, base, and behind)
- Sink and faucet
- Shower/tub (walls, floor, door or curtain)
- Showerhead (descale monthly)
- Mirrors (streak-free)
Surfaces:
- Countertops
- Cabinet fronts
- Towel bars and hooks
- Light fixtures
- Exhaust fan (dust monthly)
Details:
- Fresh towels (properly folded or rolled)
- Replenish toiletries
- New toilet paper roll plus backup
- Check drains for hair
- Inspect grout condition
Bedrooms
Linens:
- Fresh sheets (inspect for stains)
- Pillowcases (multiple per pillow)
- Duvet cover or bedspread
- Mattress pad (wash monthly or between stays if needed)
- Blankets (wash regularly, inspect for issues)
Furniture:
- Dust all surfaces
- Nightstands (top, inside drawers)
- Dresser (all surfaces, drawer fronts)
- Headboard
- Under bed (quick vacuum, check for items)
Details:
- Hangers organized in closet
- Luggage rack clean and ready
- Lamps and light fixtures dusted
- Window treatments (spot check, full clean quarterly)
- Check for forgotten items
Living Areas
Furniture:
- Vacuum upholstered furniture
- Spot clean any marks
- Under and between cushions
- Wipe down leather or hard surfaces
- Dust all wood surfaces
Electronics:
- Screen (appropriate cleaner)
- Remote controls (sanitize)
- Cable boxes and equipment
- Cords (tidy and dust-free)
Details:
- Books and games organized
- Decorative items dusted
- Throw pillows and blankets freshened
- Windows and sills
- Baseboards (full clean monthly)
Floors
Hard Floors:
- Sweep or vacuum
- Mop with appropriate cleaner
- Check grout (clean as needed)
- Inspect for damage
Carpeted Areas:
- Vacuum thoroughly (including edges)
- Spot treat any stains
- Deep clean quarterly or as needed
Outdoor Spaces
Patio/Deck:
- Sweep or blow off debris
- Wipe furniture
- Clean grill (if applicable)
- Check cushions
Entryway:
- Sweep/mop
- Clean door and handle
- Welcome mat clean
- Light fixtures
Building Your Cleaning System
Option 1: Professional Cleaning Service
Pros:
- Consistent quality (if you find the right team)
- Insured and bonded
- Reliable scheduling
- No management of supplies
Cons:
- Higher cost
- Less control over details
- Availability issues during high season
- May lack vacation rental experience
Finding the right service:
- Look for vacation rental experience specifically
- Ask about their turnover timing capabilities
- Request references from other hosts
- Start with paid test cleanings before committing
Cost range: $75-$200+ per turnover depending on size and market
Option 2: Self-Cleaning
Pros:
- Complete control over quality
- Lower direct cost
- Immediate fixes when issues arise
- Know exactly what’s been done
Cons:
- Your time has value
- Physically demanding
- Doesn’t scale
- Vacation/illness creates gaps
Making it work:
- Develop a systematic checklist
- Time yourself to improve efficiency
- Stock supplies in one organized location
- Have backup help identified
Option 3: Hybrid Approach
Many successful hosts use a combination:
- Cleaning service handles standard turnovers
- Owner handles inspection and detail work
- Owner steps in for same-day turnovers
- Deep cleaning scheduled separately
What to Pay Cleaners
Vacation rental cleaning differs from regular house cleaning:
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Speed requirements | Same-day turnovers require premium |
| Bed changes | More physical than standard cleaning |
| Supply management | Restocking takes time |
| Inspection duties | Quality checking adds responsibility |
| Weekend/holiday work | May require premium pay |
Pay well for good cleaners. A reliable, quality-focused cleaner is worth more than a cheaper alternative who creates guest complaints.
Turnover Efficiency
Timing Considerations
Standard gaps between stays:
- Same-day turnover: 4-6 hours minimum (11am checkout, 4pm check-in)
- Comfortable turnover: Full day gap
- Buffer for issues: 24+ hours allows problem resolution
Streamlined Process
An efficient turnover follows this sequence:
-
Initial walk-through (5 min)
- Open all windows for ventilation
- Start laundry immediately
- Note any damage or issues
- Identify anything needing extra attention
-
Strip and gather (10 min)
- All linens to laundry area
- Trash from all rooms
- Check for left items
-
Clean top to bottom (by room)
- Work methodically through checklist
- Never backtrack
-
Reset and stage (15-20 min)
- Make beds
- Arrange towels
- Set out supplies
- Position decor
-
Final inspection (10 min)
- Check everything as a guest would
- Test systems (lights, TV, locks)
- Photograph condition
Quality Control
Build inspection into every turnover:
Physical checklist: Printed or digital list that must be completed
Photo documentation: Before/after photos protect everyone
Random audits: Occasionally inspect after cleaning is “complete”
Guest feedback loop: Address cleaning complaints immediately and systematically
Supply Management
Essential Supplies
Cleaning products:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Bathroom disinfectant
- Stainless steel cleaner
- Floor cleaner appropriate to your surfaces
- Grout cleaner
- Stain remover
Equipment:
- Vacuum (quality matters)
- Mop and bucket or steam mop
- Microfiber cloths (color-coded by use)
- Scrub brushes
- Squeegee for glass
- Duster with extension
Guest supplies (replenished each stay):
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Dish soap
- Laundry pods
- Trash bags
- Basic toiletries
Inventory System
Track supplies to prevent running out:
- Par levels: Minimum quantity to keep on hand
- Reorder points: When stock hits this level, reorder
- Storage location: Designated area in unit or off-site
- Cleaner access: Clear system for cleaner to note low supplies
Linen Management
Minimum linen inventory:
- 3 sets of sheets per bed (one on, one clean, one in rotation)
- 3 sets of towels per bathroom capacity
- Extra pillows and mattress protectors
Laundry systems:
- On-site: Include time in turnover schedule
- Off-site laundry service: Factor in transport time
- Linen rental service: Simplest but most expensive
Common Cleaning Failures
Things Guests Always Notice
High-visibility misses:
- Hair (anywhere, but especially bathrooms)
- Streaky mirrors or glass
- Dusty surfaces at eye level
- Stained or wrinkled linens
- Sticky floors or surfaces
- Odors (must smell fresh, not chemical)
Things Often Overlooked
Common blind spots:
- Under furniture and beds
- Top of refrigerator
- Light switches and door handles
- Inside microwave
- Behind toilet
- Window tracks
- Ceiling fans
- Vent covers
Addressing Complaints
When a guest reports cleaning issues:
- Respond immediately with apology and action plan
- Offer concrete solution (send cleaner, provide credit, etc.)
- Don’t make excuses (even if complaint seems minor)
- Document and address root cause with cleaning team
- Follow up to ensure resolution
One quick response to a cleaning complaint often prevents a negative review.
Deep Cleaning Schedule
Beyond turnover cleaning, schedule periodic deep cleaning:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Carpet deep clean | Quarterly or bi-annually |
| Grout cleaning | Quarterly |
| Window washing | Quarterly |
| Vent and duct cleaning | Annually |
| Mattress cleaning | Bi-annually |
| Upholstery deep clean | Annually |
| Exterior pressure washing | Annually |
| Appliance deep clean | Quarterly |
Factor deep cleaning into your maintenance budget and schedule during slower periods.
Consistent cleaning quality requires systems and reliable team members. Learn how our management approach maintains professional standards for every turnover.
