Airbnb – how to clean to get satisfied guests

Do you rent out via Airbnb? Or are you thinking about starting? One of the most important things you can do to get satisfied overnight guests is to clean properly. After people have rented from you, they get the opportunity to review the accommodation, and cleanliness is one of the points they rate you on. Other potential guests can then see your rating, and it can affect whether they choose to book or not.

But how do you actually manage the cleaning, what needs to be cleaned, and is there anything you need to consider that isn't completely obvious? Here we answer all the questions you may have about cleaning Airbnb.

How Airbnb cleaning works

There are three different ways the cleaning of your Airbnb can be handled. The safest option is to hire a cleaning company like us at Städade Hem. Then you know the result will be so good that you get high ratings. You can choose to charge an extra fee from those who rent from you to cover the cleaning cost.

Having such a fee can indeed deter some guests, but others are happy to pay a little extra to be sure the home is clean. Additionally, it can encourage guests to book more nights in a row so they feel they get value for money.

You can choose to charge an extra fee from those who rent from you to cover the cleaning cost. Having such a fee can indeed deter some guests, but others are happy to pay a little extra to be sure the home is clean. Additionally, it can encourage guests to book more nights in a row so they feel they get value for money.

You can also choose to do the cleaning yourself. Make sure there is time between bookings to clean. This applies both if you clean yourself or if you hire a company. You can block days on Airbnb’s website if you wish. Then no one can book those days, and you get time to handle the cleaning.

The third option is to let guests clean themselves after their stay, but this can be risky. There are indeed guests who think it's perfectly fine to clean as long as the price is cheaper. But most do not clean thoroughly enough. And if the previous guest hasn’t cleaned sufficiently, the next guest probably does not want to clean up after someone else. This means dirt can easily build up and it becomes an unpleasant snowball effect where guests clean less and less.

If you let guests clean themselves, it is therefore very important that you check the accommodation between each booking to ensure it is clean enough. Here you can read more about what Airbnb themselves say about cleaning and hosting in general.

Make sure cleaning supplies are on site

Even if your guests do not need to clean themselves, it is good to have basic cleaning supplies available in the accommodation. It is practical if guests can sweep up crumbs, wipe the sink, and mop the floor if they have accidentally spilled something. Make sure the supplies are of high quality and easy to use.

It can be tempting to simply put out things you no longer use yourself. But if you think your old vacuum cleaner is not good enough for you, it is likely that guests will also find it inconvenient. When the cleaning items you provide are of good quality, guests see that you have a holistic approach and really want them to feel comfortable.

The following should be available so guests can use them:

– broom and dustpan

– vacuum cleaner

– mop and bucket

– clean microfiber cloths or paper kitchen towels

– all-purpose cleaner

– dishcloth

– dish brush

– dishwashing detergent

– toilet brush

– toilet cleaner.

Checklist for cleaning Airbnb

Bedroom

– Change bedding and lay out clean towels.

– Dust bedside table, bedside lamp, and other surfaces.

– Take out small rugs and shake them.

– Vacuum the whole room, including under the bed.

– Mop the floor.

Kitchen

– Wash dishes and tidy up.

– Empty the dishwasher.

– Check that oven, microwave, toaster, and other appliances are clean.

– Empty the fridge and clean any stains.

– Wipe all surfaces.

– Replenish any basics like spices, tea, and coffee.

– Clean taps, handles, knobs, and other frequently touched places.

– Empty the bin.

– Vacuum and mop the floor.

Bathroom

– Clean the whole toilet both inside and out.

– Polish the mirrors.

– Clean sink and taps.

– Thoroughly clean the shower or bathtub. Use a squeegee on shower doors.

– Remove hair from the floor drain.

– Replenish toilet paper and hand soap.

– Disinfect light switches and door handles.

– Empty the bin.

– Vacuum and mop the floor.

Living room

– Put everything in its right place.

– Fluff up the sofa cushions.

– Move rugs that have slipped.

– Dust all surfaces.

– Wipe the coffee table.

– Clean the remote control, light switches and handles.

– Lay out tourist guides and welcome papers.

– Draw back the curtains.

– Vacuum and mop the floor.

Also do regular deep cleans where you clean the oven and fridge, remove cobwebs from the ceiling, and descale the kettle, for example.

Avoid this for an easy-to-clean Airbnb

When furnishing an Airbnb, of course, you want to make it as cosy as possible. But avoid complicating it by putting out lots of ornaments. They make cleaning harder, and they can also deter some guests if it’s not their style of decoration. Generally, it’s better to think "less is more."

Preferably choose furniture and rugs in dark colours where stains are not easily visible. White rugs quickly look dirty and you cannot be sure guests won’t walk on them with shoes on. And chocolate stains on a white sofa are never fun.

If you choose to have real candles that guests can use, it’s smart to provide a lighter instead of matches. That means less to tidy up and throw away. Avoid also items that collect dirt, such as bathroom rugs.

Städade Hem performs cleaning after you have rented out via Airbnb

Whether you need cleaning between overnight guests or a thorough deep clean, you are very welcome to contact us. We offer cleaning in Stockholm and the surrounding areas and are well known for doing a thorough job. Our cleaners are both friendly and trained in how to clean to make it really clean. We also offer window cleaning so your guests can look out through truly clean windows. Get in touch with us today to discuss our future collaboration!