Airbnb has not set any hard and fast rules regarding property cleanliness, thus in general, properties are cleaned according to the standards and preferences of each host. Some hosts may hire professional cleaners, while others may do it themselves. Airbnb has listed some cleaning guidelines and resources to help hosts maintain a high level of cleanliness and hygiene.
Besides the size of an Airbnb property the first thing any guest pays attention to before booking a stay is the aesthetics of the property, i.e. how good it looks, how clean and tidy it feels. It’s safe to say that cleaning is an essential part of providing a pleasant stay for your guests and maintaining the quality of your property for more potential clients in the future.
Tips to tell if an Airbnb property needs cleaning
One of the easiest ways to tell is by reading the reviews from previous guests. Be sure to address any complaints or comments about the cleanliness or hygiene of the property as soon as possible. The guest reviews will also inform you of what the guests appreciated or disliked. You can use that feedback to improve your cleaning standards and routines.
Make a routine to do a walk-through of the property before and after each guest’s stay. This will help you spot any issues or damages that may have occurred during the stay that need your attention. Most hosts use a checklist to make sure that nothing is missed out. Take photos or videos as evidence if needed. Some of the things you should look for are:
– Dust and dirt on surfaces, furniture, appliances, fixtures, etc.
– Stains or spills on carpets, rugs, upholstery, bedding, towels, etc.
– Odors or smells from food, pets, smoke, mold, etc.
– Clutter or trash left by the guests
– Missing or broken items or amenities
– Signs of pests or infestation
– Mold or mildew in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc.
– Cobwebs or spider webs in corners, ceilings, windows, etc.
Trust your senses to guide you in detecting any problems or issues that may not be visible or obvious at first glance.
Look for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, discoloration, water damage, rusting, cracking, peeling, etc. on the on the ceilings, walls, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Any unusual or unpleasant odors may indicate a lack of cleanliness or hygiene. Some common sources of bad smells are food waste, garbage bins, drains, toilets, sinks, showers, bathtubs, refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, air conditioners, heaters, fireplaces, smoke, mold, etc.
Gently run your fingers through surfaces, furniture, appliances, fixtures, etc. for any sticky or greasy residues. Also feel for any dampness or moisture on fabrics, carpets, rugs, upholstery, bedding, towels, etc. These will indicate a need for deep cleaning!
While some hosts prefer to do the cleaning themselves, there are some situations where hiring a professional cleaning service can save you time, money and hassle. You may wish to get an Airbnb cleaner if:
- You have a high turnover of guests and you don’t have enough time to clean between bookings.
- You want to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene for your guests and avoid negative reviews or complaints.
- You have a large or complex property that requires more than one person to clean thoroughly.
- You need to deep clean your Airbnb after a long-term stay or a messy guest.
- You want to outsource the cleaning tasks so you can focus on other aspects of hosting, such as marketing, communication or maintenance.
Getting your Airbnb cleaned by professionals can help you provide a better experience for your guests and increase your chances of getting repeat bookings and referrals. However, you should also do some research and compare different cleaning services before hiring one. Look for a reputable, reliable and affordable service that has experience in cleaning Airbnbs and can meet your specific needs and expectations.
