Cleaning Checklists

Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: 5-Star Turnover Every Time

12 items

Your Airbnb cleaning directly determines your star rating and booking frequency. Guests notice everything: a single hair in the bathroom, a smudged mirror, or a coffee ring on the counter can trigger a negative review. This checklist ensures every turnover meets 5-star standards.

  1. 1

    Strip and remake all beds with fresh linens

    Hospital corners, pillows fluffed and symmetrical, comforter smooth. Guests judge cleanliness by the bed first.

  2. 2

    Sanitize all bathroom surfaces

    Toilet (every surface), shower, tub, sink, mirror, faucets. Use commercial disinfectant and let it sit for full contact time.

  3. 3

    Restock all bathroom amenities

    Fresh towels (rolled or folded to standard), toilet paper (folded tip), soap, shampoo, and any extras your listing promises.

  4. 4

    Deep clean the kitchen

    All counters, stovetop, inside microwave, inside oven if used, inside fridge if used. Check for previous guest food and remove.

  5. 5

    Run and empty the dishwasher

    All dishes must be clean and put away. Guests should open cabinets to clean, organized dishware.

  6. 6

    Check all drawers and closets for previous guest items

    Lost items left behind make your listing look sloppy. Check every drawer, closet, and under-furniture space.

  7. 7

    Vacuum all floors thoroughly

    Every room, under furniture where possible, and along all edges. Use the crevice tool in tight spaces.

  8. 8

    Mop all hard floors

    Kitchen, bathroom, and any hard flooring throughout. Guests walk barefoot and feel dirty floors instantly.

  9. 9

    Wipe all surfaces and remove fingerprints

    Light switches, door handles, remote controls, thermostats, and any surface guests will touch.

  10. 10

    Clean windows and mirrors

    Fingerprints on glass are immediately visible. Clean every glass surface guests can see.

  11. 11

    Take out all trash and replace liners

    Every trash can empty with a fresh liner. Check outdoor bins too.

  12. 12

    Set the scene: presentation details

    Adjust thermostat, turn on key lights, open or close blinds to standard, leave welcome note, and do a final walkthrough from the front door.

Bottom Line

Five-star Airbnb reviews are built on cleaning consistency. Every turnover must be identical -- no shortcuts, no missed spots. Invest in commercial cleaning products and a standardized checklist to protect your listing's reputation and income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should an Airbnb turnover cleaning take?
A standard one-bedroom takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Two-bedroom units take 2 to 3 hours. Build buffer time for laundry.
Should I hire professional cleaners for my Airbnb?
If you host frequently, professional turnover cleaners are worth the investment. Consistency and speed are critical with back-to-back bookings.
What cleaning supplies should every Airbnb have stocked?
Commercial disinfectant, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, floor cleaner, and plenty of microfiber cloths. Bulk buying from Soap-Man reduces per-turnover costs.
What do Airbnb guests complain about most regarding cleanliness?
Hair in the bathroom, dirty appliance interiors, stained linens, dusty surfaces, and odors. These are the top cleanliness complaints in reviews.
How do I maintain cleaning consistency across multiple turnovers?
Use this standardized checklist for every turnover. Photograph the completed setup as a reference. Train all cleaners to the same standard.

Need Cleaning Supplies?

Soap-Man carries commercial-grade cleaning products at bulk pricing. Better products, better results, better value.