Guests notice everything. A dusty corner, a stained bath mat, or a missed spot on the shower curtain can undo all the effort you’ve put into your space. Even the most stylish Airbnb won’t impress if it doesn’t feel fresh and properly cleaned, so a final scan before guests arrive is essential .
Cleanliness is one of the most common reasons guests leave negative reviews. On the flip side, a spotless property helps boost satisfaction, increase your chances of repeat bookings, and earn those all-important positive reviews.
To keep your rental guest-ready every time, you need more than just good intentions; you need a solid cleaning process . You need a clear, repeatable process that covers every room, every surface, every stay.
That’s where this Airbnb cleaning checklist comes in. It’s your go-to system for a space that’s always ready when guests walk through the door.
Let’s take a look at what it takes to make that happen.
Essential Supplies to Have on Hand
A clean and well-stocked short term rental begins with the right cleaning supplies and tools. While every property has its own quirks, the foundation of a smooth cleaning process is a reliable set of supplies that cover every surface and situation.
Keeping these items ready in a dedicated host-only cabinet or a locked closet on-site, will save time and eliminate last-minute scrambles before guests arrive.
Start with the core items that every Airbnb host should have on hand:
- Microfiber cloths
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
- Mop and floor cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Multi-surface disinfectant
- Laundry detergent and bleach
- Disposable gloves and sponges
- Extra trash bags, toilet paper, and paper towels
Think about your property’s specific needs as well.
If you offer outdoor space, a barbecue cleaning brush will come in handy. A ceramic oven top cleaner is ideal for glass stoves, while an extra-long duster helps you reach ceiling fans and tall light fixtures. A small stepladder can also make it safer to clean higher spots that are easy to overlook during a quick turnover.
These tools may seem simple, but together they form the backbone of a consistent and thorough cleaning routine.
Turnover Cleaning Checklist (After Every Guest)
General Cleaning
Every time a guest checks out, the clock starts ticking. The next traveler expects a spotless stay, and your ability to meet that standard relies on a consistent and complete turnover process.
This part of the Airbnb cleaning checklist focuses on the essentials that need attention after each visit, no matter how tidy the guest seemed. Even one missed detail in your airbnb cleaning can lead to a less than glowing review, so every step counts.
- Strip and replace all bed linens and pillowcases with freshly washed sets.
- Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including nightstands, headboards, shelves, and other furniture in the room.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs, and underneath living room furniture to remove crumbs, hair, or dirt that may be hiding from view.
- Mop hard floors to remove footprints, spills, or sticky spots, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Empty all trash cans, replace liners, and double check for hidden trash in drawers or under beds.
- Wipe light switches, door handles, and remote controls with disinfectant to clean other germ prone areas.
- Refill hand soap, toilet paper, tea towels, and restock essentials like coffee pods or snacks if provided.
This routine creates a reliable reset between guests and helps keep your short term rental guest ready every time.
Kitchen
A clean kitchen instantly reassures your guests that the space is well-maintained and ready for use. Whether they’re warming up leftovers or prepping a full meal, they’ll expect every surface and appliance to be spotless.
Food splatters, crumbs, and leftover food, along with greasy handles, are some of the most common guest complaints, especially in vacation rentals. To avoid them, stick to a detailed, room-specific checklist that covers both visible surfaces and overlooked spots.
- Clean and sanitize countertops and backsplash behind sink and stove
- Wipe inside and outside of microwave, removing splatters and smudges
- Empty refrigerator completely, wipe shelves, and sanitize handles
- Run and empty dishwasher; check sink for clogs and rinse well
- Clean stovetop, oven, and other appliances like toasters or coffee machines
- Remove and clean drip pans if present on the stove
- Wipe down oven door, control knobs, and front-facing panels
- Clean out crumbs in kitchen drawers and utensil trays
- Wipe down cabinet handles and remove fingerprints from doors
- Disinfect trash bin inside and out, replacing liner with a fresh one
- Clean out sink’s drain filter and rinse thoroughly to prevent odors
These steps ensure guests walk into a kitchen that feels truly ready to use.
Bathroom
Bathrooms require extra attention, especially in a short term rental where guests expect hotel-level cleanliness. It’s one of the most frequently used areas and one of the easiest places for grime to build up. Stray hair, water spots, and soap scum can turn guests off instantly.
A thorough routine helps maintain a fresh, sanitary space while also protecting your property from long-term wear and tear.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the bowl, seat, base, and the area behind it
- Scrub the tub or shower thoroughly, removing soap grime and buildup
- Clean around the jets if your tub includes a Jacuzzi feature
- Wipe down mirrors with glass cleaner for a streak-free finish
- Shine faucet handles using glass or stainless steel cleaner
- Clean the sink basin and the surrounding countertop
- Remove any hair from shower drains and bathroom walls
- Disinfect towel racks, switches, and doorknobs
- Wash all towels and bath mats, replacing with clean, fresh ones
- Refill toilet paper, tissue boxes, and hand soap
- Replace any complimentary toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, or body wash
- Empty the trash bin and sanitize it inside and out
- Dust decorative items or shelving in the bathroom
With this level of care, your bathroom will always feel clean, calm, and ready for the next guest.
Bedroom(s)
Guests come to your Airbnb expecting a quiet, clean place to rest, and the bedroom plays a big role in delivering that experience. Fresh linens, dust-free furniture, and clutter-free spaces help set the tone for a good night’s sleep.
Overlooking small details like forgotten trash under the bed or dusty lampshades can break that sense of comfort.
To keep your vacation rental welcoming and guest-ready, follow this detailed airbnb cleaning checklist for the bedroom.
- Make the bed with clean sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers
- Replace or straighten out the bed skirt if wrinkled or crooked
- Check between the mattress and headboard for trash or lost items
- Vacuum the floor thoroughly, using a nozzle to reach edges and under furniture
- Dust all bedroom furniture including nightstands and dressers
- Dust light fixtures and small items like nightlights or lamp bases
- Disinfect bedposts and drawer handles
- Wipe down closet doors and clean handles
- Sanitize light switches and remotes
- Empty out dressers and closets of any leftover belongings
- Check under the bed for trash, clothing, or personal items left behind
These steps ensure the room looks polished and gives your guests a clean, peaceful place to rest, which is why you should consider a free airbnb cleaning checklist .
Living Room / Common Areas
The living room sets the tone for your guests’ first impression. Whether they’re settling in to watch a movie or just dropping their bags before heading out, a clean and organized common area makes the entire space feel more inviting.
These high-traffic zones collect dust, fingerprints, and crumbs quickly, so a detailed turnover is a must after every stay. Having a printed or digital version of the ultimate airbnb cleaning checklist nearby can help you or your cleaners stay consistent without missing key steps.
- Dust all electronics and surface areas, including shelves and side tables
- Disinfect high-touch items like TV remotes, light switches, and door handles
- Fluff and neatly arrange pillows and throws on sofas and chairs
- Wash pillow covers and throws regularly, especially after longer stays
- Vacuum upholstery, making sure to clean between and underneath cushions
- Wipe down and disinfect coffee tables and other shared surfaces
- Clean any glass doors or windows that show smudges or fingerprints
- Keep bookshelves and magazine racks tidy and free of clutter
- Clean the TV screen gently with appropriate cleaner
- Vacuum under all furniture, including heavy pieces, if they’ve been moved during the stay
This routine helps ensure your living spaces feel welcoming, fresh, and ready to relax in from the moment guests walk through the door.
Weekly or Bi-Weekly Deep Cleaning Tasks
Not all cleaning tasks need to be done after every guest, but skipping them for too long can lead to visible wear and tear. Rotating deeper tasks every week or two helps you maintain the kind of long-term cleanliness that guests notice—and appreciate.
These steps go beyond your standard Airbnb cleaning checklist and ensure your property continues to feel fresh, safe, and well-cared-for over time.
- Clean baseboards, air vents, and fan blades to remove built-up dust
- Wipe down walls and interior doors to remove fingerprints and scuffs
- Deep clean inside the oven and refrigerator, removing any spills or residue
- Wash mattress protectors, duvet inserts, and shower curtains
- Sanitize the inside of drawers and cabinets, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
- Mop behind and underneath large furniture or steam clean carpets as needed
- Check bathrooms for mold or mildew and recaulk areas where moisture collects
- Sweep off porches, balconies, and other outdoor areas used by guests
- Test plumbing in sinks, showers, and toilets to ensure proper flow and drainage
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs indoors and outside, including porch and pathway lighting
- Pull weeds from guest walkways or garden paths
- Trim back overgrown plants or shrubs to keep outdoor areas looking tidy
Presentation Tips for a 5-Star Experience
A spotless space sets the foundation, but the real magic is in the little touches. Guests remember how your place made them feel—not just how clean the floors were.
When you focus on thoughtful presentation, your short term rental starts to feel less like a property and more like a welcoming home.
These quick, intentional details can be the difference between a standard review and one that raves.
- Leave a personal welcome note or a small treat like chilled bottled water or a local snack
- Style toiletries in a neat, hotel-inspired layout to make the bathroom feel guest-ready
- Fold towels with care and display them in a clean, visible spot like a shelf or bed
- Use a light scent, such as a reed diffuser or charcoal pouch, to give the space a fresh, inviting feel without overwhelming the room
- Place a printed cleaning checklist discreetly in a drawer or cabinet for guests who appreciate attention to detail
These finishing touches invite guests to settle in, relax, and feel confident they chose the right place.
Let Atlanta Maids Keep Your Airbnb Guest-Ready
Behind every five-star review is a rental that felt as clean as it looked. But if you’re juggling back-to-back bookings or managing more than one property, keeping up with the constant cleaning checklist can start to feel like a full-time job.
Atlanta Maids takes that weight off your shoulders. We specialize in Airbnb turnover and deep-cleaning services designed for short term rental hosts in Atlanta.
From fresh linens to fingerprint-free remotes, our cleaning team handles it all — so your guests walk into a space that feels just as good as it looks.
Want your next guest to rave about your sparkling clean stay?
Give Atlanta Maids a call at (404) 905-5141 or book your Airbnb cleaning online today.
We’ll handle the dirty work while you focus on earning those five stars.