Running a successful Airbnb or short-term rental is about more than just comfy furniture and great Wi-Fi. Cleanliness is one of the top factors guests consider when rating their stay. In fact, a sparkling-clean space can mean the difference between a five-star review and a guest who never comes back.If you’re managing turnovers yourself—or working with a cleaning company—here are the best practices every host should follow to ensure every guest walks into a fresh, hotel-like space.
1. Have a Detailed Cleaning Checklist
Each turnover should follow a structured, room-by-room checklist to make sure nothing gets missed. Key areas to always include:
- Kitchen: Wipe counters, sanitize appliances, clean out the fridge, and empty trash.
- Bathroom: Disinfect toilets, showers, sinks, and replace towels and toiletries.
- Living Areas: Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, sanitize remotes and handles.
- Bedrooms: Change linens, check under the bed, and ensure nightstands are clean.
- Entryway: Sweep floors, clean door handles, and remove scuff marks.
A reusable digital checklist can help streamline the process, especially if you’re working with a team.
2. Fresh Linens Every Time
Never skip this! Guests expect freshly laundered bedding and towels with each stay. Use high-quality white linens if possible—it looks cleaner and makes it easier to spot stains.
3. Disinfect High-Touch Areas
Post-COVID, guests are more hygiene-conscious than ever. Disinfect these high-touch points during each turnover:
- Light switches
- Doorknobs and handles
- Thermostats
- Remote controls
- Faucet handles
Use an EPA-approved disinfectant and allow it to sit for the recommended time before wiping.
4. Manage Time Efficiently Between Bookings
Quick turnovers can be stressful, especially with same-day bookings. To avoid a cleaning crunch:
- Schedule a minimum of 4 hours between check-out and check-in when possible
- Hire a reliable cleaning service with flexible availability
- Keep a backup stock of essentials (toilet paper, soap, towels, etc.)
5. Do a Final Walkthrough
Before locking up, take a few minutes to walk through the space as if you were a guest. Check for:
- Unpleasant odors
- Personal items left behind
- Dust in overlooked spots (e.g., ceiling fans, baseboards)
- Lights and electronics all functioning
Bonus Tip: Hire Professional Turnover Cleaners
If you’re juggling multiple properties or don’t live nearby, a professional cleaning company (like Zavvy Cleaners) can be a game-changer. They follow hotel-grade protocols and bring consistency to your guest experience.At Zavvy Cleaners, we offer custom Airbnb cleaning services in Guelph, Waterloo, and surrounding areas—designed for fast turnarounds, high cleanliness standards, and stress-free hosting.
Final Thoughts
Great reviews and repeat bookings start with a clean space. By following these Airbnb turnover cleaning best practices, you’ll impress your guests, reduce complaints, and run a more successful short-term rental business.
Need professional Airbnb turnover cleaning in Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & Nearby Areas
📞 Call Zavvy Cleaners at +1 (647) 249-4890 or book online today.
