Guests have high expectations when it comes to the cleanliness and functionality of their rental property. Anything below these standards can lead to negative reviews, which can harm your reputation very quickly!
It’s understandable that grime can accumulate between guests, particularly during peak season (for us, that’s during the summer months). Therefore, performing a thorough cleaning periodically, like in the spring, is essential. It’s also important to regularly inspect the property, ideally at least once a month, to identify and address some common cleanliness issues that can disgust your Airbnb guests.
It’s essential to schedule a cleaning session after every guest departure to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of your rental. In addition to ensuring a clean space for incoming travellers, your Airbnb cleaning team can serve as your property’s watchdog, reporting any maintenance issues or damages.
Ideally, it’s best to clean right away, particularly if there’s a week before the next guest’s arrival. Delaying the cleaning could lead to the buildup of germs and bacteria, which can be harmful to your guests’ health. A quick freshen-up and dusting on the morning of their arrival can help create a welcoming environment.
1. How grubby are your walls?
Make sure to thoroughly inspect the walls of your Airbnb as they may have unsightly marks and greasy prints that can make guests question the overall cleanliness of your property. Additionally, it’s essential to clean any decorative mirrors after every guest.
To address these issues, use a “magic eraser” to wipe away any marks or fingerprints on the walls and baseboards. You’ll likely find more than you expected. It’s also a good idea to touch up the paint where necessary at least once a year. This will ensure that your walls look clean and fresh, leaving a positive first impression on your guests!
2. Have you checked your chairs for splotches?
It’s important to check the back of your dining room chairs for any leftover food stains, such as pasta sauce or chocolate, which can be off-putting to guests. Don’t forget to examine the chair legs as well, which can accumulate splatters and spills that often go unnoticed!
To solve this issue, fill a bowl with warm water and dish soap, and use a dish sponge with a scrubber side to thoroughly clean the chairs. This will remove any sticky residue and leave your dining room chairs looking and feeling clean for your guests to use.
3. Any hidden treasures left down the back of the couch cushions?
Picture this: your guest reaches down the side of the couch to grab the remote, only to discover a handful of crumbs and maybe the odd wrapper. Not a pleasant experience for anyone…
It might sound obvious, but to avoid this scenario, it’s essential to vacuum the couch thoroughly after guests check out, paying particular attention to the side and middle cracks where debris can accumulate. Use a damp cloth to work on any visible spots and consider using a lint roller to remove any remaining debris. If your guests had pets, it’s a good idea to use an animal hair hoover to ensure that all pet hair is removed. This will help guarantee a clean and welcoming space for your next guests.
We have also found investing in a deep cleaner such as “The Rug Doctor” was worth it for those unfortunate occasions when a guest left some deeper stains on the couch fabric.
4. Don't forget to clean the fridge!
You’ll probably find that most guests will extend the courtesy of clearing out the fridge prior to checking out, however, this isn’t always the case – after all, if they are paying a cleaning fee they technically aren’t obliged. Nonetheless, it’s always worth giving the shelves a good inspection to ensure no spills have been left.
If you have time, cut a lemon in half and leave it in there for an hour or more to provide a fresh smell when you open the fridge – just don’t forget to take it out before the next guest checks in!
5. Don't overlook the light switches!
A seemingly obvious place to check, although often overlooked, is your light switches. One of the first things your guests will touch as they enter your apartment. Therefore, it goes without saying a grubby light switch can be detrimental to those first impressions we’ve talked so much about.
Take a micro fibre cloth and some cleaning spray to give each switch a good clean and get rid of any sticky fingerprints and nasty germs.
Make matters easier for yourself by creating a detailed check-out cleaning checklist, to make sure you’ve covered all bases (literally!) when it comes to the cleanliness and hygiene of your property. Your guests and reviews will thank you for it!
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