Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: A Complete Guide for Airbnb Hosts

Every Airbnb host knows a clean and inviting space is the secret ingredient to happy guests and 5-star reviews. To make sure you cross your t’s and dot your i’s, it’s best to follow an Airbnb cleaning checklist. 

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you room by room through everything you need to do to meet Airbnb cleanliness standards. Whether you're a Superhost or just getting started, keep this Airbnb cleaning checklist on hand as you prepare for your next guest.

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Airbnb host checklist: Before you clean

The enhanced cleaning process implemented by Airbnb in response to COVID-19 is still in effect. This article provides a cleaning checklist that aligns with these standards and ensures your guests a safe and sanitized environment.

What you’ll need

• Microfiber cloths or dusters
• Sponges
• Scrub brushes
• Cleaning gloves
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Spray bottles
• Squeegee
• Paper towels or lint-free cloths
• Dish soap
• Oven cleaner
• Refrigerator cleaner
• White vinegar
• Mild detergent
• Pressure washer (optional)

Airbnb cleaning checklist: Room by room 

We’ll go over each of these rooms in detail.

• Bathrooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchen
• Living Room
• Laundry Room
• Exterior

Bathroom

As a host, you want to create a fresh and inviting space for your guests. Use this checklist to make the sink, shower, and everything else sparkle so your guests feel right at home.

• Sink: Clean the sink with a mild bathroom cleaner and a sponge. Remove any toothpaste residue, soap scum, or stains.
• Countertop: Wipe down the countertop with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes.
• Toilet bowl: Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl, focusing on the waterline, under the rim, and the bowl's sides.
• Toilet exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the toilet, including the tank, seat, and lid.
• Glass surfaces: Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces. 
• Cabinets and drawers: Check drawers and cabinets for personal items. If found, notify recent guests.
• Floors (sweep): Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor to remove dirt, hair, and debris.
• Floors (mop): Mop the floor with a suitable floor cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent.
• Fixtures: Wipe down all fixtures (faucets, towel racks, toilet paper holders) with a damp cloth or disinfecting wipes.
• Towels: Wash dirty towels and bathmats.
• Accessories: Clean soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and other accessories.
• Trash: Empty the trash can and replace the liner.

Check and restock

• Hand soap
• Toilet paper
• Shampoo / conditioner / body wash
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer

Optional:

• Lotion
• Makeup remover wipes
• Cotton swabs

Bedroom

A tidy and well-organized bedroom is vital for a restful and cozy stay. Follow this checklist to create a calming atmosphere that your guests will love returning to after a long day.

• Linens: Strip the bed of all linens (sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers) and launder appropriately. 
• Dust: Dust all surfaces, light fixtures and lampshades.
• Cobwebs: Check for cobwebs in corners or ceilings, and remove them using a duster or broom.
• Glass surfaces: Clean mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces. 
• Floors: Vacuum or sweep the floors and mop if necessary.
• Upholstered furniture: Vacuum upholstered furniture with an appropriate attachment.
• Clutter: Remove any clutter from the bedroom and organize it appropriately.
• Trash: Empty trash cans and replace liners.
• Electronics: Clean electronics like TVs and stereos with a microfiber cloth.
• Picture frames: Ensure picture frames or artwork on the walls is straightened and dust free. 
• Walls: Spot clean walls and remove any marks or smudges.
• High-touch surfaces: Clean and sanitize high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls. 

Check and restock

• Sheet sets
• Pillowcases
• Duvet covers
• Extra blankets
• Tissues
• Hangers
• Remote control batteries

Kitchen

The kitchen is where the magic happens. A clean kitchen sets the stage for happy meals and memorable moments. Follow this checklist to ensure everything, from the oven to the refrigerator, is clean and ready for culinary adventures.

• Countertops: Clear clutter, crumbs, or spills from countertops and wipe clean. 
• Microwave: Clean the inside and outside of the microwave. 
• Stovetop: Wipe down the stovetop to remove grease and stains.
• Oven: Clean the inside and outside of the oven.
• Fridge / freezer: Wipe down the interior and exterior of the refrigerator and freezer. Remove expired or spoiled food.
• Appliances: Wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, and other appliances.
• Floor: Sweep or vacuum the kitchen floor. Mop with a mixture of water and mild detergent.
• Sink: Clean and sanitize the kitchen sink, including the drain and faucet.
• Cabinets: Wipe down kitchen cabinets and handles to remove grease and fingerprints.
• Dishes: Wash and dry dishes.
• Trash: Empty the trash can, clean and disinfect it, then replace the liner.
• Pantry: Organize pantry items and check for expired or stale food.

Check and restock

• Salt and pepper 
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Coffee and tea
• Coffee filters (or pods)
• Napkins and paper towels
• Trash bags
• Dish soap
• Sponges
• Disinfectant wipes

Optional:

• Spices
• Cooking spray
• Coffee creamer
• Cling wrap
• Aluminum foil

Living room

The living room is where your guests will relax and unwind, so creating a warm and welcoming ambiance is essential to make them feel at ease.

• Surfaces: Dust and clean all surfaces, including coffee tables, side tables, shelves, and entertainment centers.
• Electronics: Wipe electronic devices with a microfiber cloth.
• Windows and glass surfaces: Clean and polish windows, as well as glass surfaces like tabletops and display cabinets. 
• Upholstered furniture : Vacuum or dust upholstered furniture and spot clean any stains or spills. 
• Floors: Vacuum the floors, paying attention to corners, edges, and under furniture. Mop if necessary.
• Artwork and ornaments: Clean and dust any decorative items, artwork, or ornaments.
• Window sills and frames: Dust and wipe down window sills and frames.
• Curtains/blinds: Clean and dust blinds or curtains.
• Throw pillows: Fluff throw pillows, spot clean as needed.
• Area rugs: Vacuum or shake out area rugs.
• High-touch surfaces: Wipe down light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls.
• Wood furniture: Wipe down and polish wooden furniture surfaces.
• Trash: Empty and clean the trash can.
• Clutter: Organize clutter or misplaced items in the living room.
• Lights: Check and replace burnt-out light bulbs or fixtures.

Check and restock

• Remote control batteries
• Lightbulbs
• Wi-Fi password sign
• House info 

Optional:

• Gift basket items
• Candles 

Laundry room

As you know, a functional laundry room enhances the overall guest experience. With this checklist, you can keep the laundry room spick and span and ensure hassle-free laundry routines for your guests.

• Clutter: Clear and declutter the laundry room.
• Lint trap: Clean the lint trap in the dryer and remove any lint buildup.
• Floors: Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, lint, and debris.
• Hampers: Wipe down the inside and outside of laundry baskets or hampers with a disinfecting wipe or mild detergent.
• Trash: Empty trash ca
• Sink: Clean the sink, if present, with soapy water.
• Washer/dryer: Wipe down the top of the washer and dryer. 
• Rags and mops: Wash cleaning rags and mop heads. 

Check and restock

• Laundry detergent
• Trash bags

Optional:

• Fabric softener
• Stain remover

Exterior

First impressions count, even before your guests step inside. Give your home's exterior a nice touch with this checklist to create an inviting appeal that sets the tone for a 5-star stay.

• Debris: Clear debris, leaves, and branches from the walkways, porch, deck, driveway, and patio areas.
• Windows and glass doors: Clean windows and glass doors. 
• Outdoor furniture: Wipe down or wash outdoor furniture (tables, chairs, loungers).
• Grill: Scrub or hose down the exterior of the grill or barbecue. Remove used charcoal. 
• Cobwebs and nests: Remove cobwebs or insect nests from the eaves, corners, and light fixtures.
• Light fixtures: Clean and polish outdoor light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Gutters: Check gutters and downspouts for leaves and debris. Clear as needed. 
• Shrubs and plants: Trim overgrown shrubs or plants near the exterior walls, windows, and doors.
• House numbers: Check and clean the house numbers if they are dirty or faded.
• Trash cans: Clean and maintain outdoor trash cans and recycling bins.
• Surface damage: Check for any cracks or damage in the exterior surfaces and repair or patch them as needed.
• Garage: Clean and tidy up the garage. 
• Driveway and walkways: Sweep the driveway and walkway as needed. Consider pressure washing at least once a year. 
• Hoses and faucets: Ensure outdoor hoses and faucets are in good working condition and leak-free.

What is the cleanliness standard for Airbnb?

Airbnb follows a 5-step enhanced cleaning process for all hosts to maintain. Start by ventilating and using approved disinfectants. Clean surfaces thoroughly. Sanitize high-touch areas. Check for thoroughness and replace items for the next guest. Our checklist meets these enhanced cleaning standards.

Keep your rental clean and disinfected

Whether you clean your Airbnb yourself or hire a cleaning service, with this checklist you'll have peace of mind knowing that nothing gets overlooked. Now, you can bid goodbye to worries about guest complaints regarding cleanliness and increase your chances of receiving 5-star reviews.

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