In my experience as an Airbnb host, one of the most important aspects is cleaning. Sure, having swanky furnishings is important, and creating a great listing will drive more bookings, but having an Airbnb that does not meet guest’s expectations on cleanliness can quickly torpedo your Airbnb business.
1. Have a Checklist
You want to keep the cleaning process as systematic as possible. This way you do not have to worry as much about forgetting a spot. I have found that using a checklist is a great way to keep the routine and maintain a consistent level of cleanliness.
My checklist is setup with tasks per room, and tasks that apply to the whole house. For instance, I have a checkbox for cleaning the tub, toilet, and vanity sink. Then for the whole house I have sweeping, and mopping. I usually work through all the per room items first, then move to the whole house items in the same order each time.
2. Use A Vacuum
Even if you do not have carpet in your unit, it is a good idea to invest in a vacuum. Broom sweeping will leave behind or move around hair and dirt that a vacuum would take care of on its first pass. Vacuuming hard surfaces before mopping will result in a better clean.
Corded Vacuum
This Bissell Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful cleaner and is usually a reasonable price as well. It is capable on both hard surfaces and carpet.
Cordless Vacuum
I prefer the Dyson cordless vacuum to other brands. It has power that rivals corded models. The dock is solid and has held up to repeated use.
3. Magic Eraser is your Friend
There are multiple places I have found a Magic Eraser to be a lifesaver. One is cleaning off soap scum on glass shower doors. It is also great at brightening up ceramics like sink bowls. Of course it is good for cleaning marks on walls, assuming you do not have a flat sheen, which can be easily damaged.
4. Use a Lint Roller
Stray hairs are the enemy to cleanliness of an airbnb. Just seeing one stray hair on checkin can taint a guest’s view of the whole experience. Using a lint roller on furniture, sheets, and even hard surfaces can pick up stray dirt that would otherwise have a pesky habit of floating to another surface when cleaning.
5. Use All Purpose Cleaner
There are 2 distinct camps on cleaning products. On one side, you have champions of using specialized cleaners for tubs, countertops, stainless steel, tabletops etc. Then on the other camp, we have champions of using one cleaner for as much as possible.
I am definitely in the camp of finding one cleaner that is good for as many tasks as possible for cleaning the airbnb. One reason for this is that usually we are cleaning for 2 days of use, not a week, weeks or month that typically goes between cleaning in households.
I recommend a gentle, all purpose degreaser style cleaner that does not leave behind as neutral scent as possible. Simple Green is a good choice here. Also using a concentrate formula, it is easier to stock more at the property so you are not running out as frequently.
6. Use a Steam Cleaner
Maintaining clean upholstry on couches and chairs can be a challenge. Using a steam cleaner to get your couch clean can do wonders that vacuuming or wiping with a washcloth simply cant.
To quote from Mad Men, occasionally guests will leave the place “smelling like creativity.” Besides leaving the windows open for a few hours and allowing it to air out, using a steam cleaner can be a great way to get the odor out of furniture.
7. Do a Deep Clean
Every 6 months, you should do a deep clean. This is a time to check and clean everything. From the dirt that accumulates in the window sill on the outside of the window, moving furniture and cleaning behind it, checking grout, and dusting EVERYTHING. This is also a good time to handle minor maintenance issues that have been accumulating. Once you are completed with the deep clean, you should feel more confident in the house.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean house is one of the most important aspects of being an Airbnb host. By being consistent with your approach and making use of these tips, you should be able to consistently delight your guests and have a flourishing Airbnb busines.
