Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for 5-Star Guest Turnovers

An Airbnb cleaning checklist ensures every property is fully refreshed between guests - from changing all linens and towels to disinfecting bathrooms, kitchens, and high-touch surfaces. Each turnover should include vacuuming, dusting, and mopping all floors, restocking essential amenities, and removing trash to keep the home spotless and guest-ready. A thorough checklist also involves inspecting for forgotten items, maintenance issues, or damage after check-out, creating a smooth, hygienic, and five-star experience for every stay. Our Airbnb cleaning services help hosts deliver these standards consistently, even during back-to-back turnovers.

Daily Airbnb Cleaning Checklist

Each turnover requires a systematic approach - start high, finish low, and clean dry areas before wet ones. This ensures no re-contamination and keeps cleaning time predictable.

Bedrooms

Guest comfort begins here. A clean, well-presented bedroom signals care and attention.

Strip and bag all linen and towels separately.
Check the mattress and pillows for stains or odours; replace if necessary.
Make the bed tightly with fresh, ironed sheets and matching pillowcases.
Dust blinds, window sills, headboards, and light fixtures.
Wipe all switches, remotes, handles, and bedside tables.
Vacuum corners and under furniture; mop hard floors with a neutral cleaner.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are the highest hygiene priority. Use detergent first, disinfectant second.

Remove used towels, bathmats, and amenities.
Clean sinks, toilets, showers, and tiles using non-abrasive detergent.
Apply hospital-grade disinfectant to all high-touch surfaces.
Polish glass, mirrors, and tapware until streak-free.
Replace all towels and refill soap, shampoo, and toilet paper.
Empty bins, disinfect interiors, and insert new liners.

Kitchen & Dining

Kitchens require the most attention due to food contact and grease buildup.

Empty the fridge and wipe shelves with sanitiser.
Clean microwave, oven, and cooktop thoroughly.
Degrease splashbacks, rangehoods, and benches.
Sanitise the sink and polish all stainless steel.
Check utensils, cookware, and crockery; replace damaged items.
Restock tea, coffee, sugar, oil, salt, and dishwashing supplies.
Sweep and mop floors with food-safe cleaner.

Living Areas

The living space forms the visual centrepiece of a property. It must feel clean, bright, and inviting.

Dust ceiling corners, furniture, and skirting boards.
Disinfect switches, door handles, and remote controls.
Vacuum upholstery, rugs, and cushions.
Clean interior glass and sliding door tracks.
Arrange décor, throws, and cushions to match listing photos.

Laundry

Laundry management determines how efficiently turnovers run.

Sort linen by colour and fabric type.
Use measured detergent with a disinfecting additive.
Dry completely before folding to avoid mildew.
Clean lint filters, detergent trays, and dryer vents.
Store folded linen in sealed, labelled tubs.

Outdoor & Entry Areas

First impressions begin at the door. Every exterior should reflect order and hygiene.

Sweep and hose entry paths, patios, and balconies.
Wipe down outdoor furniture, BBQs, and bins.
Remove cobwebs, leaves, and stains.
Clean door handles and glass panels.
Check outdoor lighting and signage for cleanliness.

Restocking Essentials Between Guests

A consistent restock routine reinforces professionalism and prevents last-minute issues. Keep supplies sealed, standardised, and ready to replenish.

Bathroom: Soap, shampoo, body wash, tissues, toilet paper, sanitary bags

Kitchen: Dishwashing liquid, sponge, bin liners, paper towel, coffee, tea, sugar, oil, salt, pepper

General Cleaning: Disinfectant, multi-surface spray, microfibre cloths, mop pads, glass cleaner, gloves

Keeping a master stock list allows cleaners to replenish quickly while maintaining hygiene control.

Weekly & Monthly Deep Cleaning Schedule

Daily turnovers manage surface hygiene, but deep cleaning restores the property’s long-term freshness. Plan full resets every four to six weeks or after several consecutive bookings.

Weekly tasks:

Wash cushion covers, tea towels, and bathmats.
Disinfect rubbish bins, vacuum filters, and air vents.
Rotate the mattress and spot-treat stains.

Monthly tasks:

Clean oven interiors, fridge seals, and rangehood filters.
Steam-clean carpets, sofas, and curtains.
Descale bathroom tiles and grout.
Wipe skirting boards, baseboards, and behind appliances.

Deep cleaning not only protects guest health but also prevents long-term damage from moisture, grease, and dust buildup.

Efficient Turnover for Back-to-Back Bookings

When check-outs and check-ins overlap, timing is everything.

Start laundry first - towels and linen take the longest to dry.
Clean bathrooms and kitchens while laundry cycles run.
Disinfect all high-touch points while the rooms air out.
Re-stage furniture and décor after drying floors.
Conduct a final visual inspection before closing.

Using cleaning software such as Turno or Properly helps track time, tasks, and supplies - ensuring every turnover meets Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Standards. For more insight, explore our practical cleaning tips for Airbnb hosts that simplify daily routines while boosting guest satisfaction.

FAQs: Airbnb Cleaning Checklist

A short note before the FAQs: cleanliness affects both hygiene compliance and guest perception. These are the most common questions Airbnb hosts ask about turnover routines.

How long does it take to clean a 2-bedroom Airbnb?

For a standard 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Airbnb, allow 90–120 minutes for one professional cleaner, or about 60–75 minutes for a two-person team. This includes full disinfection, linen changes, restocking, and inspection. Properties with outdoor areas or high guest turnover may need additional time.

What is included in Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Standards?

Airbnb’s 5-Step process includes:

Ventilating rooms before cleaning.
Cleaning with detergent and water.
Disinfecting using TGA-approved solutions.
Checking and resetting all amenities.
Documenting completion and laundering items on high heat.
Following these steps ensures compliance with Airbnb’s global cleanliness expectations.

How often should hosts deep-clean their Airbnb?

Every 4–6 weeks, or after five consecutive bookings, to eliminate hidden residue and maintain property freshness. Deep cleaning includes carpet steaming, grout renewal, and appliance detailing.

What do guests complain about most regarding cleanliness?

The most common issues are hair in bathrooms, greasy cookware, dusty vents, and stained linen. Prevent these by adding final inspection steps - a lint roller on soft furnishings and a quick bin deodorisation after mopping can dramatically improve guest satisfaction.

Conclusion

A reliable Airbnb cleaning checklist turns property maintenance into a seamless, repeatable process that protects your reputation and rating. By cleaning systematically, disinfecting thoroughly, and scheduling deep cleans regularly, hosts can deliver hotel-level standards that guests remember for all the right reasons.

Need professional Airbnb turnover support in Sydney? Everyday Clean provides eco-friendly, audit-ready cleaning services tailored for short-term rentals - ensuring every property is spotless, safe, and guest-ready on time.

Author: Everyday Clean Content Team
Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions for offices, schools, gyms, and Airbnb rentals. Our licensed professionals use eco-friendly systems and TGA-approved disinfectants to maintain safe, compliant, and five-star-ready environments across all facilities.

< Older Post

Newer Post >