Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for Hosts: A Step-by-Step Turnover Guide

Every successful Airbnb host knows that cleanliness can make or break a guest’s experience. In today’s short-term rental market, a professionally maintained space is no longer optional—it’s expected. This Airbnb cleaning checklist provides a detailed, step-by-step process tailored to hosts who want consistent, high-quality turnovers after every guest stay. Whether you manage a single unit or several properties, following a structured checklist can streamline operations, reduce complaints, and elevate your review scores.

This guide focuses specifically on cleaning tasks—not interior design, pricing, or guest communication—ensuring practical, implementable outcomes for commercial-scale or DIY hosts alike.

Full Airbnb Turnover Cleaning Checklist (Room-by-Room)

A structured cleaning sequence ensures no detail is missed between guest stays. Below is a comprehensive room-by-room checklist, designed to align with Airbnb's cleanliness standards and guest expectations.

Entryway & Hallways

The first impression begins at the door.

Disinfect door handles (inside and outside)
Sweep, vacuum, or mop floors
Wipe down light switches and intercom systems
Check for cobwebs in corners or ceilings
Spot-clean walls or scuff marks

Living Room

Comfort and cleanliness must be visibly obvious here.

Vacuum carpets or mop hard flooring
Dust all surfaces (tables, TV stands, shelves)
Clean remotes and electronic devices
Fluff and straighten cushions
Disinfect high-touch surfaces (light switches, door handles)
Remove any leftover items or rubbish

Kitchen

Guests often inspect kitchen cleanliness closely—even if they don’t cook.

Wipe down countertops, splashbacks, and cupboard faces
Clean inside the microwave, oven, and fridge
Run an empty dishwasher (or clean sink)
Take out the in and disinfect the bin lid
Refill essentials (sponge, dishwashing liquid, paper towels)
Sweep and mop the floor

Bedrooms

A fresh, dust-free, and well-made bed sets the tone.

Strip beds and launder all linen and pillowcases
Wipe down bedside tables and lamps
Dust ceiling fans or air vents
Check under beds for forgotten items
Vacuum thoroughly, including corners and behind furniture

Bathrooms

This is the most scrutinized space by guests and needs hotel-level cleanliness.

Disinfect the toilet, sink, shower, and all taps
Polish mirrors and glass surfaces
Replace towels and bath mats
Refill toiletries (toilet paper, soap, shampoo)
Empty the bathroom bin and sanitize
Mop floor with a disinfecting solution

Outdoor Areas (If Applicable)

Don't neglect balconies, patios, or entry stairways.

Sweep or hose down the floor
Wipe outdoor furniture
Remove rubbish or cigarette butts
Check lighting is functional

Supplies to Keep in Your Airbnb Cleaning Kit

To maintain cleaning consistency, it’s best to stock a well-organized Airbnb cleaning kit for yourself or your professional cleaners. Here's what it should include:

Microfibre cloths (colour-coded for different rooms)
Disinfectant spray or wipes
Glass cleaner
Floor cleaner suitable for wood/tile
Rubber gloves
Trash bags (multiple sizes)
Lint roller for upholstery
Laundry detergent (for linens and towels)
Duster with extendable pole
Air freshener or odour neutraliser

How to Streamline the Cleaning Process Between Bookings

In high-turnover Airbnb environments, efficiency is key. Cleaning should be systematic, yet fast enough to fit within narrow check-in/check-out windows.

Tips to Optimise Turnover Cleaning:

Always start with laundry to maximise drying time
Clean top to bottom (dusting before vacuuming)
Assign a room order: e.g., Bedrooms → Kitchen → Living → Bathroom → Entry
Use a printed checklist to tick off tasks in real time
Use timers or stopwatches to measure how long each room takes (to improve speed over time)

Hosts who manage multiple listings or want less manual coordination often explore guides on how to automate Airbnb cleaning using calendar syncs and cleaning platforms.

FAQs About Airbnb Cleaning for Hosts

Before diving into questions, it’s important to acknowledge that cleaning is one of the most mentioned elements in guest reviews. The FAQs below target real concerns hosts have when planning and executing cleaning routines.

How long should it take to clean an Airbnb between guests?

The ideal cleaning time depends on property size, but most standard one-bedroom apartments take 1.5 to 2.5 hours to clean thoroughly. This includes all linen changes, surface disinfection, floor cleaning, and restocking. Larger homes or properties with multiple bathrooms may take 3–4 hours. For consistent turnover success, many hosts outsource this process to experienced Airbnb cleaning providers who can meet quality standards within tighter timeframes.

Can a host clean their own Airbnb instead of hiring professionals?

Yes, many new hosts begin by cleaning their own property to save costs and understand the process. However, as the property scales or time becomes limited, outsourcing to a professional cleaning company ensures consistency and frees up time. A professional Airbnb cleaner not only meets guest expectations but also provides trained eyes to report damages or maintenance needs between bookings.

What is the difference between a regular cleaner and an Airbnb cleaner?

An Airbnb cleaner is trained specifically in turnover services—which includes tasks like linen rotation, amenity restocking, short-notice responsiveness, and detailed attention to guest-facing items (e.g., fridge magnets, guest book, remotes). A regular cleaner may focus more on deep or recurring cleaning tasks, but may not understand the quick-reset nature of short-term rentals. This distinction is crucial for hosts seeking efficiency and five-star reviews.

Call Everyday Clean for Professional Airbnb Cleaning Services in Sydney

For Sydney-based Airbnb hosts who want peace of mind, consistency, and top-tier guest experiences, Everyday Clean offers specialised Airbnb turnover cleaning services. Our trained cleaners follow detailed checklists, provide flexible scheduling, and understand the unique needs of short-term rentals. Whether it’s one property or ten, we’ll help keep your space guest-ready—on time, every time. Learn more at Everyday Clean.

Author: Everyday Clean Content Team
Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions, including pools, gyms, offices, and strata properties. Our licensed professionals use advanced, eco-friendly equipment to deliver safe, compliant, and spotless results. With deep experience across Sydney’s hospitality, fitness, and residential sectors, we help facilities maintain inviting, healthy environments that guests trust.

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