How to Clean Your Airbnb: Tips for 5-Star Guest Stays

How to clean your Airbnb effectively comes down to consistency, attention to detail, and meeting guest expectations every time. Whether you're managing one short-term rental or multiple properties, having a reliable system for deep cleaning, restocking, and turnover prep ensures your Airbnb remains five-star ready. This guide explains practical steps and tools to keep your listing spotless, guest-ready, and in line with Airbnb’s cleanliness standards—all while keeping costs under control.

Why Cleaning Your Airbnb Properly Matters

Before diving into tools and tactics, it’s crucial to understand why cleanliness is directly tied to guest satisfaction and booking success.

Cleanliness Impacts Booking Ratings

Airbnb’s algorithm and guest rebooking behaviour are heavily influenced by cleanliness scores. Hosts with spotless spaces consistently perform better in search results.

Trust and First Impressions

Guests form opinions quickly. Sticky countertops, unmade beds, or a dirty bathroom can ruin the stay before it begins.

How to Deep Clean Your Airbnb: 5 Proven Tips

Surface-level cleaning won’t cut it. This section covers room-by-room deep cleaning strategies to ensure every area feels fresh and untouched.

Area	Deep Cleaning Actions
Kitchen	To keep your Airbnb kitchen spotless, degrease the stovetops and ovens, wipe down cabinet fronts and handles, thoroughly clean the inside of the microwave, fridge, and toaster, and finish by sanitising the benchtops and sink for a fresh, hygienic space.
Bathroom	Disinfect the toilets, taps, basins, and shower screens, then polish mirrors and chrome surfaces for a spotless finish. Remove any limescale or mould from tiles and grout to keep the bathroom fresh and hygienic, and finally restock and sanitise toiletries to ensure guests have everything they need.
Bedrooms	Wash all linens and pillowcases in hot water, thoroughly dust and vacuum under the bed and behind furniture, inspect the mattress and protectors for any stains, and finish by cleaning wardrobe handles and drawers to maintain a fresh, guest-ready space.
Living Area	Vacuum the sofas thoroughly, including under the cushions, then wipe down coffee tables and electronic surfaces, and finish by dusting baseboards, light switches, and skirting boards to keep the living area spotless.
Floors	Mop the floors with non-slip, non-toxic solutions, vacuum rugs and edges thoroughly, and wipe down all high-touch surfaces such as remote controls and door handles to maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic space for guests.

Guest-Ready Airbnb Checklist for Every Turnover

A repeatable checklist saves time and ensures nothing gets missed, even during back-to-back bookings.

Pre-Arrival Essentials

Test Wi-Fi and remote controls
Refill tea, coffee, sugar, and bathroom essentials
Take out bins and add new liners
Check lighting, curtains, and power outlets

Final Touches

Fluff pillows and make beds hotel-style
Wipe down high-touch zones (light switches, door handles)
Open windows briefly for airflow
Walk through the space as if you were the guest

Affordable Airbnb Cleaning Without Cutting Corners

Professional-level results don’t always require premium service fees. This section shares low-cost ways to keep your listing sparkling.

Use pH-neutral multipurpose sprays for versatility
Buy microfibre cloths and gloves in bulk
Schedule regular deep cleans to prevent heavy buildup
Invest in a quality cordless vacuum-mop combo

Tools That Make Airbnb Cleaning Easier and Faster

The right equipment makes a huge difference in both quality and efficiency.

HEPA-filtered vacuum for carpets and upholstery
Extendable duster for fans and ceiling corners
Non-slip mop with refillable heads
Eco-friendly surface sprays that leave no residue

Same-Day Turnovers: Staying Efficient Under Time Pressure

When time is tight, you need a system that delivers without missing details. This section helps you optimise for back-to-back bookings.

Prepare your cleaning caddy in advance
Work room-by-room, top to bottom
Prioritise entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens
Have backup help ready during peak seasons

This approach is especially useful when working with a professional Airbnb cleaning team in Sydney.

FAQs About How to Clean Your Airbnb

Keeping your Airbnb spotless involves more than just wiping down surfaces. These FAQs answer common questions hosts have about maintaining a consistent, guest-ready clean.

What is the best way to clean an Airbnb between guests?

The best approach is to follow a consistent turnover checklist: change all linens, disinfect high-touch surfaces, restock amenities, vacuum and mop floors, and ensure the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. Many hosts also hire professional cleaners for speed and reliability.

How long should it take to clean an Airbnb property?

For a one-bedroom or studio unit, expect 1.5 to 2 hours of thorough cleaning. Larger properties may take 3–4 hours or more, depending on condition and team size.

What cleaning supplies do I need for my Airbnb?

Stock microfiber cloths, disinfectant spray, bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, vacuum, mop, gloves, and fresh linens. Optional items include air fresheners, dishwasher tablets, and laundry detergent.

How often should I deep clean my Airbnb?

A deep clean (e.g., under furniture, inside appliances, grout scrubbing) is recommended every 4–6 weeks, depending on your guest turnover rate and reviews.

Is it better to hire an Airbnb cleaning service?

Yes, especially if you're managing multiple bookings or live remotely. Professional cleaners ensure consistency, faster turnaround, and better guest experiences—which can improve your ratings and rebookings.

Final Inspection Checklist Before Guest Arrival

Before handing over the key or setting the digital lock, do a quick walkthrough to catch anything your checklist missed.

Look for missed fingerprints or dust
Double-check linen freshness and bin status
Adjust room temperature and lighting
Lock away cleaning supplies or extras

Need Help With Your Airbnb Cleaning?

Managing turnovers can be stressful, especially during peak booking periods. If you're a Sydney host looking for fast, reliable, and professional Airbnb cleaning, let EverydayClean handle it for you. Our team specialises in same-day turnovers, deep cleaning, and restocking so your Airbnb is always guest-ready.

Author Box

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.

< Older Post