What Is the Cleaning Fee for Airbnb? Explained for Hosts & Guests

How Much Is the Average Airbnb Cleaning Fee?

Hosts base their cleaning fees on factors such as property size, type, and service level. Before looking at the numbers, it’s important to understand what typically influences pricing.

Factors That Affect Pricing:



• Size of property (e.g., 1BR vs 4BR)
  
  
• Type of cleaning required (standard vs deep clean)
  
  
• Professional cleaner vs DIY
  
  
• Geographic location and cleaner availability
  
  
• Turnover frequency (daily, weekly, seasonal)
  
  

Now, let’s look at the current averages across Australian Airbnb listings.

Average Cleaning Fee by Property Type in Australia:

Now, let’s look at the current averages across Australian Airbnb listings. For more detailed guidance on pricing strategy, many hosts also explore resources such as how much to charge for Airbnb cleaning to ensure their fee reflects service quality and local market benchmarks. 

How Hosts Set Their Cleaning Fee (Without Undervaluing the Work)

Airbnb allows each host to set their own cleaning fee within the pricing settings of the listing dashboard. However, setting this fee isn’t arbitrary—especially if the host works with a third-party cleaner.

To set a fair, effective cleaning fee, hosts generally follow these steps:

1. Assess cleaning duration
   Estimate the time to complete a full turnover, including laundry and restocking.
   
   
2. Get quotes from commercial cleaners
   Compare providers to understand the going rate for Airbnb-specific services.
   
   
3. Consider the property layout
   More bathrooms, outdoor areas, and high-touch zones increase workload.
   
   
4. Review competitor listings
   Search for nearby Airbnbs with similar quality and size, and compare cleaning fees.
   
   
5. Include overhead costs
   This may include cleaning supplies, travel time, GST, or platform fees charged by the cleaner.
   
   

Once calculated, the host enters the amount under the “Pricing” tab of the Airbnb listing. The fee is applied automatically to all bookings—regardless of how long the stay is.

Common Misunderstandings About Airbnb Cleaning Fees

Cleaning fees are often misunderstood by guests, especially those expecting hotel-like service. Below are three clarifications worth noting:



• The fee does not imply daily housekeeping—it covers pre- and post-stay cleaning only
  
  
• The fee does not scale with the length of stay—it’s charged per reservation
  
  
• The fee goes directly to the host—not to Airbnb—and is used to fund cleaning operations
  
  

Proper communication, clear listing descriptions, and high-quality cleaning delivery help ensure guests understand and accept the fee without issue.

FAQs About Airbnb Cleaning Fees

Before exploring common questions, it’s important to acknowledge that cleaning fees remain one of the most searched and discussed aspects of Airbnb pricing—across both hosts and guests. Below are the most relevant answers based on real-world experience and Airbnb policies.

Why is there a cleaning fee on Airbnb?

The Airbnb cleaning fee exists to ensure the space is properly cleaned and reset between guests. Unlike hotels, Airbnb properties are cleaned by individual hosts or contracted services—often under strict turnaround deadlines. The fee allows hosts to cover the cost of laundering, disinfecting, removing rubbish, and restocking items. It also supports a structured, repeatable process that preserves property condition and maintains hygiene standards. The cleaning fee is not a surcharge—it reflects a necessary step in hospitality-level turnover operations.

Is the Airbnb cleaning fee optional for hosts?

Yes, hosts are not required to charge a cleaning fee, but most do—especially if they use professional cleaning services. Absorbing the cost into the nightly rate may work for long stays, but it becomes problematic for short stays. Without a separate cleaning fee, hosts may undercharge for cleaning or struggle to maintain quality. Most competitive Airbnb listings in major cities now include a cleaning fee as standard, as it enables professional cleaning without cutting into earnings.

Can guests request to remove the cleaning fee?

Guests cannot remove the cleaning fee at checkout. However, hosts can choose to offer custom discounts or manually waive the cleaning fee via a special offer—before the booking is confirmed. Some hosts offer reduced fees for repeat guests, extended stays, or off-peak bookings. Still, most hosts prefer to keep fees consistent to ensure they can reliably pay their cleaners and uphold standards.

Is the Airbnb cleaning fee refundable?

If a booking is cancelled before check-in, the cleaning fee is generally refunded. This is because no cleaning has taken place, so no cost is incurred. However, the exact refund depends on the host’s cancellation policy. Under flexible policies, cleaning fees are fully refunded. Under strict ones, they may be partially refunded or retained if the cancellation occurs late. Hosts should ensure cleaning teams are not dispatched before the booking is final to avoid unnecessary charges.

Does the cleaning fee vary with booking length?

No. The cleaning fee is fixed per reservation, regardless of whether the guest stays two nights or ten. This is because the cleaning work required after departure is typically the same. However, for long stays, some hosts may offer mid-stay cleans (for an additional fee) or reduce the base cleaning fee at their discretion. These adjustments are not automatic and must be managed manually by the host prior to booking confirmation.

Commercial Airbnb Cleaning Services That Justify the Fee

A well-set cleaning fee should reflect the value and professionalism of the cleaning delivered. Everyday Clean provides licensed, checklist-driven Airbnb cleaning services that align with guest expectations and platform standards.

By partnering with experienced Airbnb cleaners, hosts gain:

• Reliable arrival and completion times
  
  
• Flat-rate pricing based on property type
  
  
• Calendar syncing to streamline scheduling
  
  
• Turnover checklists that minimise oversights
  
  
• Photo documentation and restocking support
  
  

This professional approach ensures the cleaning fee is not just a line item—it’s a promise of consistent, spotless presentation.

Set the Right Cleaning Fee with Everyday Clean

Everyday Clean helps Airbnb hosts across Sydney manage turnovers with precision, speed, and quality. Our team follows detailed property checklists, aligns with your Airbnb calendar, and completes every job on time—so guests walk into a clean, inviting space.

Whether hosting one apartment or ten listings, we help you calculate, justify, and deliver a cleaning fee that reflects real value.

Contact Everyday Clean to get started with professional Airbnb turnover cleaning backed by industry-grade results.



Author: Everyday Clean Content Team

Everyday Clean is Sydney’s trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions, including Airbnb, gyms, offices, and strata properties. Our licensed professionals use eco-friendly, industry-grade tools to deliver safe, spotless, and compliance-ready results. With years of experience across Sydney’s rental, hospitality, and commercial sectors, we help businesses and hosts maintain spaces guests trust.