Why Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees So High? A Cleaner’s Breakdown
Airbnb cleaning fees are often higher than traditional cleaning charges because they account for quick turnovers, high guest expectations, and the need for professional-grade services. These fees can include everything from linen changes to deep cleaning and restocking amenities. Understanding the true breakdown of Airbnb cleaning fees helps both hosts and guests assess value fairly and reduce unnecessary costs.
Why Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees So High?
This section unpacks the core reasons why Airbnb cleaning fees feel steep—and why they often are justified.
Professional-Grade Standards and Guest Expectations
High guest expectations demand spotless presentation, which often involves commercial-grade cleaning processes, specialty tools, and trained teams.
Short Turnover Windows Increase Costs
Same-day guest changeovers require cleaners to be on-call and available at specific hours, often incurring premium service charges.
Airbnb Service Cost Breakdown
A cleaning fee is not just about dusting and vacuuming. Here's how it's typically calculated.
What Hosts Typically Include in the Fee
- Linen and towel washing
- Bathroom and kitchen sanitisation
- Trash removal and surface disinfection
- Restocking toiletries and consumables
Additional Factors That Add Cost
- Property size and number of rooms
- Outdoor areas and pools
- Pet-related cleaning or smoke odour removal
Guest vs Host Cleaning Fee Expectations
There’s often a disconnect between what guests think the cleaning fee covers and what hosts must actually provide.
Guests See It as a Flat Cleaning Fee
Most guests expect surface-level tidying, not full-service cleaning, laundering, or restocking.
Hosts Use It to Cover Operational Costs
Hosts often use the fee to offset supply costs, pay third-party cleaners, and compensate for time spent managing turnovers. This is especially true when working with dedicated Airbnb cleaning services in Sydney.
Are There Hidden Costs in Airbnb Cleaning Fees?
This section dives into the not-so-obvious charges guests might overlook when reviewing a booking total.
Mandatory Cleaning Guidelines by Airbnb
Since 2020, Airbnb requires hosts to follow enhanced hygiene protocols, adding extra steps—and time—to each turnover.
Misleading Low Nightly Rates with High Cleaning Fees
Some hosts reduce the nightly rate to rank higher in search, then increase the cleaning fee to recoup costs. This can distort the perceived value of the listing.
How Hosts Can Optimise Their Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Hosts can avoid guest complaints and improve pricing transparency by taking a proactive approach.
Use a Fixed-Fee Cleaning Service
Engaging professional cleaners like EverydayClean provides consistency, quality control, and predictable pricing.
Clearly Communicate What’s Included
Listing all included services (e.g., linen refresh, bin removal, kitchen sanitation) helps guests understand what the fee covers—minimising disputes or negative reviews.
FAQs about why Airbnb cleaning fees are so high
When it comes to Airbnb stays, many guests wonder why cleaning fees can feel higher than expected. Here are some of the most common questions and answers to help clear things up.
Why do Airbnb cleaning fees seem higher than hotel cleaning costs?
Airbnb cleaning fees are often higher because the cost is set per stay, not per night. Unlike hotels that absorb cleaning costs across multiple bookings, Airbnb hosts pay cleaners for deep cleans after each guest departs, even for short stays.
What factors contribute to a high Airbnb cleaning fee?
High cleaning fees usually reflect professional service costs, property size, laundry volume, local wages, and the need for same-day turnaround. Premium listings often charge more due to high service standards and detailed checklists.
Are Airbnb hosts profiting from cleaning fees?
Typically, no. Most hosts set cleaning fees to cover actual out-of-pocket expenses for cleaning services. While some may include a margin, many undercharge for competitive pricing, especially in cities with strict turnover standards.
Can I avoid high Airbnb cleaning fees?
You can reduce the total cost by booking longer stays. Since cleaning fees are per stay, the longer you stay, the more the cost averages out per night. You can also filter listings by “no cleaning fee” in Airbnb’s search options.
Why don’t Airbnb hosts include cleaning costs in the nightly rate?
Separating the cleaning fee allows hosts to price their property competitively for longer stays. It also ensures cleaners are paid fairly for each turnover, regardless of how many nights the guest stayed.
Final Thoughts on Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Understanding why Airbnb cleaning fees are high ensures better transparency, fewer surprises, and improved host–guest relationships. Whether you're a host or a guest, knowing what goes into the cost can help you plan, price, and book smarter.
CTA for EverydayClean
Looking for a reliable, professional Airbnb turnover cleaning service in Sydney? EverydayClean offers flexible packages for same-day turnovers, deep cleans, and recurring Airbnb support. Keep your property guest-ready — without the stress.
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.
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