How do I clean and prepare my Airbnb property for guests?

Airbnb expects hosts to maintain a high standard of cleanliness for their listings. This includes ensuring common areas, bathrooms, and kitchens are clean and tidy, and free from dirty dishes, dust and health hazards such as mould. Hosts are expected to clean, take out rubbish and do laundry between every stay. Airbnb’s cleaning handbook, which you can access through your hosting account, provides comprehensive cleaning checklists and tips.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb has introduced a set of cleanliness guidelines called the 5-step enhanced cleaning process. This involves:

Preparation: Wash your hands, ventilate the space and gather cleaning supplies.

Cleaning: Dust and clean the surfaces of every room, sweep or mop floors, wash dishes and launder towels and linens.

Sanitising: Disinfect high-touch areas and leave to air-dry.

Checking: Refer to cleaning checklists to ensure no area is missed.

Resetting: Prepare for the next guest by safely disposing of cleaning materials and replacing linen and other essentials.

You must agree to abide by Airbnb’s COVID-19 safety practices, including this 5-step process, before you are allowed to host. Alternatively, an Airbnb property management company can handle this for you.

Prioritise cleaning high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, remote controls and taps. Bathrooms and kitchens should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised, including inside of appliances such as ovens and microwaves. Check under furniture, ensuring that all floors and surfaces are clean and free from dirt, dust and pet hair. Bed linens and towels should be washed on a high heat.

Sanitising your property after cleaning can provide an added layer of protection against harmful microbes. Use a household disinfectant solution or spray that is labelled as safe for use on the intended surface. Follow the instructions on the label, paying attention to guidelines for dilution, application and contact times, and allow it to air-dry. This will ensure that it is effective in killing bacteria and viruses.

Airbnb guests are not responsible for cleaning the property. However, they should not leave it in a state that requires extensive or deep cleaning. You can expect your guests to carry out basic housekeeping tasks such as:

Washing their own dirty dishes

Disposing of rubbish and recycling in designated bins

Mopping up any spills

Leaving rooms tidy upon departure

These expectations should be clearly communicated in your house rules.

Yes, Airbnb allows hosts to add a cleaning fee to their listings, which is included in the guest’s total cost when they book. This fee is designed to help you cover the cost of cleaning supplies or pay for a housekeeping service. It should not be used to pay for one-off deep cleaning fees or general property maintenance. You can add one flat fee for all guests, or charge a higher fee for longer stays.

All Airbnb hosts should provide toilet paper, soap, bed linen and one pillow and towel per guest. However, to improve your guests’ experience, you may consider offering additional toiletries and amenities such as:

Shampoo and conditioner

Hand and body lotion

Tissues and wipes

Extra towels, pillows and blankets

Clothes hangers

A first-aid kit

Basic cleaning supplies e.g. disinfectant spray, disposable gloves and cleaning cloths

If guests have access to a kitchen, this should come with basic cookware, utensils and crockery as well as washing-up liquid and sponges.

You should always perform routine maintenance checks between every stay. Regularly inspect appliances, heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and safety devices (like smoke detectors) to ensure they are functioning properly. Check for signs of wear and tear or damage. Also inspect your property’s exterior and common areas for issues that may need attention.

If you discover an issue during a maintenance check, you should address it promptly. Always aim to resolve any problems before the next guest’s arrival to avoid inconveniences during their stay. If this is not possible, contact the guest to let them know. If the issue is serious, e.g. a broken boiler, it may be necessary to cancel their booking. Airbnb will work with the guest to help them find alternative accommodation.

Good Airbnb management companies, such as Stayful, provide comprehensive cleaning and maintenance services. We will ensure your property is thoroughly cleaned and sanitised between stays, and restock essentials such as fresh linens, towels and toiletries ready for the next guest. As part of our Airbnb management service, we will also handle all necessary maintenance and repairs, offering a stress-free solution for hosts.