Airbnb cleaning. Just hearing those words might make you sigh.

You picture yourself scrambling around with a vacuum, frantically wiping down surfaces, and praying the last guest didn’t leave any “surprises” under the bed. You’re armed with a to-do list longer than your arm and the crushing weight of knowing one missed detail could mean a scathing review.

Guests notice everything. A smudge on the mirror, a sticky light switch, or a weird smell can stick in their minds more than the comfy bed or beautiful view. Cleaning isn’t just a chore—it’s a make-or-break factor in their stay.

But don’t worry.  This isn’t your standard “clean the floors and change the sheets” Airbnb cleaning checklist. We’re talking about the often-forgotten details that take your cleaning game from meh to wow.

The Essentials You Can’t Skip

Dust everywhere. No one likes discovering last year’s cobweb collection in a corner.

Clean floors properly. Not “good enough,” but actually clean—yes, that means under the furniture too.

Refresh linens and towels. Nobody wants to sleep on sheets that look “lightly used.”

Empty the bins. Trash lingering in the kitchen is not the welcome scent you’re going for.

Check for stray hairs. Nothing grosses out a guest faster than finding a stranger’s hair on the bed, sink, or shower wall. Use lint rollers or microfiber cloths to catch them all.

Inspect and clean mirrors and glass. Smudges and streaks? Nope. Guests expect spotless mirrors and glass that don’t double as abstract art pieces.

The Places Most People Miss

Some areas are easy to miss, but they’re the silent assassins of your Airbnb reviews. Under the bed, for example, is a magnet for dust, forgotten socks, and that pen your last guest probably dropped. If you think guests won’t notice, think again—get the vacuum under there. Then there are high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs, which are practically germ magnets. A quick disinfectant wipe can save you from the dreaded “sticky mystery residue” comment.

Don’t forget the shower curtain liner. That orange grime creeping up the bottom isn’t a design feature—it’s a cleanliness red flag. Toss it in the wash or replace it entirely. And while we’re talking about often-handled objects, remote controls are another culprit. If they’re sticky or dusty, guests will absolutely notice (and judge). A quick wipe with a disinfectant does the trick.

The Final Touches Make All the Difference

Once the cleaning is done, it’s time to add a few finishing touches that wow guests. Start with the scent. Subtle and inviting is the goal—lavender works, but skip the overpowering air fresheners that scream trying too hard. Guests should feel welcomed, not overwhelmed.

Before you call it a day, check for hidden trash. Dig through drawers, under sofas, and behind doors. Last week’s takeaway container isn’t the treasure hunt prize your guests want to find.

Finally, leave a little something extra to make your space memorable—a small snack, a bottle of water, or even a handwritten welcome note. It’s not part of the cleaning, technically, but it’s the kind of detail that makes guests feel special and eager to leave you glowing reviews.

Call the Professionals

If you’d rather not have the hassle of deep cleaning an Airbnb after every guest, give us a call. Our Airbnb cleaning services include all of these things and more.

The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist

General Areas

• Dust all surfaces (furniture, shelves, light fixtures, décor).
• Vacuum/mop floors, including under furniture.
• Clean windows and mirrors.
• Inspect and clean mirrors and glass for smudges and streaks.
• Empty trash bins and sanitize.
• Check for stray hairs on beds, sinks, and shower walls; use lint rollers or microfiber cloths.
• Refresh and replace linens (sheets, pillowcases, blankets).

Kitchen

• Wipe down appliances (inside and outside).
• Clean counters and backsplashes.
• Sanitize the sink and polish fixtures.
• Wash and store all dishes and utensils.
• Check the pantry and fridge for expired or leftover items.
• Sweep and mop floors, including under appliances.

Bathroom

• Scrub and sanitize toilets.
• Clean the shower/tub and polish faucets.
• Wipe down mirrors and all surfaces.
• Replace towels, bath mats, and washcloths.
• Refill toiletries (soap, shampoo, toilet paper).

Extra Details

• Vacuum mattresses and rotate if needed.
• Clean light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls.
• Wash or replace shower curtains/liners.
• Check under beds, inside drawers, and behind furniture for trash.
• Inspect for damage or maintenance issues.
• Replace burnt-out lightbulbs.
• Open windows to air out the property.

Final Touches

• Add a subtle, welcoming scent.
• Arrange pillows and furniture neatly.
• Leave welcome items (snacks, water, handwritten note).

Or, Make it Easy and Call the Professionals

If you’d rather not have the hassle of deep cleaning an Airbnb after every guest, give us a call. Our Airbnb cleaning services include all of these things and more.