When it comes to running a top-notch Airbnb, your cleaners are the MVPs. While guests rarely see them, a cleaner’s work is directly responsible for the spotless spaces that earn you five-star reviews and loyal guests. The key to a well-maintained Airbnb isn’t just finding a cleaner—it’s compensating them fairly, motivating them to care about quality, and creating a partnership that makes them actually want to work with you long-term.
Let’s break down how to keep your cleaners happy, motivated, and ready to deliver that five-star guest experience every single time.
Setting a Foundation of Fair Compensation
The quality of your Airbnb largely depends on the quality of your cleaners, so pay matters. A cleaner who feels valued and fairly compensated is far more likely to deliver consistently high-quality results.
Start by recognizing the full scope of what your cleaner handles. Their job goes beyond basic cleaning; it often includes traveling to your property, providing supplies, laundering linens, and even handling minor maintenance. Paying fairly for each of these elements isn’t just ethical—it’s strategic.
Pro Tip: Calculate what your cleaner actually makes per hour once you factor in gas, time, and additional tasks. If it’s not sustainable, bump up the rate. A fair, sustainable wage helps you attract top-tier talent and keeps them motivated to do a quality job.
Bottom line: if your cleaner feels valued, they’ll stick around. If they feel underpaid, they’ll ghost faster than a Halloween guest.
Keep Payments Easy and Reliable
Money talks—and in this case, it’s all about making payments easy and predictable. Cleaners are way more likely to stay with you if they don’t have to guess when or how they’re getting paid. Set up a regular payment schedule and keep it consistent.
Choose a convenient payment method, whether it’s Venmo, Zelle, Bill.com, or a turnover platform that fits their needs. And don’t mess with payment schedules—weekly, biweekly, or monthly, just make sure it’s reliable.
Pro Tip: Once you establish a payment schedule, stick to it. A reliable payment timeline builds trust and shows that you’re serious about maintaining a professional relationship. This small step helps foster loyalty and reliability from your cleaning team.
Choose Quality Over Bargain-Basement Prices
We get it, saving on cleaning costs is tempting. But paying too little is a surefire way to lose good cleaners or end up with inconsistent results. In the long run, quality matters way more than squeezing your budget.
If you’re expecting your cleaner to do full turnovers for $50, you’ve got to set realistic expectations. At that rate, expecting top-tier service with the flexibility to handle last-minute needs isn’t sustainable.
Pro Tip: Pay for quality, not just affordability. A cleaner who feels appreciated and fairly compensated is way more likely to stick around, saving you the hassle of constantly searching for replacements.
Think of it as investing in a long-term relationship. Sure, it’s a bit more upfront, but the payoff is a cleaner who takes pride in their work and is there when you need them.
Do Your Homework on Local Rates
Before you finalize your cleaner’s rate, take a minute to check the local scene. Understanding the going rate for Airbnb cleaning in your area helps you stay competitive—and makes sure you’re not unintentionally lowballing your cleaner.
A little extra pay can go a long way in making sure your cleaner doesn’t feel overworked or undervalued. Think of it as a smart business move, not just an expense.
Pro Tip: If your cleaner offers a rate below market, consider offering a bit more. It’s a win-win: they feel valued, and you get a reliable cleaner who stays motivated to do the job right after 6 months and 40 turnover cleans.
Build a Motivated Team with Incentives and Appreciation
Fair pay is essential, but sustaining a top-tier cleaning experience requires regular feedback, appreciation, and performance-based incentives.
Cleaners who feel appreciated and recognized for their work are more likely to go the extra mile and maintain high standards over time. Don’t underestimate the power of a small thank-you gesture. Seasonal gifts, bonuses for tough turnovers, or even a handwritten thank-you note can make a big difference. Cleaners who feel respected and like part of the team are way more likely to stick around and care about the results.
Next, you want to encourage an Ownership Mentality. Every time you get a great review, send your cleaner a screenshot with a quick thank-you. This small step makes them feel like a partner in your success, increasing their motivation and investment in your property’s reputation.
Pro Tip: One of the best ways to motivate cleaners is to tie their performance to five-star reviews. If you really want to be their top priority, throw in a $10 bonus for every five-star review on cleanliness. It’s a small gesture, but it sends a clear message: their work matters, and they’re part of your success.
When cleaners feel appreciated, they take more pride in their work, are more likely to report issues, and might even treat the place like it’s their own. It’s a small step that goes a long way in creating a team that’s truly invested in your property’s success.
Conclusion
The success of your Airbnb hinges on a well-maintained property, and that starts with a reliable, motivated cleaning team. By offering fair pay, setting up flexible payments, and providing incentives for top performance, you’ll create a foundation for a strong, long-lasting partnership with your cleaners.
Happy cleaner, happy host, happy guests—it’s the trifecta for Airbnb success. With a little extra thought and the right incentives, you can turn what might feel like a transactional relationship into a real partnership that benefits everyone.
