So, you’ve got a killer Airbnb. Great! But here’s a secret: having a prime location and stylish decor is only half the battle. The real key to success? It’s all in the clean. Yep, the difference between a guest leaving a five-star review and a refund request can boil down to how spotless that bathroom is.
In this article, we’ll break down why your cleaners are essential, how to find and keep reliable cleaners, and ways to set up a cleaning system that lets you scale without stress. If you’re ready to make cleanliness your business’s secret weapon, let’s dive in.
Airbnb Cleaners: The Backbone of Guest Satisfaction
It’s simple. Guest happiness lives or dies with cleanliness. You could have a penthouse in Paris or a cabin in the Rockies, but if it’s not spotless? Kiss those 5-star reviews goodbye.
Every guest expects a pristine property. And when you nail that, the positive reviews, repeat bookings, and steady profits follow. In short, your cleaners aren’t just a necessary expense—they’re an investment in your business.
Are cleaning issues killing your Airbnb? Then this is the place for you. This is the first in our series of how to get the most out of your cleaning.
Finding Cleaners Who Get It
Now, you need cleaners who get what STRs are all about. These aren’t your regular home-cleaners. You’re looking for pros who are:
- Tech-Savvy: Comfortable with scheduling apps and checklists.
- On-Time: Late turnovers? Not an option. Timing is everything.
- Adaptable: STR properties are unpredictable, especially in high-traffic areas. Cleaners need to be ready for anything—one day it’s a weekend rental, the next, it’s a long-term guest departure.
Pro Tip: Take time to know your cleaners. Seriously. Ask about their interests, family, or even just where they’re from. Small talk isn’t just nice—it builds trust. And that trust? It’s priceless. A cleaner who feels valued is more likely to go above and beyond.
Are You Built for Managing Cleaners?
Some hosts are hands-on, others… not so much. If managing cleaners feels like a headache, take a step back. Ask yourself: are you the right person to handle this part of the business? If not, that’s okay—outsourcing is a valid option.
And if you do decide to manage cleaners yourself, be prepared to roll with the punches. Cleaner turnover can be high, and flexibility in your expectations can make all the difference.
Pro Tip: If your cleaner turnover is through the roof, maybe it’s time to take a beat for some self-reflection. Are your expectations crystal clear, or are you piling on more than anyone could handle? Maybe the solution is to accept minor variations in timing or technique to save you the hassle of constantly rehiring and retraining. But if your expectations are reasonable, maybe the solution is to set better expectations from the start. Are you setting clear guidelines upfront, conducting a thorough vetting process, and asking solid interview questions? This could be the difference between a revolving door and a dream team. More on this here
See It from the Cleaner’s Point of View
Here’s a quick exercise: imagine walking into a property with zero context. Did the guests leave it spotless or throw a raging party? Is everything as you left it, or did they rearrange the furniture? Cleaners face this mystery every time they step through the front door.
Help them out by being transparent. If you had to deal with a particularly tricky guest situation, give your cleaner a heads-up. A little insight makes a big difference in their job quality and satisfaction. Less stress for them, better outcomes for you. Simple but game-changing.
Protect Your Bottom Line: Airbnb’s Cleanliness Standards
Airbnb’s standards for cleanliness are sky-high. If your property isn’t spotless, guests have a direct path to claim a refund on the cleaning fee and, in some cases, even part of their stay. For hosts, this means you need to leave no stone unturned when it comes to property maintenance.
Think of it this way: one dusty corner could mean losing a few hundred bucks and a 5-star review. So, get your cleaning system tight.
Scaling your Airbnb Cleaning System: Delegate, Don’t DIY
If you want to grow, you’ve gotta get systematic. Think checklists, standard procedures, and quality checks. When you have a system in place, it doesn’t just make life easier for you—it ensures every guest walks into the same high-quality experience.
- Checklists Are Your Friend: A solid checklist keeps everyone on the same page and ensures no detail is missed.
- Use Tech to Your Advantage: From scheduling apps to digital checklists, a little tech can go a long way in making things smooth and error-proof.
- Final Inspections: After every cleaning, run through critical areas (like bathrooms, kitchen, entryway) to catch any last-minute details. A great hack is to have your cleaner send you pictures of the completed areas. That way, you only have to drop in every once in a while for a quick check. This tiny extra step could save you hundreds in refunds and keep those reviews sky-high.
Pro Tip: Your time is valuable. Don’t spend it scrubbing floors—focus on scaling your business. Put your energy into building a reliable team, training them, and setting very clear expectations. Then, let the systems you set up handle the dirty work.
The Bottom Line:
Your cleaners are more than “just cleaners.” They’re the key to keeping guests happy, your property in top shape, and your reviews glowing. By investing in a strong team and building a cleaning system that works, you’re setting your Airbnb business up for long-term success.
Now, take a look at your current setup. If you’re not already using these tips, start making tweaks. A little effort upfront can make a huge difference in guest experience—and your bottom line.
