Cleaning Up the Short-Term Rental Game: A Guide to Sparkling Success 🧽✨


So, you've jumped into the exciting world of short-term rentals! Maybe you've got a cozy condo, a beachfront bungalow, or a swanky city apartment. But amidst the thrill of bookings and guest interactions, there's one crucial element that can make or break your reputation: cleanliness.

No one wants to walk into a rental that looks like the aftermath of a wild party (unless that's the theme you're going for, which is a whole other blog post!). A spotless space is key to happy guests, glowing reviews, and repeat bookings.

Fear not, fellow hosts! This guide will walk you through the essentials of standard short-term rental cleanings, turning you into a cleaning champion in no time.

1. The Deep Dive: Turnover Cleanings

Think of turnover cleanings as your cleaning Super Bowl. They happen between each guest stay and involve a top-to-bottom scrub-down. Here's the playbook

Laundry Blitz:

Strip those beds, gather towels, and get that washing machine working overtime! Fresh linens are non-negotiable.


Bathroom Bonanza:

Bathrooms need extra love. Scrub toilets, showers, and sinks until they gleam. Don't forget to disinfect those high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches.


Kitchen Sparkle:

Clean all appliances (inside and out!), wipe down counter tops, and empty the dishwasher. No one wants to find leftover food from the previous guest.

Floor Power:

Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors. Pay close attention to high-traffic areas.


Dust Buster:

Dust all surfaces, furniture, and those often-forgotten spots like ceiling fans and light fixtures.

Replenish & Restock:

Ensure toiletries, hand soap, and other essentials are fully stocked. A welcome basket with snacks and local goodies is a nice touch!


Trash Talk:

Empty all trash cans and recycling bins.


Final Check:

Do a walk through as if you were the guest. Does everything look, smell, and feel clean?


2. Mid-Stay Magic for Longer Bookings

For those lovely guests who stay a while, consider offering a mid-stay cleaning. It's a fantastic way to keep things fresh and shows you care. This can be a lighter clean, focusing on essentials like linen changes, bathroom refreshes, and taking out the trash.

3. The Cleaning Arsenal

Having the right tools for the job makes cleaning a breeze. Here are some must-haves:

Cleaning solutions:

Eco Friendly All-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, glass cleaner, floor cleaner


Microfiber cloths:

These are your cleaning superheroes!


Vacuum:

Preferably one with attachments for those hard-to-reach places


Mop and bucket:

Choose a mop that suits your floor type


Scrub brushes:

For tackling stubborn grime


Gloves:

Protect those hands!


Optional extras:

A steam cleaner can be great for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery.


4. Time-Saving Tips & Tricks

Smart strategies and shortcuts that help you complete tasks more efficiently, freeing up your time for other things.

Create a cleaning checklist:

This ensures you don't miss a spot.


Set a timer:

Helps you stay focused and efficient.


Play some upbeat music:

Cleaning can be fun! (Okay, maybe not always, but music helps!)

Consider hiring a cleaning service:

If time or energy is an issue, a professional cleaning service can be a lifesaver.


5. Going Above and Beyond

Want to truly impress your guests? Here are some extra touches:

Provide a cleaning guide:

A simple guide with instructions for operating appliances and where to find extra supplies can be helpful.

Offer eco-friendly cleaning products:

Appeals to environmentally conscious guests.

Leave a small thank you note:

A personalized touch goes a long way.

Remember, a clean and welcoming space is the foundation of a successful short-term rental.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a haven that guests will rave about.

Happy cleaning and happy hosting!