Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for Hosts (2025): Free PDF & Automation Tips
Want to impress every guest and earn more 5-star reviews? Cleanliness is the first thing guests notice—and the last thing they forget. With guest expectations higher than ever, especially under Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean program, having a reliable, repeatable cleaning process isn’t optional. It’s essential.
In this guide, you’ll get access to a free, downloadable Airbnb cleaning checklist PDF, complete with a detailed, room-by-room breakdown to ensure nothing gets missed. Whether you manage ten properties or fifty, this cleaning checklist will help you streamline turnovers, maintain high standards, and deliver a top-tier guest experience every time.
Plus, discover how property operations tools like Operto Teams can help you build custom checklists for every property, automate task assignments, and verify that every job meets your standards, at scale.
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Why Every Host Needs an Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
A cleaning checklist isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s what turns an average stay into a great one.
With the right checklist in place, you can keep turnovers consistent, avoid missed details, and reduce the risk of guest complaints. It also makes training new cleaners easier and helps your team work faster and with fewer surprises.
Without one, things slip through the cracks. You might deliver inconsistent experiences, overlook small (but important) details, or end up with negative reviews. Over time, these issues can lead to higher maintenance costs and slow your team down, especially as your property portfolio grows.
That’s why top Airbnb hosts rely on structured, repeatable systems—and why we created this cleaning checklist template to help you do the same.
Pre-Cleaning Preparation
Before the actual cleaning begins, a few simple prep steps can go a long way in setting your team up for success:
Restock Essentials: Ensure your cleaning supplies, toiletries, trash bags, and guest amenities are fully stocked. Running out mid-clean can cause delays and compromise quality.
Equipment Check: Verify that tools like vacuums, mops, and dusters are in good working order. A broken vacuum or empty spray bottle can slow everything down.
Air It Out: Open windows or turn on fans to ventilate the space. This helps eliminate odors and ensures a safer environment when using cleaning products.
Start Laundry Early: Get linens, towels, and bathmats into the washer right away. This keeps the turnover moving while you clean other areas.
Clear the Clutter: Remove any leftover guest items, trash, or dishes. Starting with a blank slate makes deep cleaning faster and more thorough.
Prioritize Safety: Equip your team with gloves, masks, or other protective gear.
Room-by-Room Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
Use this checklist to build your own routine and ensure consistent, high-quality turnovers every time.
General Cleaning (Applies to Every Room)
Dust surfaces, décor, and corners
Vacuum and mop floors
Disinfect all high-touch areas: light switches, door handles, remotes
Clean mirrors and windows
Entrance and Living Areas
- Ensure the entrance is free of debris
- Dust all surfaces, including furniture, lamps, shelves, ceiling fans, windowsills, ledges, and décor
- Vacuum the couch and chairs, including under the couch and cushions
- Fluff any decorative throw pillows
- Launder throw blankets, and ensure they are replaced and neatly folded
- Wipe down walls to remove scuff marks
- Sweep and mop hard floors, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas
- Clean windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces to a streak-free shine
- Disinfect light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls
- Organize books, magazines, and décor items for an inviting atmosphere
- Ensure the arrangement of furniture matches the reference photo provided
Kitchen
- Clean and sanitize countertops, sinks, and backsplashes
- Wash all dishes, utensils, and cookware
- Empty the dishwasher and wipe the front
- Clean both the inside and outside of the refrigerator and freezer, removing any food and checking the set temperature
- Clean the inside and outside of the oven, ensuring there are no spills or burnt food remaining
- Clean the stovetop, including elements, control knobs, and range hood
- Clean the inside and outside of the microwave, removing and wiping the turntable.
- Wipe down all smaller appliances
- Wipe cabinet exteriors
- Empty the trash can and replace the trash bag
- Empty any recycling bins and compost
- Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly
- Restock essential supplies like coffee, tea
- Restock dish soap, dishwasher pods and sponges, and paper towels
Bathroom
- Collect all dirty towels and bathmats and launder
- Clean and sanitize the toilet, including the base, inside, seat, lid, and behind
- Scrub the bathtub, shower, shower door or curtain, and faucets
- Check to ensure the shower head and drain are clear
- Clean and disinfect the sink, faucet, and backsplash
- Clean the mirror to streak-free shine
- Empty the trash can and replace the trash bag
- Dust any windowsills, fans, and vents
- Sweep and mop the floor thoroughly
- Replace towels and bathmats
- Restock amenities like toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Neatly arrange bathroom accessories, including hairdryers
- Conduct a final scan to ensure no hair is left behind in the sink, shower, bathtub, or on the floor
Bedrooms
- Remove and launder bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, mattress covers, and blankets
- Sanitize frequently touched objects such as light switches and remote controls
- Check around the room, in drawers, closets, and under the bed, for any personal items or trash
- Dust the tops of dressers, nightstands, windowsills, ceiling fans, and décor
- Open and wipe down blinds
- Inspect bedding, furniture, and other room items for signs of wear or damage
- Empty the trash can and replace the trash bag
- Sweep and/or vacuum the floors, making sure to clean under the bed and inside closets
- Remake the bed with fresh linens
- Tidy and arrange any decorative items and artwork
- Ensure the arrangement of furniture and bedding matches the reference photo provided
Dining Room
- Dust and wipe down the table and chairs, including the edges and under the table
- Dust window sills, ceiling fans, and ledges
- Wash the tablecloth
- Dust any candle holders or centerpieces
- Sweep and vacuum the floors
Laundry Room
- Restock laundry detergent
- Clean out the lint trap
- Wipe down the front of the washer and dryer
Exterior
- Sweep any patios, decks, or walkways of leaves and debris
- Wipe off the patio furniture, and rearrange it according to the reference photo provided
Implementing your Airbnb Cleaning Checklist
A cleaning checklist only works if your team knows how to use it—and uses it consistently. The goal is to make the process repeatable, easy to follow, and scalable as your business grows.
Start by breaking down every task into simple, step-by-step instructions. Make sure each team member understands their responsibilities and has access to the same checklist. Laminated printouts, digital docs, or checklist apps can all help, as long as your cleaners can easily reference them during each turnover.
You should also build in a system for quality checks. A quick walkthrough before leaving the property can catch small issues before they impact the guest experience.
Customizing and automating with Operto Teams
If you manage multiple properties or work with a team of rotating cleaners, maintaining consistency gets harder. That’s where automation and customization come in.
With Operto Teams, you can take the guesswork out of cleaning and ensure that every task gets done right, every time—no matter how many units you manage or who’s on shift that day.
Here’s how it works:
- Create custom checklists for every property: Tailor cleaning tasks to each unit’s layout, amenities, and unique features. Whether one property has a hot tub and another doesn’t, your team sees only what’s relevant, so they know exactly what to focus on at each unit.
- Automate task assignments based on check-in/check-out times: Operto Teams integrates with your booking calendar, so cleaners are automatically notified of upcoming turnovers. No more back-and-forth texts or missed cleanings.
- Track progress in real time: Cleaners check off tasks as they go and upload photos for visual confirmation. You get instant visibility into what’s been done and what’s left, without needing to be onsite.
- Keep everyone aligned with mobile access: Whether your team is on the road or on-site, they’ll always have the most up-to-date checklist and instructions right on their phone.
- Maintain consistency at scale: As your portfolio grows, Operto Teams helps you scale without sacrificing quality. From staff scheduling and task management to maintenance tracking and reporting, everything stays streamlined, organized, and under control.
The Bottom Line
A spotless space does more than earn great reviews—it builds trust, drives repeat bookings, and strengthens your reputation as a host. That starts with a system you can rely on.
This Airbnb cleaning checklist gives you the foundation. Pair it with property operations tools like Operto Teams, and you’ll be able to streamline tasks, maintain high standards, and grow your portfolio with confidence.
Download your free checklist now. And if you’re ready to simplify operations and grow with confidence, book a demo with one of our experts to see how Operto Teams can help.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Airbnb Enhanced Clean program?
The Airbnb Enhanced Clean program is a set of cleaning guidelines developed in collaboration with health and hospitality experts. It requires hosts to follow a thorough, five-step cleaning process using approved disinfectants and a room-by-room checklist. By committing to Enhanced Clean, hosts demonstrate a strong commitment to hygiene and guest safety.
What are the most commonly missed cleaning spots in short term rentals?
Commonly overlooked cleaning areas in short term rentals include remote controls, light switches, door handles, appliance handles, and faucet handles. These high-touch areas can harbor germs and should be thoroughly disinfected between guest stays. Paying attention to these details can significantly improve guest satisfaction and cleanliness ratings.
What should I do if a guest complains about cleanliness?
If a guest complains about cleanliness, respond promptly and professionally. Offer to rectify the issue as quickly as possible, such as arranging for an immediate cleaning service. Use the feedback to review and adjust your cleaning procedures, ensuring that future guests do not encounter similar issues. Transparent communication and a commitment to resolution can help maintain positive guest relations and protect your property’s reputation.
Can technology help in linen and laundry forecasting for Airbnb cleaning?
Yes, technology can greatly simplify linen packing for Airbnb turnovers by forecasting linen needs for all upcoming reservations. With automated tools, managers and staff know exactly what’s required, so each property is properly stocked. This reduces stress, saves time, and ensures the right linens are always in the right place at the right time, helping teams avoid disruptions and maintain high standards.
Is it worth investing in professional cleaning services for my Airbnb?
Investing in professional cleaning services can be a smart move for Airbnb hosts—especially those managing high guest turnover, larger properties, or limited time for hands-on cleaning. Professional cleaners help maintain consistent standards, which can lead to better guest reviews and higher ratings. However, it’s important to weigh the cost and ensure the cleaning service understands the unique needs of short-term rental properties.