VACATION RENTAL TIPS
The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist For Vacation Rentals
Common Guest Complaints About Vacation Rental Cleaning
Small details can affect positively or negatively the guest experience. While a property can look clean at first glance, guests sometimes notice issues could have been prevented with a more thorough cleaning session. Here are some common guests complaints to note:Dust and dirt in hidden spots.
Guests notice dust on shelves, under
beds, or behind furniture. Don't skip
the hard-to-reach areas.
Dirty bathrooms.
Shower tiles, drains, water spots, hair,
or unclean toilets should be clean and
desinfected.
Lingering odors.
Regular airing out and deodorizing is
important to avoid unpleasant smells
from garbage bins, carpets, or drains.
Unwashed linens or towels.
Guests expect fresh, clean linens and
towels. Therefore, discard worn and
stained items.
Kitchen cleanliness issues.
Dirty appliances, leftover food in the
fridge, or unclean cookware can be a
deal-breaker for many guests.
Outdoor areas not maintained.
Guests notice dirty furniture, leaves, or
unkempt pools, and not just in the
Summer months.
Why a Cleaning Checklist Matters
A structured cleaning checklist helps you:- Maintain consistent hygiene standards;
- Avoid negative reviews due to cleanliness;
- Save time by knowing exactly what to clean and when;
- Improve guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.
Pre-Check-In Cleaning Checklist
General Areas
- Dust and wipe all surfaces, including shelves, tables, and baseboards;
- Vacuum and/or mop floors;
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners;
- Check lighting, bulbs, remotes, and appliances;
- Wipe light switches and doorknobs;
- Clean glass interior of windows and window frames;
- Check air conditioning, fans, and heating;
- Spot clean marks on walls;
- Ensure there is no mold on corners or ceilings;
- Open up windows to air out the space.
Living Room
- Ensure sofas (don't forget the space between cushions), chairs, cushions, and curtains are clean and have a pleasant smell;
- Wash all used throw blankets;
- Wipe down coffee tables, TV screen, and remotes;
- Display furniture neatly;
- Vacuum under furniture.
Kitchen
- Clean countertops, sinks, and faucets;
- Wipe appliances inside and out (microwave, oven, fridge, and others);
- Wipe cupboard handles and interiors;
- Check inventory: dishes, cutlery, utensils;
- Clean out crumbs in drawers ;
- Empty refrigerator and cabinets of any leftover food;
- Empty trash bins and replace liners.
Bedrooms
- Change bed linens and pillowcases;
- Vacuum carpets or clean floors;
- Dust bedside tables, lamps, and wardrobes;
- Vacuum under beds and furniture;
- Ensure curtains are clean.
Bathrooms
- Clean toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs;
- Replace towels and bath mats;
- Clean any hair out of the drain;
- Refill toiletries (soap, shampoo, and toilet paper);
- Ensure mirrors and glass are spotless.
Outdoors Areas
- Sweep patios, balconies, and terraces;
- Wipe outdoor furniture;
- Pull weeds of the garden;
- Check pool or hot tub cleanliness.
Should I Set A Cleaning Fee For My Vacation Rental?
A cleaning fee can help cover the cost of supplies, labor, and time spent preparing your property, allowing you to maintain high standards without reducing your vacation rental income. However, keep in mind that a high amount can discourage bookings. Nevertheless, be transparent and state the price clearly in your listing so your guests are not surprised.
Should I Hire A Professional Cleaning Team For My Vacation Rental?
While hiring a professional cleaning team for your vacation rental can be costly, it frees up your schedule and ensures every turnover meets high hygiene standards. It is especially helpful if you manage multiple properties or receive frequent bookings.
How PTKeys Can Help
At PTKeys, we provide professional cleaning and maintenance services for vacation rentals, ensuring your property is always spotless and ready to host guests.
Contact PTKeys today! ↗