The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Between Guest Stays

Sonia Richards

Sep 10

3 min read

Cleanliness can make or break an Airbnb stay. Guests may forgive a small décor flaw, but dirty bathrooms, stained linens, or leftover food can quickly lead to complaints and poor reviews.

A consistent turnover checklist helps ensure nothing gets missed, especially during busy back-to-back reservations.

Here’s a practical Airbnb cleaning checklist to follow between every guest stay.

Kitchen

[ ] Empty trash and replace liners
[ ] Wash and put away dishes
[ ] Clean countertops and backsplash
[ ] Wipe cabinets and handles
[ ] Clean sink and faucet
[ ] Wipe down appliances
[ ] Check refrigerator for leftover food
[ ] Clean microwave
[ ] Sweep and mop floors
[ ] Restock coffee, paper towels, and other essentials

Bathrooms

Bathrooms deserve extra attention because guests notice cleanliness immediately.

[ ] Clean and disinfect toilet
[ ] Scrub shower and bathtub
[ ] Clean sink, faucet, and countertop
[ ] Remove hair from drains and surfaces
[ ] Clean mirrors
[ ] Replace used towels
[ ] Restock toilet paper and toiletries
[ ] Empty trash
[ ] Mop floors
[ ] Check for leaks or maintenance issues

Bedrooms

[ ] Remove and replace all used bedding
[ ] Inspect sheets and pillowcases for stains
[ ] Make beds neatly
[ ] Dust nightstands and furniture
[ ] Check under beds
[ ] Wipe high-touch surfaces
[ ] Empty trash
[ ] Vacuum or mop floors
[ ] Check closets and drawers for forgotten belongings

Living Areas

[ ] Dust furniture and surfaces
[ ] Vacuum sofas and chairs
[ ] Check underneath cushions
[ ] Wipe tables and high-touch surfaces
[ ] Clean mirrors and visible glass
[ ] Arrange pillows and throws
[ ] Vacuum or mop floors
[ ] Check for stains, damage, or missing items

High-Touch Areas

Do not forget the surfaces every guest handles.

Clean and disinfect:

[ ] Door handles
[ ] Light switches
[ ] Remote controls
[ ] Thermostats
[ ] Appliance handles
[ ] Cabinet pulls
[ ] Railings
[ ] Keypads or lock surfaces

Restock Guest Essentials

Cleaning is only half of a successful turnover. Make sure the next guest has everything promised in the listing.

Check supplies such as:

[ ] Toilet paper
[ ] Paper towels
[ ] Trash bags
[ ] Hand soap
[ ] Shampoo and body wash
[ ] Dish soap
[ ] Coffee and tea
[ ] Laundry supplies, if provided

For properties that need frequent restocking, Instacart can be useful for ordering everyday guest supplies and having them delivered, particularly when managing busy turnover schedules.

Inspect Before the Next Guest Arrives

Once cleaning is finished, do one final walkthrough from the guest's perspective.

Check that:

[ ] Wi-Fi is working
[ ] Lights and appliances function properly
[ ] HVAC is set appropriately
[ ] Smart locks or entry systems work
[ ] There are no unusual odors
[ ] Furniture is properly arranged
[ ] Previous guests left nothing behind
[ ] The property matches the listing presentation

A final inspection can catch small issues before they become guest complaints.

Make Turnovers Easier to Manage

Consistency becomes harder as reservations and properties increase.

A turnover management platform such as Turno can help hosts coordinate vacation rental cleaners and cleaning schedules between reservations.

Whether you manage one Airbnb or several, having a repeatable system helps ensure the same standards are followed every time.

Final Thoughts

A great Airbnb turnover is not simply about making the property look clean. It is about making the next guest feel like they are the first person to walk through the door.

Use a consistent checklist, restock essentials, inspect for maintenance problems, and complete a final walkthrough before every arrival.

When cleanliness becomes a reliable system rather than a last-minute rush, you protect your reviews, your property, and the guest experience.

Until next time, happy hosting!