Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Between Guests: The Complete Room-by-Room Guide

Cleanliness is the single most important factor in Airbnb reviews. It is the category guests rate most harshly, the one most likely to trigger a low overall score, and the area where expectations have risen dramatically in recent years. A property can be beautifully decorated in a perfect location, but if a guest finds a hair in the bathtub or crumbs under the sofa cushions, the review will mention it.

This is the complete cleaning checklist that professional Airbnb cleaners and top-rated hosts use between every guest. Print it, share it with your cleaning team, and use it as the foundation of your turnover process.

Before you start: the pre-clean walkthrough

Before cleaning, do a quick walkthrough to check for:

• Damage or breakages (document with photos before touching anything)
• Items left behind by the previous guest (set aside and message them)
• Maintenance issues (leaking tap, burnt-out bulb, wobbly furniture)
• Supplies that need restocking

This takes two minutes and prevents you from cleaning around a problem that needs fixing first.

Kitchen checklist

The kitchen is where guests look most closely after the bathroom. Every surface needs attention.

• Wipe all worktops, splashbacks, and cabinet fronts
• Clean the hob (including drip trays and knobs)
• Clean inside the oven (check for spills from previous guest)
• Clean the microwave inside and out (the most commonly forgotten appliance)
• Empty and wipe the fridge inside and out. Check for expired items
• Run the dishwasher if needed. Wipe the dishwasher door and edges
• Clean the kettle inside (descale monthly) and outside
• Clean the toaster (empty crumb tray, wipe exterior)
• Wipe the extractor fan or hood
• Clean the sink and taps. Polish until they shine
• Empty all bins and replace bin bags
• Sweep and mop the floor, including under the table and behind the bin
• Check all drawers and cupboards for cleanliness and correct contents
• Restock: washing-up liquid, bin bags, sponge, kitchen roll, tea, coffee, sugar, salt, pepper, oil
• Lay out fresh tea towels (minimum 2)

Bathroom checklist

Bathrooms are where 5-star reviews are won or lost. Be thorough.

• Scrub the toilet inside, outside, base, and behind. Check the seat hinges
• Clean the shower or bathtub. Scrub grout, remove any hair, check the drain flows freely
• Clean the shower screen or curtain. Replace the curtain if it is mouldy
• Clean the sink and taps. Polish chrome until it shines
• Wipe the mirror (check from multiple angles for streaks)
• Clean all tiles and grout. Mould on grout is the number one bathroom complaint
• Wipe the extractor fan
• Clean inside and on top of cabinets and shelves
• Empty the bin and replace the liner
• Mop the floor, including behind the toilet and under the sink
• Restock: toilet roll (minimum 4 rolls), hand soap, shower gel/shampoo/conditioner, fresh towels (2 per guest minimum)
• Fold and arrange towels neatly. A simple fold with the open edges facing away from the door looks professional
• Check the toilet flushes properly and the shower has good pressure

Bedroom checklist

• Strip all bedding: sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases
• Check the mattress protector. Replace if stained
• Make the bed with fresh, pressed linens. Hospital corners look professional
• Fluff and arrange pillows (2 per person minimum)
• Dust all surfaces: bedside tables, headboard, windowsill, wardrobe tops
• Wipe light switches, door handles, and wardrobe handles
• Check inside wardrobes and drawers (guests leave things behind here)
• Ensure enough hangers are available (minimum 10 per wardrobe)
• Clean mirrors and any glass surfaces
• Vacuum the entire floor, including under the bed and in corners
• Check the bedside lamps work. Replace bulbs as needed
• Set the alarm clock to off (if there is one)
• Check window blinds or curtains operate smoothly
• Place a luggage rack or clear space for suitcases

Living room checklist

• Vacuum or sweep the entire floor, including under furniture
• Mop hard floors
• Dust all surfaces: shelves, TV unit, coffee table, windowsills
• Wipe the TV screen with appropriate cleaner (not glass spray)
• Check TV remote has batteries and works. Reset to a neutral channel
• Fluff cushions and arrange neatly
• Check under sofa cushions for crumbs, coins, or lost items
• Clean any glass surfaces (coffee table, shelving)
• Wipe light switches, door handles, and window handles
• Dust lampshades and light fittings
• Check all lights work
• Straighten books, games, or decorative items

Hallway and entrance checklist

• Sweep or vacuum the entrance area
• Wipe the front door (inside and outside) and door handle
• Clean the doormat or replace if worn
• Check the door lock works smoothly
• Wipe light switches
• Check the key safe or smart lock is functioning (test the code)
• Ensure the hallway is clear and welcoming

General checks (every room)

• Check all power outlets are accessible and not blocked by furniture
• Test the WiFi is working (connect on your phone and check speed)
• Check the heating or air conditioning is set to a comfortable default
• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light
• Remove any personal items or previous guest belongings
• Ensure fire alarms have batteries and the carbon monoxide detector is working
• Check the property smells fresh and neutral (no cooking odours, no damp)
• Place the welcome card, QR code, and any printed materials neatly

Restocking essentials

Keep a supply kit ready so restocking does not require a separate shopping trip:

• Toilet rolls (4 per bathroom)
• Hand soap refills
• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
• Washing-up liquid
• Bin bags (all sizes for all bins)
• Kitchen roll
• Laundry detergent pods (if washer available to guests)
• Tea bags, coffee, sugar, milk
• Salt, pepper, cooking oil
• Spare light bulbs
• Batteries (for remotes)
• Sponges and cleaning cloths

The final walkthrough

After cleaning, do a final walkthrough as if you are the arriving guest. Walk through the front door, look around with fresh eyes. Open the fridge. Check the bathroom. Sit on the sofa. Lie on the bed. Look at the corners of the ceiling. Smell each room.

Take photos of the clean property. This serves two purposes: it documents the condition for any future disputes, and it gives you a visual record you can compare against over time to spot gradual wear.

Working with cleaning teams

If you use professional cleaners, share this checklist with them and go through it together on their first clean. Here are additional tips for working with cleaning teams:

• Pay well: Airbnb turnovers are demanding. Experienced, reliable cleaners are worth a premium. Underpaying leads to shortcuts.
• Communicate clearly: Send a message before each clean with any specific notes ("previous guest had a dog, extra hoover needed" or "tight turnaround, please prioritise bathrooms and kitchen").
• Provide supplies: Keep all cleaning supplies at the property so your team is not hauling products around. Restock supplies regularly.
• Spot check: Visit after a clean occasionally (unannounced) to verify quality. Check the areas most commonly missed: under beds, behind toilets, inside the oven.

Making cleaning information available to guests

Guests sometimes need cleaning-related information during their stay. Where is the vacuum? How does the washing machine work? Where do the bins go? Rather than fielding these questions individually, you can add this information to your AI concierge. With AskYourStay, guests scan a QR code and ask: "How do I use the washing machine?" or "Where do I put the recycling?" They get an instant answer, and you do not get a midnight message about bin day.

A spotless property is the foundation of every 5-star review. This checklist ensures nothing gets missed, every time.

Want to make all your property information available to guests on demand? Try AskYourStay free for 30 days and let your guests find answers to every question instantly.