As the end of the year approaches, it’s a great time to prepare your short-term vacation rental property for the season — before it gets too cold! You can think of this as a “winter cleaning” checklist to make sure your rental stays warm, inviting, and in tip-top condition for your guests.
When you take care of a few key tasks now you can avoid any possible mid-season headaches and continue to garner those all-important 5-star reviews. We’ve put together a detailed winter cleaning checklist to guide you (or your cleaning team) through the process.
1. Deep Clean Your Heating System
This is incredibly important especially if you live in a cold climate! Your guests will rely heavily on your heating system to warm them up after a day of exploring, so it’s crucial to ensure that everything is functioning properly. Dust and debris can build up in baseboard heaters, vents, or radiators — not only will this prevent them from working, but it could also cause them to overheat and potentially cause a fire.
What to do:
- Dust and vacuum heaters and vents.
- Replace or clean HVAC filters.
- Schedule a maintenance check if you have central heating.
- Hire a professional chimney cleaner if you have a fireplace.
2. Clean and Seal the Windows
Windows are one of the most overlooked areas when preparing for winter. If yours are too drafty you’ll drive up your own heating costs and leave guests feeling chilly. Additionally, clean windows let in more light during the shorter winter days, which can help make your rental feel brighter and more inviting.
What to do:
- Clean all the windows inside and out to remove any dirt and smudges.
- Add weatherstripping around window frames to seal gaps.
- If you live in a very cold place, consider adding special thermal window film (or at least some heavy curtains) for added insulation.
3. Refresh Bedding for Winter
Swap out lightweight bedding for warmer options. Winter is all about comfort and the right linens will make sleeping a lot cozier. This small touch can make a big difference in terms of guest experience and will likely not go unnoticed!
What to do:
- Wash any linens that have been stored away so they smell fresh.
- Replace light summer sheets with flannel or fleece ones.
- Add a thick comforter, duvet, or quilt to each bed (and a few extra ones for the couch).
4. Restock Winter Essentials
Again, this is especially important if you live somewhere that experiences very cold temperatures. Stocking up on winter-specific essentials and amenities will show your guests how much you care.
What to do:
- Provide extra blankets and space heaters.
- Make sure you have shovels, ice melt, sand, and snow scrapers if it snows a lot.
- Double-check winter emergency items like flashlights have batteries in case of a storm.
5. Check Your Roof and Gutters
Winter weather can be hard on roofs and gutters. The last thing you want to deal with is water damage or ice buildup on your property! The key to preventing any mishaps is to double-check that everything is in good condition before the cold hits.
What to do:
- Clear gutters of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
- Install gutter guards to prevent more debris from clogging them.
- Check for loose or damaged shingles on the roof and repair if needed.
6. Clean Up Outdoor Spaces
Snow and ice can turn walkways, patios, and decks into a dangerous obstacle course if you’re not careful. Just as with your roof and gutters, precaution is key.
What to do:
- Remove any debris like wet leaves, branches, or twigs from walkways and steps.
- Add anti-slip mats, salt, or sand to keep ice at bay.
- If your rental has outdoor lighting, make sure it’s bright enough for guests to see clearly at night.
7. Refresh Things Inside
Your guests are more likely to spend time indoors in the winter, so it’s important to give your STR’s common areas some extra love. A clean (and cozy) environment will make them feel more comfortable so they can relax.
What to do:
- Dust and clean all surfaces, light fixtures, and corners.
- Move furniture to clean behind and underneath it.
- Optional but encouraged: add extra throws, pillows, or other decor to play up the winter vibe.
8. Restock Amenities
Well-thought-out amenities set your property apart from the rest, no matter the season. That said, tweaking what you offer based on the season shows guests you really care.
What to do:
- Stock the kitchen with tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. And don’t forget the marshmallows!
- Add board games or books for cold evenings at home.
- Leave out guides to local winter activities, cozy restaurants, or nearby ski resorts.
Winter cleaning may not be as popular as spring cleaning, but it’s just as important — especially for Airbnb and STR hosts. Taking the time to prepare now means fewer issues later, happier guests, and (hopefully) 5-star reviews.
This content originally appeared in our twice-monthly Guest Book newsletter.
