How Long Does It Take to Clean an Airbnb?
There are a lot of factors that determine how long cleaning an Airbnb should take, mainly size and condition. But it’s pretty safe to say that a “typical” unit can require between 1.5 and 4 hours of work. Of course, small units take less time, while larger rental properties, like those with several bedrooms, can take a lot more time.
Also, the condition of the space determines how long the job will take. For instance, a well-kept property might take an hour or two, while one that’s not been attended to could require deep cleaning and several hours of your time.
Other things that can affect the amount of time needed include whether there are laundry areas and kitchens. It’s important to be thorough when cleaning. Guests expect a very high standard and only leave positive reviews when they are fully satisfied with overall cleanliness. Using a checklist can greatly streamline the cleaning chores and boost efficiency.
Preparation: The Key to Speed
If you want to clean your Airbnb unit correctly and efficiently, preparation is a must. How long does it take to clean an Airbnb? The short answer to that question is: It takes a LOT longer if you don’t use a checklist. Lists help you make sure no area is neglected. They also streamline the whole process.
Step one of preparation is to gather all the equipment and supplies needed for the job. That way, there’s no wasted time looking for items after you get started with the actual cleaning.
Be sure to prioritize high-traffic areas and address common guest concerns, like kitchens and bathrooms. Use a systematized routine so that you move from top to bottom and left to right in each area you’re cleaning. Remove clutter from the unit before beginning to clean.
The Power of Checklists
Detailed lists are powerful tools. That’s why it makes so much sense to use an Airbnb cleaning checklist for a fast and thorough cleaning job in your Airbnb for amazing results every time.
All vacation rental units are not the same, but the following list should cover the vast majority of situations for hosts who want to work room by room or area by area when doing their cleaning. Each list item features a checklist along with Airbnb cleaning hacks for that specific area or room.
Of course, hiring a professional cleaning service makes the most sense for Airbnb hosts who want guaranteed results and the ability to book cleaning visits on short notice. How long does it take to clean an Airbnb? It won’t take you any time at all when you enlist the help of experts.
Knowing how to clean an Airbnb fast is a valuable skill. In about an hour and a half, the space will look organized, smell great, and be clean enough to generate plenty of five-star customer reviews and repeat bookings.
Living Areas Cleaning Checklist
1. Dust all surfaces first. Wipe down everything, including electronic devices (be careful to unplug small appliances), tables, and shelves with a high-quality microfiber cloth to minimize the presence of allergens, dust, and dirt.
2. Vacuum and mop floors. Start by vacuuming rugs and small carpets. After that, mop wood or tile flooring areas so that they’re clean and show no signs of debris buildup.
3. Sanitize the light switches and switch plates. Do the same to remote controls. Wipe clean all other high-touch areas, like doorknobs, to maximize guest safety and hygiene.
Helpful Hacks:
- When cleaning upholstery, use a lint roller to pick up fuzz, lint, and pet hair from all chairs and sofas. Just roll it lightly over fabric sections.
- Make your own freshen-up spray by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a plastic spray bottle. This will remove most odors and is a good way to make furniture smell fresh without using potentially harmful chemical solutions.
Kitchen Cleaning Checklist
1. Clean all appliances. Wipe down the outside and inside each one, including refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. Use a proper cleaning solution in order to remove odors and stains.
2. Disinfect sinks and countertops. Thoroughly clean sinks and countertops to remove all particles and dust. This step minimizes the presence of bacteria.
3. Empty and clean out all the trash receptacles. Take trash out and clean the bin with a disinfectant solution. Replace the liner to maximize hygiene in trash areas.
Helpful Hacks:
- For difficult stains, use some baking soda. Sprinkle it directly on stains and discolored spots of grime on surfaces. Then let it sit there for about two minutes before scrubbing the area with a moist cloth.
- Remove grease with a combination of hot water and regular dish soap. Mix the two in a small spray bottle to get rid of visible and invisible grease on backsplashes, stove tops, oven doors, and floors.
Bathrooms Cleaning Checklist
1. Disinfect and clean toilets. Use a suitable cleaner and brush to scrub bowls. Wipe down the exterior of the bowl with sanitizing cloth.
2. Sanitize the countertops and sinks. Wash faucets, sinks, and countertops with a disinfectant cleaner to remove all scum, grime, and soap buildup.
3. Wash the mats and towels. Remove used towels and replace them with fresh ones. Wash the bath mats until they are completely clean. Guests tend to notice dirt and grim in bathrooms, so perform a final visual inspection of the room before declaring it finished.
Helpful Hacks:
- For slow and clogged drains, use baking soda and vinegar in succession. Pour a bit of baking soda down the drain and follow it up with about an ounce of vinegar. This is an old and effective trick for removing odors and clearing minor clogs.
- To get shower walls clean, use a squeegee. After each guest visit, squeegee the shower’s walls to remove water spots and buildup of soap scum. This quick and easy step can keep showers looking great.
Bedrooms Cleaning Checklist
1. Change the bedding. Remove and wash all pillowcases and sheets. Replace them with clean, fresh-smelling linens to create a comfortable sleeping space for guests.
2. Dust all surfaces. Dust nightstands, dressers, all surfaces, and shelves. Use a microfiber cloth to minimize the presence of allergens and maintain a neat, tidy look.
3. Vacuum and sweep. Vacuum all rugs and carpets, and sweep the hard floors to get rid of all debris, dust, and dirt. This is an essential step for maintaining a clean Airbnb unit. Guests pay close attention to floors.
Helpful Hacks:
- When you wipe down surfaces, do so with a used dryer sheet to get up all the dust and leave behind a pleasant scent.
- Refresh bedroom air naturally by placing a small bowl of water and lemon slices in an inconspicuous location. This will not only neutralize odors for days on end, but also make the air smell fresh and clean.
Entryways Cleaning Checklist
1. Mop and sweep floors. Sweep or vacuum the entryway area to remove debris and dirt. Next, mop the floor to make the entry space look fresh and inviting.
2. Wipe down all flat surfaces. Clean off benches, tables, and light switches with an appropriate disinfectant. This makes the environment more hygienic.
Helpful Hacks:
- For pet hair, use a rubber broom, which is great at picking up debris in entryways and from hard floors.
- Use a fabric-safe air spray to leave a welcoming scent. It doesn’t take more than one or two spritzes on fabrics and rugs to create an inviting aroma when you are finished cleaning the area.
Windows and Doors Cleaning Checklist
1. Wipe down inside and outside of windows with a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner. This leaves no streaks.
2. Wipe the window frames. Use a moist cloth to clean sills and frames in order to remove dirt and dust. Pay close attention to corners where there is a lot of built-up debris.
3. Clean the door handles. Use a large disinfectant wipe to clean handles and locks on all doors. This step minimizes germs in high-touch zones.
Helpful Hacks:
- To leave glass surfaces looking crystal clear, wash them with a mixture of water and vinegar in a small spray bottle.
- Buff windows with clean coffee filters, NOT paper towels, to remove all streaks and leave a glistening, smooth finish.
Why Not Leave the Cleaning to Professionals?
Call MaidThis and get connected with an expert team of maids who specialize in fast, efficient, thorough Airbnb cleaning. Use the short online form or phone us directly to book a visit from pros who know how to get the job done fast and right.
Sure, you can use a list of Airbnb cleaning hacks and deal with the chore yourself, but if you don’t have the time, own multiple units, or want reliably excellent results, contact MaidThis and enjoy all those extra hours of free time. You deserve it.
