You open the doors to your vacation home and see stains on the floor and dirty dishes in the sink. You cancel your reservation and leave.
Now, imagine this is one of your short-term rental guests. Investing in a quality Airbnb cleaning service will prevent this horrifying scenario from happening and keep your guests happy.
This post will discuss the importance of hiring a professional cleaning service for your vacation rental and how it can benefit both you and your guests. Plus, we’ll discuss how Short Turns Airbnb Management can help manage your property while still bringing in 5-star reviews.
Why is Vacation Rental Cleaning Important?
Walking into a vacation rental and finding stains on your bed sheets is not just gross, but it’s a safety hazard. The last thing a guest wants to do upon check-in is to contact the host and wait for a last-minute cleaning. A bad experience like that is a sure-fire way to fast-track yourself to negative guest reviews.
Health & Safety of Guests: With a rotating door of guests staying in the same space, there’s a higher risk of bacteria and germs spreading. Additionally, uncleaned surfaces can pose a safety hazard, especially for children and elderly guests. If floors are not properly cleaned and maintained, slips, falls, and other accidents can happen.
Guest Satisfaction Equals More Bookings: Positive guest reviews are the lifeblood of the vacation rental industry. When searching for a place to stay, guest reviews are often the most influential factor.
One bad review about cleanliness can significantly impact future guest bookings. It may even cause you to lose the coveted Airbnb Superhost status. On the other hand, consistently receiving positive reviews for cleanliness will attract more guests and help to justify higher nightly rates.
Professional Cleaning Services for Airbnb Properties
If you’re an Airbnb host who manages multiple short-term rentals, you’ll need to invest in a quality Airbnb cleaning service. Turno is a well-respected industry favorite, or explore cleaners in your local area. Consider the following types of cleanings:
Routine
A standard cleaning is required between every stay. A routine cleaning generally includes taking out the trash, ensuring dishes are clean, and wiping down surfaces. This service is ideal for maintaining a basic level of cleanliness and hygiene.
Turnover
In addition to routine cleanings, all sheets and towels must be cleaned and replaced. This includes making the beds, changing to fresh linens, and providing clean towels for the next guests. Cleaning services may also take inventory and restock essential supplies such as toilet paper and soap.
Deep Cleans
A deep cleaning should occur at most every six months, but it is preferred every two months. It includes scrubbing all those hard-to-reach places like fans, vents, and baseboards.
It’s also a great time to deep clean carpets or perform any necessary repairs. Be sure to block off a day or two in your calendar to allow time for this necessary deep clean to occur.
Pet-cleaning
When launching your rental business, you’ll need to ponder the age-old question: do I allow pets in my short-term rental? Of course, service animals must always be allowed.
According to a study from AirDNA, 66% of households in the United States own a pet. Yet, only 42% of three-bedroom rentals are pet-friendly. As a host, there is huge potential here.
If you do allow pets, take steps to ensure your rental stays clean and hygienic. Consider implementing a pet-cleaning fee in addition to your regular cleaning fee. This will help cover the costs of any additional cleaning required after pets have stayed in your home.
While you can ask guests to pickup after their dog in the yard, you’ll need to make sure your cleaning staff is equipped to handle any accidents that may occur inside the rental. Be sure to provide extra cleaning supplies specifically for pet messes and odors.
What to Look For When Hiring an Airbnb Cleaner
Your cleaner is a valuable part of your team. Whether they’re an independent contractor or coming from an established Airbnb cleaning service, it’s important to find someone who is reliable, trustworthy, and has a keen eye for detail. Here are a few tips on what to look for when hiring an Airbnb cleaner:
Passion for Hospitality
A great cleaner should have a passion for hospitality and a desire to create an exceptional experience for your guests. Look for someone who takes pride in their work and goes above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect. It’s often a thankless job, so you’ll want to find someone with an A+ attitude.
Responsible & Dependable
If possible, gather reviews from previous clients of theirs. This will give you a good idea of their dependability and level of responsibility. You don’t want to risk having a cleaner who consistently cancels or shows up late, leaving your rental in disarray for guests.
Understands Vacation Rentals
Short-term rentals are their own beasts. Search for a cleaner who has experience specifically with vacation rentals, as they will be familiar with the unique needs and challenges of this type of property. They should also have knowledge of how to properly rotate linens, restock amenities, and report any damages or issues that may arise.
They Do It All
You want to create a team that can truly do it all. Hire a cleaner who offers comprehensive services, including turnover cleaning between guests, routine cleanings during longer stays, and deep cleans on a scheduled basis. This will save you time and effort in coordinating with multiple vacation rental cleaners for different tasks.
Attention to Detail
An eye for detail goes a long way in the vacation rental industry. Your cleaner should be able to spot and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. Look for someone who takes the time to go the extra mile in making your Airbnb rental property shine.
Flexibility
Things can change quickly in the rental world, so it’s important to have a cleaner who is flexible and able to adapt to new situations. They should be responsive to messages and able to accommodate last-minute bookings or changes in scheduling (within reason).
Trustworthiness
Having a trustworthy cleaner is crucial for the success of your Airbnb rentals. Look for someone who has positive reviews and references, and consider conducting a background check for added peace of mind.
Number of Employees
A larger cleaning company may have more resources and availability for last-minute bookings, but a smaller team may offer a more personalized touch and attention to detail. If you only hire one cleaner, be sure to have a backup plan in case they fall ill and cannot work.
What’s a Reasonable Airbnb Cleaning Fee?
Cleaning fees have become a hot topic in the industry. Here’s a breakdown of key points to consider:
Location: Cleaning fees can differ depending on the property’s location. City center properties often incur higher fees due to demand and higher living costs.
Property Type and Size: The nature and size of the Airbnb property also play a role. A large villa will naturally have higher cleaning costs compared to a studio apartment due to the additional labor and time required.
Services Offered: The range of cleaning services provided can impact the fee. Comprehensive services, including deep cleans, will be priced higher than basic turnover cleanings.
Stand-alone cleaning fees can range from $0 to $500. They are largely set based on the discretion of the rental property manager or owner, taking into account the above factors.
Use your best judgment when determining a cleaning fee for guests. However, when you integrate property management with Short Turns, cleaning is included in one single fee for owners.
Benefits of Professional Airbnb Management
Managing a short-term rental on your own can be a lot of work. That’s where a professional Airbnb management company comes in. Below are just a few reasons why investing in property management will streamline your tasks and increase bookings:
Keeps your property clean and in top condition: Never miss a cleaning again! A professional management team guarantees that your property is left in pristine condition and maintained to the highest standards, keeping guests happy and earning you positive reviews.
Passive experience for owners: Scheduling and managing cleaners can be a headache. Working with a management service eliminates the hassle of coordinating cleanings.
Proven systems that deliver higher reviews: Higher reviews equals higher booking rates. Successful management companies have tried and true systems for guest satisfaction, earning you more bookings in the long term.
Local expertise and partnerships with the best cleaners: No need to search for and interview cleaners yourself. Management companies already have established relationships with local cleaning companies that ensure your rental property is always sparkling clean and ready for guests.
Pro Tips for Airbnb Cleaning
To get started, keep these simple tips and tricks in mind:
Address guest complaints immediately: If there’s an issue, respond to it as soon as possible. This shows that you care about your guests’ experience and will help prevent negative reviews.
Let a property management company schedule your cleanings: Use a property management company to schedule cleanings after a guest checks out. This will save time and guarantee your property is always ready for the next guest.
Create an Airbnb cleaning checklist: Having everything written down and double-checked ensures nothing is forgotten during cleanings.
Inspect cleaning jobs routinely: Regular inspections also help maintain consistent cleaning standards.
Leverage the same cleaners: It’s best when cleaners really get to know a property. They learn the nooks and crannies of a space and can clean more efficiently. It also creates consistency in cleaning standards.
Pay attention to details: Small things like making sure towels are clean and neatly folded and linens are wrinkle-free will make a big difference in guest satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I pay someone to clean my Airbnb?
The cost of an Airbnb cleaning service depends on the location, size, and specific requirements of your vacation rentals. A general rule of thumb is to budget around $20-$50 per hour for cleaning services.
Why is Airbnb cleaning so expensive?
Airbnb cleaning services can be more expensive because they require a higher level of attention to detail and often require additional tasks such as restocking supplies. Additionally, there is less time between guests for cleaners to complete their work.
Why do some Airbnbs have no cleaning fee?
Some Airbnb hosts choose not to charge an Airbnb cleaning fee as they prefer to incorporate the cost into their nightly rate.
Are Airbnbs cleaned daily?
Airbnbs are cleaned between guests, but not necessarily every day.
How often should Airbnb be deep cleaned?
Airbnbs should be deep cleaned at least once every six months, but every two months is preferred.
How to manage Airbnb Cleaning?
Invest in a property management company that handles the scheduling and communication with cleaners.
How to schedule cleaners?
Work with a property management company that handles scheduling for you. Alternatively, you can create a cleaning schedule yourself or communicate directly with your Airbnb cleaners to set up appointments.
Key Takeaways
A sparkling clean property is the backbone of a successful rental business. As a host, it’s your responsibility to guarantee your guests have a pleasant and comfortable stay. Hiring a professional cleaning service or creating a detailed cleaning schedule can help you maintain high standards of cleanliness in your vacation rental.
To make things easier, Short Turns handles everything involved with professional cleanings. This allows you more time to focus on handling other aspects of your business. Make Airbnb management simple by adopting Short Turns today, and ensure your guests always walk into a spotless home.