You know the drill. One guest checks out at 10 a.m., and the next one arrives by 3. That’s five hours—on paper. But in practice, that’s five hours to clean, inspect, replace linens, restock, reset, and somehow catch your breath before someone else walks through the door expecting perfection.
Short-term rental hosting is fast-paced, high-pressure, and rarely forgiving. In this world, cleanliness isn’t just a detail—it’s the entire experience. And unless you have a system, you’ll burn out trying to meet the bar.
If you’re managing an STR or Airbnb property and want to keep it spotless without sacrificing your sanity, here’s how to build a smart, repeatable, hotel-grade cleaning routine.
Know What “Clean Enough” Isn’t
Let’s clear something up: the average home cleaning routine won’t cut it for STRs.
What’s acceptable in your own home—fingerprints on the microwave, slightly dusty blinds, a missed hair in the shower—isn’t acceptable when guests are paying by the night and reviewing by the minute.
STR/Airbnb cleaning demands:
- No visible dust—anywhere
- No lingering odors—neutral is best
- Pristine bathroom surfaces and mirrors
- No crumbs in drawers, corners, or under furniture
- Crisp, fresh linens without exception
- No shortcuts, even in unseen spaces
Even if your guests are only staying two nights, they expect a “first-time” experience every time.
Build Your “Turnover Checklist”
A checklist isn’t optional—it’s how you systemize success.
Here’s what a solid turnover checklist might include:
Bathroom
- Disinfect and wipe all surfaces
- Scrub and rinse shower/tub
- Clean mirrors streak-free
- Replace towels and restock toiletries
- Empty trash and sanitize bin
Kitchen
- Clean inside/outside of fridge and microwave
- Wipe down counters, cabinet fronts, and handles
- Run and empty dishwasher or hand-wash all used dishes
- Restock coffee, tea, and other host items
- Sweep and mop floors
Living Areas
- Dust all surfaces, including shelves, décor, and remotes
- Vacuum rugs and under cushions
- Spot-clean upholstery as needed
- Check and sanitize light switches and doorknobs
Bedrooms
- Strip and replace all linens
- Fluff pillows and check under the bed
- Dust side tables and lamp bases
- Ensure outlets and chargers are working
Other Essentials
- Empty all trash and recycling
- Open windows for air exchange (briefly)
- Restock paper goods
- Re-check locks, lights, and thermostat settings
And most importantly: do a final walkthrough from the guest’s perspective. Sit on the couch. Open the closet. Run your fingers along surfaces. The details matter.
Deep Cleaning Still Has to Happen
Even with tight turnarounds, deep cleaning can’t be ignored. Once a month—or more frequently if your booking volume is high—schedule time for the tasks that go beyond surface upkeep.
This includes:
- Cleaning baseboards and vents
- Washing walls or scuff marks
- Dusting blinds and window sills
- Vacuuming behind and under furniture
- Cleaning inside appliances and cabinet interiors
- Sanitizing mattress covers and replacing pillow protectors
If this isn’t something you have time to manage, it’s worth outsourcing. Providers like Summit Maids offer STR cleaning that’s tailored to these cycles—so you can focus on guest communication and bookings, not baseboards.
Streamline the Supplies
Stocking up doesn’t mean clutter. Create a dedicated owner’s closet or storage bin that includes everything your cleaner—or you—might need.
The essentials:
- Microfiber cloths
- Disinfecting sprays and wipes
- Glass cleaner
- Lint rollers
- Toilet brush and bowl cleaner
- Mop and vacuum (well-maintained)
- Laundry detergent and stain remover
- Backup linens and towels
- Batteries, light bulbs, and air fresheners
Label everything and make it easy to find. You’ll thank yourself when the turnaround is tight.
Think Like a Guest
This might be the most important rule of STR cleaning: empathy.
Ask yourself:
- Would you feel confident putting your toothbrush on that sink?
- Would you shower barefoot in that tub?
- Would you pour yourself a drink from that glass?
If the answer isn’t a definite “yes,” clean again.
Guests can forgive a quirky layout. They can forgive a noisy street. They will not forgive a sticky floor, a dusty shelf, or a hair in the sheets.
Build In a Feedback Loop
Even with great systems, things slip. That’s why it’s helpful to build in feedback mechanisms that keep you improving.
Use tools like:
- Post-stay surveys asking specifically about cleanliness
- Notes from your cleaners after each visit
- Periodic surprise inspections (or walkthroughs between deep cleans)
Keep records of repeated issues and use them to fine-tune your approach.
Train for Consistency
If you hire help, make sure they’re not just “cleaners”—they’re STR turnover pros. The difference is subtle but important.
Train your team to:
- Follow your checklist, not just general cleaning habits
- Reset items (e.g., remotes, coasters, décor) exactly as pictured
- Note damages or missing items
- Take before/after photos for accountability
A reliable cleaning partner becomes your peace of mind. When they understand your space like a hotel room, consistency follows naturally.
Clean to Protect Your Reputation
Let’s face it: reviews make or break STRs. And no factor impacts reviews more than cleanliness.
You can have the best location, the comfiest mattress, the fastest Wi-Fi—but if the guest finds crumbs in the drawer or a hair in the bathroom, the stars start dropping.
Regular, intentional cleaning is your insurance against that. It’s what protects your calendar from cancellations and your inbox from complaint messages.
It’s not about impressing guests—it’s about never giving them a reason to doubt you.
The truth about STR hosting? You’re not just renting out a space. You’re delivering an experience. One that starts—and ends—with how clean the home feels.
With the right system, the right support, and the right mindset, you don’t have to choose between great reviews and your own sanity.
You can run a high-performing rental that’s spotless, consistent, and profitable—without burning out.
Partnering with a professional team like Summit Maids can lighten the load, delivering consistent STR and Airbnb cleaning that lives up to guest expectations while giving you the freedom to focus on hosting, not scrubbing.
Because running a rental shouldn’t mean giving up your weekends—or your peace of mind.