Cleaning isn’t just about wiping counters and changing sheets.
It’s about setting the tone for your guest’s entire stay.

Most bad reviews don’t come from big disasters—they come from the small things hosts miss. The smudge on the mirror. The hair in the shower. The dust on the ceiling fan.

You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a system.
Here’s a smart, thorough checklist (including what most people forget) to protect your ratings, your property, and your sanity.

Pre-Cleaning Prep (Don’t Skip This)

• Open windows for ventilation
  
  
• Check for guest damage and items left behind
  
  
• Turn on all lights to see dust, stains, and streaks
  
  
• Start a load of laundry (towels or bedding) first
  
  
• Restock supplies (TP, soap, coffee, etc.) so you don’t forget later
  
  

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

• Strip all beds completely—including duvet covers if needed
  
  
• Check mattress pads and pillow protectors for stains
  
  
• Fluff and reset pillows evenly
  
  
• Wipe down side tables, headboard, and lamps
  
  
• Check under the bed for trash, socks, or dust bunnies
  
  
• Re-make bed hotel-style (tight, symmetrical, inviting)
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Dusting the top of the headboard and ceiling corners
  
  
• Replacing stained pillowcases even if they were “just washed”
  
  
• Checking behind and under furniture
  
  

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

• Scrub the toilet (under the rim and around the base)
  
  
• Disinfect sink, counter, faucet, and handles
  
  
• Clean inside and outside of the shower or tub
  
  
• Replace used toiletries or clearly mark what's not for guest use
  
  
• Polish the mirror (streak-free)
  
  
• Sweep and mop the floor
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Cleaning the drain (hair builds up fast)
  
  
• Replacing shower liners or moldy caulking
  
  
• Cleaning light switches, door handles, and behind the toilet
  
  

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

• Empty and disinfect the fridge (check for old condiments)
  
  
• Wipe down all counters and cabinet handles
  
  
• Clean inside the microwave and oven
  
  
• Scrub the sink and faucet
  
  
• Run and empty the dishwasher
  
  
• Refill coffee station (pods, filters, sugar, mugs)
  
  
• Take out the trash and replace the liner
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Cleaning crumbs from drawers and under small appliances
  
  
• Checking inside cabinets for half-used food
  
  
• Washing the trash can itself
  
  

Living Room & Common Areas

• Fluff and reset pillows and throws
  
  
• Wipe down all surfaces (tables, shelves, remotes)
  
  
• Dust TV, lamps, and electronics
  
  
• Vacuum or mop all flooring
  
  
• Open and close blinds to test function
  
  
• Check for fingerprints on glass doors or mirrors
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Cleaning the tops of picture frames or wall-mounted art
  
  
• Replacing batteries in remotes
  
  
• Sanitizing board games, books, or shared items
  
  

Entryway & Outdoor Areas

• Sweep or hose down front steps or patios
  
  
• Shake out entry mats
  
  
• Check outdoor furniture for cobwebs, leaves, or bird droppings
  
  
• Restock outdoor amenities (grill tools, firewood, cushions)
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Cleaning the keypad or doorknob
  
  
• Checking porch lights
  
  
• Clearing spiderwebs or bugs from outdoor corners
  
  

Final Touches

• Check thermostat or smart devices
  
  
• Leave a personal welcome note or gift
  
  
• Do a walk-through with a “guest’s eyes” (what would you notice?)
  
  
• Snap a few quick photos (to prove condition + use for listings)
  
  

What most hosts forget:

• Double-checking drawers and under furniture before locking up
  
  
• Turning off forgotten lights or adjusting blinds for a welcoming arrival
  
  
• Smelling the space—does it feel fresh, or just “clean”?
  
  

Final Word

A truly clean Airbnb doesn’t just pass the eye test—it passes the guest test. And that’s what keeps your reviews high, your bookings steady, and your reputation solid.

Need help training your cleaners or setting up a repeatable system that works at scale?
At JLT Management, we build cleaning checklists, coordinate turnovers, and make sure no small detail gets missed.

Because in this business, it’s the details that pay off.

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