Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist – An Overall Guide for Hosts

As a host, maintaining a clean and well-prepared property is crucial for attracting new guests and ensuring a positive experience for those who choose to stay in your space.

To help you accomplish this, we have gathered insights from experienced hosts and compiled a comprehensive Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist based on their real-life experiences.

This list covers everything from commonly overlooked tasks to essential duties that should be completed before each guest arrives. Our goal is to make your hosting experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. By following this guide, you can confidently tackle every cleaning task, providing your guests with a 5-star experience every time.

Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist: The Essentials

1. Iron bedsheets
2. Provide fresh toilet paper
3. Remove old milk and leftover food
4. Change sheets
5. Replace the tea towel
6. Wipe windowsills
7. Vacuum and mop floors
8. Clean kitchen – wipe microwave, oven, and surfaces; clean sink; replace sponge if necessary
9. Thoroughly clean bathroom – wipe down shower, check drain for hair, clean toilet and sink; wipe mirror (use glass cleaner)
10. Clean stairs – wipe down, vacuum, and mop steps
11. Empty bins and insert fresh bags
12. Wipe down outdoor chairs – check decking (possibly sweep)
13. Check BBQ cleanliness
14. Manage trash bags around the back of the house

Additional Tasks for an Exceptional Guest Experience

• Check all rooms for personal items left behind by guests (e.g., phone chargers, clothing, jewelry)
• Check all drawers and closets to ensure they are properly restocked and organized
• Check all appliances (e.g., refrigerator, stove, dishwasher) to ensure they are clean and in working order
• Check all linens and towels for cleanliness; replace as necessary
• Check light fixtures, lampshades, and light bulbs for proper functioning
• Check window coverings to ensure they are in working order
• Check doors and locks for proper functioning
• Check all surfaces (e.g., countertops, tables, dressers) for cleanliness; wipe down as necessary
• Check all floors (e.g., carpets, hardwood, tile) for cleanliness; vacuum or sweep as necessary
• Check toiletries (e.g., shampoo, soap, conditioner); restock as necessary
• Double-check the entire property to ensure nothing was missed
• Take a photo of the entire property after cleaning is complete

We hope that this comprehensive property cleaning checklist will be a valuable resource in preparing your space for guests. Remember that maintaining a clean and well-stocked home is essential for attracting and retaining guests, ultimately leading to a positive experience for everyone involved.

By adhering to the must-do list, you can ensure that your property is spotless and ready for guests. By incorporating the additional tasks listed above, you can elevate your cleaning efforts and provide an exceptional guest experience.

Please note that this guide serves as a starting point – feel free to add, remove or adapt it to suit your specific needs. Keep this checklist on hand and refer to it each time you prepare your property for guests. With diligent planning and attention to detail, you’ll be able to host with confidence and ease.