A single negative review mentioning a dirty bathroom can tank your Airbnb ranking for weeks. One hair on a pillow, a smudge on the mirror, or a sticky kitchen counter — guests notice. And in the age of photo-heavy reviews, they document it.
This checklist was built with input from Airbnb Superhosts managing 3-10 properties. It's the same room-by-room protocol used by professional Airbnb cleaners who maintain five-star ratings across hundreds of annual turnovers.
Before You Start
- Strip all beds immediately upon arrival — don't let linens sit
- Open all windows to air out the unit
- Start laundry cycle 1 (sheets) before cleaning anything else
- Check guest checkout notes for any damage or special conditions
- Take a quick walk-through to identify anything needing extra attention
Kitchen — Full Reset Protocol
Guests spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. It needs to look unused.
- Wipe down all counters with disinfectant spray
- Clean stovetop, burners, and control knobs
- Wipe exterior of oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher
- Clean microwave interior and exterior
- Empty and clean coffee maker (descale monthly)
- Wash and dry all dishes — check cabinet for dirty ones guests hid
- Restock coffee, tea, sugar, and cooking basics per your house guide
- Empty and reline trash cans
- Wipe down cabinet faces and drawer handles
- Sweep and mop floor
- Wipe window above sink
Bathrooms — Zero Tolerance
This is where 90% of bad reviews originate. Give it 25% of your total clean time.
- Scrub toilet inside and out, including base and behind
- Disinfect toilet seat, lid, handle, and tank exterior
- Scrub shower/tub with tile cleaner — focus on grout and corners
- Clean glass door or shower curtain (replace if moldy)
- Wipe down sink and faucet — polish chrome dry to prevent water spots
- Clean mirror — use glass cleaner, buff dry for streak-free shine
- Wipe down all counters and any decorative items
- Empty trash and replace liner
- Restock: soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash per your inventory
- Place fresh folded towels — minimum 2 per guest plus 2 spares
- Replace bath mat if damp or stained
- Sweep and mop floor
- Final check: stand in doorway and scan for anything visible at eye level
Bedrooms — The Guest Impression
- Put clean fitted sheet on mattress (check for stains — flip if needed)
- Add flat sheet, duvet, and pillows — tight, hotel-style folds
- Place extra blanket at foot of bed or in visible closet
- Wipe down nightstands, lamps, and headboard
- Dust all surfaces including ceiling fan blades
- Vacuum mattress before making bed (monthly deep)
- Check under bed for items left by previous guests
- Wipe down all mirrors and glass surfaces
- Empty trash and replace liner
- Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors
- Ensure TV remote has working batteries
- Restock any in-room supplies (water bottles, charging cables per your amenities)
Living Areas
- Fluff and arrange all throw pillows and blankets
- Wipe down all surfaces: coffee table, end tables, shelves
- Clean TV screen with microfiber cloth
- Check remotes are working and visible
- Dust all decor items, picture frames, and light fixtures
- Vacuum sofas and cushions — check between cushions for items/crumbs
- Vacuum carpet or sweep and mop hard floors
- Wipe down all windows and glass doors at eye level
- Check all outlets are covered and working
Entry, Hallways & Outdoor Areas
- Sweep entry and any outdoor areas (patio, porch, steps)
- Wipe down entry table, hooks, and any key boxes
- Check door locks, deadbolts, and smart lock batteries
- Ensure lockbox/entry code instructions are visible and accurate
- Clean any outdoor furniture
Final Walk-Through Protocol
Never leave without completing this final sweep:
- Enter as a guest would — check the first impression from the door
- Turn on all lights and check for burned out bulbs
- Run the shower — confirm hot water and no leaks
- Flush all toilets
- Check WiFi router is on and connected
- Leave house guide in visible location
- Take 3-5 photos of each room for your records
- Lock up per your checkout protocol
Restock Checklist
Never run out of the basics. Maintain a supply bin in a locked closet:
- Paper towels, toilet paper (2 rolls per bathroom plus 4 spares)
- Dish soap, sponge, trash bags
- Hand soap for all sinks
- Coffee/tea/sweetener per your house standard
- Shower products
- Light bulbs (keep 2 of each type used)
Consistent execution of this checklist is what separates 4.8-star hosts from 5.0-star hosts. The difference isn't in the big things — it's in the dozens of small details that, when missed, signal to guests that the space wasn't ready for them.
