How to Keep Your Vacation Rental Spotless for Guests

The Eco Angels Collective
Aug 29
3 min read

Maintaining a pristine vacation rental is essential for attracting guests and ensuring positive reviews. A clean space not only showcases your property but also enhances your reputation as a host. Here, we’ll explore practical steps to keep your vacation rental spotless, making sure it meets the expectations of every guest.

The Importance of Vacation Cleaning

When it comes to vacation rentals, cleanliness can make or break a guest’s experience. According to a survey by Airbnb, 53% of guests listed cleanliness as their top priority when booking a rental. This statistic highlights the critical nature of maintaining a tidy environment. Guests want to feel comfortable, and a spotless space contributes to a sense of safety and luxury.

A well-maintained vacation rental encourages positive reviews and repeat bookings. This ultimately leads to higher earnings for you as a host. In this post, we will break down effective strategies for achieving a consistently clean space.

High angle view of a bright and airy living room — A well-kept vacation rental provides a welcoming atmosphere.

Essential Cleaning Supplies to Keep Handy

Before diving into the cleaning process, ensure you have the right supplies. Stock your cleaning closet with the following essentials:

Multi-surface cleaner: Versatile enough for kitchen counters, tables, and bathrooms.
Microfiber cloths: Great for dusting and cleaning without scratching surfaces.
Vacuum cleaner: A must-have to keep carpets and floors debris-free.
Mop and bucket: Essential for hard floor areas.
Trash bags: Ensure you have enough for trash disposal and recycling.

Having these items on hand will help streamline your cleaning process and make it more efficient.

Close-up view of cleaning supplies organized on a shelf — Keeping organized cleaning supplies can speed up your cleaning routine.

How do you clean a vacation rental?

Cleaning a vacation rental involves a systematic approach to ensure no corner is overlooked. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you maintain cleanliness:

1. Prepare the Space

Start by removing any items left behind by previous guests. Check for personal belongings, trash, or leftover food in the refrigerator. Once cleared, you can begin the actual cleaning process.

2. Dusting

Begin dusting from top to bottom. Use microfiber cloths to wipe surfaces like shelves, light fixtures, and fan blades. Don’t forget less-obvious areas, such as baseboards, window sills, and corners where cobwebs might accumulate.

3. Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen should receive special attention, as it's a space where guests often gather.

Countertops: Wipe down surfaces with multi-surface cleaner.
Appliances: Clean the exteriors of appliances such as the oven, microwave, and refrigerator. Inside the fridge, remove expired items and wipe down shelves.
Dishes: Ensure all dishes, pots, and utensils are washed and stored properly.

Eye-level view of a spotless kitchen counter with clean appliances — A clean kitchen invites guests to feel at home.

4. Bathroom Sanitation

After the kitchen, bathrooms are next on the priority list.

Toilets: Scrub toilets with disinfectant cleaners.
Sinks and Showers: Wipe down sinks, faucets, and shower walls using non-toxic cleaners.
Towels and Toiletries: Replace used towels with fresh ones and ensure toiletries are stocked.

5. Living and Sleeping Areas

Take time to clean the common areas and bedrooms:

Dust furniture: Use a microfiber cloth to dust off entertainment systems, tables, and chairs.
Bedding: Change and wash bed linens. Fresh bedding creates a great first impression.
Floors: Vacuum carpets and mop hard flooring.

Tips for Keeping Your Vacation Rental Clean Between Guests

Maintaining your property doesn’t stop at the thorough clean after guests check out. Here are some ongoing maintenance tips:

Routine Cleaning Schedules: Establish a regular cleaning schedule even when the rental isn’t booked. Regular maintenance reduces the work required during guest turnover.
Spot Clean: Keep cleaning supplies accessible in each room. This allows for quick clean-ups between guests.
Guest Guidelines: Provide guests with clear instructions on how to treat your property. Consider asking them to remove their shoes or to handle appliances carefully.

Hiring Professional Help

Sometimes, maintaining a high standard can become overwhelming, especially during peak booking seasons. Hiring a professional cleaning service can alleviate this stress. Consider a service like vacation rental cleaning. This not only ensures a thorough job but also allows you more time to manage other aspects of your rental property.

Final Thoughts on Keeping a Clean Vacation Rental

A spotless vacation rental not only attracts guests but also ensures favorable reviews and repeat bookings. By implementing a comprehensive cleaning routine, stocking up on supplies, and considering professional help, you can create a welcome environment. Remember, the cleaner your rental is, the more guests will want to come back. Always strive to meet the high standards expected in today’s rental market and make cleanliness your top priority.