6 Tips for Effective Vacation Rental House Cleaning
Renting out your Southern California home can be a smart way to generate extra income. You get to grow your real estate’s value while providing comfortable accommodations to travelers and short-term renters. A win-win, right?
Of course, renting out your home also means cleaning it between each visitor, and that can be a hassle. Vacation rental cleaning is often the top logistical consideration for both property managers and hosts.
Although some AirBnB property owners have started asking renters to pitch in on the cleaning fees and chores, your renters probably won’t appreciate that.
Surveys show that 74% of renters believe it’s unfair for hosts to ask guests to clean while also charging a cleaning fee. They also don’t want to be asked to vacuum, mop, start laundry, strip beds, or perform many other chores.
The bottom line: you need a plan for vacation rental house cleaning. As experts in the industry, we’ll help you get started with six crucial tips.
(1) Use a Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist
First things first: standardize your cleaning process after every traveler’s visit. Create a thorough checklist that accounts for all the areas that need intention, including…
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living spaces
- Outdoor areas
The more specific your checklist is, the better. Break down each room into specific tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces. This will help you cover all of your bases and ensure every detail is effectively managed.
Furthermore, a checklist can ensure consistency across different cleaners. You want every renter to experience the same level of cleanliness, and a detailed list helps make sure no boxes are left unchecked.
(2) Craft a Quick Turnaround Strategy
The best property managers know that a streamlined process is key to rental success.
Vacation homes often have back-to-back bookings, leaving a limited window for cleaning and preparation. To expedite the turnover process, develop your own “turnaround” strategy.
Start with a well-organized cleaning routine that prioritizes tasks based on their importance and time required. Then, move on to more specific to-dos such as opening certain curtains or placing new air fresheners throughout the space.
When you have a tried-and-true turnaround strategy, it’s easy to hire professional cleaners and onboard them to your process. Systematic approaches keep things cleaner, but they also ensure your vacation rental is fully reset between guests.
(3) Invest in High-Quality Cleaning Supplies
The truth is that not all cleaning materials are created equally. The quality of your products can directly impact the cleanliness of your rental, so invest in high-quality, eco-friendly, and safe supplies.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to stock up on…
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Sponges
- Mops
- Vacuum cleaner bags
- And any other relevant cleaning supplies
This will help prevent disruptions during the vacation rental house cleaning. It’ll also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a truly clean, safe environment for all guests.
(4) Focus on High-Traffic Areas
Everyone immediately thinks about cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms after a guest leaves, but those aren’t the only areas that require special attention.
Certain parts of your vacation rental experience more foot traffic than others, such as entryways, kitchens, and living rooms. These busy areas require extra cleaning to truly look their best.
Make sure you’re regularly vacuuming carpets and rugs to remove dirt and allergens. If you have hardwood floors, they should be mopped in between visits. All kitchen countertops and frequently-touched surfaces should also be sanitized, including light switches and door knobs.
Many germs can live on your home’s surfaces for a few days, and some can even survive for up to a week. To ensure the environment is hygienic and safe for all future visitors, focus on carefully sanitizing high-traffic spaces – even if they look clean.
(5) Restock Guest Amenities
A positive guest experience extends beyond cleanliness. Regularly inspect and restock essential items such as toiletries, linens, and kitchen supplies. While you’re at it, check for wear and tear on towels and linens, replacing them as needed.
If you really want to impress your next guests, consider providing additional touches such as a welcome basket, local guides, or a guestbook. These thoughtful additions can boost your positive reviews and create a welcoming atmosphere for all renters.
(6) Communicate Clearly With Cleaners
Our last tip for vacation rental house cleaning is staying in close, careful communication with your property’s cleaning team.
Effective communication between you and your cleaning team is crucial to the success of your rental business. Provide detailed instructions and expectations for each cleaning session, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and timeliness.
Furthermore, you should encourage cleaners to report any maintenance issues or damages they notice. Timely identification and resolution of such issues can improve the overall state of your vacation rental (and help you get ahead of nasty reviews).
Looking for a Vacation Rental Cleaning Team? Use GiGO Clean.
The GiGO Clean App makes hiring trained cleaning professionals simple. Property owners can access a list of local cleaners that have been thoroughly vetted and approved by our system.
It’s not easy to trust your vacation rental to a cleaner – but our application helps you find experienced professionals for an affordable price. Book appointments at your convenience and pay your cleaner through our secure digital payment options.
You want your guests to experience the best, and that starts with excellent cleaning. Each of our cleaners follows a comprehensive checklist to ensure your vacation rental shines – and you get great reviews from renters.
Have questions? Contact our support team today.
