Best Cleaning Practices for STRs: Elevate Your Rental Game

Short-term rentals (STRs) have revolutionized the travel and hospitality industry. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have made it easier than ever for hosts to monetize their properties. But behind the five-star ratings and rave guest reviews is one critical factor that can make or break a rental’s reputation—cleanliness. In the STR business, first impressions aren’t just important—they’re everything.

A clean, well-maintained space builds trust, earns great reviews, and secures repeat bookings. However, cleaning an STR is not the same as tidying up your own home. It requires a systematic, professional-grade approach to meet guest expectations and stay competitive in a saturated market.

In this post, we’ll break down the best cleaning practices for STRs, helping you maintain high standards, boost guest satisfaction, and grow your rental business.

A spotlessly clean space builds trust and repeat bookings.

1. Create a Standardized Cleaning Checklist

A comprehensive STR cleaning checklist is the backbone of a consistent and efficient turnover process. It ensures nothing is overlooked, even during busy back-to-back bookings.

Include These Core Areas:

• living areas – dust furniture, clean floors, check lighting and remotes

• bedrooms – replace linens, vacuum under beds, sanitize high-touch surfaces

• bathrooms – scrub toilets, sinks, and showers, restock toiletries, empty trash

• kitchen – clean appliances, wipe countertops, check for expired items

• outdoors – sweep patios, clean grills, arrange outdoor furniture

Download an example STR cleaning checklist or create your own based on your unique property layout.

2. Use High-Quality, Hotel-Grade Cleaning Supplies

Don’t cut corners on supplies. Guests expect spotless cleanliness that often matches or exceeds hotel standards.

Stock Up On:

• disinfectants and multipurpose cleaners

• lint-free microfiber cloths

• a HEPA filter vacuum for allergen control

• fresh mop heads for each turnover

Pro tip: Invest in eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products. They’re safer for guests and align with the growing trend toward sustainable travel.

Using non-toxic cleaning products will set you up within the sustainable-travel market.

3. Schedule Deep Cleanings Regularly

While routine turnovers focus on surface-level cleanliness, deep cleaning ensures long-term hygiene and property maintenance.

Deep Clean Every 4–6 Weeks:

• steam clean carpets and upholstery

• wash curtains and deeply scrub tile grout

• clean behind and underneath furniture

• empty and sanitize trash bins, including outdoors

Use calendar reminders or property management tools like Symple Leases to track these deep-clean intervals.

4. Train and Vet Professional Cleaners

Hiring experienced STR cleaners—or building relationships with cleaning teams trained specifically for short-term rentals—is a game-changer. STR cleaning is fast-paced, high-standard work, and general residential cleaners may not be familiar with the expectations.

What to Look for in STR Cleaners:

• prior experience with vacation rentals

• references from other STR hosts

• willingness to follow your custom checklist

• punctuality and availability for same-day turnovers

Create a cleaning manual or provide a quick training session to ensure consistency and alignment with your standards.

Hiring experienced STR cleaners will ensure a high standard of work.

5. Implement a Quality-Control System

Even the best cleaning teams can miss things. Establish a quality-control (QC) process to catch issues before guests do.

Options for QC:

• conduct random inspections

• ask guests for feedback on cleanliness

• use photo checklists or require before/after pictures from cleaners

• enable automatic alerts for missed tasks using software like Host Tools

Quality control maintains accountability and shows guests you take hygiene seriously.

6. Streamline Turnovers with Smart Tech

Smart tech can simplify and elevate your STR cleaning operations.

Consider:

• smart locks – allows cleaners access without key exchanges

• inventory tracking – use apps to manage linens and supplies

• automation tools – schedule cleanings based on bookings via your PMS (Property Management Software)

Apps like Guesty and Hospitable offer integrated features for turnover management.

7. Go Beyond Clean – Stage for Impact

Cleanliness is fundamental, but presentation is equally important. Stage your STR to feel inviting and photo-ready.

Tips

• Add finishing touches like folded towels or a welcome note

• Use neutral scents like lavender or citrus for a fresh feel

• Restock and neatly arrange amenities (toilet paper, hand soap, snacks)

Presentation helps bridge the gap between “clean” and “luxury stay.”

Clean Homes = Happy Guests

Mastering STR cleaning best practices isn’t just about avoiding bad reviews – it’s about delivering exceptional guest experiences. A spotless, well-maintained home builds credibility and increases your chances of five-star reviews, repeat guests, and higher booking rates.

With a solid checklist, the right tools, trained help, and a quality assurance plan, you can streamline your turnover process and stand out in a crowded market. Remember, your reputation starts at the front door, and a sparkling-clean space is your first opportunity to impress.