Go-To Guide for Creating Airbnb Cleaning Checklists
- Symple Leases
- Nov 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Short-term rental turnovers require fast, consistent, detail-oriented cleaning – much more than a standard residential clean. A well-structured Airbnb cleaning checklist helps prevent missed tasks, reduces stress for cleaners, and ensures guests enjoy the same polished experience every time they arrive.
This guide breaks down exactly what to include in your checklist, allowing you to simplify turnover workflows and maintain a guest-ready property with confidence.
Why Every Airbnb Needs a Cleaning Checklist
Checklists Create Consistency
Whether you clean your own rental or work with a team, a checklist ensures every turnover meets the same standard. It helps keep quality high and predictable, even during back-to-back guest stays.
Avoid Missed Steps That Lead to Complaints
Even small oversights – trash under furniture, unwashed utensils, or hair in the bathroom – can lead to negative reviews. A checklist prevents:
Missed trash
Forgotten dishes
Overlooked high-touch surfaces
Missed under-bed or under-cushion areas
Help Cleaners Work Faster and More Confidently
Reduce decision fatigue
Speed up turnovers
Help onboard new cleaners
Improve accuracy and efficiency
Cleaners know exactly what’s expected, making the whole process smoother.
1. Pre-Clean Prep
Before You Begin Tasks
A great turnover starts with simple prep steps. Include these:
Ventilate the unit
Turn on all lights for visibility
Gather all laundry
Check for damages or missing items
2. Room-by-Room Cleaning Tasks
Kitchen Checklist
Clean and sanitize appliances
Restock essentials (coffee, filters, tea, paper towels)
Load and run the dishwasher
Wipe and disinfect counters and handles
Bathroom Checklist
Replace all towels with freshly washed ones
Scrub toilet, sink, and tub or shower
Refill toiletries
Polish mirrors and fixtures
Bedrooms & Living Areas
Replace linens (no reusing between guests)
Dust surfaces, lamps, and décor
Vacuum and mop all floors
Check under beds and seat cushions
If you're looking for safe cleaning products, visit https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/products.
3. Laundry & Linen Management
Maintain a System
Laundry can create delays—especially during same-day turnovers. Ensure that you:
Pre-treat stains
Start the laundry first
Use only approved property linens
How to Prevent Delays
Encourage hosts to:
Stock 2–3 sets of linens per bed
Remove stained or worn linens
Label storage closets clearly
Details That Make a Big Impression
Add a “Final Touches” Checklist
These finishing steps create a hotel-like guest experience:
Fold blankets neatly
Align pillows and décor
Ensure TV remotes are visible and functioning
Empty all trash inside and outside
Add any approved welcome touches (snacks, water bottles, local guides)
Include a “Quality Review” Checklist
A final walkthrough can drastically improve consistency.
During the Visual Walkthrough:
Take photo documentation
Ensure blinds are open and lights are on
Double-check all high-touch surfaces
Digital Tools That Help Create Checklists
Google Docs / Sheets
Easy to share, update, and duplicate for multiple properties: https://docs.google.com/.
Canva
Create clean, branded printable PDFs of your checklist on Canva: https://www.canva.com/.
Notes or Reminder Apps
A quick, mobile-friendly option for solo cleaners.
How Often Should You Update Your Checklist?
Adapting to Guest Feedback + Seasonal Needs
Your property changes over time, and your checklist should too.
When to update:
After guest complaints
When new amenities are added
During high-season turnover
When switching cleaners
Benefits of Updating Regularly
Reduced risk of negative reviews
Better alignment between hosts and cleaners
Faster, smoother turnover processes
Ready to Streamline Your Turnovers?
Download a handy Cleaning Checklist.
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