Ultimate Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist For Better Guest Experience

Did you know that using a vacation rental cleaning checklist may help you maintain your home and receive more 5-star reviews? The vacation rental market has been growing in recent years, and standards are rising.

Guests have gotten more selective when choosing a great vacation rental property as a result of the wide variety of choices available.

Even though your house is beautiful, has a fantastic location, and has stunning décor, if you don't keep it clean, it won't appeal to guests.

Read more: Tips On How To Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out

What Is A Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist?

It is a maintenance checklist that helps you to remember exactly where and what you should be doing every time you clean your vacation home.

Introducing a vacation rental cleaning checklist to your home is genius. By using it, you will always know that all areas of your home are thoroughly clean.

Importance Of A Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist

Every month, vacation homes receive dozens of guests, thus maintaining a high level of hygiene is essential.

This is why every time a guest leaves a short-term rental, the owner should clean thoroughly.

Cleaning, on the other hand, can be time-consuming and exhausting. It also necessitates a high level of coordination and patience. Below are some ways in which a vacation rental checklist can benefit you.

Makes Things Easier

It will not only accelerate the procedure, but it will also function as a set of instructions in the event that you decide to hire a cleaning service.

You'll be able to define your goals and determine which parts of your house require immediate care. A comprehensive vacation rental cleaning checklist serves as a tried-and-true algorithm in general.

You never know how huge your house is until you decide to clean it. There are many hidden nooks and crannies that are sometimes ignored.And the last thing you want is to finish cleaning, relax, and then uncover a dusty area.

You want to go in, finish the job thoroughly and effectively, and then relax and enjoy the clean surroundings.

Customer Satisfaction

A vacation rental cleaning checklist organizes your cleaning process and makes it more accurate. As a result, you can be rest assured that your guests will find your property in good working order and will be happy to leave you a great review.

Read more: How To Manage Vacation Rental Property

Cleaning During Your Guests’ Stay

Occasionally, you may be required to host guests for long periods. In that situation, specific places may require your attention, while the guests are still on the premises.

If you're renting a larger house that can accommodate numerous visitors, this is very crucial.

Because several people use shared areas on a daily basis, they quickly get untidy and disorganized.

Patios and swimming pools are in the same category. For long-term stays, here are some pointers on how to handle cleaning:

• Organize a weekly cleaning – communicate with your guests and choose a day that works best for everyone.
• If they choose to have the cleaning done by you, include a service charge for longer stays.
• To encourage guests to handle their own cleaning, provide a discount for longer stays.
• Keep some cleaning products within the house so that guests can do their own cleaning if necessary.
• Replace the sheets, pillowcases, and towels on a weekly basis.
• Encourage open conversation by asking them about their cleaning preferences when they arrive.

Bear in mind that you don’t have to perform a serious clean during your guests’ stay. Surface-level cleaning and restocking essentials should be enough.

Cleaning After Your Guests’ Leave

After your guests have left, it's crucial to double-check that everything is in order. If something breaks, you must calculate the cost of repair and file a claim against the damage deposit.

Make sure your guests have not forgotten anything. When guests are rushing to collect their belongings, this is more likely to happen.

This quick post-departure cleaning checklist will save you time:

• Check in the fridge for any leftovers or stains from prior use.
• Open the microwave to see if there is any bad odours or stains.
• Examine concealed areas such as under the mattresses, sinks, trash cans, and so on.
• Open all cabinets, bedside drawers, and dressers.
• If you have to recycle bins, double-check that guests have properly separated their waste.
• Ensure that nothing is damaged.
• Check to see if all of the valuables are still intact.

Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist

We've created a list of comprehensive techniques, tips, and suggestions based on our extensive experience in the industry.

Read more: Amenities Checklist For Vacation Rentals

General Cleaning Throughout The Home

Your guests will want and expect a tidy house so that they may not only appreciate the place but also feel safe and prepared to begin their holiday.

• Wipe mirrors and windows
• Clean shelves and wipe the dust off decorative items
• Sweep and wipe the areas around and underneath furniture
• Clean all the drawers
• Dust and clean all light fixtures in the property
• Dust the blinds and wash the curtains
• Vacuum and sanitize all floors, rugs, carpets, and furniture
• Empty and disinfect trash cans
• Fold and replace towels, blankets, and bedsheets
• Wash the pillows

Kitchen

Confirm that your kitchen is set for guests to begin preparing a meal once they arrive at your vacation rental. Cleaning all surfaces and things, emptying the dishwasher, and restocking paper towels and soap will help your visitors in getting started on their holiday.

• Thoroughly clean and clean the microwave oven.
• Clean the inside of the oven, including the wire racks.
• Clean and disinfect all countertops.
• Ensure that there is no food in the fridge.
• Wipe down all drawers and cabinets/cupboards.
• Refill the pantry.
• Make sure the refrigerator is clean.
• Disinfect the dishwasher.
• Vacuum/sweep the floors.
• Clean and empty the trash cans.

Bedrooms

As soon as your guests arrive at your property, your bedroom(s) should be ready for them to rest. Your guests will be comfortable, thanks to everything from bedding to a freshly cleaned room.

• Replace all pillowcases and make the bed.
• Replace the blankets and sheets.
• Cobwebs in the ceiling, corners, and light fixtures should be removed.
• Curtains should be cleaned.
• Clean the windows and dust the blinds.
• The mattress should be vacuumed.
• Make sure the light switches are clean.
• Dust the drawers, cabinets, shelves, and other decorative items.
• Clean/mop the floor.
• Vacuum beneath the bed and other pieces of furniture.

Living Room

Because the living room is a frequently used area, clean high-touch surfaces and straighten any cushions or seats in preparation for the arrival of guests.

• All electronics and décor should be dusted.
• Wash pillows and clean other ornamental things
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Clean all windows and mirrors.
• Wipe down the walls, light switches, and doors with a damp cloth.
• Cleaning the windows, drapes, and blinds is a good idea.
• Wipe down the sofas and chairs.
• Make sure the shelves are clean.
• Vacuum the area surrounding and underneath the furniture and clean it.
• Magazines and other random objects should be organized.

Garage And Outdoor Spaces

Make a brief walkthrough of any places outside of the vacation property to ensure that any garbage, dirt, or messes are picked up. Grills, outdoor furniture, and trash cans are examples of these items.

• Remove all trash and recyclables.
• Sweep.
• Make sure all of the owner's belongings in the garage are safe.
• Sweep the porch and wipe down the front door.
• Clean the BBQ grill, make sure the cooking implements are clean, and make sure there's enough propane (if needed) for the forthcoming guests.
• Make sure all of the outdoor lights are working.
• Make a thorough inspection of the premises to ensure that all cigarette butts and pet excrement have been removed.
• All furnishings should be wiped down and cleaned.
• Clean the patio with a broom and a damp cloth.
• Remove any lawn debris (sticks, leaves, etc.)
• Thoroughly wash your driveway and any other concrete surfaces near your house.
• The swimming pool should be cleaned.
• Vacuum and dust the garage.
• Exterior windows should be cleaned.
• Clean out your gutters.
• The grill should be cleaned and degreased.

Bathrooms

When cleaning the bathroom, pay extra attention to all of the surfaces. Remove all traces of past guests - no one wants to be reminded of previous visitors while using the bathroom.

• Sterilize and clean the entire toilet (bowl, seat, tank, etc.)
• The toilet brush should be washed and disinfected.
• Make sure the sinks are clean.
• Towels should be replaced and folded.
• Clean the showerhead and faucets.
• Clean the mirrors as well as other reflecting surfaces thoroughly.
• All shelves and decorations should be dusted.
• All of the cabinets and drawers should be cleaned and restocked.
• Make sure there is no mold in the bathroom.
• Inside the bathroom, wash and sweep the carpets and other fabrics.

Laundry Area

Regardless of if your laundry room is for guest use or not, it's a good idea to keep the machines and space in good working order so they're prepared for the next cleaning time.

• Make sure the washer and dryer are both empty, and the lint trap is clean.
• Clean the machines (including the seal areas) and then leave them open.
• The floors should be cleaned (sweep & mop).
• Trash should be removed and trash cans should be cleaned.
• Make sure you have enough laundry supplies (e.g., laundry detergent and dryer sheets).
• Make sure you have iron, ironing board, and distilled water available.

Is Cleaning The Same As Deep Cleaning?

Unlike everyday cleaning, deep cleaning focuses more on unconventional cleaning. It suggests cleaning places that you normally wouldn’t think of touching.

Vacation Rental Deep Cleaning Checklist

When it comes to deep cleaning your home, there are a few things you should always have on hand.

Deep cleaning is unquestionably time-consuming and difficult. It must be thorough, involving several products and attention to detail.

Here is a list of goods and items that will assist you in deep cleaning your holiday rental. It will be much easier to clean if you have these products available:

• A vacuum cleaner with multiple functions.
• Towels and cloths made of microfiber.
• Gloves made of rubber.
• Wipes for disinfecting.
• Antibacterial cleansers for multiple surfaces.
• Glass cleaners.
• Steam mop
• Odor remover
• Mold remover
• Degrease
• Spray bottles

All of these things can be kept in a designated section of your holiday rental. If you choose to outsource your cleaning, you won't need to stock all of these cleaning materials. Examples of the type of deep cleaning that may be done in your vacation rental.

• Carpet cleaning/stain removal beyond vacuuming
• Unclogging drains and pipes
• Window washing
• Porch and patio cleaning
• Shower curtain cleaning
• Aerator cleaning
• Degreasing stovetop hood
• Picking up clutter
• Tile grout

Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Covid-19

Rigorous cleaning procedures will not only be crucial to the health and safety of vacation rental guests, but they will also be a significant factor in your property's profitability as the travel industry continues to re-introduce itself into the new reality.

Assuring guests that the short-term rental has been adequately disinfected and cleaned is a crucial component.

Here's a closer look at the latest cleaning procedures and approaches, which are meant to serve as a guide to guarantee guests' safety and comfort during their stay.

VRHP/VRMA Cleaning Guidelines For COVID-19

The SafeHome Campaign, launched by theVacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VHRP), which is a subsidiary of theVacation Rental Management Association (VRMA),enables members to incorporate proper hygiene standards that comply with, and, in many instances, exceed – those mandated nationally or locally.

• The following are some of the new guidelines:

• Techniques for disinfection and sanitization.

• Correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Cleaning agents, products, and equipment that are recommended.

• Updated soft surface, upholstery, linen cleaning and inspection methods

• Processes for trash collection and maintenance.

• Guests are being informed about the enhanced cleaning process.

"The SafeHome program encourages all vacation rental managers to openly communicate with employees and guests about the efforts they are taking to keep them healthy and safe," according to VRMA.

Visit the entirelist of enhanced cleaning recommendationsfor additional information.

Tips for Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Vacation Rental

Cleaning is not a simple duty; it is one of the most crucial things you can do for yourself, your home, and your guests. Disinfecting your property can help prevent sicknesses such as the coronavirus from spreading.

When a person coughs or sneezes on a surface or rubs their eyes and then touches a doorknob, light switch, or another widely used home item, the germs are transferred to that item.

To cut the long story short, one guest can check out and contaminate the space for the next guest. This is why thorough cleaning procedures are so important.

Your 'new normal' cleaning method will help disinfect a variety of surfaces, with a special focus on high-touch areas of your home.Taking extra precautions to sterilize your property will help to assure its safety and cleanliness.

Use a two-step method for high-touch surfaces including doorknobs, sink fixtures, remote controls, and light switches.To kill bacteria, start with a detergent and hot water, then finish with a disinfectant.

Clean low-touch surfaces like walls and blinds with soap and hot water.

When handling items that need to be washed, make sure you wear disposable gloves and use the hottest water option.Wear gloves while cleaning and avoid touching your face.

Make absolutely sure to open the windows and ventilate the home both during and after cleaning.

Make sure that everything in the kitchen has been well cleaned and is ready for guests.Vacuum all surfaces on a regular basis as part of your cleaning routine. Before allowing guests to use the vacuum, clean it down with disinfectant.

It doesn't have to be a difficult task to clean your short-term rental. Make sure you're wearing the right PPE and following theCDC's standards.

Key Takeaways

Despite the fact that your vacation home is not a hotel, guests will demand the same level of cleanliness.

So your mission is to make it pristine, and you'll be rewarded with rave reviews. Make your vacation rental cleaning checklist available at all times to ensure maximum cleanliness. Also, remember to use it each time you clean the property.

Organizing your activities, managing your property properly, and sticking to the schedule will take the stress out of cleaning and ensure that your property meets the high standards set by your guests.

Booking Ninjas offer a standard cloud-basedvacation rental property management systemthat will help you with the organization of elements like your vacation rental cleaning checklist. They provide a cloud-booking engine, channel manager, accounting, online portal, & many more

The Booking Ninjas PMS unifies silos into a single system that allows your vacation rental cleaning process to be maintained automatically.

Our property management system uses AI to assist you in the autonomous collection and analysis of previously disregarded data. For you, this is a huge relief!

The management system integrates with Salesforce to help you expand your business and is extendable via the Salesforce app exchange to help your vacation rental property thrive.

You canschedule a call with us, to learn more about the services that we offer.