Free Airbnb Deep Clean Checklist (For 5-Star Cleanliness)

What's the biggest factor that can make or break a guest's experience in the competitive short-term rental market? It's cleanliness. While most hosts perform standard turnover cleaning, achieving consistent 5-star cleanliness requires a more methodical approach: the deep clean.

This Airbnb deep clean checklist helps hosts impress guests, protect their investment, and boost profits. Maintaining cleanliness standards is non-negotiable for success, whether managing a single property or a portfolio.

At STR Cribs, we transform properties into high-earning rentals through data-driven design and renovation. Impeccable cleanliness is crucial for our clients' success across the U.S. This guide reflects our expertise in creating spaces that not only look good in photos but also deliver exceptional experiences that keep guests coming back.

Why a Deep Clean is Essential for Top-Performing Airbnbs

Cleanliness and your property's performance go beyond aesthetics. There's a direct financial link that impacts your bottom line. When guests experience a spotless property, they are more likely to leave five-star reviews. These reviews boost your property's ranking in Airbnb's search algorithm, leading to more visibility, bookings, and higher nightly rates, directly increasing Airbnb revenue.

From a psychological perspective, a clean property signals care and professionalism to your guests. It makes them feel valued and secure in their choice to stay with you. A sparkling bathroom, dust-free surfaces, and fresh-smelling linens create a frictionless experience that encourages glowing reviews. Conversely, a dusty corner or overlooked smudge can make guests question the property's hygiene standards and your attention to detail.

Standard Turnover vs. Strategic Deep Clean for Your Airbnb

Before diving into our checklist, it's important to understand the distinction between routine cleaning and deep cleaning in Short-Term Rental (STR) management.

A standard turnover covers essential tasks between guest stays: changing linens, sanitizing surfaces, vacuuming floors, and restocking consumables. This cleaning maintains basic hygiene and presentability. In contrast, a deep clean is a comprehensive, top-to-bottom cleaning that targets accumulated grime and buildup not addressed during regular turnovers. It reaches forgotten corners, moves furniture, and addresses maintenance issues before they become problems.

We recommend scheduling a full deep clean quarterly (seasonally) and after long stays or if the property will be vacant for an extended period for optimal property management. This schedule ensures your property maintains its pristine condition year-round.

Standard Turnover (Every Guest)Deep Clean (Quarterly)Change linens and towelsWash all bedding including mattress pads, duvet coversWipe all surfacesClean inside cabinets, drawers, and appliancesSanitize kitchen and bathroom countersScrub grout, descale faucets and showerheadsSweep/vacuum floorsMove furniture to clean underneath and behindRestock consumablesWash windows, blinds, and curtains

Essential Tools and Supplies for a Professional Deep Clean

Having the right tools makes a difference. Stock a dedicated cleaning caddy to make your STR cleaning process efficient and professional.

Cleaning Agents:

All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Degreaser
Bathroom-specific cleaner (grout/tile)
Stainless steel polish
Wood cleaner/polish
Disinfecting wipes/spray

Tools & Equipment:

High-quality vacuum with attachments (crevice tool, brush)
Steam cleaner (recommended)
Microfiber cloths (separate sets for kitchen and bath)
Scrub brushes (various sizes)
Squeegee
Extendable duster

Step stool
Protective Gear:
Rubber gloves
Knee pads

Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on any cleaning product to ensure it is safe for your property's surfaces.

Ultimate Airbnb Deep Clean Checklist (Room-by-Room)

Use this Airbnb cleaning checklist guide to tackle your property one area at a time. Work from top to bottom, dry to wet, to avoid re-soiling cleaned areas.

The 5-Star Kitchen

Appliances:

Clean the inside and outside of the microwave, removing and washing the turntable.
Deep clean the oven, including racks, door glass, and control panel.
Empty and clean the refrigerator, discarding expired items.
Pull the refrigerator out to clean coils and floor underneath.
Clean the dishwasher filter and run an empty cycle with a cleaning solution.
Degrease stovetop, burner grates, and range hood filter
Wipe down small appliances (toaster, coffee maker, etc.)

Cabinets & Drawers:

Empty all cabinets and drawers.
Wipe shelves and drawer interiors
Clean cabinet exteriors, focusing on handles and edges.
Neatly reorganize contents
Discard food items that are expired or left by guests.

Surfaces & Sink:

Scrub sink basin, remove stains
Clean and polish faucet, addressing limescale.
Clean garbage disposal with appropriate cleaner.
Sanitize and polish countertops
Clean backsplash, remove grease splatter

Floors:

Move all movable furniture and appliances
Sweep or vacuum thoroughly
Mop with the right cleaner for your flooring type.
Clean baseboards and corners

The Sparkling Bathroom

Shower & Tub:

Scrub grout and tiles for mold or mildew.
Descale showerhead (soak in vinegar solution if necessary)
Clean shower door tracks and seal
Deep clean tub/shower basin, removing soap scum.
Wash or replace shower curtain and liner
Clean and organize shower caddy/shelving

Toilet:

Clean the interior of the bowl with a toilet brush and cleaner.
Sanitize exterior surfaces, including tank and base.
Clean behind and around the toilet.
Check for proper functioning and leaks

Vanity & Sink:

Clean mirror and frame
Sanitize and polish the faucet and sink basin
Wipe out all drawers and cabinets
Organize toiletries and supplies.
Check and replace shower essentials if needed.

Vents & Floors:

Remove, dust, and clean exhaust fan cover
Clean light fixtures
Thoroughly wash the floor, paying attention to corners.
Clean baseboards and behind door

The Restful Bedroom

Bedding & Mattress:

Remove all bedding including pillowcases, sheets, and covers.
Wash all linens, including mattress protector, duvet/comforter, and pillow protectors.
Vacuum the mattress on all sides using the upholstery attachment.
If necessary, spot clean the mattress.
If applicable, rotate or flip the mattress.
Wash or dry-clean decorative pillows and throws.

Furniture:

Dust all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas.
Wipe down headboard, nightstands, and dressers (inside and out)
Clean mirrors
Dust and clean lamps and light fixtures
Check and replace burned-out bulbs.

Closet:

Empty and dust all shelves
Wipe down rods
Ensure hangers are uniform, neat, and sufficient in number.
Organize storage containers
Check and remove any items left by previous guests.

Floors & Windows:

Vacuum thoroughly, including under the bed and furniture.
Use the crevice tool along baseboards and in corners.
Clean window glass inside and out
Dust window frames and sills
Wash or vacuum curtains/blinds

Welcoming Living & Common Areas

Upholstery:

Vacuum all upholstered furniture
Remove cushions to clean underneath.
Spot clean stains per fabric instructions
If appropriate, steam clean fabric surfaces.
Fluff and arrange cushions and throw pillows

Surfaces:

Dust and wipe all hard surfaces.
Clean coffee tables, end tables, bookshelves, and TV stands
Polish wood surfaces with appropriate cleaner.
Organize books, magazines, and decorative items
Dust art frames and wall décor

Electronics:

Dust TVs, speakers, and other electronics with a microfiber cloth.
Sanitize remote and game controllers
Check all electronics are functioning properly.
Organize and secure cords
Update guest instructions if needed.

Floors & Rugs:

Move furniture to vacuum/clean the entire floor.
Have area rugs professionally cleaned or spot clean them.
Vacuum under couch cushions
Clean baseboards and crown molding
Address carpet spots or stains

The Functional Entryways, Hallways & Laundry Areas

Walls & Doors:

Wipe down scuff marks from walls, doors, and doorframes.
Clean light switches and cover plates
Sanitize doorknobs and handles
Dust picture frames and wall decor
Check for cobwebs in corners and on the ceiling.

Laundry:

Thoroughly clean the lint trap.
Wipe down the exteriors of the washer and dryer.
Clean inside washing machine with the appropriate cycle
Clean behind and under accessible machines
Neatly organize laundry supplies

Floors:

Focus on high-traffic areas
Clean entry mats or rugs
Check for and address any floor damage.
Clean shoe storage areas
Ensure all transition strips between flooring types are secure.

Inviting Outdoor Spaces (Patios, Decks, Balconies)

Surfaces:

Thoroughly sweep the patio, deck, or balcony.
If appropriate, power wash surfaces.
Remove debris from corners and edges
Check for and address any damage to decking.

Furniture:

Clean all outdoor furniture
Wash removable cushion covers
Check for damage or wear
Arrange furniture attractively
Clean outdoor tables

Grill:

Deep clean BBQ grill grates
Clean grill exterior
Check propane levels if applicable.
Ensure all tools are clean and organized.

Fixtures:

Clean outdoor light fixtures
Remove cobwebs or insect nests.
Check all lights are functioning.
Clean railings and banisters
Wipe down the exterior of storage containers.

The "Forgotten Spots" That Separate Good from 5-Star Great

Detail-oriented guests notice the little things. Addressing these often-missed spots is key to deep cleaning an Airbnb like a pro:

Tops of doorframes and picture frames
Baseboards and crown molding
Interior of window tracks and sills
Light switch plates and outlet covers
Under and behind heavy furniture and appliances
Ceiling fan blades
Air conditioning/heating vents and filters
The space between the headboard and the wall
Interior of the microwave plate cover
Under the refrigerator door seal
Inside the water reservoir
Under bathroom sink rims
Behind the toilet base and around the mounting bolts
Remote controls and light switches
Inside kitchen and bathroom drawers
Door handles and knobs

How Smart Design Maximizes Your Efforts

A thorough cleaning protocol is essential, and an easy-to-maintain rental property starts with intelligent design choices. Strategic, data-driven design decisions reduce cleaning time and expenses while enhancing guest experience.

Material and layout selections are crucial for your property's maintainability. Choosing durable LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) flooring over high-maintenance carpet in high-traffic areas or selecting quartz countertops that resist stains and scratches is an operational choice. Walk-in showers with glass doors are modern and appealing and eliminate the need to replace shower curtain liners. Smart layouts eliminate hard-to-clean corners and create flow that minimizes dirt accumulation.

Furnishing choices are crucial for long-term success. Commercial-grade or highly durable furniture that can withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning requires a higher initial investment, but pays dividends through longevity and reduced replacement costs. Strategic selections of durable, stylish furnishings with appropriate fabrics and finishes ensure your property maintains its appeal even with high occupancy. This approach is part of a strategy to maximize occupancy rates and revenue while reducing maintenance issues.

You should view thoughtful design and renovation decisions as an investment in a more efficient, profitable, and easier-to-manage property. Creating beautiful and practical spaces sets you up for sustainable success in the competitive STR marketplace.

STR Cribs: Your Partner in Creating a 5-Star Property

This checklist is essential for maintaining your property. Building a top-performing Short-Term Rental (STR) starts with a professional foundation. STR Cribs offers end-to-end solutions, from design visualization and space planning to material selection and renovations. Our data-driven approach ensures every decision enhances both guest experience and your bottom line.

We deliver consistent, high-quality results regardless of your property's location with our nationwide reach (excluding HI/AK) and vetted contractor network. To make your property transformation more accessible, we offer financing up to $100,000 for furnishing, with 0% intro rates for qualified borrowers. This allows you to create a premium guest experience without depleting your capital reserves.

Are you ready to transform your property into a revenue-generating machine? Contact our team to schedule a consultation and discover how our expertise can elevate your STR business.

Conclusion

Maintaining cleanliness in your Airbnb isn't just about meeting expectations. It's a strategic business activity impacting your reviews, rankings, and revenue. Committing to regular deep cleaning using this checklist invests in your property's long-term success and protects your investment.

Implementing this Airbnb deep clean checklist is crucial for professionalizing your hosting business and achieving consistent 5-star success. Cleanliness is the foundation of the guest experience. With the right cleaning approach, supported by smart design choices and quality furnishings, your property will stand out in a crowded marketplace and command premium rates.

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