What A Difference A Deep Clean Makes In An Airbnb

A Guide to Impeccable Hospitality/Learn How To Deep Clean Like A Pro

In the competitive world of Airbnb hosting, ensuring your property shines is essential for attracting guests and maximizing bookings. While regular cleaning is crucial, a deep clean goes beyond the surface, tackling grime and dust buildup to create a truly pristine and inviting space for your guests. This insightful guide equips you with the knowledge and strategies to deep clean your Airbnb like a pro, guaranteeing a five-star experience for your guests.

Planning and Preparation

• Schedule your deep clean: Choose a time between guest turnovers when you have sufficient time to clean thoroughly. In Panama City Beach this is typically done during the off-season, which is generally between November and February. If you are like many property owners, you may have snowbirds. In that case, we suggest doing a deep clean before and after the extended stay. We also suggest scheduling mid-stay cleans when a guest stays at your property for over 30 days.
• Gather necessary supplies: Stock up on high-quality cleaning products, disinfectants, sponges, mops, and cleaning cloths. See more on this right here.
• Invest in specialized tools: Consider acquiring tools like a steam cleaner, microfiber cloths, and a vacuum with upholstery attachments for enhanced cleaning.
• Remove personal items: Clear out any personal items, decorative objects, and clutter from surfaces and floors to facilitate thorough cleaning.
• Side Note: Make sure your guests have access to cleaning rags, a vacuum, mop and bucket, broom/dustpan, and basic cleaning supplies in case they have messes to clean up. Never leave bleach in your unit for a guest to access, and make sure chemicals are not within reach of small children or pets.
• Always Clean Top To Bottom

Deep Cleaning Essentials

Bathrooms

• Tackle the grime: Descale showerheads and faucets, remove soap scum from tiles and bathtubs and disinfect toilets meticulously.
• Don’t forget the details: Clean mirrors, toothbrush holders, towel racks, trash cans, and other bathroom fixtures.
• Wash bathmats and shower curtains: Ensure these items are fresh and free of mildew.
• Cabinets: Empty them and clean them inside and out.
• Clean the toilet brush and holder: You can put a little pine sol in the bottom of the holder to add a fresh scent that will stay for some time. (Some guests may not care for it so be careful with that one)
• Plunger: Make sure you have one present for each bathroom.
• Vent Cover: Clean the vent cover on the exhaust fan.

Bedrooms

• Deep clean mattresses: Vacuum mattresses thoroughly, paying attention to seams and edges. Use a mattress protector to prevent dust buildup and accidents. Everything should be laundered including the mattress pad, bed skirts, etc.
• Dust and disinfect furniture: Wipe down nightstands, dressers, headboards, and other furniture surfaces, including the inside of drawers.
• Clean windows and curtains: Remove dust and cobwebs from windows and wash curtains or blinds according to the care instructions.
• Move all furniture to sweep, mop, and scrub baseboards.

Living Areas

• Move furniture: This allows you to access and clean areas often hidden underneath furniture, such as baseboards and corners.
• Vacuum carpets and rugs: Deep clean carpets and rugs with a powerful vacuum to remove dust, dirt, and allergens. Steam clean carpets and/or rugs as needed.
• Clean upholstery: Use a steam cleaner or specialized fabric cleaner to remove stains and freshen up upholstery.
• Dust electronics and appliances: Wipe down surfaces of TVs, entertainment systems, and other electronics.
• Ceiling Fans: Don’t forget them.
• Doors, light switches, baseboards, walls: Use a magic eraser to remove any stains, or maybe it is time to do a paint touch-up.

Kitchen

• Clean appliances: Wipe down the exterior of appliances and disinfect surfaces where food is prepared.
• Scrub the oven and stovetop: Remove stubborn grease and grime from the oven and stovetop using appropriate cleaning products.
• Don’t overlook the cabinets: Clean cabinets inside and out, removing any spills or crumbs. This is also a perfect time to remove items that don’t belong and inspect everything to make sure it’s clean and properly organized.
• Deep clean the refrigerator and dishwasher: Empty and clean the refrigerator and dishwasher thoroughly, removing any food residue or odors. This includes moving the refrigerator and stove to clean behind, as well as cleaning the filter in the bottom of the dishwasher, as well as cleaning the coils on the refrigerator. Don’t forget the filters under the microwave or vent over the stove. These are often a greasy mess.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you click on some of the links on this website and make a purchase on Amazon.

Finishing Deep Clean Touches

• Mop hard-surface floors: Mop all hard-surface floors with a disinfectant cleaner, ensuring they are streak-free and gleaming. Test your floors. If you have mopped with the proper solution and mop, check the floor with a white cloth. If it is black, you will need a deeper cleaning. Many times we see “professional cleaners” or owners using spray mops. These mops do not clean a floor. They leave a waxy build-up on the floor that collects dirt, and normal mopping will not remove it. At this point, you have two options. You can get on your hands and knees and scrub them by hand with water, vinegar, and baking soda, or you can call a professional, or you will end up with complaints from your guests.
• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures: Remove dust and cobwebs from hard-to-reach areas. This should be one of the first things you clean.
• Air out the space: Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate and eliminate any lingering odors. If you have odors that you can’t get rid of by airing out the property or using Odorban, you may want to consider investing in an ozone machine. Here is a great one right here.
• Replace air filters: Replace air filters in air conditioning units and heating systems to improve air quality.

Beyond The Deep Clean

• Invest in quality linens and towels: Provide fresh, high-quality linens and towels to enhance the guest experience.
• Add a welcoming touch: Place decorative elements to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don’t overdo it, as these items will add to cleaning time, and you don’t want to leave anything that you are fond of.
• Do an Inventory: This is the perfect time to make sure you have ample amounts of towels, bedding, and supplies. Every unit should have no less than 2 sets of bath, bedroom, and kitchen linens that are in great shape in case of damage or the need for a quick turnover. Also, make sure that you have a couple of extra shower curtain liners available.
• Personalize your space: Leave a welcome note or small gift for your guests to add a personal touch.

By following these steps and incorporating these valuable tips, you can master the art of deep cleaning your Airbnb. This dedication to cleanliness will not only impress your guests, but also contribute to positive reviews, repeat bookings, and a thriving Airbnb business. Remember, a deep clean is an investment that pays off in guest satisfaction and long-term success. So, put on your cleaning gloves, unleash your inner pro, and transform your Airbnb into a haven of impeccable hygiene and comfort.