Access mobile and printable Airbnb cleaning checklists built for real hosts and cleaning teams.
You’ll get all four formats (static + editable) so you can customize your process, your way.
Back-to-back turnovers, last-minute reservations and the constant juggle of tasks can leave you feeling like you never have enough hours in the day.
When each missed dust bunny or forgotten towel threatens your reviews or Superhost status, there’s no room for error. A clear, reliable Airbnb cleaning checklist eliminates second-guessing and gives you a repeatable system that saves time, reduces mistakes and raises the bar for guest satisfaction.
This approach keeps your property cleaner, your standards higher and your reputation stronger, all with fewer headaches. With the right vacation rental cleaning checklist, you can deliver spotless stays every time and spend less energy micromanaging the details.
We've created multiple versions of our short-term rental cleaning checklist to fit your specific workflow, whether you're a hands-on host or managing a team of cleaners.
Our mobile download is perfect for on-the-go cleaning when you're rushing between properties or need quick reference while in different rooms. Keep it on your phone to check off tasks as you move through the property. This version is ideal for solo hosts who handle their own turnovers.
The desktop version works better for printing and leaving on-site. This interactive printed checklist becomes your turnover log, with spaces to record the property name, date, and cleaner's signature, creating accountability and documentation for tax purposes.
For hosts working with cleaning teams, share the editable vacation rental housekeeping checklist files so cleaners can customize it for property-specific needs or add notes about maintenance issues they discover. The digital version streamlines communication between you and your team, while the printed version creates a physical record that stays with the property.
Both formats are fully customizable, allowing you to add property-specific tasks or adjust the cleaning protocol based on your unique setup and guest expectations.
Download four customizable versions of our short-term rental cleaning checklist. Optimized for both mobile and desktop use and delivered straight to your inbox.
These six steps are inspired by Airbnb's Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which was initially developed during COVID-19 with health experts to capture the best Airbnb cleaning practices. Though pandemic concerns have lessened, this methodical approach remains the gold standard for short-term rental cleaning. These vacation rental cleaning tips deliver the heightened cleanliness expectations guests now consider non-negotiable.
If you are using a professional cleaning service, review the supplies they will bring with them versus what they expect you to provide. Make sure you're on the same page about preferred cleaning products. It’s useful to have a fully-stocked supply of cleaning materials and solutions at the ready:
Clear every personal item and stray piece of clutter before reaching for any cleaning supplies. Fresh air goes a long way, so open windows wide and let each room breathe. As you move from room to room, jot down repairs. We recommend noting burnt-out bulbs, leaky faucets, or a sticky lock as maintenance needs in the customizable notes section of our free Airbnb cleaning checklist.
Move on to the basics: dust, sweep, and wipe every surface in each room—no shortcuts here. Countertops, floors, and furniture need focused attention to get rid of crumbs, fingerprints, and dust bunnies. The downloadable Airbnb cleaning checklist breaks down each task by room, so you always know what's done and what still needs work.
Focus now on the high-traffic spots. Doorknobs, remote controls, and light switches top the list. Airbnb’s cleaning standards call for approved disinfectants, so grab a bottle and make those surfaces shine. Having a checklist keeps every detail visible, from wiping cabinet handles to sanitizing trash can lids. Post-pandemic guests continue to notice and appreciate this level of care in their reviews.
Before calling the job done, use the downloadable checklist for a detailed walk-through. Scan every corner for smudges, stray hairs, or missed spots. Compare your work to the checklist and fill out each section as you go. Take photos or jot down notes. Clear records make questions easy to answer and help spot patterns over time. A second look now saves headaches later.
Set every room for the next arrival. Place crisp linens on beds, restock coffee, toiletries, and paper towels, and arrange pillows and décor with care. Confirm the thermostat and Wi-Fi are working. No guest wants to play tech support on their trip.
A cleaning checklist keeps turnovers fast and standards consistent. Each area needs focused attention for a guest-ready space, which is why we provide a room-by-room cleaning guide.
Tip: Make sure you test electrical appliances regularly to ensure they still work safely and correctly.
Keep your checklist close—digital or printed—so every step is tracked and nothing slips through the cracks.
Tip: Check the drawers and closets between each stay, and remove any personal belongings left behind. Guests want to feel like they’re the first person to stay in a property.
Our checklist section for the bedroom covers every detail, so you never miss a beat.
Tip: Hair can quickly build up in bath and shower drains, leading to blockages. Always check drains and plugs before new guests stay.
Run through the bathroom checklist and log the date and your signature. You won’t forget a detail, and you’ll have a record to show for it. If you do turnovers yourself, logging your work is essential for tax reporting purposes to prove material participation and classify your short-term rental income as active.
Tip: Batteries die! Make sure you regularly replace batteries in remotes or game controllers and keep spares handy for guests.
Scan for stains or damage and log anything that needs attention directly on the checklist. When every box is checked off, you know the space is ready for the next guest.
Use your Airbnb cleaning checklist to guide specialized outdoor tasks, from checking garden lighting to tidying landscaping. We've included extra space in our cleaning checklist where you can add property-specific cleaning tasks.
Scrubbing floors before sunrise is no one's idea of fun, but skipping deep cleaning leads straight to guest complaints and costly repairs. A sharp cleaning routine, paired with an Airbnb cleaning checklist that doubles as a log, keeps every corner in check and builds trust with guests who expect spotless stays.
Weekly deep cleaning jobs keep grime from building up. Move furniture to vacuum underneath, wipe baseboards, and clean inside appliances like ovens and microwaves. Wash windows on both sides, not just the parts guests notice in photos. Our Airbnb cleaning checklist focuses on the tasks that need to be done with every turnover, but we've provided ample space for you to customize the list if you want to add in weekly deep cleaning tasks as well. We've formatted it so that you can mark every task as complete and record property details. If you're handing the checklist off to a cleaner, there's a space for their signature so every job is tracked.
Here are the monthly and seasonal tasks we recommend that you add to your Airbnb or Vrbo cleaning checklist:
Set up calendar reminders for each deep cleaning task. Digital checklists and scheduling apps help you avoid last-minute panic when you realize in the middle of the night that you haven’t winterized the patio space or dusted the ceiling fans in 6 months.
Uplisting's automated cleaning scheduler detects check-ins and check-outs and notifies your short-term rental cleaning service so they can get started on turnovers right away. You can even include our free short-term rental cleaning checklist in the manager notes that you share with the cleaners when they receive updates through the automated vacation rental cleaning system. Just make sure you upload the checklist to your Google Drive or other web-based storage because you can only share it as a link in the notes section.
Clear, prompt communication with cleaning crews and co-hosts keeps everyone moving in sync. Sharing the Airbnb cleaning checklist before each stay, then requiring a signature for every completed section, creates a culture of trust and keeps standards high. Each checklist entry logs property name, date, and cleaner’s signature. This builds real accountability and makes it easy to trace any missed details.
A property management system like Uplisting will update your short-term rental calendar instantly with every new booking or last-minute extension that comes through Airbnb, Vrbo, your direct booking website, or any other platform. Cleaning notifications trigger in tandem so that cleaning teams know exactly when to show up—no more missed turnovers or awkward double bookings. Integrations with your PMS let you connect tasks directly to each reservation, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Digital logs make it simple to review turnover history, spot recurring problems, and hold every cleaner accountable without micromanaging. When every task ties back to a clear, downloadable rental turnover cleaning checklist, new team members or backup cleaners can step in and hit the ground running.
A smart Airbnb cleaning checklist answers more questions than it raises, especially for anyone who manages multiple turnovers and wants to avoid headaches. Let’s get into the details that operators ask most often.
Most short-term rentals charge between $50 and $150 per stay for cleaning. Price shifts based on property size, how much cleaning is needed, and whether tasks go beyond the basics—like deep appliance scrubs or tending to patios. When you use a downloadable Airbnb cleaning checklist, cleaners can see exactly what's expected and provide more accurate quotes during your search. This clarity helps establish professional relationships from the start and ensures you're paying a fair rate for the specific tasks your property requires, rather than generic estimates that might not cover your standards.
Clear accountability starts with a room-by-room Airbnb cleaning checklist, printed or digital. Ask cleaners to check off every task in the turnover log—property name, date, and signature included. Many hosts go a step further and require photos of key spots: staged beds, cleaned kitchens, and sparkling bathrooms. Detailed logs and photo proof make it tough for corner-cutting to slip by and keep expectations grounded in facts, not guesswork.
Short answer: don’t. Regular turnovers handle the basics, but skipping deep cleans builds up problems that guests will notice, including dust, odors, or worn-out appliances. Work deep cleaning into your schedule during gaps between bookings or block off a day every month. Customize our free Airbnb cleaning checklist for weekly, monthly, or seasonal jobs. Even quick, focused deep cleans can keep standards high and prevent negative feedback.
Professional cleaners bring consistency and save hours each week, especially if you live far from your rentals or manage properties at scale. You'll pay more upfront, but the time savings and fewer guest complaints often cover the difference. When you hand over a detailed checklist, professional cleaners can hit your standards from day one. Owners who handle cleaning themselves save cash, but risk burnout and miss out on the reliability a vetted cleaning crew brings. Using a checklist keeps both professionals and DIY hosts on track, making every turnover as smooth as the last.
Both our mobile and desktop versions are fully customizable within Canva to match your property's unique needs. You'll need a Canva account, which is free. You can also open the PDF Files in Adobe Acrobat for editing, as an alternative.
Add property-specific tasks in the extra space we've provided, whether it's checking specialized equipment, maintaining outdoor amenities, or addressing recurring issues. You can also share the editable files so they can adjust protocols based on your property's layout and guest expectations. The digital version makes it easy to update tasks as your property evolves, while the printed version creates a physical reference that stays on-site.
Absolutely. The desktop version of our checklist works well as a turnover log with spaces to record property name, date, and cleaner's signature, although you will want to verify this strategy with your CPA. This documentation creates a paper trail that's invaluable for tax reporting, especially for hands-on hosts who need to prove material participation in their short-term rental business. Keep these completed checklists organized by property and date for easy reference during tax season, demonstrating your active involvement in property maintenance and supporting your classification of rental income as active rather than passive.
Uplisting is a short-term rental property and channel management software built specifically for helping managers scale their businesses. Our all-in-one system enables you to streamline your property management, with features such as an automated cleaning scheduler, multi-calendars and channel management.
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