Let’s be honest—your cleaner can make or break your Airbnb business. A late or careless turnover isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a missed booking, a bad review, and sometimes, a full refund out of your pocket.
Whether you’re just starting or replacing someone who didn’t work out, choosing the right cleaner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. And no, it’s not just about how well they scrub a toilet. It’s about trust, timing, and consistency. Here’s how to find (and keep) the perfect Airbnb cleaner.
1. Look for Experience With Short-Term Rentals
- Not all cleaners are the same. Housekeeping for an Airbnb is different from a residential clean.
- STR-experienced cleaners understand turnovers, guest expectations, staging, and quick timelines.
- Ask: “Do you have experience cleaning vacation rentals or Airbnbs?”
2. Prioritize Reliability Over Price
- The cheapest cleaner who flakes is more expensive than the one who shows up on time—every time.
- One missed clean can cost you hundreds in refunds and lost bookings.
- Don’t race to the bottom. Pay for consistency, not just labor.
3. Create a Clear, Repeatable Cleaning Checklist
- Make a room-by-room checklist: beds, bathrooms, floors, restocking supplies, trash removal, and even Wi-Fi/router checks.
- Include photo examples of how the space should look (pillows, towels, welcome setup).
- This ensures consistency—even if you end up rotating cleaners or scaling up.
4. Communicate Expectations Up Front
- Walk through the property together. Point out quirks, priorities, and where supplies are stored.
- Discuss availability, emergency cleans, and how far in advance they need notice.
- Ask how they prefer to be paid (cash, transfer, invoice)—and keep it consistent.
5. Consider Adding Accountability
- Ask your cleaner to send photos after every clean—beds, bathroom, living room, and kitchen.
- Use apps like TurnoverBnB or Properly to assign, track, and review cleans in real time.
- This builds trust and helps catch issues before your guests do.
6. Be a Pro to Attract Pros
- Pay on time. Give feedback respectfully. Don’t micromanage once they prove themselves.
- A great cleaner is a business partner—not just help.
- And remember: if you treat them well, they’ll go the extra mile for you (even in a pinch).
7. Have a Backup Plan
- Even the best cleaner gets sick, takes vacations, or moves on.
- Train a second cleaner. Or at least keep one on standby with access and instructions.
- A good backup is a business insurance policy.
Cleaners Keep Your Reviews AliveIt doesn’t matter how great your listing looks if a guest walks into a dirty bathroom or stained sheets. Cleaners are the secret MVPs of Airbnb success—and when you find a good one, hold onto them.
Need help managing cleaners, creating checklists, or coordinating turnovers remotely? BookedHosts handles it all—so you never miss a clean or a 5-star review. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down and submit your property to get started.
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