Top Airbnb Cleaning Tips for 5-Star Guest Reviews in Bournemouth

OneCall Cleaners airbnb cleaning in Ferndown kitchen 

If you’re running an airbnb or holiday let, our 5 Star Holiday Let & Airbnb Cleaning in Bournemouth services are not optional. It’s expected. And yes, guests notice the details, down to the stray hair in the bathroom or a smudge on the fridge handle.

Here’s how to get it right every time. No guesswork. No vague advice. Just the stuff that makes a difference.

Start With the Basics: Clean Means Clean

Your guests aren’t just booking a place to sleep. They’re expecting clean bathrooms, fresh beds, no smells, no crumbs, no dust. Not just surface-level stuff either. Proper cleaning.

Don’t cut corners. If it looks “good enough,” it probably isn’t.

Kitchen: One of the First Things Guests Check

  • Wipe down counters, cupboard fronts, and all appliances.

  • The fridge must be clean inside and out. No smells. No spills.

  • Microwave, toaster, kettle—yes, guests use and inspect them.

  • Check cutlery drawers and trays. No crumbs.

  • Empty bin. Wipe the lid.

If it’s greasy or sticky, it’s not clean. And if it smells, it’s a problem.

Bathroom: Must Be Spotless

This is the one room that can instantly affect your rating. Clean it thoroughly.

  • Descale taps and showerheads

  • Scrub the toilet, sink, bath, and tiles

  • Wipe mirrors until streak-free

  • Empty and disinfect bins

  • Check the extractor fan cover isn’t caked in dust

Leave a fresh toilet roll. Fold the end. Simple detail, but it shows you care.

Bedroom: No Dust, No Hair, Fresh Bedding

  • Change and fit clean bed linen every time. No exceptions.

  • Dust surfaces, lamps, shelves, and skirting boards

  • Hoover, including under the bed

  • Check wardrobes and drawers for old items

  • Make the bed properly, not half-done

Living Room: Where Guests Sit and Judge

  • Wipe down coffee tables, shelves, and remote controls

  • Plump and rotate cushions

  • Vacuum floors and sofas

  • Clean under cushions—people drop things

  • Straighten throws, magazines, and decor

Check that the lights work. Replace any dead bulbs.

Floors: Overlooked But Not Invisible

Floors show everything. Don’t assume guests won’t notice.

  • Vacuum all carpeted areas

  • Remove stains where possible

  • Mop hard floors properly—no sticky patches

  • Clean behind doors, in corners, under beds

If the property has rugs, shake them out and vacuum both sides if possible.

Forgotten Areas That Get Noticed

These spots often get missed:

  • Window sills

  • Baseboards/skirtings

  • Inside the wardrobe tops

  • Tops of picture frames or headboards

  • Behind and under furniture

  • Door handles and light switches

Guests notice when these areas are clean. And they definitely notice when they’re not.

Smells: Fresh, Not Overpowering

Strong chemical smells are off-putting. Aim for neutral, clean air.

  • Open windows during cleaning

  • Use light, natural scents (lemon, lavender, eucalyptus)

  • Avoid heavy sprays or artificial plug-ins

  • Empty bins fully, including liners

  • If pets have stayed, deodorise thoroughly

Final Checks: Make It Feel Looked After

Once clean, do a walkthrough as if you were checking in.

  • Are all surfaces dry and smudge-free?

  • Are bins empty and lined?

  • Are all rooms ventilated and fresh-smelling?

  • Do the beds look clean and properly made?

  • Are the floors spotless?

These checks take 5 minutes and catch things others miss.

Bonus Touches That Guests Remember

  • A small welcome card or note

  • A bottle of water or a fruit bowl

  • Local map or key instructions clearly displayed

  • Blanket neatly folded at the foot of the bed or sofa

  • Toilet roll, handwash, washing-up liquid topped up

Doesn’t need to be fancy. Just consistent.

Want It Done Right Every Time?

OneCall Cleaners offers professional Airbnb and holiday let cleaning across Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.

We work to checklist standards, manage same-day turnovers, and handle linen, restocking, and reporting.

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We do it properly. So your guests don’t complain—and you don’t lose bookings.