Top Airbnb Cleaning Tips for 5-Star Guest Reviews
Running an Airbnb sounds like a breeze—until a guest leaves a review mentioning a stray hair in the bathroom or a greasy spot in the kitchen.
We all know that cleanliness isn’t just “important”; it’s the deal-breaker between a glowing 5-star review and a passive-aggressive “well, it was okay…” comment.
But fear not, I’m about to turn you into a cleaning wizard, and your Airbnb will practically sparkle its way into your guests’ hearts.
Start with the Basics: Cleanliness Is Non-Negotiable
Let’s get one thing straight: nobody—and I mean nobody—wants to walk into an Airbnb that smells like last night’s pizza or looks like it’s been through a frat party.
Your guests are paying for more than just a bed; they’re paying for the experience. And nothing ruins that faster than grime. So, the very first rule: clean everything. No shortcuts, no ‘it looks good enough’.
The Kitchen: Not Just for Cooking, Also for Judgement
The kitchen is where your guests will decide if you’re the kind of person who double-dips in the salsa.
Wipe down everything—we’re talking counters, cabinets, appliances, and yes, even the little crumb tray in the toaster (because someone will check).
Don’t forget to leave the fridge gleaming, inside and out. If there’s even the tiniest splash of old milk, trust me, they’ll find it. Make it shine like you’re about to host a cooking show.
Bathroom Brilliance: Where Cleanliness Makes or Breaks Your Rating
The bathroom. Ah, the place of privacy and, apparently, the place where guests become inspectors.
A spotless bathroom equals happy guests. Scrub that toilet, polish those mirrors, and make sure the shower doesn’t have even a hint of soap scum.
If you can eat off the bathroom floor, you’re doing it right (but please don’t actually eat off it).
Pro tip: Leave a fresh roll of toilet paper, folded into a fancy point. It’s all about the little things.
Bedroom Bliss: Creating a Restful Space for Guests
Your guests want to collapse into bed and feel like they’re at a luxury hotel, not a bargain-basement hostel.
Fresh linens are non-negotiable. Fluff those pillows, smooth out those duvets, and don’t forget to dust the nightstands.
It’s a good idea to vacuum under the bed too, unless you want your guests to meet the Dust Bunny Convention happening underneath.
Oh, and a spritz of linen spray? Heavenly.
Living Room Lounge-Worthy Clean
The living room is where your guests will relax—so it better be spotless. Dust every surface, plump up the cushions, and for the love of Airbnb, clean under the cushions.
People always lose things in there—coins, receipts, and the occasional half-eaten biscuit. Vacuum the floors, straighten up any magazines or books, and make sure your remote control doesn’t have sticky fingerprints all over it.
This is where first impressions hit hard.
Don’t Forget the Floors: The Underestimated Cleaning Star
You’d be amazed how much guests notice the floors.
Even if they don’t explicitly say, “I’m judging this floor,” trust me, they are. Sweep, vacuum, mop—whatever it takes to make those floors look like they’ve never been walked on.
Carpet? Get rid of any stubborn stains. Hardwood? Mop until it gleams like polished marble.
Floors are like the silent backdrop of your space; they might not get all the attention, but they pull everything together.
Details Matter: The Forgotten Corners That Guests Always Notice
You know those sneaky spots that you’ve probably forgotten about?
Well, guests notice them. Window sills, baseboards, the tops of cabinets—yeah, those dusty corners need some love too.
Go above and beyond here, and your guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a cleaning commercial. No cobweb shall remain!
Fresh Smells, Not Chemical Smells
Here’s the thing: guests want your place to smell clean, not like you doused it in bleach five minutes before they walked in.
Opt for natural, fresh scents like lemon or lavender, and avoid the overpowering stuff that screams, “I’m covering up something worse!”
A diffuser or a couple of fresh plants can work wonders here. Just imagine your guests walking in and being hit with a soft, pleasant scent instead of a chemical warfare zone.
A Final Touch: Personalising the Space with a Clean Vibe
Once everything’s gleaming, give your Airbnb a little personal flair.
A welcome note, maybe a bowl of fresh fruit, or a neatly folded blanket on the sofa can give your guests that extra cosy, cared-for feeling.
These small gestures go a long way in making your guests feel like they’re staying in a home, not just a rental.
And hey, who doesn’t love a place that feels like it’s been cleaned just for them?
That’s it! With these tips, your Airbnb will be the kind of place guests rave about to their friends—and leave glowing reviews for.
Get your cleaning kit ready, because those 5 stars are about to roll in!