Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist With Template and Tips

A clean vacation rental is not about looks it’s a reflection of the host’s dedication to their guests’ comfort. The cleaner and fresher your home is, the greater the chances guests will post five-star reviews, refer friends to your home, and even visit again. Conversely, even a moderately messy area can result in complaints and low ratings, which can damage your business. First impressions are everything, and cleanliness is usually the first thing a guest sees when they enter.

In this article, we will take you through a comprehensive vacation rental cleaning checklist that will make sure that every part of your property shines bright. This checklist will help maintain high standards within your rental, whether you clean it yourself or hire house cleaning services, thus ensuring your guests have a better experience.

Table of Contents

Vacation Rental Cleaning Supplies Checklist

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to have the right tools and supplies. Here’s what you will need, along with the areas they are best suited for:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Kitchen, bathroom, and general surfaces. Helps remove dirt, grease, and grime effectively.
Glass Cleaner: Windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces. Keeps all glass areas streak-free and shiny.
Disinfectant Wipes: High-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls. Prevents germ buildup and promotes hygiene.
Microfiber Cloths: Dusting and polishing furniture. These trap dust particles without leaving streaks.
Vacuum Cleaner: Carpets, rugs, and hard-to-reach corners. Essential for removing dirt and allergens from soft surfaces.
Mop and Bucket: Hard floors and tile surfaces. Keeps floors spotless and free from stains.
Toilet Brush and Cleaner: Bathroom toilets. Ensures a fresh and sanitary restroom for guests.
Scrub Sponges: Kitchen countertops and sinks. Ideal for tough stains and sticky messes.
Trash Bags: Garbage bins in all rooms. Helps maintain cleanliness by regularly disposing of waste.
Laundry Detergent: Washing bed linens and towels. Keeps linens fresh and smelling great.

Now, let’s break down each section of your vacation rental and what needs to be done.

Kitchen Cleaning Checklist

A clean kitchen is crucial since it’s a high-use area for guests. Here’s what to clean:

Wipe down countertops, sinks, and backsplashes. Ensures a germ-free and welcoming space for meal preparation.
Scrub the stovetop, oven, and microwave. Removes grease and food residues for a fresh cooking experience.
Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator (remove expired food). Keeps food storage areas hygienic and organized.
Empty and sanitize the trash bin. Prevents foul odors and maintains cleanliness.
Check and restock dishwashing supplies. Ensures guests have everything they need for clean dishes.
Wash and store dishes properly. Leaves no room for dirty or greasy utensils.
Sweep and mop floors. Eliminates crumbs and spills for a spotless kitchen area.

Bedroom Cleaning Checklist

Your guests expect fresh, cozy sleeping spaces. Make sure to:

Strip and wash all bed linen and pillowcases. Provides guests with a comfortable and hygienic sleeping area.
Check under beds for trash or forgotten items. Ensures nothing is left behind and maintains order.
Dust furniture, lamps, and nightstands. Prevents the buildup of dust and allergens.
Clean mirrors and windows. Keeps the room bright and visually appealing.
Vacuum carpets or sweep and mop hardwood floors. Removes dirt and enhances room freshness.
Ensure extra linens and blankets are neatly stored. Gives guests additional comfort options.
Sanitize door handles, light switches, and remote controls. Minimizes the spread of germs and bacteria.

Living Room Cleaning Checklist

Since this is where guests relax, it should feel fresh and inviting.

Vacuum or sweep the floors and rugs. Removes dirt, dust, and allergens effectively.
Wipe down tables, shelves, and entertainment centers. Keeps surfaces dust-free and visually appealing.
Dust and fluff sofas and cushions. Ensures a neat and inviting seating area.
Sanitize remote controls and light switches. Prevents germ transfer in high-touch areas.
Clean windows and mirrors. Enhances the brightness and clarity of the room.
Check for any spills or stains and clean them immediately. Prevents permanent marks and unpleasant odors.

Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

A spotless bathroom is a must! Follow these steps:

Scrub the toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower. Maintains hygiene and prevents stains.
Replace used towels with fresh ones. Ensures a fresh and inviting bathroom experience.
Refill toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. Provides essential supplies for guest convenience.
Clean and polish mirrors. Removes smudges and enhances brightness.
Disinfect high-touch areas (toilet flush, faucet handles, and door knobs). Minimizes the spread of germs.
Empty and sanitize the trash bin. Keeps the bathroom fresh and tidy.
Sweep and mop floors thoroughly. Eliminates hair, dust, and water spots.

Dining Room Cleaning Checklist

A clean dining space enhances the guest’s experience.

Wipe down the dining table and chairs. Removes food particles and stains.
Check for crumbs and spills and clean them immediately. Keeps the area neat.
Dust furniture and light fixtures. Prevents the buildup of dust and enhances the ambiance.
Vacuum or mop the floor. Ensures cleanliness and eliminates food debris.
Set the table neatly if applicable. Creates a welcoming atmosphere for meals.

Flooring and Surfaces Cleaning Checklist

Clean floors and surfaces leave a lasting impression.

Sweep and mop hardwood or tile floors. Keeps them shining and dirt-free.
Vacuum carpets and rugs. Removes dust, pet hair, and allergens.
Spot clean stains on carpets or upholstery. Prevents long-term damage and odors.
Wipe down baseboards and corners for dust. Ensures a polished and well-maintained look.

Garage Cleaning Checklist

If you provide garage access, keep it tidy:

Sweep the floor to remove dirt and debris. Keeps the space clean and presentable.
Organise storage items neatly. Ensures easy access and a clutter-free area.
Remove trash and check for any left-behind items. Prevents unwanted mess and odor.
Ensure the garage door operates smoothly. Provides convenience and security for guests.

Laundry Area Cleaning Checklist

If guests have access to a laundry room, make sure it’s ready to use.

Wipe down washing machines and dryers. Removes lint and detergent residue.
Ensure detergent and fabric softener are stocked. Keeps guests equipped for their laundry needs.
Clean lint traps in the dryer. Prevents fire hazards and improves efficiency.
Sweep and mop the floor. Maintains cleanliness and prevents dust buildup.
Remove any forgotten clothing items. Keeps the space clutter-free and guest-ready.

Conclusion

A well-cleaned vacation rental leads to positive guest experiences, better reviews, and higher booking rates. Following this checklist ensures that every part of your property remains spotless and guest ready. Whether you handle cleaning yourself or use Airbnb cleaning services, keeping your rental pristine is essential to running a successful vacation rental business.

If you need help keeping your vacation rental sparkling clean, Manna Cleaning Services TN is here for you! Contact us today to learn more about our services!