The Airbnb cleaning checklist for every turnover
A room-by-room list of what should happen between guests, written for hosts who hand the cleaning to someone else. Use it as is, or copy it and adapt it to your rental.
Kitchen
- Wash, dry, and put away all dishes, including anything left in the dishwasher
- Wipe counters, backsplash, stovetop, and cabinet fronts
- Clean inside and outside the microwave
- Empty the fridge of guest leftovers and wipe shelves
- Wipe the coffee maker and empty old grounds or pods
- Clean the sink and faucet, then empty the trash and replace the liner
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bathroom
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, including the base and behind the seat
- Clean the shower or tub, glass, and drain; remove all hair
- Wipe the sink, faucet, and counter; polish the mirror
- Replace all towels, bath mat, and hand towel with fresh ones
- Restock toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- Empty the trash and replace the liner
- Sweep and mop the floor
Bedrooms
- Strip all beds and remake with fresh linens, same way every time
- Check the mattress protector and pillows for stains
- Dust nightstands, lamps, headboard, and dresser tops
- Check drawers, closets, and under the bed for left-behind items
- Make sure spare blankets and hangers are in place
- Vacuum carpets or mop floors
Living room
- Straighten cushions and throws to match how the room should look
- Clear and wipe the coffee table and side tables
- Dust the TV, shelves, and decor
- Check the sofa for crumbs, stains, and damage
- Test the TV remote and Wi-Fi card are in place
- Vacuum or mop, including under furniture
Restock and final checks
- Restock supplies: paper towels, dish soap, sponges, trash bags, coffee
- Check for damage or anything broken and report it before the next guest
- Set the thermostat and turn off lights and fans
- Close and lock windows and doors
- Take a photo of every room as it's left
Monthly deep-clean tasks
These don't need to happen every turnover. Rotate them in once a month or once a quarter, depending on how busy your calendar is.
- Wash mattress protectors, duvet inserts, and pillows
- Clean inside the oven and dishwasher filter
- Descale the kettle and coffee maker
- Wash windows and wipe window tracks
- Dust ceiling fans, vents, and baseboards
- Clean behind and under the fridge, sofa, and beds
Making a checklist your cleaner actually follows
Use photos, not just words
"Make the bed nicely" means different things to different people. A reference photo of how each room should look removes the guesswork, especially for a new cleaner.
Keep it property-specific
A generic list misses the things guests actually notice in your place: the throw folded on the sofa, the welcome card on the counter. Edit the list above to match your rental.
Ask for proof at the end
Completion photos of each room let you check the place is guest-ready without driving over. They also give you a record if a guest later reports a problem.
Separate turnover tasks from deep cleans
Put monthly and quarterly jobs on their own schedule so they actually get done, instead of crowding every turnover.
Turn this list into a photo checklist for your cleaner
In TurnKeep you set up each room once with its tasks and a reference photo. Your cleaner works through the list on their phone and uploads completion photos before the job can be finished, so you can check every turnover from anywhere. It's free to start.