How to Set Up a Cleaning Schedule for Your Rental

Whether you manage a short-term rental (like an Airbnb) or a long-term lease, maintaining a clean and welcoming space is crucial for guest satisfaction and property upkeep.

A structured cleaning schedule ensures that your rental stays in top condition enhances guest experience, and improves your reviews, ultimately leading to higher bookings and profitability.

Step 1: Assess Your Rental’s Cleaning Needs

The first step in creating a cleaning schedule is to determine what needs to be cleaned and how often. Different rental properties have different cleaning requirements based on size, number of guests, and turnover frequency.

Key Areas to Clean:

Bedrooms – Change linens, dust surfaces, vacuum/mop floors.
Bathrooms – Sanitize toilets, showers, sinks, mirrors, and replace toiletries.
Kitchen – Clean countertops, appliances, sinks, and dispose of trash.
Common Areas – Dust furniture, vacuum/mop floors, and wipe down high-touch surfaces.
Outdoor Spaces (if applicable) – Sweep patios, clean furniture, and remove trash.

Consider Guest Turnover Frequency

Short-term rentals (daily/weekly stays): Require thorough cleaning between guests.
Long-term rentals (monthly/annual leases): Need scheduled deep cleans and maintenance.
High-traffic rentals: May require more frequent deep cleaning, especially if pets or large groups are involved.

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Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaning Schedule

A good cleaning schedule should include daily, turnover, weekly, and deep-cleaning tasks. Here’s how you can structure it:

Daily Cleaning Tasks

For occupied rentals or when guests are staying for an extended period, light daily cleaning keeps the space fresh:

Wipe down kitchen countertops and dining tables.
Sweep/vacuum high-traffic areas.
Empty trash bins.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces (door handles, remote controls, light switches).

Turnover Cleaning (Between Guest Stays)

For short-term rentals, this is the most critical cleaning phase. Turnover cleaning should be thorough and include:

Stripping and replacing bed linens and towels.
Deep-cleaning bathrooms (scrubbing sinks, toilets, showers).
Wiping down kitchen appliances and washing dishes.
Restocking essentials (toilet paper, toiletries, cleaning supplies).
Inspecting for damages and necessary repairs.

Weekly Cleaning Tasks

For properties with long-term tenants or less frequent guest turnover, a weekly deep clean is essential:

Vacuuming/mopping all floors.
Dusting all furniture and decor.
Cleaning windows and mirrors.
Sanitizing kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Washing and replacing throw pillows, curtains, and other fabric items.

Monthly and Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Every month or seasonally, perform a more in-depth cleaning to maintain the property’s longevity:

Deep clean carpets and rugs.
Scrub tile grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
Clean behind and under furniture.
Wash walls, baseboards, and ceilings.
Check and replace HVAC filters.

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Step 3: Create a Cleaning Checklist

A well-structured checklist ensures that no task is overlooked. Here’s a simple example:

General Cleaning Checklist

✅ Dust all surfaces and furniture.
✅ Vacuum/sweep and mop floors.
✅ Empty trash bins and replace liners.
✅ Wipe down high-touch surfaces.
✅ Check for any damages or maintenance needs.

Room-by-Room Cleaning Checklist

Bedroom

Change and wash bed linens.
Dust furniture, headboards, and nightstands.
Clean mirrors and windows.
Vacuum/mop floors.

Bathroom

Scrub sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers.
Replace towels and toiletries.
Wipe down mirrors and fixtures.
Refill hand soap and toilet paper.

Kitchen

Wipe down all appliances and countertops.
Clean and disinfect sinks.
Sweep and mop floors.
Take out the trash and replace the liner.

Living/Dining Room

Dust and wipe down furniture.
Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
Clean glass surfaces and mirrors.
Arrange cushions and decorative items neatly.

By following a checklist, you can maintain consistency and accountability in your cleaning routine.

Step 4: Decide Who Will Handle the Cleaning

DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring Professionals

DIY Cleaning: Ideal for owners managing a single rental and wanting to save costs.
Hiring Professional Cleaners: Best for multiple rental properties, ensuring high-quality and consistent cleaning.

Finding Reliable Cleaning Services

Use platforms like TurnoverBnB, Properly, or TaskRabbit to find experienced cleaners.
Ask for references and previous client reviews.
Create a cleaning contract to set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

Training Your Cleaning Team

Provide a detailed checklist.
Use before-and-after photos for quality assurance.
Set expectations for quick and efficient cleaning between guest turnovers.

Step 5: Use Tools and Technology for Efficiency

Managing cleaning manually can be overwhelming, but using technology can help streamline the process.

Best Tools for Cleaning Schedules

Google Calendar or Trello: Schedule cleaning tasks and set reminders.
TurnoverBnB: Automates scheduling for cleaning teams.
Properly: Provides visual cleaning checklists with photos.
Host Tools: Syncs with your rental platform to schedule cleanings after bookings.

Keeping Track of Supplies

Use an inventory checklist to track cleaning supplies.
Automate restocking by setting up subscription deliveries for frequently used items.

Step 6: Inspect and Maintain Cleaning Standards

Regular Inspections

Conduct surprise inspections to check for cleanliness.
Have a checklist for cleaning quality control.
Assign a property manager if managing multiple rentals.

Encouraging Guest Feedback

Ask guests for reviews and feedback on cleanliness.
Use positive feedback as a marketing tool.
Address complaints quickly and professionally.

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Step 7: Budgeting for Cleaning Costs

How to Estimate Cleaning Costs

DIY Cleaning: Costs are limited to cleaning supplies ($30-$50 per month).
Professional Cleaners: $50-$150 per turnover depending on property size.
Deep Cleaning: Every 3-6 months ($100-$300 depending on services required).

How to Include Cleaning Costs in Rental Pricing

Charge a cleaning fee for short-term rentals.
Factor in maintenance costs for long-term leases.
Save costs by using eco-friendly, reusable cleaning materials.

Conclusion

A well-structured cleaning schedule ensures that your rental remains in top condition, leading to higher guest satisfaction and better reviews.

By assessing your rental’s needs, setting up a cleaning routine, using a checklist, and leveraging technology, you can efficiently manage your property’s cleanliness without stress.

Start implementing a cleaning schedule today to keep your rental spotless, welcoming, and guest-ready at all times.