How do you ensure that you get the same level of consistent cleanings every time, no matter who is doing the work? Of course, it helps to have a good cleaner – and if you’ve found one, make sure you do everything you can to hold onto her!
As I’ve written about before, one of the hardest things about running a short-term rental is standardizing the cleanings.
Cleaning Checklists
Two words: cleaning checklists. There are many ways to do this. You can print out a stack of paper checklists and have the cleaner leave it behind when she leaves, so the guest also knows what’s been done. Many guests like this extra touch that reassures them the house has been properly cleaned before their arrival.
You could share a Trello board or another online project management software. There are many software options that are free and easy to use. However, the old adage you get what you pay for is very true, so they all come with their own limitations. Make sure you test these tools out before you commit to them.
Turnover Management Systems
The main paid turnover management system TurnoverBnB also supports cleaning lists. TurnoverBnB’s interface is very slick, allowing you to easily manage everything you want to be done in your property.
But what I really like about TurnoverBnB is that you can highlight certain items on your Airbnb cleaning checklist. This is great because most properties will be mostly the same, but they’ll also all have their own unique quirks.
TurnoverBnB allows you to highlight those little differences in your checklists. That way your cleaner can know exactly what’s special about this particular property and not miss it while they’re cleaning. It’s a marvelous tool that has saved me a lot of headaches over the course of my hosting career!
Whatever tool you choose to go with, just make sure of 2 things. First, that your cleaners all sign off on being willing to use it. And second, that you actually use it! Set up a checklist, update it as needed, and send it to every single cleaner you work with.
These tips will surely help you achieve consistent cleanings for your rental. It will not only make you happy, but it will also make your cleaners, and your guests much happier.
Lauren has been hosting on Airbnb and other platforms for almost 5 years now. She has also been managing homes for other people for over 2 years and has hosted hundreds of reservations and thousands of guests.
Find out more about her on her website, bnbmadesimple.com
