Motels have the bad rap that they do for being messy, dirty, or otherwise run-down. The same logic applies in an Airbnb. Much of guests' experience in your rental will hinge upon their perception of its cleanliness. Five stars is the only option given the caliber and quantity of competition out there today. In this article, we'll discuss why and how to get there with a stellar Airbnb cleaning plan.
Airbnb Cleanliness = Success
All too many people get into the Airbnb business expecting easy money. That's a problematic mindset for lots of reasons we don't have the time to cover in full. Cleaning is one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of managing a successful rental property.
Consider the guest journey: they arrive at your property after hours of travel, excited about their stay. The first thing they notice when they walk through the door isn't your stylish decor or premium amenities – it's whether the space feels clean. A spotless bathroom, fresh linens, and dust-free surfaces immediately signal that you're a professional host who cares about their experience. Conversely, a single strand of hair in the shower or a sticky countertop can shatter that positive first impression in seconds.
Cleanliness as a Competitive Advantage
People spend their money where they know they'll get the most value. In the context of Airbnb rentals, a good return for them is a good experience, which, as we've established, hinges upon cleanliness. It's why Airbnb has dedicated features and badges for the cleanest of the clean properties. Recognition generates the kind of enthusiastic reviews that convert browsers into bookers. When guests rave about how "immaculate" or "sparkling clean" a space was, those words carry weight. Consider it the equivalent of vouching for your credibility as a host.
To that end, putting extra effort into a clean space can make all the difference in capturing demand. Guests have learned to use cleanliness scores as a reliable filter for quality. Your listing might have the best location or the most charming aesthetic, but if your cleanliness rating is 4.5 while your competitor's is 4.9, you've already lost.
Meanwhile, a consistently high cleanliness rating allows you to command premium pricing. Listings with cleanliness ratings above 4.8 can realistically charge 10-15% more than comparable properties with lower scores.
How Much Does Airbnb Cleaning Cost?
If you're hiring professional cleaners, expect to pay $25-50 per hour, with a typical turnover taking 2-4 hours depending on the property size and condition. Many hosts find success partnering with a dedicated cleaning service that offers per-clean flat rates, which makes budgeting predictable and ensures consistent quality.
Cleaning doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, it doesn't have to cost you anything at all. Just be smart about operating costs. Most hosts charge a cleaning fee that's separate from the nightly rate. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $150 depending on the size of your property and your local market. A studio or one-bedroom might command a $50-75 cleaning fee, while a three-bedroom house could justify $100-150 or more. The cleaning fee should cover your actual cleaning expenses while remaining competitive enough not to deter bookings.
Alternatively, some hosts choose to clean their properties themselves, especially when starting out or managing just one or two listings. This eliminates direct costs but requires a significant time investment. Factor in 3-5 hours per turnover when you account for laundry, restocking supplies, and quality checks.
Timing Cleanings Between Bookings
Cleaning an Airbnb also takes time. The challenge for ambitious hosts is making enough of it to maintain amazing ratings while maximizing occupancy rates.
Same-day turnovers are the holy grail – and the biggest scheduling nightmare. When one guest checks out at 11 AM and another checks in at 3 PM, you have a four-hour window to clean, inspect, restock, and prepare the property. That's doable for smaller properties with professional cleaning teams, but it gets complicated fast when you're managing multiple listings or dealing with larger homes.
The solution is strategic scheduling. Build buffer time into your calendar settings. Many successful hosts set checkout at 10 AM and check-in at 4 PM (or later) to give themselves breathing room. For larger properties or those requiring deep cleans, consider blocking the calendar for same-day turnovers altogether; the peace of mind and quality assurance is often worth the slight reduction in occupancy.
You can also use Airbnb's professional hosting tools to coordinate with your cleaning team. Share calendar access, enable automated messages that notify cleaners when guests check out, and establish clear communication protocols. The best hosts treat their cleaners as essential business partners, not just vendors. Pay them well, pay them on time, and they'll prioritize your properties when those tight turnovers inevitably happen.
Remember: rushing a cleaning to squeeze in an extra booking is a false economy. One bad cleanliness review can cost you dozens of future bookings and tank your search ranking for months.
Unlike location or property features, cleanliness is entirely within your control. With the right systems, reliable cleaning partners, and a commitment to five-star standards, any host can achieve and maintain exceptional cleanliness ratings. Whether you're cleaning the property yourself or hiring professionals, whether you're managing same-day turnovers or building in buffer time, the principles remain the same: be thorough, be consistent, and never compromise on quality.
