Cleanliness is a top priority for travellers. Our holiday rental cleaning checklist will help you thoroughly clean your holiday rental so that it’s ready to welcome new arrivals.
Checklist: Welcome guests to a clean home
First impressions lead to great reviews and can drive more business. We’ve partnered with Evolve and Holiday Rental Housekeeping Professionals to create a comprehensive cleaning checklist for you or your service crew.
For holiday rental cleaning tips specific to coronavirus (COVID-19), visit our enhanced cleaning and disinfection guidelines for holiday rentals.
Pro tip: Add cleanliness practices to your listing to show your guests your commitment to their safety and experience. Learn more about the cleaning practices feature.
Throughout the home
Your guests will want a fully cleaned home so they can not only enjoy the space, but also feel safe and ready to start their holiday.
- Report if the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are beeping
- Check for personal belongings left in rooms/report if belongings have possibly been left by guests
- Check locks and close entry doors (report if battery warning is on)
- Dust A/C vents, grids and fans; test A/C and fans
- Set thermostats to the agreed on temperature for an empty house or an upcoming arrival
- Check and clean all windows (interior) AND close and lock all windows before leaving
- Check whether pest-control services are required
- Check for stains on carpets, rugs, furniture or curtains
- Discard magazines that are older than six months
- Take photos of each room and patio once service is completed
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handles, doorknobs and counters
- Discard paper plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery and paper/plastic bags
- Walk through and check that the home is not only clean but staged attractively
Kitchen
Ensure that your kitchen is ready for guests to start preparing a meal after their trip to your holiday rental. Cleaning all surfaces and items, emptying out the dishwasher and replenishing paper towels and soap will help your guests begin their holiday.
- Load, run and empty dishwasher; clean any dirty dishes and dishwasher rim
- Discard any leftover food; donate if seal unbroken
- Remove rubbish and recyclables; clean and sanitise rubbish bin and replace bin bags
- Clean and disinfect counters, cupboards, tables and chairs
- Clean range top and wipe inside of oven
- Clean, scrub and sanitise sinks and splashbacks
- Clean and disinfect appliances (interiors and exteriors), including the inside of any mini ovens, microwaves, coffee makers and phones
- Empty and clean inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer (check ice quantity and quality)
- Wash floor (sweep or mop)
- Wipe down windows and windowsills
- Refill soap dispenser
- Put out clean dish towels, linen napkins and a new sponge
- Ensure that all dishes, utensils, pots and pans are clean and arranged in a visually appealing way
- Clean and disinfect flatware, tableware, glasses and mugs
Bedrooms
Your bedroom(s) should be ready for your guests to rest as soon as they arrive at your holiday rental. Everything from linens to a fully cleaned room will ensure that your guest feels comfortable.
- Change sheets and pillowcases — use ‘hotel-standard’ bed making
- Check for wear and tear and clean/replace mattress pad, pillows, pillow protectors, sheets and blankets
- Vacuum floor and under beds
- Remove rubbish and clean bins
- Check for personal belongings or rubbish left in drawers, wardrobes, under the bed, behind the headboards and behind nightstands
- Dust windowsills and ledges
- Dust furniture, knick-knacks, ceiling fans, blinds and windowsills, and clean mirrors
- Ensure that clocks are on correct time and sockets are available for phone charging
- Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes
- Ensure that wardrobes are stocked with appropriate number of hangers, floor fans, humidifiers (if applicable), extra-clean blankets and pillows in a plastic storage bag/bin
- Wash linens at the highest temperature and dry completely before storing
Living room
The living room is a high-traffic area, so don’t forget to disinfect high-touch surfaces and straighten up any cushions or seating for the arriving guests.
- Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes
- Ensure that the welcome sheet/book is in a visible place and in good condition
- Sweep, vacuum and mop floors/carpets as applicable
- Check under cushions and couches for debris and other items
- Clean and straighten decor like pillows, blankets, etc.
- Dust windowsills and ledges
- Dust and clean furniture, blinds, picture frames, knick-knacks, ceiling fans and lamps
- Make sure that all board games, films and books are in good condition and neatly organised
- Wash windows (interior) and sliding glass doors
- Sweep
- If applicable, check that the fireplace has no ashes and that the firewood is neatly stacked
Garage and outdoor spaces
If you have any areas outside of the holiday rental, do a quick walk-through to make sure that rubbish, debris or messes are cleaned up. These include items like grills, outdoor furniture and rubbish bins.
Garage
- Dispose of all rubbish and recycling
- Sweep
- Ensure that all owner items stored in the garage are secure
Outdoor spaces
- Sweep porch and dust off entry door
- Wipe off patio set and straighten; ensure that cushions are in a good condition and are out for upcoming guests
- Wipe down BBQ grill, ensure that grilling tools are clean and that there’s enough propane (if applicable) for upcoming guests
- Ensure that all outdoor lights are functioning
- Walk around the property to make sure that all cigarette butts and pet droppings have been removed
Bathrooms
When cleaning, pay special close attention to all surfaces of the bathroom. Remove all evidence of previous guests — guests do not want to be reminded about past guests when they’re using the bathroom.
- Clean, scrub, disinfect and sanitise showers, bathtubs, dressing tables, sinks and splashbacks
- Clean mirrors
- Clean and sanitise toilets (inside, outside, under the front, around the base and behind)
- Sweep and mop floors
- Remove rubbish and clean bins
- Wash wall tiles.
- Replenish soap, bathroom liquids and amenities
- Replenish toilet paper (two extra rolls under the sink)
- Set clean towels and shower mat — use ‘hotel-standard’ staging
- Check for wear and tear or stains on towels
- Ensure that shower curtains or doors are free of mould and water spots
- Wipe down windows and windowsills
- Clean dust and debris on vents and fans
- Clean and place hairdryer neatly under sink or in a drawer
- Ensure that the tissue box is sufficiently full
- Clean out drawers and cabinets
Laundry area
Whether your laundry area is for guest use or not, it’s good practice to maintain the machines and space so that it’s ready to use for the next cleaning day.
- Make sure that washer and dryer are empty; clean out lint trap
- Wipe down machines (including seal areas) and leave open
- Wash floor (sweep or mop)
- Remove rubbish and clean bins
- Ensure that laundry provisions are stocked (i.e., laundry detergent, dryer sheets or fabric softener)
- Ensure that the iron, ironing board and distilled water are in place
