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Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for Cleaners

A practical checklist is only useful if it turns every checkout into a cleaner task with a due time, notes and ready status. This guide gives small hosts a phone friendly Airbnb turnover cleaning checklist, plus printable and copyable templates.

An airbnb cleaning checklist for cleaners should be short enough to follow on a phone, but detailed enough to stop missed beds, low towels and bad first impressions. For a host with 1 to 10 short let units, the checklist is not just a list of chores, it is the operating system for every checkout.

Use this guide as an Airbnb cleaning checklist template, a phone checklist, or the basis for an Airbnb cleaning checklist printable. The aim is simple: cleaners know what to do, hosts know when the job is complete, and every checkout becomes a scheduled housekeeping task.

Airbnb cleaning checklist for cleaners quick copy version

Copy this first version into a note, shared task, or cleaner app. It follows the order of a normal turnover clean, from arrival to lock up.

Property: {property name}
Checkout: {checkout time}
Next check in: {next check in time}
Priority: {same day or normal}
Cleaner: {cleaner name}

Arrive
[ ] Park at {parking note}
[ ] Enter with {access method}
[ ] Check for damage before moving items
[ ] Photograph damage before cleaning
[ ] Open windows if safe

Laundry
[ ] Strip used beds
[ ] Check linen for stains before washing
[ ] Start first wash or bag linen for collection
[ ] Use spare linen if same day turnover

Kitchen
[ ] Remove guest food unless host policy says otherwise
[ ] Wash or load dishes
[ ] Clean sink, counters, hob, microwave and fridge
[ ] Empty bins and fit liners
[ ] Restock kitchen supplies

Bathrooms
[ ] Remove hair from shower, bath, basin and floor
[ ] Clean toilet, shower, taps, mirror and surfaces
[ ] Dry chrome and glass
[ ] Stage towels and toiletries
[ ] Line bin and check smell

Bedrooms
[ ] Make beds to listing photos
[ ] Check under beds and inside drawers
[ ] Dust bedside surfaces and lamps
[ ] Photograph each finished bed

Living areas
[ ] Reset sofa cushions and throws
[ ] Clean crumbs, fingerprints and floors
[ ] Check TV, remotes, Wi Fi card and guidebook

Final
[ ] Restock to par levels
[ ] Walk from farthest room to front door
[ ] Send final photos
[ ] Report low supplies or issues
[ ] Lock doors and set ready status

Airbnb says hosts should provide listings that are clean and free of health hazards before check in, and its host ground rules specifically mention a high standard of cleanliness in the listing Airbnb ground rules for home hosts. That is why the cleaner task should include final proof, not just cleaning work.

Cleaning checklist vs turnover checklist vs deep clean

A cleaning checklist covers room by room cleaning and sanitising. A turnover checklist covers the whole reset between checkout and check in: cleaning, laundry, restocking, staging, access, inspection and ready status. A deep clean covers the build up that should not be squeezed into every stay.

Mixing all three into one huge list makes cleaners rush past the visible items that guests notice first. Keep every stay tasks short, then schedule weekly, monthly and seasonal jobs separately.

The CDC advises cleaning high touch surfaces regularly and cleaning other surfaces when visibly dirty CDC cleaning guidance for facilities. The EPA also says disinfectant and sanitising products should be used according to their labels EPA guide to cleaning, sanitising and disinfecting. Put that into your SOP as a rule: clean first, use the right product, follow the label.

The checklist is the standard, but the booking calendar is the trigger that stops a clean being forgotten.

Before the cleaner starts: calendar, access and handoff notes

A good housekeeping list is generated from the booking calendar after every checkout. It should not rely on the host remembering to message the cleaner, especially once you have more than one unit or bookings from more than one channel.

Every cleaner task should include:

• Property name and unit address
• Checkout time and next check in time
• Same day turnover flag
• Cleaner assigned
• Access code or lockbox location
• Parking note
• Laundry method
• Guest count
• Pets, if allowed and known
• Extra beds or sofa bed used
• Notes from guest messages
• Photo requirements
• Low supply reporting method
• Ready status

For one unit, a calendar reminder may be enough if the host also checks it daily. At 2 to 3 units, use a shared housekeeping view so the cleaner can see all checkouts. At 4 to 10 units, use automatic cleaner tasks and status tracking, because one missed same day turnover can create a guest arrival problem.

If you take bookings from more than one channel, make sure your calendars are joined before housekeeping is planned. This guide to sync Airbnb and Booking.com calendars so cleaners see every checkout explains the calendar side. For wider operations, how booking data becomes daily work is the important principle.

Airbnb says checkout time and instructions can be shown to guests, and the platform sends reminders for checkout time and instructions Airbnb clear checkout guidance. But guest checkout instructions do not replace a proper turnover clean. Keep guest requests reasonable and keep the cleaning work with the cleaning team.

The room by room Airbnb cleaning checklist template

This is the detailed Airbnb cleaning checklist template to use for hired cleaners, backup cleaners or owner cleans. Keep each line short. A cleaner should be able to tick it off while standing in the room.

Entry
[ ] Check door, keypad and lockbox
[ ] Shake or vacuum entry mat
[ ] Remove marks from door glass and handles
[ ] Check keys are present if used
[ ] Final photo required

Kitchen
[ ] Remove food and rubbish
[ ] Wash dishes or empty dishwasher
[ ] Clean sink and taps
[ ] Wipe counters and backsplash
[ ] Clean hob and controls
[ ] Spot clean oven
[ ] Clean microwave inside and outside
[ ] Wipe fridge shelves and door seals
[ ] Empty toaster crumbs
[ ] Refill coffee, tea, dish soap and bin bags
[ ] Mop floor
[ ] Final photo required

Bathrooms
[ ] Remove hair from drains and floor
[ ] Clean toilet inside and outside
[ ] Clean shower, bath, screen and tiles
[ ] Clean basin, taps and mirror
[ ] Dry chrome and glass
[ ] Refill toilet paper, soap and toiletries
[ ] Stage towels
[ ] Empty and line bin
[ ] Final photo required

Bedrooms
[ ] Check mattress protector
[ ] Photograph stains before washing
[ ] Make bed to bed map
[ ] Reset pillows, throws and cushions
[ ] Check drawers, wardrobe and under bed
[ ] Dust lamps and bedside tables
[ ] Vacuum floor
[ ] Final bed photo required

Living and dining
[ ] Reset sofa cushions
[ ] Remove crumbs from sofa and rug
[ ] Wipe table and hard surfaces
[ ] Clean remotes and switches
[ ] Check Wi Fi card is visible
[ ] Reset guidebook
[ ] Vacuum and mop
[ ] Final photo required

Outdoor if applicable
[ ] Empty outdoor ash or rubbish
[ ] Wipe table and chairs
[ ] Check grill, hot tub or pool only if in property SOP
[ ] Final photo required if used

Whole property
[ ] Check smell at entrance
[ ] Check bins are empty and lined
[ ] Set thermostat to host setting
[ ] Close windows if required
[ ] Turn off unnecessary lights
[ ] Lock doors
[ ] Mark ready only after photos and issues are sent

Airbnb says hosts may not impose fees or penalties for guests failing to complete specific cleaning or checkout tasks Airbnb fee and checkout task rule. AP also reported that from 20 November 2026, Airbnb rules limit hosts to reasonable checkout requests and generally stop chores normally handled by professional cleaners AP report on Airbnb checkout chore changes. The cleaner checklist now matters more, not less.

Kitchen turnover checklist

The kitchen fails when it looks almost clean. Guests notice crumbs in the toaster, smears on the hob, a sticky handle, a dirty sponge, food in the fridge and a bin smell.

Every stay kitchen tasks:

• Remove guest food unless your written policy says otherwise
• Wash dishes or run and empty dishwasher
• Clean sink, plug, taps and drainer
• Wipe counters, backsplash and cupboard fronts
• Clean hob, knobs and extractor face
• Spot clean oven and trays
• Clean microwave inside and outside
• Wipe fridge shelves, handles and seals
• Check freezer for abandoned items
• Empty toaster crumbs
• Replace sponge if dirty
• Empty bins, clean lid if needed, fit liners
• Sweep and mop floor
• Photograph final counters

Periodic kitchen tasks should be separate: oven deep clean, kettle descale, fridge pull out, extractor filter, cupboard reorganisation and full inventory count.

Kitchen par levels for a small unit:

Bathroom turnover checklist

Bathrooms carry the review. One hair in the shower can undo an otherwise clean flat because guests read it as proof the room was not properly cleaned.

Every stay bathroom tasks:

• Remove hair from shower, bath, basin, drain and floor
• Clean toilet bowl, seat, hinges, base and wall nearby
• Clean shower screen, tiles, grout line and fixtures
• Clean bath if present
• Clean basin, taps, plug and vanity
• Wipe shelves and cabinet fronts
• Polish mirror with no streaks
• Dry chrome and glass
• Refill soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash
• Stage towels to the photo standard
• Replace bath mat if used
• Empty and line bin
• Check extractor fan noise and visible dust
• Check smell before leaving

Last look phone checklist:

Property: {property name}
Bathroom: {bathroom name}
[ ] Mirror clear
[ ] Chrome dry
[ ] Toilet lid down
[ ] Towels staged
[ ] Floor dry
[ ] Bin lined
[ ] Toilet roll full
[ ] No hair visible
[ ] No damp smell
[ ] Photo uploaded

Example failure: a cleaner finishes a two bedroom flat on time, but leaves wet towels folded on a damp bath mat, with one hair on the shower wall and a streaked mirror. The kitchen and beds may be perfect, but the bathroom tells the arriving guest the clean was rushed. That is how a clean property becomes a poor cleanliness review.

Bedroom and linen checklist

The bed is the largest visual object in most listing photos. It should look like the guest expected when they booked.

Every stay bedroom tasks:

• Strip used beds
• Check mattress protector before new linen
• Photograph stains or damage before washing
• Use the bed map for sheet size and pillow count
• Make bed to match listing photos
• Reset cushions, throws and spare blankets
• Check wardrobe, drawers and under bed
• Dust bedside tables, lamps, switches and headboard
• Check remotes if the room has a TV
• Vacuum edges and visible floor
• Photograph each finished bed

Linen par for small hosts is simple: one set on the bed, one clean backup set in the unit, and one set in laundry or transit. Same day turnovers need the backup set ready, otherwise laundry becomes the bottleneck.

Bed map template:

Property: {property name}
Room: {room name}
Bed size: {bed size}
Sheet type: {fitted or flat}
Duvet cover: {size and colour}
Pillows: {number and type}
Cushions or throw: {setup}
Towels per guest: {number}
Spare blanket: {location}
Owner cupboard: {locked or open}
Stain rule: Photograph before washing or disposal

This is also where hosts should decide what guests are asked to do. If you want less friction, use Airbnb checkout instructions that do not replace a proper turnover clean and leave bed stripping to the cleaner.

Living room, dining, entry and outdoor checklist

Living areas need a reset that matches the photos. Guests may forgive a cushion in a different place, but they notice dust on a black TV stand, crumbs in a sofa, sticky remotes and a Wi Fi card that has vanished.

Every stay tasks:

• Wipe hard surfaces
• Clean TV screen only with the right cloth
• Clean remote controls and light switches
• Reset sofa cushions and throws
• Remove crumbs from sofa gaps
• Vacuum rugs and under the dining table
• Wipe dining chairs and table edges
• Check guidebook and Wi Fi card are visible
• Check thermostat setting
• Listen for smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm warning chirps
• Check doors, windows and locks
• Clean entry mat and keypad
• Reset outdoor seating if applicable

Outdoor tasks are property specific. A balcony table, patio, grill, hot tub or pool needs its own SOP, not a vague line saying outside clean. For safety, the United States Fire Administration advises travellers to check for working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in short term rentals USFA vacation rental fire safety advice. Hosts should make alarm checks part of their routine and follow local rules where the property is located.

Restocking checklist and supply par levels

Cleaners should not guess when supplies are low. Give them a par level, a storage location and a reporting rule.

Property: {property name}
Date: {date}
Cleaner: {name}

Low now
{item}: {amount left}
{item}: {amount left}

Will run out before next stay
{item}: {reason}

Placed in unit today
{item}: {amount}

Stored stock checked
[ ] Owner cupboard
[ ] Cleaner box
[ ] Under sink
[ ] Linen cupboard

Photo uploaded
[ ] Yes

Suggested supply groups:

Final walkthrough, photo proof and ready for guest status

Completion and ready status are not the same thing. A cleaner can finish tasks but the property is not ready until photos are sent, exceptions are reported, doors are locked, the thermostat is set and next access works.

Use one final walk path: start in the farthest bedroom, then bathrooms, kitchen, living area, outdoor space if any, entry, front door. Require final photos for each bedroom, each bathroom, kitchen counters, living room and entry. Require extra photos for damage, stains, low supplies or maintenance issues.

Turnover complete at {time}.
Property: {property name}
Next check in: {next check in time}
Photos uploaded: {yes or no}
Issues: {none or list}
Supplies low: {none or list}
Maintenance needed: {none or list}
Access checked: {yes or no}
Doors locked: {yes or no}
Ready for guest: {yes or no}

Airbnb reviews can mention cleanliness, and Airbnb says review information may be used to help hosts improve listings and to affect search and guest facing highlights Airbnb review policy. The practical point is not to chase the review after the stay. It is to prove readiness before the guest arrives.

Worked examples for 1 to 10 unit hosts

One bedroom apartment, normal turnover. Checkout is 10:00 and check in is 15:00. One cleaner has a 2 hour clean. Task name: Flat 2 turnover | checkout 10:00 | next check in 15:00 | normal priority. The cleaner starts laundry first, cleans bathroom and kitchen, makes the bed with spare linen, then sends photos by 13:00.

Two bedroom same day turnover. Checkout is 10:00 and check in is 15:00. The risk is linen. Use the backup linen set in the unit, bag dirty linen for later, and clean in this order: inspect, laundry bag, bathrooms, kitchen, bedrooms, floors, final photos. Task name: Unit 3A turnover | checkout 10:00 | next check in 15:00 | same day priority.

Five units, three checkouts in one morning. Order work by next check in time, not checkout time. A 15:00 arrival beats a 19:00 arrival, even if both checked out at 10:00. The host watches status: not started, in progress, issue found, photos sent, ready.

Ten units. Assign cleaners by zone or property type and keep one backup cleaner rule. If a cleaner no show happens by the agreed start time, the backup gets the same cleaner task, with access, photos and notes already attached.

This is where YourFrontDesk fits naturally for small operators. It puts every channel on one calendar and builds a housekeeping list from checkouts, so cleaner work starts from the booking calendar rather than a memory or a late message. Hosts who manage apartments can see more at short let hosts and apartment managers.

Downloadable printable and phone friendly templates

If you came looking for an Airbnb cleaning checklist PDF free, the fastest route is to copy the templates above into a document and export them as a PDF. Keep three versions:

Do not make the printable version too clever. The cleaner needs short task lines, section checkboxes, photo prompts, supply notes and a clear way to report exceptions. The manager needs due time, priority, property notes and ready status.

Next steps

Start with one property. Put the quick checklist into your next cleaner task, add bed maps and par levels, then require a ready for guest message on every turnover. Once that works, connect the process to the booking calendar so every checkout creates the right housekeeping task.

To see how calendar based housekeeping lists work in practice, see an instant demo.

What people ask next

What should be included in an Airbnb cleaning checklist?

It should include arrival checks, damage photos, laundry, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, restocking, final photos and lock up. For hired cleaners, add access notes, parking, linen maps, supply locations and a ready for guest confirmation.

What is the difference between Airbnb cleaning and turnover cleaning?

Cleaning is the room by room work of removing dirt, sanitising surfaces and making the property presentable. Turnover cleaning includes that, plus laundry, staging, restocking, damage checks, access checks and setting the property ready for the next guest.

How long should an Airbnb turnover clean take?

It depends on size, layout, laundry, guest condition and whether it is a same day turnover. Rather than using one fixed time, set a realistic time budget per property and protect the work with spare linen, clear tasks and a backup cleaner rule.

Should Airbnb guests clean before checkout?

Guests should leave the property in a reasonable condition and follow the platform rules and your disclosed house rules. Do not build your operation around guest chores, because professional cleaning tasks belong in the turnover checklist.

How do I make a cleaning checklist for my Airbnb cleaner?

Write it in the order the cleaner moves through the property: arrive, inspect, laundry, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces, restock, final photos and lock up. Keep each line short, add photo requirements and include property notes such as parking, entry code, linen map and supply locations.

What cleaning supplies should I keep in an Airbnb?

Keep toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dish soap, dishwasher tablets, coffee, tea, bin bags, laundry detergent, spare batteries, light bulbs and cleaning products. Set a par level for each item so cleaners can report what is low before it becomes urgent.

Do Airbnb cleaners need to send photos after cleaning?

Photos are not always required by platforms, but they are a strong operating habit. Ask for final photos of beds, bathrooms, kitchen counters, living area and entry, plus photos of damage, stains or low supplies.

Try the YourFrontDesk demo