Best Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Guide

Introduction

Vacation rental cleaning is no easy task – especially for homeowners, who may be looking to keep costs low while still providing guests with a comfortable and spotless stay. In order to execute the perfect vacation rental cleaning checklist, it's important to consider what guests want and need while they're away from home. Here is a comprehensive guide to help any homeowner create a foolproof cleaning checklist for their vacation rental.

General Cleaning

When it comes to general cleaning, the primary goal is to make your vacation rental feel like a home away from home. Some basic items should include: wiping down all surfaces and counters, sweeping and mopping all floors and stairs, cleaning walls and windows, deep cleaning furniture, washing bedding, rugs, and curtains, and properly folding and putting away any linens and towels. Additionally, consider polishing any metal or wood furniture, and wiping baseboards and doors to make the vacation rental feel inviting and comfortable.

Bathroom Cleaning

Let's face it, bathrooms are prone to bacteria and germs, so it's important to make sure that your vacation rental's bathrooms are both clean and disinfected. Pay special attention to the toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower. Scrub any mold or mildew build-up, clean the showerheads and faucets, and make sure the toilet is free of debris. Additionally, replace any worn-out items such as toilet paper, towels, soap dispensers, shampoos (if necessary), and garbage bags.

Kitchen Cleaning

The kitchen is one of the most important areas to thoroughly clean in a vacation rental. Make sure to dust and wipe down all surfaces, vacuuming any crumbs and debris. Clean out the inside and outside of the refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Degrease the oven range and stovetops, and make sure to properly sanitize all dishes, cups, utensils, and pots and pans. Lastly, make sure to thoroughly wipe down any kitchen appliances, and put away any dishwashing supplies. If you want to go above and beyond, replenish things such as water bottles, napkins, kitchen towels, sponges and linens, for your next guests.

Bedroom Cleaning

Make sure to dust and sanitize any bedding and pillows, fluff pillows and blankets, and vacuum the floors. Flip any mattresses and ensure the bedding is free of stains. Additionally, make sure to empty the closets and shelves, organizing the contents neatly and putting them away. Vacuum any carpets or rugs, and vacuum any underneath the beds to ensure that the space is free of any dirt or dust.

Outdoor Cleaning

Don't forget to clean the outdoor areas of your vacation rental! Sweep any patios and decks, and mop any outdoor flooring. Check for any damage, and repair or replace any furniture or garden decorations. Inspect the pool or hot tub for any debris, and make sure to clean the filters and surfaces whenever necessary. Check your grills or fireplaces, as these appliances can be the most faulty if not taken care of properly by previous occupants–make sure there is no gas leaking or running. Be sure to inspect the doors and windows for any wear or tear, and make sure to fill any holes or cracks in the walls.

Living Room Cleaning

The living room of a vacation rental property is often the first place occupants experience when they arrive. As a homeowner, it is important to ensure that it is properly prepared for the next guest. A vacation rental cleaning checklist for the living room should include a thorough dusting of all surfaces–vacuuming of carpets, rugs, and furniture, wiping of windows, window sills, frames, and mirrors, mopping of floors, cleaning of lamp shades and electrical outlets; and spot cleaning of walls, baseboards, and furniture. For additional protection, house guests should also be provided with fresh linens (such as bedding and curtains) and sufficient toiletries. If a home is equipped with any additional features such as a fireplace, it should also be inspected to ensure that it is clean and safe for use. Leave the code for the wifi if necessary here–as most guests tend to settle here first. Further, make sure all remotes for the televisions or gaming consoles are put properly in place, for easy guest access.

Assess the property

Take some time to look around the rental and assess any potential areas of concern. Make sure that all appliances, electronic devices, and furniture are in good working order. Do one last sweep of the property, to make sure all points of entry are secured, all outdoor appliances like grills, fireplaces or hot tubs are left on, or left in bad shape. Checking every detail of your property may seem mundane, but it is truly better to be safe than sorry. Liability issues are some of the most costly, especially when it comes to client safety and expectations. One last run through of your property can unexpectedly save you thousands.

Conclusion

By taking the time to create an effective and complete vacation rental cleaning checklist, homeowners can ensure that their vacation rental remains spotless and inviting for any guests. Paying attention to detail is key when it comes to providing a safe and hygienic vacation rental experience. By following this basic vacation rental cleaning checklist, you can ensure that your rental property is inviting, safe, and comfortable for your vacationers. With a few simple steps, you can help keep your rental property in outstanding condition for your future guests.