The Complete Airbnb Host Cleaning Checklist for 5-Star Reviews

Why Cleanliness Makes or Breaks Your Airbnb

Cleanliness remains the number one factor in Airbnb reviews. Guests consistently rate cleaning above location, value, and even accuracy. A single "could have been cleaner" comment can devastate your booking rate, while consistent praise for cleanliness builds the reputation that commands premium pricing.

San Diego's competitive vacation rental market—from beach cottages in Pacific Beach to downtown condos near the Gaslamp—means guests have choices. This checklist helps you deliver the spotless experience that earns five-star reviews and repeat bookings.

Pre-Arrival Essentials

24-48 Hours Before Check-In

Confirm Your Cleaning Plan

Verify turnover timing with cleaning service or your schedule
Check guest check-in time
Prepare fresh linens and supplies
Review any special guest requests

Stock Check

Bathroom amenities (toiletries, toilet paper surplus)
Kitchen essentials (dish soap, sponge, trash bags)
Coffee, tea, basic pantry items if provided
Paper products
Cleaning supplies for guest use

The Complete Turnover Checklist

Entry and First Impressions

Guests form opinions in the first 30 seconds. Make them count:

[ ] Sweep or vacuum entry area
[ ] Clean front door inside and out
[ ] Polish door handle and lock
[ ] Check doorbell/smart lock functionality
[ ] Ensure welcome mat is clean
[ ] Remove any previous guest debris
[ ] Place fresh welcome materials
[ ] Check lighting—replace any burned bulbs
[ ] Wipe light switches and door frames

Living Areas

[ ] Vacuum all carpets and rugs (check under furniture)
[ ] Mop or clean hard floors
[ ] Dust all surfaces including shelves, tables, mantels
[ ] Clean TV screen and remote control (sanitize remote!)
[ ] Wipe down all furniture
[ ] Fluff and arrange pillows and throws
[ ] Check under couch cushions for debris
[ ] Clean windows and glass doors
[ ] Dust blinds or clean curtains
[ ] Empty and clean wastebaskets
[ ] Check all lamps and lighting
[ ] Dust ceiling fans and vents
[ ] Inspect walls for marks or damage
[ ] Arrange books, games, materials neatly
[ ] Test WiFi and note password visibility

Kitchen

The kitchen receives the most scrutiny. Clean it like a health inspector is watching:

Appliances

[ ] Clean inside microwave thoroughly
[ ] Clean inside oven (at least spot clean)
[ ] Clean stovetop and knobs
[ ] Clean and sanitize refrigerator interior
[ ] Check freezer
[ ] Clean dishwasher interior and filter
[ ] Clean coffee maker (run vinegar cycle monthly)
[ ] Wipe down toaster and small appliances
[ ] Clean exterior of all appliances

Surfaces and Storage

[ ] Sanitize all countertops
[ ] Clean backsplash
[ ] Clean and sanitize sink
[ ] Polish faucet and handles
[ ] Check and clean garbage disposal
[ ] Wipe cabinet fronts
[ ] Check inside cabinets for previous guest items
[ ] Verify dishes, glasses, utensils are clean
[ ] Clean dish drying area

Floors and Details

[ ] Sweep and mop floor thoroughly
[ ] Clean baseboards
[ ] Empty and clean trash can
[ ] Replace trash bag
[ ] Clean under and around appliances
[ ] Check window and windowsill

Supplies

[ ] Fresh dish soap and sponge
[ ] Clean dish towels
[ ] Trash bags
[ ] Basic pantry items restocked

Bedrooms

Guest sleep quality determines satisfaction. Create a hotel-worthy experience:

Bedding

[ ] Strip and remake bed with fresh linens
[ ] Check mattress for stains or damage
[ ] Use mattress protector
[ ] Fluff pillows (provide extras)
[ ] Arrange decorative pillows
[ ] Provide extra blankets

Furniture and Surfaces

[ ] Dust all furniture surfaces
[ ] Clean nightstands completely
[ ] Empty and clean nightstand drawers
[ ] Dust headboard and bed frame
[ ] Clean under bed
[ ] Wipe down dresser inside and out
[ ] Check and clean closet
[ ] Provide hangers (matching is professional)

Details

[ ] Clean mirrors
[ ] Check all lighting
[ ] Dust lamps and shades
[ ] Clean windows and window treatments
[ ] Vacuum or mop floors
[ ] Check for previous guest belongings

Bathrooms

Bathroom cleanliness is non-negotiable. Guests expect spotless:

Fixtures

[ ] Scrub and sanitize toilet completely (including base)
[ ] Clean and shine sink
[ ] Clean faucet and handles
[ ] Clean and sanitize tub/shower thoroughly
[ ] Clean shower head (descale monthly)
[ ] Clean shower door or curtain
[ ] Replace shower curtain liner regularly
[ ] Clean exhaust fan cover

Surfaces

[ ] Clean and sanitize countertops
[ ] Clean and streak-free mirrors
[ ] Wipe down cabinets
[ ] Check inside cabinets for items
[ ] Clean shelving

Floors and Details

[ ] Scrub floor thoroughly
[ ] Clean baseboards
[ ] Clean behind toilet
[ ] Empty and sanitize trash can

Supplies and Presentation

[ ] Fresh, matching towels (bath, hand, washcloth)
[ ] Toilet paper (at least 2 rolls)
[ ] Tissues
[ ] Basic toiletries
[ ] Fresh bath mat
[ ] Clean wastebasket with liner

Outdoor Spaces

San Diego guests expect to enjoy outdoor areas:

Patios and Balconies

[ ] Sweep or hose down surface
[ ] Clean outdoor furniture
[ ] Wipe down tables
[ ] Shake out cushions
[ ] Clean BBQ grill if provided
[ ] Empty outdoor trash
[ ] Check lighting
[ ] Remove any cobwebs

Yard Areas

[ ] General tidying
[ ] Remove debris
[ ] Check pool/hot tub if applicable
[ ] Verify outdoor amenities functional

Laundry Areas

[ ] Clean washer drum and dispenser
[ ] Clean dryer lint trap and exterior
[ ] Wipe down machines
[ ] Stock laundry supplies if provided
[ ] Clean laundry sink if applicable
[ ] Sweep/mop floor

The Final Walkthrough

Before every check-in, complete a final inspection:

Visual Scan

[ ] No visible dust or debris anywhere
[ ] No streaks on glass surfaces
[ ] No watermarks on fixtures
[ ] No hair anywhere (bathrooms especially!)
[ ] No odors—fresh, neutral smell
[ ] Cohesive, intentional presentation

Function Check

[ ] All lights work
[ ] Hot water runs
[ ] HVAC functions
[ ] Appliances operate
[ ] WiFi connects
[ ] TV works
[ ] Door locks secure
[ ] Smoke/CO detectors functional

Guest Essentials

[ ] Welcome guide visible
[ ] WiFi password accessible
[ ] Emergency contacts available
[ ] House rules clear
[ ] Local recommendations ready

Common Cleanliness Complaints to Avoid

Learn from negative reviews across the platform:

Hair The most frequent complaint. Check bathrooms, beds, and upholstered surfaces meticulously.

Kitchen Residue Guests find old food in microwaves, refrigerators, and ovens. These areas require special attention.

Musty Odors Air out the property. Check for mold in bathrooms. Launder all soft goods regularly.

Dusty Surfaces Often missed: ceiling fans, baseboards, top of cabinets, vents, blinds.

Previous Guest Items Check everywhere—under beds, in drawers, behind furniture, in closets. Finding someone else's belongings feels unhygienic.

Cleaning Frequency Guide

Every Turnover

Complete checklist above
All linens changed
Full sanitization

Weekly (for longer stays)

Mid-stay clean if arranged
Linen change
Restock supplies
Fresh towels

Monthly (regardless of bookings)

Deep clean all appliances
Wash all pillows and mattress protectors
Clean light fixtures
Clean walls
Detail work

Quarterly

Professional carpet cleaning
Window washing inside and out
HVAC filter change
Grout cleaning

Professional vs. DIY Cleaning

When to Clean Yourself

You live nearby
You have single or few properties
You enjoy maintaining standards personally
You have time between bookings

When to Hire Professionals

Multiple properties
Quick turnovers
Distance from property
Physical limitations
Desire for consistent results
Focus on hosting vs. cleaning

Hybrid Approach

Many successful hosts handle routine turnover but schedule professional deep cleans monthly or quarterly.

Turnover Timing Tips

Calculate Realistically A thorough turnover takes:

Studio: 1.5-2 hours
1-bedroom: 2-2.5 hours
2-bedroom: 2.5-3 hours
3+ bedroom: 3.5+ hours

Build in Buffer Allow extra time for:

Unexpected messes
Stain treatment
Supply runs
Final inspection

Schedule Smart Consider checkout at 10 AM and check-in at 4 PM for adequate turnover time.

Investing in Five Stars

Consistent cleanliness requires investment in:

Quality Supplies

Commercial-grade cleaning products
Quality mops and vacuums
Fresh microfiber cloths
Proper sanitizers

Replacement Budget

Linens that look worn
Towels losing softness
Stained mattress protectors
Damaged items

Your Time or Service Fees Professional cleaning ensures consistency and frees you to focus on guest experience.

Ready to ensure your San Diego vacation rental earns consistent five-star reviews? for professional turnover cleaning services that meet Airbnb's highest standards.