A single missed task can cost you a 5-star review. Airbnb guests notice everything, from the inside of the microwave to the toilet brush holder. And when they notice, they write about it.
Turnover cleaning is not the same as a weekly domestic clean. You are working to a tight window, usually two to four hours, and the standard is hotel-level. Every surface, every corner, every trace of the previous guest needs to be gone.
This checklist covers every room. Work through it in order and you will not miss anything.
Before You Start: Set Yourself Up to Succeed
Check the checkout time and your next check-in time before anything else. You need to know exactly how long you have.
Walk through the property first. Note any damage, staining, or items left behind by the previous guest. Take photos before you touch anything. This protects you in any dispute.
Strip all beds immediately. Put linen straight into a bag or washing machine so it is out of your way. Studies show that 72% of negative Airbnb reviews mention bedding or cleanliness. Getting the linen right is non-negotiable.
Gather your kit: microfibre cloths (colour-coded by room), glass cleaner, limescale remover, antibacterial spray, mop and bucket, fresh linen, and your checklist. Do not start without everything ready.
Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen is where guests form their strongest first impressions of hygiene. One sticky hob ring or crumb-covered toaster will undo everything else you have done.
Surfaces and appliances:
- [ ] Wipe all worktops with antibacterial spray
- [ ] Clean hob rings, burner caps, and drip trays
- [ ] Degrease inside and around the oven (check after every stay, deep clean weekly)
- [ ] Clean microwave inside and out: remove turntable and wipe underneath
- [ ] Wipe down kettle and toaster, empty crumb tray
- [ ] Clean coffee machine or cafetière thoroughly
- [ ] Polish sink and taps, remove any limescale
- [ ] Wipe fridge doors, handles, and shelves
- [ ] Check inside fridge for leftover food: remove everything
Dishwasher and washing up:
- [ ] Run dishwasher if there are dirty items inside
- [ ] Check dishwasher filter and clean if needed
- [ ] Arrange clean crockery, glasses, and cutlery neatly
Final kitchen checks:
- [ ] Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- [ ] Sweep and mop the floor
- [ ] Replace bin liner and empty any recycling
- [ ] Restock washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, and sponge if running low
Bathroom Checklist
Bathrooms are the highest-risk room for a bad review. Limescale, hair, and soap residue are the three most common complaints. Attack all three.
Toilet:
- [ ] Clean under the rim with toilet bleach
- [ ] Wipe the seat, lid, base, and cistern with antibacterial spray
- [ ] Clean around the base of the toilet
- [ ] Replace toilet roll and check the spare supply
Shower and bath:
- [ ] Spray showerhead with limescale remover: leave to soak while you clean other areas
- [ ] Scrub tiles and grout
- [ ] Clean shower tray or bath: pay attention to the drain (remove hair)
- [ ] Wipe shower screen with glass cleaner; polish dry to remove streaks
- [ ] Clean taps and mixer until they shine
Sink and vanity:
- [ ] Clean sink and taps with antibacterial spray
- [ ] Remove all toothpaste and soap splatter from the mirror
- [ ] Wipe vanity unit and open shelving
- [ ] Check for and remove any hair from plughole
Final bathroom checks:
- [ ] Hang fresh towels: folded hotel-style if possible
- [ ] Restock any guest toiletries (shampoo, shower gel, soap)
- [ ] Empty bin and replace liner
- [ ] Mop or wipe the floor
- [ ] Final check: stand in the doorway and look at the room as a guest would
Bedroom Checklist
Guests go to bed on their first night and their opinion of your property is sealed. Fresh, crisp linen is the single most important trust signal in the whole property.
Beds:
- [ ] Fit fresh fitted sheet: pull tight at every corner, no creases
- [ ] Add duvet cover and pillowcases
- [ ] Arrange pillows neatly; add spare pillows in wardrobe if provided
- [ ] Fold down the top of the duvet: a simple hotel-style touch guests notice
Furniture and surfaces:
- [ ] Wipe bedside tables and lamps
- [ ] Clean any mirrors: smears show immediately
- [ ] Dust wardrobe tops, shelves, and rails
- [ ] Check wardrobe for items left by previous guests
- [ ] Wipe skirting boards if dusty
Tech and extras:
- [ ] Confirm TV remote has working batteries and is accessible
- [ ] Check phone chargers or USB ports provided are working
- [ ] Leave guest information folder or card in an obvious place
Final bedroom checks:
- [ ] Vacuum the floor, including under the bed
- [ ] Open window briefly to air the room, then close before departure
- [ ] Check blackout blinds or curtains open and close fully
Living Areas and Common Spaces
Living areas tend to collect the most clutter and the most dust. Do not rush these rooms.
Sofas and seating:
- [ ] Remove cushions and check between seats for crumbs and items
- [ ] Vacuum sofa thoroughly: use an attachment for crevices
- [ ] Plump and replace cushions neatly
Hard surfaces:
- [ ] Dust all shelves, picture frames, and TV unit
- [ ] Clean TV screen with a dry microfibre cloth only
- [ ] Wipe coffee tables and side tables
Floors:
- [ ] Vacuum rugs and carpeted areas: including edges and corners
- [ ] Sweep and mop hard floors
- [ ] Check under furniture for anything left behind
Extras:
- [ ] Restock any welcome items (tea, coffee, biscuits) if your property provides them
- [ ] Check and replace any burned-out bulbs
- [ ] Wipe light switches and door handles: often forgotten, always touched
Hallway and Entry
The hallway is the first thing your guest sees. It should be spotless and clear.
- [ ] Sweep or vacuum the floor
- [ ] Wipe skirting boards and doors
- [ ] Ensure any key lock box is clean and accessible
- [ ] Remove any post or paperwork from the previous guest
Final Walkthrough: The Guest's Eyes Test
Before you leave, walk through the property as if you are the guest arriving for the first time. Open the front door. Walk into each room. Look up, look down, look in corners.
Ask yourself: would I give this property 5 stars right now?
If the answer is anything less than yes, go back and fix what is wrong. This walkthrough adds five minutes and saves your rating.
Take photos. Photograph every room before you leave. This is the single most powerful thing you can do: for your own records, for guest reassurance, and to prove the standard of your clean. If you use a professional cleaning service, insist on photo proof as part of the package.
Actionable Takeaway
Download this checklist and laminate it for your cleaning kit. Work through it in the same order every time. Consistency is what separates hosts with 4.9 ratings from hosts who wonder what went wrong.
If you are managing more than one property, or if the window between checkout and check-in is under two hours, a professional turnover cleaning service will pay for itself in time saved and ratings protected.
See CleanHive's pricing for turnover cleaning from £40, with photo proof included on every clean.
Ready to stop worrying about turnover cleans? Get your free quote →