How We Picked
Airbnb asks guests to rate cleanliness on its own, and its Help Center describes the standard in plain terms: the home should be free of health hazards like mold and pests, and free of extensive dust, pet dander and dirty dishes. We built this list around that standard, then added the checks that keep the next guest's stay running: restocking, safety and a final look at the home as a guest would see it.
Every item here is practical rather than product-specific. Use the cleaning products your crew trusts and that are safe for your surfaces.
1. Strip and Remake Every Bed
Strip every bed that was used, and check the ones that look untouched too. Look at the mattress protector and pillows for stains, and replace anything marked. Make the beds the same way every time so the home matches the listing photos.
Good to know: Keep a full spare set of linens for each bed so a stain never delays a turnover.
2. Bathrooms, Top to Bottom
Toilets inside and out (including the base and behind it), sinks, showers, tubs, glass and mirrors. Hair is easy to miss, so check drains, floors and the shower walls last. Replace the bath mat and hand towels.
3. Kitchen Surfaces and Dishes
Wash, dry and put away every dish, including the ones guests left in the dishwasher. Wipe counters, the sink and the backsplash. Check the silverware drawer and cabinet shelves for crumbs.
4. Inside the Appliances
Open the fridge, freezer, microwave and oven. Remove anything guests left behind, wipe spills and check the coffee maker for old grounds and water. A fridge that smells of the last guest's leftovers is a first impression you do not get back.
5. High-Touch Points
Light switches, door handles, cabinet pulls, the TV remote, the thermostat and the door keypad. These take two minutes and are easy to forget when a crew is running late.
6. Dust, Including the High and Low Spots
Ceiling fans, window sills, baseboards, the tops of picture frames and under the beds. Airbnb specifically calls out extensive dust and pet dander, so if the home allows pets, give pet hair extra time on upholstery and rugs.
7. Floors
Vacuum rugs and carpets, then mop hard floors. Move furniture where you can. In winter, entryways collect salt and sand, so give the mudroom and the first few feet inside the door extra attention.
8. Trash and Recycling
Empty every bin in the home, including bathroom and bedroom cans, and put in fresh liners. Take bags to wherever your town requires, whether that is the curb, a shed or the transfer station.
9. Restock Consumables
Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, hand soap, dish soap, dishwasher pods, laundry detergent, trash bags, coffee and basic kitchen staples. Stock enough for the full stay plus a margin. Track what you use so you can reorder before you run out.
Good to know: With New England Host Co, consumables are rebilled to the owner at cost.
10. Damage, Missing Items and Anything Left Behind
Check for broken glasses, stained furniture, marks on walls and missing items. Take dated photos of any damage right away, so you have a clear record if you need to raise it with the guest or the platform. Bag and label anything a guest left behind.
11. Safety Checks
Confirm the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, the fire extinguisher is in place and the first aid kit is stocked. The NFPA recommends testing smoke alarms at least once a month and replacing them when they are 10 years old. Check that exterior lights work and that steps and walkways are clear of ice in winter.
12. The Final Walk-Through
Walk in through the guest's door and look at the home as they will. Set the thermostat, turn off extra lights, stage the living room to match the listing photos, check the Wi-Fi works, put the house binder back where guests will find it (our local area guide template helps you build one) and confirm the door locks. This is where an inspection earns its keep.
Seasonal Extras for New England Homes
Some homes need items the standard list does not cover:
- Hot tubs: check the water, the cover and the chemical levels, following the manufacturer's guidance.
- Fireplaces and wood stoves: remove cold ash safely and restock firewood if you provide it.
- Ski homes: empty the boot room, dry the mats and check that ski racks are clear.
- Lake houses: check life jackets, rinse beach towels and bring in anything left on the dock.
How to Run the Checklist
A checklist only works if it is used every time. A few habits help:
- Put it in writing and in order. Room by room, in the order the crew walks the home.
- Ask for photos. A photo of each finished room gives you a record and helps new cleaners learn the standard.
- Separate cleaning from inspection. A second look catches what the cleaner missed.
- Update it after every complaint. If a guest mentions something, add it to the list.
New England Host Co handles cleaning and turnover with local crews it engages and manages, and each home gets housekeeping and an inspection after every stay, at the same visit. New crews go through a trial period before they are trusted with a property. Our guest-ready checklist is a good place to start your own list, and if you want someone local to take turnovers off your plate, see our list of vacation rental managers in the Lakes Region.
FAQ
How Long Does an Airbnb Turnover Clean Take?
It depends on the size of the home, how it was left and how many beds were used. Time your own turnovers for a few weeks and build your checkout and check-in times around the real number.
Should the Cleaner Also Restock Supplies?
Yes, if you can. The cleaner is already in the home and can see what is low. Keep a stocked supply closet so they are not waiting on a delivery.
What Do Guests Notice Most?
Airbnb's cleanliness standard names dust, pet dander, dirty dishes, mold and pests. Hair in bathrooms and leftovers in the fridge are also easy to miss on a rushed turnover.
Do I Need an Inspection If My Cleaner Is Good?
A good cleaner helps, but a separate check catches what anyone misses on a busy day. Some hosts inspect themselves; others have a manager do it.
