How To Hire Cleaners For Airbnb

Introduction.

Renting out an Airbnb property can be a fantastic way to generate income, but keeping up with cleaning between guests can feel like a full-time job.

Ensuring your property is spotless every time someone checks in is critical for great reviews, but that standard requires professional, reliable cleaning.

So, how do you find the right cleaners for the job? Whether you’re new to Airbnb hosting or looking to streamline your process, here’s an in-depth guide on hiring cleaners that will help you consistently wow guests without burning out.

Why Cleaning Matters So Much in Airbnb Hosting

Cleanliness is one of the top-rated factors in guest reviews on Airbnb. Studies have shown that listings with poor cleanliness ratings see significantly lower occupancy rates.

According to Airbnb’s data, cleanliness is one of the major elements guests use to determine whether they want to book a place again or recommend it to others.

Investing in dependable cleaning services, therefore, isn’t just about impressing your guests; it’s about boosting your long-term success on the platform.

How Do I Hire Cleaners For Airbnb?

Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step approach to finding and hiring Airbnb cleaners who deliver quality results and are easy to work with:

1. Decide on an In-House or Professional Cleaning Service.

Before diving into the hiring process, consider whether you want to hire an individual cleaner or a professional cleaning service.

Individual Cleaners are often more affordable and offer a more personal touch. You might find someone local who understands your needs and works well within your schedule.
Professional Cleaning Services usually come with more reliability and a larger workforce, so they’re able to handle quick turnovers or handle unexpected scheduling needs.

2. Define Your Cleaning Standards Clearly.

Write a detailed checklist of what you expect to clean after each guest leaves. Airbnb standards go beyond general tidiness, and many hosts require deep-cleaning tasks, like sanitizing high-touch surfaces and checking for damages. Include specific tasks like:

Vacuuming and mopping floors
Sanitizing high-touch areas (e.g., door handles, light switches)
Replacing linens and toiletries
Cleaning the kitchen (appliances, counters, sinks)
Checking for any repairs or replenishment needs

3. Use Reliable Job Platforms and Networks.

You can find quality cleaners on platforms like Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, Craigslist, and even local Facebook groups. If you’re looking to hire a company, websites like Angie’s List or Yelp can offer vetted recommendations with reviews from other users. For solo cleaners, personal recommendations from other hosts or even Airbnb forums can be valuable sources for reliable referrals.

4. Conduct Interviews and Ask Key Questions.

A face-to-face interview, even if it’s virtual, can reveal a lot about a cleaner’s professionalism and reliability. Here are some questions to consider:

How much experience do you have with short-term rental cleaning?
Are you available for quick turnovers or last-minute cleanings?
Do you have liability insurance or bonding?
Are you comfortable with specific Airbnb requirements (checklists, restocking items)?
How would you handle feedback if there’s a cleanliness issue?

5. Test the Cleaner with a Trial Cleaning.

Once you have a cleaner you like, schedule a trial cleaning session and inspect the results carefully. Notice details like attention to high-touch surfaces, bathroom cleanliness, and whether they followed the checklist. If possible, schedule the trial cleaning after a guest has checked out to evaluate their work as though it were a real turnover.

6. Set a Clear Schedule and Communication Plan.

Managing cleaning schedules can be tricky with Airbnb’s varied booking patterns. To keep things running smoothly:

Use scheduling tools or apps like TurnoverBnB, Properly, or Breezeway to automate cleaning schedules.
Share your Airbnb calendar with the cleaner so they know when bookings come in.
Set clear communication channels and response times for confirming availability after each booking.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Cleaners for Airbnb

Hiring cleaners isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; each option comes with its benefits and potential downsides. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros

Consistency in Cleaning Standards: Professionals have the training and experience to keep the place spotless each time.
Saves Time and Reduces Stress: With professionals handling turnovers, you’re free to focus on other parts of hosting.
Higher Guest Satisfaction: Clean spaces lead to better reviews, which often translates into more bookings.
Access to Specialized Equipment and Supplies: Professional services usually come with the best tools and supplies, helping meet higher standards.

Cons

Cost: Professional cleaning services can be pricey, especially if you need fast turnovers.
Dependency on Cleaner’s Schedule: Even the best cleaners can get busy, which may mean less flexibility if you have back-to-back bookings.
Potential for Miscommunication: Without clear instructions, there’s a risk of them missing critical details specific to Airbnb.
Quality Can Vary: While professionals are usually reliable, finding someone who’s both available and thorough can take some trial and error.

FAQ Section on Hiring Airbnb Cleaners

Q: How much should I budget for Airbnb cleaning services?

The average cleaning fee for an Airbnb property ranges from $50 to $100 per cleaning, depending on your location and the size of the space. For luxury properties or larger spaces, expect to pay more.

Q: Should I ask for proof of insurance?

Yes, hiring a cleaner with insurance protects you from potential damages or accidents that could occur on your property. Liability insurance is standard for professional services and should be a requirement if you’re working with a cleaning company.

Q: Can I charge guests a cleaning fee?

Yes, most hosts include a cleaning fee in their booking costs, which can cover part or all of the cleaning expenses. Airbnb allows you to set this fee as part of your listing, so it’s visible to guests before they book.

Q: How often should I do a deep clean on my Airbnb?

Apart from regular turnover cleaning, it’s a good idea to schedule a deep clean every few months. This might involve cleaning under furniture, washing windows, and scrubbing walls to keep the property in top condition.

Q: What if my cleaner cancels last minute?

Having a backup cleaner or working with a service that can send a replacement is ideal. You might also consider joining an Airbnb host community where hosts sometimes share local cleaner recommendations if they find themselves in a pinch.

Conclusion

Hiring the right cleaners for an Airbnb isn’t just about finding someone who’s good at scrubbing floors—it’s about creating a seamless experience for your guests and yourself. Quality cleaning can make the difference between great reviews and disappointing ones, not to mention the time and stress it can save you. With the right cleaner, you can turn over your property with confidence, knowing it’ll be spotless every time.

So, what kind of cleaner will you be looking for to make your Airbnb a five-star stay every time?