Mastering Your Short-Term Rental Cleaning Routine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Every professional cleaner has their unique approach, but establishing a systematic cleaning flow ensures consistency, efficiency, and high-quality results. A structured method helps streamline cleaning tasks and guarantees that each rental property is left spotless for the next guests.

Step-by-Step Guide to an Efficient Airbnb Cleaning Flow

The most effective way to tackle any short-term rental cleaning is by starting with the basics—dusting, sweeping, and removing trash. Following a room-to-room cleaning flow per task can help optimize your time and ensure no steps are skipped.

A recommended cleaning order for Airbnb properties is:

Bathrooms – Start here to tackle deep cleaning early in the process.
Bedrooms – Make beds, vacuum, and tidy up to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Living Room – Dust, vacuum, and sanitize high-touch areas.
Kitchen – Wipe down surfaces, clean appliances, and take out the trash.

Professional cleaners often work their way out of the home, ensuring that they don’t track dirt or disrupt cleaned areas on their way out.

How to Find the Best Cleaning Order for Your Airbnb

Each cleaner may have a preferred workflow, but if you often find yourself rushing through tasks, it might be time to reassess your process. One of the best ways to create an efficient routine is by developing a detailed Cleaning checklist.

Create a Cleaning Checklist for Your Rental

A structured cleaning checklist keeps you organized and ensures all areas are cleaned thoroughly. Keep it simple and realistic, focusing on tasks that can be completed efficiently without sacrificing quality.

How to Build an Effective Checklist:

Organize tasks by room or cleaning type (e.g., dusting, vacuuming, sanitizing).
Follow a top-to-bottom approach—cleaning higher surfaces first to prevent dust from settling on freshly cleaned floors.
Identify areas needing extra attention before you start to ensure proper time management.

Pay Attention to Often-Overlooked Areas

While common areas like countertops and floors receive regular attention, don’t forget the small details that can make a big difference in guest satisfaction:

Ceiling fans
Baseboards
Light switches and door handles
Under furniture and behind appliances

Automate and Optimize Your Cleaning Process with Soyhome

The time required for a thorough short-term rental cleaning typically ranges from two to five hours, depending on the condition of the property. Establishing a consistent and efficient workflow is key to balancing speed with quality.

Finding reliable Airbnb cleaners and managing cleaning tasks efficiently is essential for smooth operations. Soyhome simplifies this process by connecting short-term rental hosts with trusted cleaners and automating cleaning schedules.

By following a structured cleaning routine and leveraging smart tools, you can streamline operations, maintain high standards, and improve guest experiences effortlessly.