Cleaning a short-term vacation rental property is a bigger job than a routine tidy-up. Every turnover has to get the place ready for the next guest and protect the owner's investment at the same time. Here's the 10-step process we follow to get each property into the best possible condition.
1 - Identify Damages
As soon as we step into the property, we walk through it and look for damage. That could be anything from cracked tiles and broken furniture to small scratches on the walls or damaged artwork. We take detailed pictures and videos of any damage we find, so the owners have a visual record. This should happen within the first 48 hours after a guest leaves, so there's a chance to recover compensation if it's needed. It's also part of keeping the property up to a high standard for future guests.
2. Inspect Outdoor Areas
Our damage inspection doesn't stop at the front door. We check the outdoor areas too, including patios, gardens and balconies. We look for wear and tear on outdoor furniture, landscaping, exterior paint and siding. We even note small things, like missing or broken outdoor lights.
3. Check Linens
Once the damage check is done, we head inside and start on the linens. Stained or damaged linens are a common problem in short-term rentals, so we look over every bedsheet, towel and pillowcase. If we find a stain, we treat it right away with Shout stain remover. We also take pictures of any stained linens. They're evidence the owner can use if they need to recover compensation.
4. Replace Linens
After we treat and bag all the used linens, we put out the owner's second set of sheets and towels. Every new guest walks in to a clean, fresh set. We make the beds neatly and hang the towels in order, so the rooms look inviting as soon as the door opens.
5. Clean Kitchens and Bathrooms
Next come the kitchen and bathrooms, two of the most important areas in any property. We use a two-step cleaning process here. First we wash down all surfaces, appliances and fixtures with soap and water. Then we rinse, do a final polish and disinfect. We clean every appliance inside and out so there are no hairs, fingerprints or leftover residue from previous guests. We're extra careful with high-touch spots like fridge handles, faucets and stove knobs.
6. Dust Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures
We think cleanliness is in the details. It's easy to skip ceiling fans and light fixtures during regular cleanings, and they collect dust over time. We dust and clean them too, so the whole property feels fresh and clean.
7. Polish Wood Surfaces
We polish every wood surface in the property. That includes wooden furniture, cabinetry and floorboards. Polished wood looks shiny and well cared for. Polish helps protect the wood too, so it lasts longer and keeps its natural beauty.
8. Restock Essentials
With the cleaning done, we move on to restocking. We refill the hand soaps, put fresh sponges by the sink and replace disposable items like toilet paper and paper towels. We also check how much dish soap, laundry detergent and trash bags are left, so guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
9. Stage the Property
Then we stage the property. We fluff all the pillows on the beds and couches and arrange them neatly. We place decorative items where they show off the space. After staging, a clean property looks inviting and ready for guests.
10. Clean Floors and Final Check
Floors come last. We vacuum carpets, sweep hard floors and then mop for a sparkling finish. Before we mop, though, we provide a video walkthrough of the cleaned and restocked property for the owner's records. When we've finished mopping, the property is ready for its next guest.
Why We Follow These Steps
Our process is detailed, and that's on purpose. It has two goals: give guests a pleasant, comfortable stay and keep the owner's property protected and well maintained. We stick to these 10 steps to balance the two, so every short-term vacation rental property we clean is at its best for each new guest.