Fast, reliable turnovers keep your Airbnb profitable. Every hour between checkout and check-in either earns money or wastes it. This guide shows you how to run a smooth airbnb turnover cleaning service every time.
Preparing Your Airbnb for Turnover
Good preparation starts before the guest checks out. Set up your systems early to save time later.
- Standardise your setup: Create a photo reference for every room. Show towel arrangement, cushion placement, and kitchen setup. Cleaners then know exactly what to do
- Pre-stage supplies: Keep a stocked storage area on site. Store cleaning products, spare linen, toiletries, toilet paper, and light bulbs. This stops cleaners running to the shops mid-turnover
- Backup linen sets: Keep two full sets of sheets and towels per bed. Cleaners bag dirty linen and put clean linen straight on beds. No one waits for a wash cycle
- Cleaning caddy: Pack a cleaning kit with everything needed. Include products, cloths, gloves, and bin bags. Cleaners just pick it up and go
- Maintenance checklist: Keep a running list of small repairs. Fix them during turnovers when the property sits empty. This avoids extra visits
Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist
Use the same checklist every turnover. This keeps standards consistent across your airbnb turnover cleaning service.
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe the fridge. Check for leftover food
- Run the dishwasher, then empty it. Wipe it inside and out
- Clean the oven, microwave, and rangehood
- Wipe all surfaces, splashback, and cabinet fronts
- Restock essentials: coffee, tea, sugar, oil, and salt
Bathrooms
- Scrub the toilet, shower, and basin
- Clean the mirror and glass
- Replace towels and check the bath mat
- Restock soap, shampoo, and toilet paper
- Check drains for hair
Bedrooms
- Strip beds and remake them with fresh linen
- Check under beds and in wardrobes for left items
- Dust surfaces, wipe switches, and vacuum
Living Areas
- Vacuum under cushions. Wipe remotes and switches
- Dust surfaces, shelves, and the TV screen
- Reset the entertainment system and check the WiFi
General
- Mop hard floors and vacuum carpets
- Empty all bins and replace liners
- Check all lights work. Replace dead bulbs
- Lock windows, set the thermostat, and check smoke alarms
Using Technology and Automation
Smart tools save time and cut mistakes. They also make your airbnb turnover cleaning service easier to run.
- Smart locks: Generate a unique code for each guest. This removes key handovers and lockouts. Codes expire automatically, so guests check in without you there
- Automated messaging: Set up templates for booking confirmation, pre-arrival, check-in, mid-stay, and checkout. Personalise each one with the guest’s name and dates
- Cleaning scheduling apps: Tools like Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB) sync with your booking calendar. They notify your cleaner automatically when a turnover is due
- Smart thermostats: Set a comfortable temperature before guests arrive. Switch to economy mode when the property sits empty
- Security cameras (exterior only): Use them to verify checkout time and confirm your cleaner has arrived. Disclose cameras in your listing, as platform rules require
- Noise monitors: These alert you to possible party situations. They don’t record conversations
Managing Guest Communication
Clear, timely messages keep guests happy. They also cut down on repeat questions.
- Pre-arrival message: Send this 24 hours before check-in. Include access instructions, WiFi password, parking details, and local tips
- Welcome message: Automate this for check-in day. Confirm the guest arrived okay and remind them you’re available
- Mid-stay check: For stays over three nights, send a brief “everything okay?” message. It shows you care without being intrusive
- Checkout reminder: Send this the evening before or morning of checkout. Include checkout time, simple tasks like starting the dishwasher, and a thank you
- Review request: Thank guests after checkout and mention you’d appreciate a review. Send it within a few hours, while the experience is still fresh
Creating a Seamless Check-In and Check-Out Process
Check-In
- Self check-in is now standard. Use a smart lock and send access instructions automatically
- Leave a printed welcome card inside the property. Include WiFi details, house rules, local tips, and emergency contacts
- Set the property to a comfortable temperature. Turn the lights on before guests arrive
Check-Out
- Keep checkout instructions simple. Ask guests to strip beds, start the dishwasher, take out rubbish, and lock up
- Don’t ask guests to clean. That’s your job, or your cleaner’s. Asking creates resentment and bad reviews
- Offer flexible checkout when you can. An extra hour costs nothing if the next guest arrives in the afternoon
Evaluating and Improving Your Turnover Process
Regular reviews help you refine your airbnb turnover cleaning service over time.
- Track your turnover time: Time each clean and look for consistency. If times vary widely, standardise the process
- Review cleaner performance: Check the property yourself now and then. Ask your cleaner for photos after each turnover to verify remotely
- Read your reviews: Guest comments about cleanliness reveal real issues. Common complaints point to gaps in your process
- Guest feedback: Ask departing guests what you could improve. They notice things you’ve stopped seeing
- Cost analysis: Track cleaning costs per booking. Decide if same-day turnovers are worth the premium, or if a buffer day earns you more
- Backup cleaner: Your regular cleaner will get sick or take holidays. Keep a backup ready so no booking gets cancelled over cleaning logistics
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