How to Clean an Airbnb Fast: Expert Tips Real Hosts Swear By
Knowing how to clean an Airbnb fast is the secret to great reviews and keeping your sanity. Here’s exactly how to do it fast, efficiently, and like a pro.
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This “how to clean an Airbnb fast” guide is packed with real world tips, from how to clean Airbnb homes efficiently to setting Airbnb cleaning rules for guests and building smart systems that make turnovers quick, easy, and 5-star ready. Whether you clean it yourself or manage a team, you’ll learn exactly how to clean Airbnb homes quickly, thoroughly, and like a true pro.
This post is all about how to clean an Airbnb fast.
The First Step to Cleaning Your Airbnb Fast? It’s All in the Tools
When I first started hosting, cleaning my Airbnb was just part of the hustle. I was trying to cover rent, doing everything myself, and learning as I went. Over time, and after managing over 25+ Airbnb homes, I realized something major. You’re only as good as your tools!
If you’re trying to figure out how to clean an Airbnb fast, start with this, your supplies matter. Whether you’re cleaning it yourself or training someone else, having the right cleaning kit is key. It saves time, prevents frustration, and makes your place feel like a 5-star stay every single time.
This is the exact Airbnb cleaning kit my team and I use today after years of trial and error.
- All-purpose cleaner – I love meyer’s multi surface cleaner or Fabuloso, diluted in spray bottles
- Soft Scrub – especially for tubs
- Bleach – (controversial, I know, but I dilute it big time)
- Glass cleaner spray – zero streaks, thank me later
- Oven cleaner
- Febreze or linen spray
- Large and small trash bags
- Scraper – for stuck on floor gunk
- Gloves – non-negotiable
- Lint roller – for hair… your worst enemy
- Extendable duster – hello, ceiling corners
- Magic Erasers
- Scotch pads or pot scrubbers
- Microfiber cloths – color coded by room!
- Sturdy cleaning caddy
- Paper towels
Quick Notes on the Essentials:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Skip the ones that leave that weird mop water smell. I dilute Meyer’s or use Fabuloso. Smells amazing, lasts long, and makes the whole place feel fresh.
Soft Scrub vs. Bleach: I mostly use Soft Scrub in tubs, let it sit for grime, works great. When I do use bleach, I dilute it like crazzzy. Just a spoonful in a full bottle of water does the job without burning your nose off.
Important Bleach Tip: Do NOT spray bleach directly on toilets or tubs with painted or finished surfaces, it will ruin them. Only use inside the toilet bowl. Ask me how I know 🙃
Spray Bottles: Don’t cheap out. Get the Zep spray bottles from Lowe’s or Walmart. They don’t break and spray like a pro.
Caddy: You or your cleaner are walking this thing around the whole house. It needs to be organized and easy to carry. I use one with pockets that keeps everything in place.
Microfiber Cloths: I bulk buy and color code them. One color for the kitchen, one for bathrooms, one for everything else. Trust me, you don’t want someone using the bathroom rag on the kitchen counter.
Lint Rollers: These are clutch. Hair is one of the top complaints on Airbnb. Even if something is technically clean, one stray hair can ruin a guest’s perception. Lint roll EVERYTHING – bedding, pillows, even the headboard.
Paper Towels: Some people hate them, but I’m team paper towel for certain jobs, like toilets. Don’t reuse cloths on toilets and then anywhere else. Ever.
Bonus Tip: Buy in Bulk When You’re Ready
If you’ve only got one listing or clean occasionally, you don’t need to go crazy. Once you start scaling or if you’re running this like a business, please save yourself time and money and get a Sam’s Club or Costco membership. These supplies go FAST and bulk buying will change your life.
Pro Cleaning Habits That Took Me a Year to Learn (So You Don’t Have To)
If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me sooner, it’s this: you need three sets of everything. Bedding, towels, pillowcases, whatever your Airbnb offers, have three full sets ready to go. I didn’t realize how important that was until I ran into situations where I had no backup. Laundry taking too long? Guest spilled coffee on the comforter? Duvet mysteriously ripped? That extra third set has saved me more times than I can count.
And yeah, I get it, when you’re just starting out, three sets sounds like overkill. But trust me, it’s worth the upfront cost. Cleaning an Airbnb fast means being prepared for anything.
Save For Later:
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Let’s Talk Laundry, Because It’s a Whole Thing
Laundry is one of the most time consuming parts of the cleaning process, so if you’re wondering how to clean an Airbnb fast, you have to plan for it first. Whether you’re washing on site or dropping off at a laundromat, your first step after checking the unit should always be this.
Strip the beds and get that laundry started. Don’t even pause. Toss those sheets in and let the washer run while you do everything else.
I personally use all white bedding and white duvet covers. I know, I know, white can feel risky. But honestly? White is luxury. It feels clean, it looks fresh, and most importantly, you can bleach or OxyClean it. Tide + Oxy is my holy grail laundry mix. I’ve tested every brand under the sun, and nothing beats that combo for removing stains and keeping sheets looking brand new. Plus, when everything is the same color, laundry becomes 100x easier to sort and rotate.
Bonus Tip: Wash Your Curtains
Something that’s super easy to forget? Shower curtains. I used to wipe them down until I realized how fast they get dingy. I recommend having two machine washable sets. That way, you can pop one in the wash while the other one goes right up. I get mine from Amazon, they’re simple, clean looking, and easy to swap. If you’re on a budget, go with the clear plastic ones. They dry fast and always look fresh.
Also: avoid metal shower hooks. I don’t care if they say “rust-resistant”… they rust. Go for the plastic ones. I learned the hard way that if you’re not the one doing the cleaning every time, you might not catch it until it’s too late.
Don’t Skip These Overlooked Cleaning Areas
If you’re trying to figure out how to clean Airbnb homes the right way and fast, these are the spots most people and yes, even cleaners forget:
- Outdoor spaces: Balconies, patios, and backyards hide trash, dog toys, and dirty cups. Check them every time.
- Under the bed: You’d be shocked at the things that get left under there. Always check. Always!
- Inside drawers: People leave the weirdest stuff. Do a quick wipe down and check for surprises.
- Between couch cushions: Crumbs, wrappers, or worse. Lift and vacuum, it’s worth it.
- Dishwasher: One of the first things you should do after laundry. Load and start the dishwasher right away. It takes a while to run and you don’t want to delay your whole clean because of dishes.
- Under trash bags: Always leave a second trash bag at the bottom of the bin. It’s a backup for you, or for guests who take out their own trash (bless them). It saves time and keeps things easy.
Cleaning in the Right Order. Yes, It Matters
Here’s the order I always recommend and what my staff is trained to follow:
1. Walk in and inspect the space: Take pictures of anything out of place right away.
2. Start the laundry: Get sheets in the washer before anything else.
3. Load the dishwasher: Get that running early. Time is everything.
4. Clean top to bottom: Wipe counters, shelves, and tables first. Floors come last, don’t sweep before crumbs fall.
5. Check everything again: Cabinets, corners, closets, this isn’t your house. Anything left behind could ruin a guest’s experience.
Pro tip: My team uses my hospitality cleaning checklist for every clean. I don’t care how many times they’ve done the same unit, checklists prevent missed steps and keep standards consistent. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring help, grab my cleaning checklist, laminate it, and use it over and over. It’s a small thing, but a total game changer. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
Make Everyone’s Life Easier With Smart Systems
How to clean Airbnb isn’t just about speed, it’s about making smart decisions ahead of time. I swear by remote holders (yes, even that extra) and labeled signs in the bathroom and kitchen. Little things like this help your guests know what to do and help your cleaners know where things go. It keeps the space feeling intentional and professional without much effort.
Little Details That Guests Always Notice But Hosts Always Forget
When it comes to how to clean Airbnb homes like a 5 star pro, here’s a checklist of easily overlooked but super important, extras.
- Clean your vents and filters. Dust builds up fast, and fridges with water dispensers often have filters that need replacing. Don’t let a guest be the one to notice it’s overdue.
- Replace burnt out candles and worn out items. If it’s half used or half broken, swap it out.
- Refill amenities. That soap bottle? Make sure it’s full. Shampoo, conditioner, and lotions.
Toilet paper trick:
I am NOT throwing away a perfectly good roll just because it was opened. But I also hate when I walk into a place and the toilet paper is just hanging there all sad and crooked.
Instead, I do a simple little fold and stamp trick that makes it look brand new. It’s super quick, looks amazing, and adds that hotel feel without the hotel budget.
Video incoming!
I’ll drop it right here so you can see exactly how I do it.
Pro tip: When you dampen the paper to make the stamp, don’t soak it, just swipe the sink nozzle with your fingertip to dab off the excess before you press. If it’s too wet, it won’t dry fast and will look soggy instead of sleek.
Can you tell I’ve been doing this for too long? (Ha!)
I mean… after 3,000+ turnovers and way too many toilet paper debates, you start picking up tricks like this. But hey, it works.
Save For Later:
How To Run An Airbnb remotely and Still Get 5-Star Reviews
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The Ultimate Guide to Airbnb Messages to Host: Pre-Booking, Welcome & Checkout Templates That Get 5-Star Reviews
A Few More Things That’ll Save You Big Headaches
I know this post is packed, but I didn’t want to leave without touching on a few extra gems that are just as important, especially if you want to clean your Airbnb fast and run your short term rental like a business.
1. Be Smart About Guest Items
If someone leaves something valuable behind, don’t just toss it. I always recommend storing it for at least 24–48 hours and sending a quick message to the guest. You’d be surprised how far that small gesture goes.
I once found a guest’s Tiffany ring (yes, that Tiffany) and returned it to her and not only did I get the kindest message back, but the 5-star review she left? Chef’s kiss.
Now… socks and random clutter? Totally different story. When it comes to chargers, flat irons, or anything that might be important, it’s worth checking in with the guest before tossing it.
2. Communicating
This is a big one, if you’re building a team or trying to manage cleaners remotely, communication can make or break your system. But even if it’s just you, you need a visual reference.
Here’s my go to strategy: take pictures of everything. Photos of how the property should look, decor setups, towel folds, everything. That way, you or your cleaner knows exactly where things go. If you’re handing things off to someone new, this also makes the training process way easier.
3. How To Store Your Supplys
I recommend keeping supplies “on site, but out of sight” and locked.
Why? Because if you leave extra toilet paper or laundry pods out in the open, don’t be shocked when they disappear. Guests will assume it’s for them. Store everything securely to make things last longer and keep costs down.
4. Always Have a Backup Cleaner
If you clean your Airbnb yourself, that’s great, but you need a Plan B. You never know when something will come up, and Airbnb charges you for cancellations now. That’s why I always recommend having a backup cleaner on call, even if you’re the one doing the work.
Personally, I use Turno to find solid local options. Even if you don’t outsource everything, having someone reliable as a backup is a must.
And if you are ready to outsource?
Please don’t rely on one big company for all your units. Consider building and training your own team. It’s cheaper and way more consistent than trusting a company that could ghost you, up their rates, or send someone new every time.
Don’t Skip This: Cleaning Fees & Booking Tips Most Hosts Get Wrong
Let’s talk numbers real quick. Before you even worry about how to clean an Airbnb fast, you’ve gotta think about how to price your cleaning.
Even if you’re doing the cleaning yourself, you should pay yourself.
Back when I cleaned my apartments, I charged $65 for cleaning. Why? Because the time, supplies, and effort are real. You can’t be scrubbing floors for free and expect to run a profitable business.
So here’s what I recommend:
- Don’t undercharge just to look “affordable”
- Don’t overcharge and scare off bookings
- Find the sweet spot that reflects your time + your supply cost, even if the guest never sees the breakdown
Same thing goes for pet fees and miscellaneous charges. Instead of tacking on 17 different items, linen fee, laundry fee, towel fee… please stop, just build your cleaning fee to make sense overall for the kind of guests you host.
Cleaning Rules for Guests – Keep It Simple
Please. Don’t turn your checkout list into a chore chart. I’ve seen listings that ask guests to vacuum, start a load of laundry, wipe counters, lock 5 doors, and mop the floor – like, no. That’s your job or your cleaner’s job. Guests are on vacation.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Keep guest rules minimal and respectful
- Don’t ask them to wash linens, they overload machines, use weird detergent, or worse…put sandy towels in the washer without dusting them off
- Just ask them to take out trash, return keys, and lock up. Done.
If your Airbnb cleaning rules for guests are short and reasonable, they’re way more likely to follow them and leave happy.
Final Thoughts: You’re Already Ahead
If you made it to the end of this post… whew, I can already tell you’re serious about doing this right.
Whether you’re managing one rental or twenty, these tips are built from real experience, real headaches, and real reviews. I’ve had over 3000+ turnovers myself, run a full cleaning team, and tested just about every method out there. This is the system that works, and it’s what I still recommend today.
So if you’re wondering how to clean an Airbnb fast:
- Here’s your shortcut.
- Here’s your system.
- Here’s your sign to stop winging it.
And if you want even more?
- My Hospitality Cleaning Checklist is right here to make life easier.
- And if nothing else, take these tips, apply them, and go earn those 5-star reviews!
I’m rooting for you.
This post is all about how to clean an Airbnb fast.
