Cleaning airbnb Apartment in Durban
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Durban, I know that keeping your Apartment spotless is essential for ensuring a five-star guest experience. Over the years, I've developed this comprehensive cleaning checklist specifically tailored for Airbnb hosts, based on what works best for properties in Durban.
This checklist covers everything you need to maintain a welcoming and hygienic space:
- Daily Essentials: Take care of the most important tasks every day to keep your Airbnb looking fresh and ready for guests.
- Weekly & Monthly Deep Cleaning: Follow a schedule for deeper cleaning, ensuring that every corner of your Apartment remains in top condition.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Alternatives: Use sustainable products and methods to maintain high cleaning standards while being mindful of the environment.
- Safety Precautions: Protect yourself and your guests by following important safety guidelines during the cleaning process.
This checklist is designed to help you stay ahead in the competitive Airbnb market by keeping your Apartment spotless and ensuring guests have an exceptional stay in Durban. Follow these steps, and your property will always be in pristine condition, earning rave reviews from your guests.
1. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bathroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sink | Clean the sink basin, faucet, and drain using a suitable cleaner. | All-purpose cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing cleaning products to prevent hazardous reactions. | Dry the sink after cleaning to prevent water spots. |
| Sink | Clean sink, faucet, and drain using a mild bathroom cleaner. | All-purpose bathroom cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach-based cleaners. | Use an old toothbrush to clean around the faucet and drain. |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior surfaces. | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Borax and lemon juice | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Use separate cleaning tools for the toilet to prevent cross-contamination. | Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect toilet bowl, seat, lid, and surrounding areas. | Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach | Baking soda and lemon juice | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation. | Use a toilet brush to scrub hard-to-reach areas thoroughly. |
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris, then mop with a suitable cleaner. | Floor cleaner compatible with the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious when using a wet mop on slippery surfaces. | Use a microfiber mop to trap more dirt and dust. |
| Shower | Clean shower walls, floor, and glass door using a non-abrasive bathroom cleaner. | Tile and grout cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation. | Spray cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Shower | Clean shower walls and floor tiles thoroughly, paying attention to grout lines and corners. | Bathroom cleaner with bleach | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area well to avoid inhaling fumes. | Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent soap scum buildup. |
| Mirror | Clean mirror with a glass cleaner to remove smudges and streaks. | Glass cleaner spray | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto electrical outlets. | Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. |
| Mirror | Clean the mirror with a glass cleaner or a vinegar solution for streak-free results. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Use a microfiber cloth to avoid leaving lint on the mirror. | Wipe in a circular motion to prevent streaks. |
| Trash Bin | Empty and clean the trash bin with soap and water, then replace the liner. | Multi-surface cleaner | Baking soda and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Wear gloves when handling trash to avoid contact with germs. | Sprinkle baking soda in the bin to absorb odors. |
| Bathtub | Scrub the bathtub surface, including the faucet, with a suitable cleaner. | Non-abrasive bathtub cleaner | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaning chemicals. | Rinse the bathtub thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residue. |
| Floor | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor, paying attention to corners and edges. | Floor cleaner suitable for tiles | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use caution when mopping to prevent slipping. | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains. |
| Under Sink Area | Organize and wipe down the area under the sink, checking for leaks or water damage. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Wear gloves if handling cleaning products or encountering mold. | Use baskets or containers to keep items organized and prevent spills. |
| Ventilation | Check and clean bathroom ventilation fan and replace filter if necessary. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and vacuum | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Turn off power to the fan before cleaning. | Regularly clean the fan to maintain good air quality in the bathroom. |
| Cabinets | Wipe down cabinet surfaces inside and out with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. | All-purpose cleaner | Diluted vinegar solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the finish. | Declutter cabinets regularly to maintain organized storage space. |
| Ventilation Fan | Remove the vent cover and clean it, then use a vacuum to remove dust inside the vent. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum cleaner | Microfiber cloth and a handheld vacuum | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the fan before cleaning to prevent accidents. | Regularly clean the vent to maintain good air quality in the bathroom. |
| Shower Curtain | Wash shower curtain in the washing machine or by hand according to care instructions. | Mild detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Low | Check for any tears or damage before washing. | Hang the curtain to dry completely to prevent mold growth. |
2. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bedroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | Change bed linens including sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, and pillow covers | Mild laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for dust mites on pillows | Rotate mattress every few months for even wear |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under the bed and in corners. | Vacuum cleaner or broom. | Manual carpet sweeper or natural bristle broom. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Be cautious when moving furniture to avoid injury. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and edges of the room. |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of the bed frame, headboard, nightstands, and dressers. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach high surfaces. | Rotate and move furniture to clean underneath and behind for a thorough clean. |
| Floor | Vacuum carpets and rugs; mop hard floors | Vacuum cleaner, floor mop, floor cleaner | Reusable microfiber cloths | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use caution with electrical cords while vacuuming | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets. | Laundry detergent suitable for bedding. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent. | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on bedding labels. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and chairs | Multi-surface cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Check for fragile items before dusting | Use a lint roller to remove pet hair from upholstery |
| Mirrors | Wipe down mirrors with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use a stable step stool if necessary. | Clean mirrors in a circular motion to avoid streaks. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Avoid using abrasive materials on mirrors | Wipe mirrors in a circular motion to avoid streaks |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments | Microfiber cloth, duster | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Check for fragile items before dusting | Rotate decorative items to prevent sun damage |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fan blades | Microfiber cloth, step ladder | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure lights are turned off before cleaning | Use a pillowcase to easily clean ceiling fan blades |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent dust from spreading while cleaning. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside the bedroom. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, squeegee | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a stable step ladder for higher windows | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and wipe down blinds | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment, microfiber cloth | Damp microfiber cloth | Bi-monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Be gentle with delicate fabrics | Use a lint roller for quick dust removal on blinds |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum cleaner with brush attachment. | Microfiber cloth and a handheld vacuum. | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off the HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Use a damp cloth for stubborn dust and grime on vents. |
3. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Kitchen
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dishwashing | Clean and sanitize the sink, faucet, and drain. | Bleach solution | Lemon and salt scrub | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals. | Use a toothbrush to scrub around the faucet and drain for a thorough clean. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including handles and door seals. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Remove all items from the top of the refrigerator before cleaning to reach all surfaces. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator including handles and doors. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on stainless steel surfaces. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of the stove, oven, and microwave. | Degreaser | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Ensure all appliances are cool before cleaning to prevent burns. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas like knobs and crevices. |
| Utensils | Check and replace worn-out sponges and dish brushes. | New sponges and brushes | Biodegradable sponges and brushes | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Dispose of old sponges properly to prevent bacterial growth. | Let sponges dry completely between uses to extend their lifespan. |
| Appliances | Vacuum the coils behind the refrigerator to improve efficiency. | Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment | Use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug the refrigerator and use caution when moving it. | Regularly cleaning the coils can help prevent breakdowns and save energy. |
| Dishwashing | Clean and sanitize the dishwasher filter to prevent clogs and odors. | Dishwasher cleaner | White vinegar and baking soda | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling the filter to avoid cuts. | Regular maintenance can extend the life of your dishwasher. |
| Hidden Areas | Clean behind and under appliances like the refrigerator and stove. | Vacuum with crevice attachment | Microfiber cloth on a stick | Monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Unplug appliances before cleaning around and behind them. | Move appliances gently to avoid damaging flooring or walls. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize and wipe down cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves. | Wood cleaner for cabinets, all-purpose cleaner for shelves | Vinegar and water solution for all surfaces | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a step stool if needed to reach high shelves safely. | Label containers and jars to keep the pantry organized and easily accessible. |
| Utensils | Inspect and replace worn-out sponges and dish brushes. | New sponges and brushes | Biodegradable sponges and bamboo dish brushes | Every 2 weeks | 5 minutes | Low | Dispose of old sponges properly to prevent bacteria buildup. | Air dry sponges and brushes between uses to prevent mold growth. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize cabinets and pantry, discarding expired items. | Organizational bins and labels | Reuse glass jars for storage | Every 3 months | 30 minutes | High | Check for spills and leaks to prevent pests. | Group similar items together for easy access and inventory. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean the exhaust fan and vent above the stove to improve air quality. | Degreaser and microfiber cloth | Baking soda paste | Every 6 months | 20 minutes | Medium | Turn off the stove and allow it to cool before cleaning. | Regular cleaning can prevent fire hazards and improve ventilation. |
4. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Living Room
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan. | Use a natural bristle broom and dustpan. | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Be cautious when moving furniture to avoid scratching the floor. | Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust effectively. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a sturdy step stool if needed to reach higher shelves. | Rotate and move furniture occasionally to clean underneath and behind them. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all surfaces of the coffee table, side tables, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish spray. | Microfiber cloth and homemade furniture polish using olive oil and vinegar. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the furniture finish. | Use a separate microfiber cloth for dusting and another one for polishing to avoid streaks. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets or rugs, and mop hard floors. | Vacuum cleaner, floor mop, and suitable floor cleaner | Baking soda for carpet deodorizing, vinegar and water solution for mopping | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious when moving furniture to avoid scratching floors. | Use furniture pads to protect floors from scratches caused by moving furniture. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as vases, picture frames, and figurines. | Microfiber cloth and gentle surface cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and homemade cleaner using water and a few drops of dish soap. | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Check for fragile items and handle them with care to avoid breakage. | Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab to reach intricate details in decorative items. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as frames, vases, and figurines. | Microfiber cloth or duster | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a small paintbrush to dust intricate or delicate decorations. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as the TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe cleaning solution. | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use compressed air to remove dust from vents and crevices in electronics. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics including TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning and avoid using liquid directly on them. | Use a can of compressed air to clean dust from vents and crevices of electronics. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, including lamps and ceiling lights. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and homemade cleaner using water and baking soda. | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the lights and let them cool down before cleaning to prevent burns. | Use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water to avoid damaging electrical components. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills to remove dirt and smudges. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Vinegar solution (1:1 vinegar and water) and microfiber cloth. | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for reaching high windows safely. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by the sun drying the cleaner too quickly. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, and squeegee | Vinegar and water solution for cleaning windows | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for higher windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Quarterly | 10 minutes | Low | Ensure light fixtures are cool before cleaning to avoid burns. | Use a lint roller for quick cleaning of lampshades. |
| Curtains Or Blinds | Vacuum or dust curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens. | Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or microfiber cloth. | Use a handheld vacuum or microfiber cloth for dusting. | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Check the fabric care instructions before cleaning to avoid damage. | For delicate fabrics, spot clean using a mild detergent and water solution. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure air vents are turned off before cleaning to avoid injury. | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach and clean narrow vents. |
| Air Vents | Remove dust and debris from air vents using a vacuum cleaner or damp cloth. | Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or microfiber cloth. | Use a damp microfiber cloth for wiping down vents. | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the HVAC system before cleaning to prevent debris from circulating. | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach between narrow vent slats. |
