Cleaning airbnb Bungalow in Durban
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Durban, I know that keeping your Bungalow 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 Bungalow 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 Bungalow 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Area | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Vinegar and baking soda mixture | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation | Let the cleaner sit in the bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing |
| Toilet | Clean the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior using a toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush. Wipe down the flush handle and surrounding areas. | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Borax and lemon juice mixture | Weekly | 10-15 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure good ventilation while cleaning. | Let the cleaner sit in the toilet bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Main Area | Clean and sanitize the sink, faucet, and countertop | All-purpose cleaner | Homemade citrus vinegar cleaner | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning products | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet |
| Main Area | Clean and shine mirrors and glass surfaces | Glass cleaner or vinegar solution | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials on glass | Wipe in a circular motion to avoid streaks |
| Trash Bin | Empty the trash bin, clean it with a disinfectant spray or wipes, and replace the liner with a fresh one. | Disinfectant wipes | DIY disinfectant spray with vinegar and essential oils | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Avoid direct contact with trash contents. | Use scented liners to keep the bathroom smelling fresh. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove any streaks or smudges. Pay attention to corners and edges. | Glass cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5-10 minutes | Medium | Avoid getting cleaner on surrounding surfaces. | Buff the mirror with a dry microfiber cloth for a sparkling finish. |
| Sink | Clean sink basin, faucet, and handles using a mild bathroom cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Remove any soap scum or hard water stains. | Bathroom cleaner with disinfectant | Vinegar and baking soda solution | Weekly | 5-10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Dry the sink thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots. |
| Main Area | Mop and sanitize the bathroom floor | Floor cleaner suitable for the flooring type | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | High | Use caution when walking on wet floors | Start from the farthest corner and work towards the door |
| Main Area | Scrub and disinfect the shower/tub, walls, and fixtures | Mildew remover or bathroom cleaner | Hydrogen peroxide and water solution | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | High | Ventilate the area to prevent inhaling fumes | Use a squeegee to prevent water spots on glass surfaces |
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and debris. Mop the floor using a floor cleaner suitable for the type of flooring in the bathroom. | Floor cleaner appropriate for the flooring type | Homemade floor cleaner with castile soap and essential oils | Bi-weekly | 15-20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slipping. | Place a bath mat outside the shower to minimize water tracking on the floor. |
| Shower/bathtub | Scrub the shower walls, bathtub, and showerhead using a bathroom cleaner and a scrub brush. Remove any mold, mildew, or soap scum buildup. | Mold and mildew remover | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 15-20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area well and wear gloves to protect skin. | Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and mold growth. |
| Less Obvious Area | Dust and vacuum vents and exhaust fan | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with attachments | Compressed air can or vacuum with HEPA filter | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power before cleaning vents | Use a damp cloth to capture more dust particles |
| Less Obvious Area | Clean behind and under the toilet, sink, and other fixtures | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Bend and lift carefully to avoid strain | Use a flashlight to see hidden dirt and debris |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Empty cabinets and drawers, wipe down the interior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Organize items and declutter as needed. | Multi-surface cleaner | DIY cleaner with vinegar and essential oils | Monthly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Check for any sharp objects before wiping down surfaces. | Use drawer organizers to keep items neatly arranged and easily accessible. |
| Vents | Remove vent covers and clean them with warm soapy water. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from inside the vent. | Mild soap and water | Baking soda paste | Quarterly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Regularly check and replace air filters to maintain good air quality. |
| Maintaining Appliances | Check and clean bathroom exhaust fan | Vacuum with brush attachment | Compressed air can or vacuum with HEPA filter | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power before cleaning the fan | Remove and wash the fan cover separately for thorough cleaning |
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 bedsheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Handle dirty linens with gloves. | Rotate and flip mattress every few months for even wear. |
| Bed | Change bed linens including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Organic cotton sheets | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves when handling dirty linens | Rotate different sets of linens to extend their lifespan |
| Floor | Vacuum carpet or mop hardwood/tile floors | Vacuum cleaner or floor mop | Microfiber mop and eco-friendly floor cleaner | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when moving furniture to avoid injury | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains |
| Floor | Vacuum carpet or sweep and mop hard floors. | Eco-friendly floor cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ensure electrical cords are out of the way. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning. |
| Mirrors | Wipe down mirrors and frames. | Eco-friendly mirror cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Use a lint-free cloth for streak-free results. | Clean mirrors in a circular motion to avoid streaks. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces. | Eco-friendly furniture polish | Olive oil and lemon juice mixture | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Check for fragile items before dusting. | Use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching surfaces. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including nightstands and dressers | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution for dusting | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use proper ventilation when using furniture polish | Use coasters to prevent water stains on wooden furniture |
| Mattress | Vacuum mattress to remove dust and debris | Mattress vacuum attachment | Baking soda for deodorizing | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Ensure the mattress is dry before putting back the sheets | Sprinkle baking soda, wait for an hour, then vacuum for a fresh mattress |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. | Eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner | Baking soda and water paste | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off electricity before cleaning. | Use a microfiber duster with an extendable handle. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking |
| Windows | Clean windows, sills, and blinds. | Eco-friendly glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed. | Wipe blinds with a dryer sheet to repel dust. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off electricity before cleaning fixtures | Use a pillowcase to clean ceiling fan blades for easy dust removal |
| Air Vents | Vacuum air vents to remove dust buildup | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Use a microfiber cloth to wipe vents | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Use a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles | Regularly change HVAC filters to reduce dust accumulation |
| Closet | Organize and declutter closet space | Storage bins and closet organizers | Use recycled cardboard boxes for storage | Seasonally | 30 minutes | Low | Be careful when handling heavy items | Donate unused clothing to minimize clutter |
| Closet | Organize and declutter closet space. | Eco-friendly fabric freshener | DIY essential oil spray | Seasonally | 30 minutes | Low | Use a step stool for high shelves. | Rotate seasonal clothing to maximize space. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Cleaning | Wipe down all countertops and surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for streak-free cleaning. |
| General Cleaning | Sweep and mop the kitchen floor. | Floor cleaner suitable for the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to prevent slipping. | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains. |
| Appliances Maintenance | Clean the microwave inside and out. | Microwave cleaner or a mixture of water and lemon juice | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug the microwave before cleaning. | Place a microwave-safe bowl of water with lemon slices inside and heat it for a few minutes to loosen stubborn stains. |
| Dishwashing | Clean and sanitize the dish rack and sponge holder. | Dish soap and hot water | Castile soap and hot water | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves to protect your hands. | Soak the dish rack in a mixture of hot water and vinegar to remove hard water stains. |
| Appliances | Clean the microwave inside and out, including the turntable. | Microwave-safe cleaner or vinegar solution | Lemon juice and water solution | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Allow the microwave to cool before cleaning. | Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside the microwave and heat it for a few minutes to loosen stubborn stains. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry shelves and cabinets, discarding expired items. | Organizational bins or containers | Use glass jars or reusable containers for storage. | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Wear gloves when handling expired items. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior and interior of the refrigerator, including shelves and drawers. | All-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and baking soda solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the interior. | Check for expired items and dispose of them before cleaning. |
| Appliances Maintenance | Wipe down the refrigerator exterior and clean the inside, including shelves and drawers. | Refrigerator cleaner or mild detergent | White vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Remove food items before cleaning the interior. | Check for expired items and leftovers to prevent odors. |
| Storage Organization | Organize pantry and cabinets, discarding expired items and arranging items neatly. | Storage containers for organization | Reusable glass jars for storage | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Handle glass containers carefully to avoid breakage. | Label containers for easy identification of contents. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Vacuum or sweep under and behind kitchen appliances and furniture. | Vacuum or broom | Use a broom made from natural fibers | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Low | Move appliances carefully to avoid damage or injury. | Use furniture sliders to easily move heavy appliances for cleaning. |
| Appliances | Clean the oven inside and out, including the racks and door. | Oven cleaner or baking soda paste | Baking soda and vinegar paste | Quarterly | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when using oven cleaner. | Use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid scratching the oven surfaces. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, and behind appliances like the refrigerator and stove. | Microfiber duster or vacuum attachment | Use a damp cloth for dusting | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Unplug appliances before cleaning around and behind them. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean vents thoroughly. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean the exhaust fan and vent above the stove. | Degreaser or vinegar solution | Baking soda and vinegar paste | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the vent before cleaning. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the vent. |
| Utensils | Check for damaged or worn-out utensils and replace them. | New utensils as needed | Consider bamboo or stainless steel utensils for durability. | As needed | Varies | Low | Dispose of damaged utensils properly. | Organize utensils in designated drawers or containers for easy access. |
| Sponge Replacement | Replace kitchen sponges regularly to prevent bacterial growth. | New sponges | Biodegradable sponges | Every 1-2 weeks | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly. | Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria. |
| Dishwashing | Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware thoroughly. | Dish soap | Biodegradable dish soap | After every use | Varies | High | Use gloves if handling hot water or sharp objects. | Soak pots and pans with burnt-on food before scrubbing for easier cleaning. |
| Utensils Maintenance | Check utensils for damage or wear and tear; replace if necessary. | New utensils as needed | Bamboo or stainless steel utensils | Regularly | Varies | Low | Dispose of damaged utensils properly. | Store utensils in designated compartments to prevent clutter. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces including tables, shelves, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from bamboo or recycled materials | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Start from the top and work your way down to avoid dust settling on clean surfaces. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all surfaces of coffee table and side tables. | Wood furniture polish | Vinegar and olive oil mixture | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor, including under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Natural bristle broom | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small objects before vacuuming to prevent damage. | Use a crevice tool to clean corners and edges. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly, including under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper or natural bristle broom | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Move furniture carefully to avoid scratching the floor. | Use attachments to reach corners and edges where dust accumulates. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Soft brush or duster | Handmade duster from natural fibers | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items regularly to prevent dust buildup. |
| Electronics | Dust TV screen, sound system, and gaming consoles. | Microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and ports. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames and vases. | Microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care. | Rotate and rearrange decor for a fresh look. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Electronic wipes or microfiber cloth | Damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices on electronics. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills. | Glass cleaner and paper towels | Vinegar-water solution and newspaper | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool if needed. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a stable ladder if necessary for reaching higher windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Curtains | Dust or vacuum curtains and curtain rods. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Lint roller | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Check fabric care labels before cleaning. | Steam curtains to remove wrinkles and refresh fabric. |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and debris. | Handheld vacuum or duster | Lint roller or fabric brush | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Low | Check fabric care instructions before cleaning. | Spot clean stains on curtains promptly to prevent them from setting. |
5. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Porch
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doormat | Shake out and vacuum the doormat to remove dirt and debris. | Vacuum cleaner | Outdoor broom | Weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Check for any sharp objects stuck in the mat while cleaning. | Consider rotating the doormat periodically for even wear. |
| Flooring | Sweep or vacuum the porch floor to remove debris and dirt. | Broom or vacuum cleaner | Hand broom and dustpan | Weekly | 10-15 minutes | High | Watch out for any sharp objects or debris that may cause injury. | Use a microfiber mop for a more thorough clean on hard surfaces. |
| Furniture | Dust all furniture including chairs, tables, and decorative items. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from bamboo or cotton | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Furniture | Wipe down and dust all porch furniture including chairs, tables, and cushions. | All-purpose cleaner or mild soap solution | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15-30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves to protect hands from dust and dirt. | Regularly vacuum or shake out cushions to prevent dust buildup. |
| Flooring | Sweep and mop the porch floor to remove dirt and debris. | Broom, mop, floor cleaner | Natural bristle broom, vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to prevent slipping. | Spot clean any spills immediately to prevent staining. |
| Windows And Screens | Clean windows and screens to remove dust, fingerprints, and smudges. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 20-30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed and be cautious with glass surfaces. | Clean window tracks and sills with a small brush to remove dirt buildup. |
| Windows | Clean windows and glass doors to ensure a clear view. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution, newspaper | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaking from the sun. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, bulbs, and covers. | Microfiber cloth and mild cleaner | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-monthly | 10-15 minutes | Low | Turn off the power before cleaning to prevent electric shock. | Replace any burnt-out bulbs during cleaning for a brighter porch. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and bulbs for a brighter space. | Microfiber cloth, light bulb cleaning brush | Reusable cloth, vinegar and water solution | Bi-monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Replace any burnt-out bulbs for optimal lighting. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean any decorative items such as planters, lanterns, or wall art. | Microfiber cloth or duster | Cloth dampened with water | Quarterly | 15-20 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate seasonal decorations to keep the porch fresh and inviting. |
