Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Addis Ababa
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Addis Ababa, I know that keeping your Cottage 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 Addis Ababa.
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 Cottage 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 Cottage spotless and ensuring guests have an exceptional stay in Addis Ababa. Follow these steps, and your property will always be in pristine condition, earning rave reviews from your guests.
1. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Attic
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Sweep and vacuum the attic floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Broom and dustpan | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Ensure proper ventilation to prevent inhaling dust particles. | Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the entrance to avoid stepping on the clean floor. |
| General | Wipe down all surfaces in the attic, including walls, shelves, and beams, using a damp cloth. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Every 2 months | 45 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious of slippery surfaces. | Work from top to bottom to prevent dust and dirt from falling onto already cleaned areas. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic and place them in an organized manner outside the entrance. | Decluttering bags or boxes | Reusable cloth bags | Every 3 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles to make the cleaning process more efficient. |
| General | Inspect for signs of pests or mold and address any issues promptly. | Natural pest repellents and mold removers | Essential oils for pests and vinegar for mold | As needed | Varies | High | Wear gloves and a mask when dealing with potentially harmful substances. | Seal any cracks or openings to prevent pests from entering the attic. |
| General | Organize items before placing them back in the attic, utilizing storage bins or shelves. | Clear storage containers | Recycled cardboard boxes | Every 6 months | 1-2 hours | Medium | Avoid stacking heavy items too high to prevent accidents. | Label containers for easy identification and access to stored items. |
| General | Check for any leaks or water damage in the attic and repair as necessary. | Waterproof sealant or caulk | Eco-friendly sealants | Every 6 months | Varies | High | Turn off electricity before inspecting any potential electrical hazards. | Regularly monitor the attic for any signs of water intrusion to prevent costly damage. |
2. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bathroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid spraying cleaner directly on mirrors. | Buff mirrors with a dry microfiber cloth for a polished finish. |
| Sink | Clean and disinfect the sink and faucet. | Bathroom cleaner | Baking soda and lemon juice paste | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning products. | Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Surfaces | Wipe down countertops, shelves, and vanity with a disinfectant cleaner. | Disinfectant spray | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves when using disinfectant spray. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free surfaces. |
| Toilet | Scrub and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner | Borax and vinegar solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Floor | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor thoroughly. | Floor cleaner | Castile soap and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slipping. | Start from the farthest corner and work your way out of the room. |
| Shower And Tub | Clean and scrub the shower walls, tub, and fixtures. | Mildew remover | Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area while using cleaning products. | Use a squeegee to prevent water spots on glass surfaces. |
| Vents | Dust and vacuum the bathroom vents to improve air quality. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Use a damp cloth to wipe vents | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the vent before cleaning. | Regularly clean vents to prevent dust buildup and maintain efficiency. |
| Under Sink | Declutter and organize the items under the sink. | Storage bins | Reuse old containers for storage | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Check for leaks or water damage. | Use labels to easily identify items stored under the sink. |
| Trash | Empty the trash bin and replace with a new liner. | Trash bags | Biodegradable trash bags | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Dispose of trash properly. | Consider using separate bins for recycling to promote sustainability. |
3. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bedroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Wipe down mirrors and glass surfaces | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials on glass surfaces | Buff mirrors with a dry microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish |
| Bedroom | Dust all surfaces including furniture, shelves, and decor items | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear a dust mask if sensitive to dust particles | Start from top to bottom to prevent dust resettling |
| Bedroom | Vacuum or sweep the floors, including under the bed and furniture | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Cordless vacuum or natural bristle broom | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Move furniture carefully to avoid strain | Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces |
| Bedroom | Change bed linens and pillowcases | Fresh linens | Organic cotton or bamboo bed sheets | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | High | Handle dirty linens with gloves if necessary | Rotate mattress to prevent uneven wear |
| Bedroom | Dust ceiling fan blades and light fixtures | Microfiber duster with extension pole | Washable microfiber duster | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the fan before cleaning | Use a pillowcase to clean fan blades for easy dust removal |
| Bedroom | Organize and declutter drawers and closet | Storage bins or dividers | Recycled cardboard dividers | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Handle sharp objects carefully when organizing | Donate or recycle items you no longer need |
| Bedroom | Vacuum or wipe down upholstered furniture | Upholstery attachment for vacuum or fabric cleaner | Baking soda for deodorizing and steam cleaning | Bi-monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Spot test cleaner on a hidden area first | Rotate cushions to ensure even wear |
4. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Kitchen
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appliances | Wipe down the microwave inside and out, including the turntable and control panel. | Microwave-safe cleaner or vinegar solution | Lemon juice and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure the microwave is unplugged before cleaning to prevent accidents. | Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices inside and heat it for a few minutes to loosen stubborn stains. |
| Dishwashing | Clean and sanitize the dish rack, scrubbing any residue or mold buildup. | Dish soap and hot water | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves to protect your hands from hot water and bacteria. | Allow the dish rack to air dry completely before putting dishes back on. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges every 1-2 weeks to prevent bacterial growth. | New sponges or dishcloths | Reusable silicone scrubbers | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly to avoid contamination. | Sanitize sponges by microwaving them on high for 1 minute or running them through the dishwasher. |
| Appliances | Clean the refrigerator inside and out, including shelves, drawers, and door seals. | All-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and baking soda mixture | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Check for expired items and dispose of them before cleaning. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize kitchen cabinets and pantry, discarding expired items and grouping similar products together. | Storage bins or organizers | Repurposed jars or containers | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | High | Use a step stool or ladder carefully to reach high shelves. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Air Vents | Dust and vacuum air vents to improve air quality and prevent dust buildup. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with brush attachment | Compressed air can or vacuum with HEPA filter | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach deep into vents for thorough cleaning. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean behind and under kitchen appliances like the stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. | Vacuum with crevice tool or mop | Microfiber cloth or duster | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before moving them to clean behind and under. | Use a flashlight to spot hidden dirt and debris in these areas. |
| Utensils | Inspect and replace worn-out or damaged utensils such as spatulas, knives, and cutting boards. | New utensils as needed | Consider bamboo or recycled materials for replacements | As needed | Varies | Low | Handle sharp utensils with care to avoid injuries. | Regularly check for signs of wear and tear to maintain a safe and efficient kitchen. |
5. 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 | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small objects on the floor to avoid damage to the vacuum cleaner. | Use attachments to clean corners and edges. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, shelves, and cabinets. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cotton cloth | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Move furniture slightly to clean underneath and behind. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Soft brush or microfiber cloth | Lint-free cloth | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Rugs/carpets | Vacuum rugs and carpets thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Baking soda for deodorizing | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for loose threads to avoid damage to the vacuum cleaner. | Rotate rugs periodically to ensure even wear and tear. |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens. | Handheld vacuum with brush attachment | Lint roller | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. | Spot clean any stains or marks on the curtains. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics like TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Electronics-safe wipes | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Unplug devices before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out to ensure a clear view and let in natural light. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) | Quarterly | 45 minutes | High | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Clean window sills and tracks for a thorough job. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades to maintain brightness. | Microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner | Damp cloth with mild soap | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Medium | Turn off and let bulbs cool before cleaning. | Replace any burnt-out bulbs during cleaning. |
| Air Freshening | Use natural air fresheners like essential oil diffusers or potpourri to keep the living room smelling fresh. | Essential oils (lavender, citrus) and diffuser | Homemade potpourri with dried flowers and herbs | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Do not leave diffusers unattended. | Open windows for natural ventilation whenever possible. |
