Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Antwerp
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Antwerp, 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 Antwerp.
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 Antwerp. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the attic floor thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 30 minutes - 1 hour | High | Check for any sharp objects or debris before vacuuming. | Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and corners. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, corners, and light fixtures. | Microfiber cloths, dusters | Reusable microfiber cloths | Bi-weekly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Use a ladder safely and wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent re-dusting. |
| General | Remove all clutter and unwanted items from the attic. | Trash bags, storage bins | Recycled cardboard boxes | Monthly | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Sort items into donate, recycle, or trash piles for efficient decluttering. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar-water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes - 1 hour | Medium | Be cautious when working at heights and use a sturdy ladder. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Sweeping/vacuuming | Sweep or vacuum the floor and corners to remove dust, debris, and cobwebs. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments for corners | Use a broom made from natural materials | Every 3 months | 1 hour | High | Ensure good ventilation to prevent inhaling dust | Use a crevice tool for hard-to-reach areas. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, walls, and stored items using a microfiber cloth or duster. | Microfiber cloths | Use a damp cloth made from old t-shirts | Every 3 months | 2 hours | High | Wear a mask to prevent inhalation of dust particles | Work from top to bottom to avoid re-dusting lower surfaces. |
| Inspecting For Pests | Check for signs of pests such as droppings, nests, or chewed items. Take necessary actions if pests are found. | Pest control traps or repellents | Essential oils like peppermint or cedarwood for natural pest control | Every 3 months | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling potential pest-infested items | Seal any entry points to prevent future pest infestations. |
| Lighting | Check and replace light bulbs as needed. | Light bulbs | LED bulbs | Quarterly | 15-30 minutes | Low | Ensure power is turned off before changing bulbs. | Keep spare bulbs on hand for quick replacements. |
| Storage Areas | Organize storage boxes, bins, and shelves. | Label maker, storage containers | Reusable fabric storage bins | Seasonally | 1-2 hours | Medium | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent collapse. | Use clear bins or labels for easy identification of stored items. |
| Air Vent Cleaning | Inspect and clean air vents to ensure proper ventilation and prevent dust buildup. | Vent brush or vacuum attachment | Use a cloth on a stick for manual cleaning | Annually | 1 hour | Medium | Turn off HVAC system before cleaning vents | Schedule professional duct cleaning every few years for thorough maintenance. |
| Insulation | Inspect insulation for signs of damage or wear. | Flashlight | Natural fiber insulation | Annually | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling insulation materials. | Repair any damaged insulation promptly to maintain energy efficiency. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic and place them in an organized manner outside the entrance. | Sturdy boxes or bins for storage | Use reusable cloth bags or containers | Every 6 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens | Sort items into categories for easier organization and cleaning. |
| Storage Organization | Reorganize stored items, label boxes, and ensure everything is neatly stacked to maximize space and accessibility. | Label maker and storage bins | Cardboard boxes or reusable fabric bins | Every 6 months | 1.5 hours | Medium | Avoid stacking heavy items too high to prevent accidents | Use clear containers for easy identification of stored items. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down any electronics stored in the attic such as fans, heaters, or speakers. | Electronics-safe cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Every 6 months | 30 minutes | Low | Unplug electronics before cleaning | Use compressed air to blow out dust from vents and crevices. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor to remove dust and dirt. | Floor cleaner suitable for tile or vinyl | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 10 minutes | High | Watch out for slippery surfaces when wet. | Use a grout brush for thorough cleaning in between tiles. |
| Toilet | Scrub toilet bowl, seat, and exterior with a toilet bowl cleaner. | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest checkout | 10 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using toilet bowl cleaner. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Shower | Clean shower walls, floor, and glass door with a mild bathroom cleaner. | Shower cleaner with soap scum remover | Vinegar and baking soda paste | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Use a non-abrasive scrubber to avoid damaging surfaces. | Dry the shower surfaces after cleaning to prevent water spots. |
| Shower And Bathtub | Scrub and rinse the shower walls, door, tub, and fixtures. | Mildew remover for tiles and grout | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom. | Dry the surfaces with a squeegee to prevent water spots and mold growth. |
| Mirror | Clean mirror with a glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 3 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the mirror surface. | Wipe the mirror in a circular motion to prevent streaks. |
| Floor | Sweep the bathroom floor to remove dust and debris. | Broom and dustpan | Reusable microfiber sweeper | After each guest checkout | 5 minutes | Medium | Use a dust mask if sensitive to dust particles. | Use a damp mop to clean the floor thoroughly after sweeping. |
| Sink | Clean sink basin, faucet, and handles with a mild bathroom cleaner. | Bathroom cleaner with disinfectant | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Sink And Countertop | Clean and sanitize the sink, faucet, and countertop. | All-purpose cleaner | Homemade citrus vinegar cleaner | After each guest checkout | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing chemicals and ensure good ventilation. | Wipe dry to prevent water spots and mineral buildup. |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner with bleach | Vinegar and baking soda mixture | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation. | Use a toilet brush to scrub thoroughly and leave the cleaner on for a few minutes before flushing. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | DIY glass cleaner with vinegar and water | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid spraying directly on electrical outlets or fixtures. | Use a microfiber cloth for a lint-free finish. |
| Vent | Check and clean bathroom vent to ensure proper airflow. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and a vacuum with HEPA filter | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Turn off the power to the vent before cleaning to avoid accidents. | Regularly check and replace the vent filter to maintain air quality. |
| Vents | Check and clean bathroom vents to ensure proper airflow. | Compressed air duster | Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the vent before cleaning. | Regularly check for dust buildup to maintain ventilation efficiency. |
| Under Sink Area | Organize and clean the area under the sink, checking for leaks or mold. | Multipurpose cleaner | DIY cleaning solution with essential oils | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling cleaning products. | Use baskets or containers to keep cleaning supplies organized. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | Change bed linens including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Wool dryer balls for natural fabric softening | After each guest checkout | 20 minutes | High | Handle used linens with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after. | Rotate and flip mattress periodically to ensure even wear. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Bamboo broom or manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small items on the floor to avoid damaging the vacuum cleaner. | Use a crevice tool to reach corners and edges effectively. |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting mitt | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach high surfaces. | Start from top to bottom to prevent dust from falling onto already cleaned surfaces. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. | Wood furniture polish | Vinegar and olive oil mixture | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves when handling cleaning products. | Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. |
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the entire bedroom floor, including under the bed. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for small objects that could damage the vacuum cleaner. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and corners. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors with a streak-free glass cleaner for a polished look. | Mirror cleaning spray | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the mirror. | Dry the mirror with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaks. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Feather duster or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on bedding labels. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items like lamps, picture frames, and mirrors. | All-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloth | Homemade vinegar-based cleaner | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Use a stable surface to reach higher items. | Use a lint roller to quickly clean lampshades and fabric decor. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades to remove dust and cobwebs. | Microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the lights and let bulbs cool down before cleaning. | Use a vacuum attachment to remove dust from lampshades. |
| Windows | Clean windows, sills, and curtains/blinds. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution for windows, dust cloth for blinds | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if necessary. | Wash curtains according to manufacturer's instructions to maintain their quality. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out for a clear view. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed for higher windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Soft brush attachment for vacuum, damp cloth | Microfiber cloth for wiping | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Use a flashlight to check for hidden dust in vent slats. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utensils | Check and clean all utensils, such as knives, forks, and spoons. | Dish soap and hot water | Dish soap with a natural sponge | After each use | 5 minutes | High | Handle sharp objects with care. | Soak utensils in warm, soapy water to easily remove food residues. |
| Surface Cleaning | Wipe down all countertops, tables, and kitchen islands with a disinfectant cleaner. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect skin from chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for streak-free cleaning. |
| Dishwashing | Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware with hot, soapy water. Ensure they are thoroughly dried and put away. | Dish soap | Biodegradable dish soap | Daily | 20 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from hot water and chemicals. | Soak pots and pans with burnt-on food before scrubbing. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including the handles and door seals. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on stainless steel surfaces. |
| Appliance Cleaning | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. | Stainless steel cleaner for appliances | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning. | Use a toothbrush to clean tight spaces and crevices. |
| Sponge Replacement | Replace kitchen sponges regularly to prevent bacterial growth. Disinfect sponge holder. | New sponges | Eco-friendly cellulose sponges | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Dispose of old sponges properly. | Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria. |
| Appliances | Clean the interior of the microwave, including the turntable and walls. | Microwave cleaner or soapy water | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling cleaning chemicals. | Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside the microwave and heat it for a few minutes to loosen food splatters before cleaning. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize and wipe down shelves in the pantry and cabinets. | All-purpose cleaner | DIY vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a step stool if needed to reach high shelves safely. | Label containers to easily identify contents and maintain organization. |
| Storage Organization | Organize pantry, cabinets, and drawers. Discard expired items and reorganize items for easy access. | Storage bins and labels | Reusable glass jars for storage | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Check for pests in stored food items. | Use drawer dividers to keep utensils and tools separated. |
| Utensil Maintenance | Check utensils for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any broken or worn-out utensils. | New utensils as needed | Bamboo or wooden utensils | Monthly | 5 minutes | Low | Dispose of broken utensils safely. | Store utensils in a utensil holder to keep them organized. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents above the stove and refrigerator to remove dust and grease buildup. | Microfiber cloth and mild detergent | Microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Ensure the stove is turned off and cool before cleaning the vent. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to effectively remove dust from vents. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, behind appliances, and inside cabinets. Dust and vacuum these areas. | Microfiber duster and vacuum cleaner | Use a damp cloth for dusting | Quarterly | 45 minutes | Low | Move furniture carefully to avoid injury. | Use a vacuum attachment to reach tight spaces. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of the coffee table, side tables, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for fragile items on the tables. | Use a small brush to reach corners and intricate designs. |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of furniture including coffee table, side tables, shelves, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable microfiber cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for fragile items or decorations on the furniture. | Use a small brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from crevices. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly, paying attention to corners and under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items or debris that could damage the vacuum cleaner. | Rotate furniture periodically to prevent carpet wear patterns. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the entire living room floor, including under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Move furniture carefully to avoid scratching the floor. | Use a crevice tool to clean along the edges and under furniture. |
| Decor | Dust decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth | Damp cloth made from natural materials | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Handle delicate items with care. | Rotate and clean items to prevent dust buildup. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and wipe down decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Soft cloth or duster | Microfiber cloth | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a can of compressed air to clean intricate or delicate items. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Electronics-safe cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a soft brush to gently clean vents and ports on electronics. |
| Electronics | Dust TV, speakers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Damp cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug devices before cleaning. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, including lamps and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable microfiber cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Remove lampshades for a more thorough cleaning. |
| Lighting | Dust lampshades, light fixtures, and bulbs. | Lamp duster or microfiber cloth | Soft brush or cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure lights are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Remove and clean lampshades separately for thorough dusting. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for reaching high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside the living room. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool if needed. | Wipe in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and debris. | Handheld vacuum with brush attachment | Lint roller for fabric curtains | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Follow manufacturer's instructions for delicate materials. | Spot clean any stains on fabric curtains before vacuuming. |
| Air Vents | Clean air vents using a vacuum attachment or damp cloth. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with brush attachment | Vinegar solution and cloth | Bi-annually | 20 minutes | Low | Avoid pushing dust further into the vents. | Use a flashlight to see inside vents for thorough cleaning. |
