Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Cambridge
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Cambridge, 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 Cambridge.
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 Cambridge. 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 | Remove all items from the attic and place them in a designated area for sorting. | Large plastic bins for storage | Cardboard boxes for storage | Once a month | 1-2 hours | High | Use gloves to protect hands from dust and potential sharp objects. | Sort items into categories for easier organization and cleaning. |
| Vacuuming | Vacuum the attic floor, corners, and any upholstered furniture or rugs. | High-powered vacuum cleaner with attachments | Baking soda sprinkled on carpets before vacuuming | Once a month | 1-2 hours | High | Ensure proper ventilation to prevent dust from circulating in the air. | Use the crevice tool to reach tight spaces and corners. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, rafters, and stored items. | Microfiber cloths or a duster with an extension pole | Use a damp cloth made from natural fibers | Every 2 weeks | 1-2 hours | 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 areas. |
| Inspecting For Pests | Check for signs of pests such as droppings, chewed items, or nests. | Flashlight and pest traps | Essential oils like peppermint or cedarwood to deter pests | Every 3 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated items. | Seal any entry points where pests could enter the attic. |
| Window Cleaning | Clean windows, sills, and frames to allow natural light into the attic. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloths | Vinegar solution for cleaning windows | Every 3 months | 1-2 hours | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if windows are hard to reach. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Storage Organization | Reorganize items in storage bins and label them for easy access. | Label maker and clear storage bins | Recycled paper labels and cardboard boxes | Once every 6 months | 2-3 hours | High | Avoid stacking heavy items too high to prevent accidents. | Group similar items together to create a more organized storage system. |
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 dirt and grime. | Floor cleaner or mild soap | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to prevent slipping. | Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the door for efficient cleaning. |
| Toilet | Clean and sanitize the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and base. | Toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Use a toilet brush and wear gloves for protection. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Shower | Scrub and clean the shower walls, floor, and glass door (if applicable). | Shower cleaner or mildew remover | White vinegar and baking soda | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Ventilate the area and wear gloves when using strong cleaners. | Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent soap scum buildup. |
| Mirror | Clean and polish the mirror to remove smudges and water spots. | Glass cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the mirror. | Dry the mirror with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. |
| Sink | Clean and disinfect the sink, including faucet, handles, and drain. | All-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect skin from chemicals. | Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Trash Bin | Empty and clean the trash bin, replacing the liner as needed. | Disinfectant wipes or all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling trash. | Use scented trash bags to help keep the bathroom smelling fresh. |
| Ventilation Fan | Remove dust and debris from the ventilation fan to maintain air quality. | Soft brush or vacuum with attachment | Microfiber cloth or duster | Once a month | 10 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the fan before cleaning. | Regularly clean the fan to prevent dust buildup and maintain efficiency. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces including bedside tables, dressers, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool for high shelves to avoid accidents. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent double cleaning. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floors, including under the bed and in corners. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for small items before vacuuming to avoid damage. | Use attachments to reach tight spaces and under furniture. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, and blankets. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on the labels to avoid damage. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items, picture frames, and mirrors. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a small paintbrush to dust intricate decorations. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter the closet, donating or discarding unused items. | Storage bins | Cardboard boxes for storage | Seasonal | 30 minutes | Medium | Use gloves when handling potentially sharp objects. | Implement a system to keep the closet organized, such as color-coding or categorizing clothes. |
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 | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator including handles and top surface. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Remove any magnets or decorations before cleaning for a thorough job. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the microwave inside and out, including the door and control panel. | Microwave-safe cleaner | Lemon and water mixture | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Let the microwave cool down before cleaning to avoid burns. | Place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside the microwave and heat for a few minutes to loosen stubborn stains. |
| Dishwashing | Empty and clean the dishwasher filter to remove food particles and debris. | Dishwasher cleaner | White vinegar | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use gloves when handling dirty filters to prevent cuts. | Run an empty cycle with vinegar to deodorize and sanitize the dishwasher. |
| Appliances | Clean the oven inside and out, including the racks and glass door. | Oven cleaner | Baking soda paste | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ventilate the area when using oven cleaner. | Remove the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water for easier cleaning. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges with new ones to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. | Pack of new sponges | Biodegradable sponges | Every 2 weeks | 5 minutes | Medium | Dispose of used sponges properly to prevent bacterial growth. | Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill germs before disposal. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize kitchen cabinets and pantry, checking for expired items and reorganizing as needed. | Shelf liners | Reusable silicone food bags | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling expired items to avoid contamination. | Label containers and jars for easy identification and access. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents above the stove and refrigerator to remove dust and grease buildup. | Microfiber cloth | Damp cloth with vinegar | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Low | Use a stable ladder when reaching high vents to prevent falls. | Use a vacuum attachment to remove debris before wiping down the vents. |
| Utensils | Check utensils for any signs of rust or damage, and replace if necessary. | Stainless steel cleaner | Baking soda paste | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Handle sharp utensils with care to avoid cuts. | Store utensils in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent rust. |
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 entire living room floor | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Use a broom made from natural materials like bamboo | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for small objects that could damage the vacuum cleaner | Use a vacuum with attachments to clean corners and edges effectively |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all surfaces of the coffee table | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Microfiber cloth and homemade furniture polish (vinegar and olive oil mix) | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface of the table | Use a separate microfiber cloth for dusting and another for polishing to avoid streaks |
| Decor | Dust and clean all decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth and vinegar-water solution | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Check for fragile items and handle with care | Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust from intricate decorations |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down TV, remote controls, and other electronic devices | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe cleaning spray | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | High | Unplug electronics before cleaning and avoid getting moisture into openings | Use a can of compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas of electronics |
| Lighting | Dust lampshades and light fixtures | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth and vinegar-water solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning | Remove lampshades and wipe down both the inside and outside for thorough cleaning |
| Carpets | Vacuum and spot clean any stains on carpets or rugs | Vacuum cleaner and carpet stain remover | Baking soda for deodorizing and vinegar-water solution for stains | Monthly | 20 minutes | High | Test spot cleaners on a small, inconspicuous area of the carpet first | Use a carpet brush or sponge for gentle scrubbing on tough stains |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar-water solution and microfiber cloth | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder if necessary | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking caused by sun exposure |
| Curtains | Vacuum or wash curtains and curtain rods | Vacuum cleaner or washing machine for washable curtains | Air out curtains in sunlight and spot clean with a damp cloth | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Medium | Follow care instructions for washing curtains to avoid damage | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust and pet hair from curtains between washes |
