Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Canberra
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Canberra, 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 Canberra.
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 Canberra. 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 | Vacuum or sweep the attic floor thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments or broom and dustpan | Manual carpet sweeper or natural bristle broom | Once a month | 30 minutes | High | Check for any sharp objects or debris before vacuuming. | Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and corners. |
| Storage | Check for any signs of moisture or leaks in storage areas. | Moisture meter and leak detection kit | Visual inspection and natural ventilation | Once a month | 30 minutes | High | Use caution when handling water-damaged items to prevent mold exposure. | Install a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels in the attic. |
| General | Inspect for signs of pests or mold and address any issues immediately. | Pest control spray and mold remover | Essential oils for pest control and vinegar for mold removal | As needed | Varies | High | Wear protective gear when dealing with pests or mold. | Seal any entry points to prevent pests from returning. |
| Storage | Organize storage bins and label them for easy identification. | Label maker and clear storage bins | Recycled paper labels and cardboard boxes | Once every 6 months | 1 hour | Medium | Avoid overloading storage bins to prevent accidents. | Group similar items together to streamline the organization process. |
| Ventilation | Clean and dust attic vents and fans to ensure proper airflow. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with brush attachment | Compressed air canister and reusable cloth | Once every 3 months | 1 hour | Medium | Turn off power to fans before cleaning to avoid accidents. | Regularly check and replace air filters to maintain ventilation efficiency. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic and place them in a designated area for sorting. | Large plastic bins for storage | Cardboard boxes or reusable fabric storage bags | Once every 6 months | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Sort items into categories (keep, donate, discard) to declutter efficiently. |
| General | Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including walls, beams, and flooring. | Microfiber cloths and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution with reusable cloths | Once every 3 months | 2-3 hours | Medium | Use a ladder with caution when cleaning high areas. | Work from top to bottom to prevent dust from settling on clean surfaces. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as routers and cables. | Electronics cleaning wipes and compressed air | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe cleaning solution | Once every 3 months | 30 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to prevent electric shock. | Use cable organizers to keep cords neat and tangle-free. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toilet | Clean toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior with a toilet bowl cleaner or vinegar solution. | Toilet bowl cleaner or white vinegar | White vinegar and baking soda mixture | After each guest check-out | 10-15 minutes | High | Use a toilet brush and wear gloves for protection. | Let the cleaner sit in the bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing. |
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor, then mop with a floor cleaner or vinegar solution. | Floor cleaner or white vinegar | White vinegar and essential oils mixture | After each guest check-out | 15-20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slipping on wet floors. | Spot-clean any spills or stains promptly to prevent discoloration. |
| Shower | Clean shower walls, floor, glass doors, and fixtures with a mild bathroom cleaner or vinegar solution. | Bathroom cleaner or white vinegar | White vinegar and baking soda mixture | After each guest check-out | 15-20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area while cleaning to avoid inhaling fumes. | Use a squeegee to prevent water spots on glass doors. |
| Mirror | Clean mirror with glass cleaner or a solution of water and vinegar for streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner or vinegar solution | Water and vinegar solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive materials on the mirror surface. | Use a microfiber cloth for a lint-free finish. |
| Sink | Clean sink basin, faucet, and handles with a mild bathroom cleaner or vinegar solution. | Bathroom cleaner or white vinegar | White vinegar and baking soda mixture | After each guest check-out | 5-10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect skin from cleaning chemicals. | Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Ventilation Fan | Remove dust and debris from the ventilation fan cover and blades using a vacuum or damp cloth. | Vacuum cleaner or damp cloth | Microfiber cloth or duster | Monthly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the fan before cleaning to prevent injuries. | Use a can of compressed air to blow out stubborn dust from the fan blades. |
| Cabinet | Wipe down cabinet surfaces inside and out with a mild cleaner or vinegar solution. | Multi-surface cleaner or white vinegar | Vinegar and water solution with essential oils | Monthly | 15-20 minutes | Low | Avoid using harsh chemicals on wood finishes. | Organize items in the cabinet to maximize storage space and accessibility. |
| Shower Curtain | Wash or replace shower curtain and liner if needed to prevent mold and mildew buildup. | Mild detergent or replacement curtain/liner | Eco-friendly detergent or vinegar solution | Monthly or as needed | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Follow manufacturer's care instructions for washing. | Add a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to remove soap scum and mildew. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedding | Wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers | Laundry detergent suitable for linens | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Weekly | 1 hour | High | Follow washing instructions on the labels | Sun dry the bedding if possible for a fresh outdoor scent |
| Floors | Vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors | Vacuum cleaner and mop suitable for floor type | Use a steam mop with water and vinegar solution | Weekly | 1 hour | High | Use caution on wet floors to prevent slips | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains |
| Furniture | Dust and polish furniture surfaces | Furniture polish and microfiber cloth | DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Test polish on a small area first | Use a toothbrush to clean intricate details on furniture |
| Bed | Vacuum and rotate the mattress | Mattress vacuum attachment | Baking soda for deodorizing | Monthly | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when moving the mattress to avoid injury | Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress before vacuuming to freshen it up |
| Pillows | Fluff pillows and wash pillowcases | Pillow fluffer tool | Air out pillows in the sun | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Check pillow care labels before washing | Add a tennis ball to the dryer to fluff pillows |
| Windows | Clean windows and sills | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 45 minutes | Medium | Use a stable step stool if needed | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly |
| Curtains/blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and wipe down blinds | Microfiber cloth or duster | Use a damp cloth with vinegar solution | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a stable step ladder if needed | Vacuum blinds with a brush attachment to remove dust efficiently |
| Light Fixtures | Dust light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs | Microfiber cloth and light bulbs | LED light bulbs for energy efficiency | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Low | Turn off the electricity before cleaning fixtures | Use a damp cloth to avoid spreading dust around |
| Walls | Spot clean marks and dust on walls | Mild detergent and sponge | Baking soda paste for tough stains | As needed | 15 minutes | Low | Test cleaning solution on a hidden area first | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaking on painted walls |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Wipe down countertops with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and spills. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Sink | Scrub the sink with a mild abrasive cleaner to remove stains and odors. | Baking soda paste | Lemon and salt scrub | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals. | Rinse the sink thoroughly after cleaning to prevent residue. |
| Dishwasher | Run a cleaning cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to remove buildup and odors. | Dishwasher cleaner tablets | White vinegar and baking soda | Monthly | 1 hour | Low | Follow manufacturer's instructions for dishwasher cleaners. | Remove and clean the filter regularly to prevent clogs. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, and oven. | Stainless steel cleaner | White vinegar for stainless steel | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry and cabinets, checking for expired items and reorganizing as needed. | Shelf liners | Reuse glass jars for storage | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use step stool for reaching high shelves safely. | Label containers for easy identification. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, and behind electronics to remove dust and debris. | Microfiber duster | Cloth and vinegar solution | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust. | Use a vacuum attachment for hard-to-reach areas. |
| Utensils | Check utensils for any signs of rust or damage and replace if necessary. | Stainless steel polish | Natural oil for wooden utensils | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Handle sharp utensils with care. | Store utensils in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent rust. |
| Sponges | Replace sponges regularly to prevent bacterial growth and odors. | Pack of new sponges | Biodegradable cellulose sponges | Every 1-2 weeks | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly. | Microwave damp sponges for 1 minute to sanitize. |
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 carpets and rugs, mop hardwood or tile floors. | Carpet cleaner for stains, floor cleaner for hard surfaces | Baking soda for carpets, vinegar and water solution for floors | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Be cautious with electrical cords while vacuuming. | Rotate furniture to clean underneath and prevent carpet wear. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Wood furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for better dust removal. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down TV screens, remotes, and other electronics. | Electronic wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for outside windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks from sun exposure. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Soft brush or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Lighting | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off lights before cleaning. | Use a vacuum attachment to clean hard-to-reach areas on fixtures. |
