Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Durban
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Durban, 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 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 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 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 Attic
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper or bamboo broom | Weekly | 15-30 minutes | High | Use caution on uneven surfaces to avoid tripping. | Use a crevice tool to clean corners and edges effectively. |
| Sweeping And Vacuuming | Sweep or vacuum the entire attic floor, paying special attention to corners and edges. | Broom and dustpan or vacuum cleaner | Natural bristle broom | Bi-weekly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a mask to avoid inhaling dust. | Move furniture and stored items to clean underneath. |
| General | Dust all surfaces including beams, walls, and stored items. | Microfiber cloths | Reusable dusting cloths | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent re-dusting. |
| General | Remove all items stored in the attic and place them in designated storage areas. | Storage bins or boxes | Cardboard boxes or reusable fabric storage bags | Once a month | 1-2 hours | High | Use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain. | Label storage containers for easy identification of items. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, rafters, light fixtures, and any decor items. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting mitt | Monthly | 1-2 hours | High | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment for hard-to-reach areas. |
| General | Inspect for signs of pests or mold and take necessary actions if found. | Pest control spray or mold remover | Natural pest repellents or vinegar for mold removal | Monthly | Varies | High | Wear gloves and a mask when dealing with pests or mold. | Seal any cracks or openings to prevent pest entry. |
| Window Cleaning | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious when working at heights. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking from the sun. |
| Storage Organization | Organize storage boxes, bins, and shelves, ensuring items are neatly arranged and labeled. | Storage containers and labels | Recycled cardboard boxes and reusable labels | Bi-annually | 2-3 hours | High | Be careful when handling heavy items to prevent injury. | Use clear containers for easy identification of stored items. |
| Inspecting For Pests | Check for signs of pests such as droppings, chewed items, or nests, and take appropriate action if necessary. | Flashlight and pest control products | Natural pest repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth | As needed | Varies | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling potentially infested areas. | Seal any entry points to prevent future pest infestations. |
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. | Floor cleaner suitable for the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Ensure the floor is dry to prevent slipping accidents. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning. |
| Surfaces | Wipe down all surfaces including countertops, sink, and vanity. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free surfaces. |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using cleaning chemicals. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Toilet Cleaning | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, and exterior using a toilet cleaner. | Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest check-out | 10 minutes | High | Use separate cleaning tools for the toilet | Don't forget to clean the base and behind the toilet. |
| Floor Cleaning | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor to remove dirt and stains. | Floor cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slipping | Start from the farthest corner and work your way out of the room. |
| Shower And Bathtub | Scrub and rinse the shower walls, bathtub, and fixtures. | Shower cleaner | Baking soda paste | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Use non-toxic cleaners to avoid harsh chemicals in the shower area. | Use a scrub brush or sponge to reach all corners effectively. |
| Surface Cleaning | Wipe down and disinfect all surfaces including countertops, sink, faucet, and toilet seat. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free surfaces. |
| Mirror | Clean the mirror for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the mirror. | Use a squeegee for a professional finish. |
| Mirror Cleaning | Clean mirrors with glass cleaner for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid overspray onto other surfaces | Use a squeegee for a professional finish. |
| Shower And Tub Cleaning | Scrub the shower walls, tub, and showerhead with a bathroom cleaner to remove soap scum and grime. | Shower and tub cleaner | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ensure proper ventilation and wear gloves | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Behind Toilet | Clean and sanitize behind and around the toilet. | Disinfectant spray | Hydrogen peroxide solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when using disinfectants. | Use a long-handled brush to reach difficult areas. |
| Under Sink | Organize and wipe down the area under the sink. | All-purpose cleaner | DIY citrus-infused vinegar spray | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Check for any leaks or water damage while cleaning. | Use baskets or containers to keep items organized. |
| Cabinet And Drawer Cleaning | Wipe down the cabinet and drawer surfaces inside and out to remove dust and debris. | Wood cleaner | White vinegar and olive oil | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Check for any sharp objects before cleaning | Use a toothbrush to reach corners and crevices. |
| Ventilation | Dust and clean the bathroom ventilation fan and vents. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and natural air ventilation | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the ventilation system before cleaning. | Regularly check and clean the vent to maintain good air quality. |
| Grout And Tile Cleaning | Scrub grout lines and tiles with a grout brush and tile cleaner to remove mildew and stains. | Grout and tile cleaner | Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Ventilate the area and wear a mask | Seal grout lines after cleaning to prevent future stains. |
| Vent Cleaning | Remove vent covers and vacuum or wipe away dust buildup to maintain air quality. | Vacuum with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth | Quarterly | 10 minutes | Medium | Turn off the HVAC system before cleaning | Regular vent cleaning can improve air circulation and reduce allergens. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Bamboo broom | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Check for small objects that could get caught in the vacuum cleaner. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and corners. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Be cautious of loose rugs or carpets to prevent tripping. | Use a microfiber mop for hardwood or tiled floors for a thorough clean. |
| Furniture | Dust all furniture including bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from bamboo fibers | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using harsh chemicals on wooden furniture to prevent damage. | Use a small brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from intricate designs. |
| Furniture | Dust all furniture surfaces including bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a stable step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on the bedding labels to prevent damage. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Decor | Dust and polish decorative items such as frames, lamps, and ornaments. | Multi-surface cleaner | DIY cleaner with vinegar and essential oils | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Be gentle when handling delicate items. | Use a toothbrush to clean intricate details on decorative pieces. |
| Bedding | Change bed linens including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Handle dirty linens with gloves if necessary. | Rotate and flip the mattress to ensure even wear and tear. |
| Curtains/blinds | Vacuum or dust curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth or duster | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning specific types of curtains or blinds. | Spot clean any stains on curtains using a mild detergent solution. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, mirrors, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from natural fibers | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a small paintbrush to reach intricate details on decorative items. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust light fixtures, lamps, and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth and duster | Lint-free cloth made from recycled materials | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust from lampshades. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills to remove dust and smudges. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder or step stool for hard-to-reach windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills to remove dirt and smudges. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for hard-to-reach windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
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 utensils for any food residue or stains. | Dish soap and scrub brush | White vinegar and baking soda | Daily | 10 minutes | Medium | Use gloves if handling utensils with sharp edges. | Dry utensils thoroughly before storing to prevent rust or mold. |
| Dishwashing | Wash, dry, and put away dishes, utensils, and cookware. | Dish soap and sponge | Biodegradable dish soap | Daily | 15-20 minutes | High | Handle sharp knives and fragile dishes with care. | Soak pots and pans in hot, soapy water to make cleaning easier. |
| Countertops | Wipe down countertops with a damp cloth to remove any crumbs, spills, or stains. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Ensure the countertops are dry to prevent slipping. | Use cutting boards or placemats to protect countertops from scratches and stains. |
| Sink | Clean and sanitize the sink, including the faucet and drain. | All-purpose cleaner or dish soap | Baking soda and vinegar | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning agents that may produce harmful fumes. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including handles and door seals. | All-purpose cleaner or white vinegar solution. | White vinegar solution with water. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks on stainless steel surfaces. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave, and stove. | Appliance cleaner or mild detergent | Lemon juice and water solution | Weekly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Remove any food spills or splatters immediately to prevent buildup. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the stove and oven surfaces, including knobs and dials. | Degreaser or baking soda paste. | Baking soda paste with water. | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ensure the stove is completely cool before cleaning. | Soak stove grates and burner caps in hot, soapy water for easier cleaning. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize cabinets, pantry, and drawers, and wipe down shelves and surfaces. | Wood cleaner or mild soap | Olive oil and lemon juice mixture | Weekly | 30-45 minutes | Medium | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent accidents. | Label containers and use storage bins to keep items organized and accessible. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean the vent hood filter to prevent grease buildup and fire hazards. | Degreaser or hot soapy water. | Baking soda paste with water. | Monthly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from grease and grime. | Soak the filter in hot, soapy water for deep cleaning. |
| Dishwashing | Empty and clean the dishwasher filter and wipe down the interior. | Dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar. | White vinegar with baking soda. | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling the filter to prevent cuts. | Run a cycle with a cup of white vinegar to remove odors and buildup. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, and behind electronics to remove dust and debris. | Microfiber cloth and vacuum with attachments | Damp cloth and baking soda | Monthly | 30-45 minutes | Low | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for reaching high areas safely. | Rotate and move furniture periodically to clean hidden spots regularly. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry shelves, discarding expired items and wiping down surfaces. | Organizing bins or baskets and all-purpose cleaner. | DIY cardboard dividers and white vinegar solution. | Quarterly | 1 hour | Medium | Wear gloves when handling expired items to avoid contamination. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Utensils | Check wooden utensils for signs of wear or damage and replace if necessary. | New wooden utensils or bamboo utensils. | Bamboo utensils or stainless steel. | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Avoid using damaged wooden utensils to prevent splinters. | Hand wash wooden utensils to prolong their lifespan. |
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 and polish all furniture surfaces including coffee table, side tables, and shelves. | Wood furniture polish | Homemade furniture polish using olive oil and vinegar | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for dusting to avoid scratching surfaces. |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of furniture including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth made from bamboo or hemp | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive cleaners that may damage the furniture finish. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep and mop the floor. | Multi-surface floor cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious when using wet mop on slippery surfaces. | Spot clean any spills immediately to prevent stains. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors. | Vacuum cleaner, mop, floor cleaner | Baking soda for carpet deodorizing, vinegar and water solution for mopping | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use caution when using cleaning products on different types of flooring to avoid damage. | Rotate furniture occasionally to prevent carpet wear in high-traffic areas. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, remote controls, and speakers. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use a can of compressed air to clean dust from vents and crevices. |
| Electronics | Dust TV, sound system, and other electronics. | Microfiber cloth, electronics-safe cleaner | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of vents and crevices. |
| Rugs And Carpets | Vacuum rugs and carpets thoroughly. | Carpet cleaner | Baking soda for deodorizing | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes per rug | Medium | Use proper ventilation when using carpet cleaner. | Rotate rugs regularly to prevent uneven wear. |
| Windows And Mirrors | Clean windows and mirrors with a glass cleaner for streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar solution | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Wipe in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks on glass surfaces. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth | Damp cloth with a bit of soap | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a small paintbrush to dust intricate or hard-to-reach areas. |
| Ceiling Fans | Dust and clean ceiling fan blades to prevent dust buildup. | Ceiling fan duster or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes per fan | Low | Use a sturdy ladder to reach high fans. | Use an old pillowcase to cover the blades for easy dusting. |
| Decorations | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth, gentle all-purpose cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Check labels on decorative items for cleaning instructions to avoid damage. | Use a soft brush or cotton swab to clean intricate details on delicate decorations. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe light fixtures including lamps and chandeliers. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Ensure lights are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Remove light bulbs for a more thorough cleaning. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder or step stool if necessary to reach high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by sunlight. |
