Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Houston
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Houston, 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 Houston.
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 Houston. 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, broom, dustpan | Use a carpet sweeper or manual sweeper. | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Check for sharp objects or debris before vacuuming to avoid damage. | Use a crevice tool to reach corners and tight spaces. |
| General | Dust and wipe down all surfaces in the attic, including walls, shelves, and furniture. | Microfiber cloth, all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Ensure proper ventilation while cleaning to avoid inhaling fumes. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust resettling. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic space. | Vacuum cleaner, duster, trash bags | Use a microfiber cloth instead of disposable wipes. | Every 3 months | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Separate items into keep, donate, and trash piles for efficient decluttering. |
| Storage | Organize storage bins and boxes in the attic. | Clear storage containers, labels | Cardboard boxes or fabric bins | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Use proper lifting techniques to avoid strain or injury. | Label each container for easy identification and access. |
| Lighting | Clean light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs in the attic. | Microfiber cloth, light bulbs | LED light bulbs | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Low | Ensure lights are turned off before handling bulbs. | Use a damp cloth to avoid damaging light fixtures. |
| Ventilation | Check and clean attic vents and fans for dust and debris. | Microfiber cloth, vacuum cleaner | Compressed air canister | Annually | 1 hour | Medium | Turn off power to fans before cleaning to prevent accidents. | Inspect for any signs of damage or wear while cleaning. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom | Wipe down and disinfect the sink and countertops. | All-purpose cleaner | DIY vinegar solution | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Use separate cloths for different areas. | Dry surfaces to prevent water stains. |
| General | Empty trash cans and replace with new liners. | Trash bags | Biodegradable trash bags | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves when handling trash. | Check all bins, including those in the bathroom and bedrooms. |
| Bathroom | Clean and disinfect the trash can and replace liners. | Disinfectant spray | White vinegar spray | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Ventilate the area after using disinfectants. | Sprinkle baking soda in the bin to absorb odors. |
| Bathroom | Scrub and disinfect toilet, including the bowl, seat, and exterior. | Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. |
| General | Dust all surfaces including shelves, countertops, and decor. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable microfiber cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a mask if sensitive to dust. | Start from top to bottom to prevent re-dusting. |
| Bathroom | Clean and sanitize the shower and tub, including walls and fixtures. | Shower cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning products. | Use a squeegee to prevent water spots on glass surfaces. |
| General | Sweep and mop the floors. | Floor cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious on wet floors to prevent slipping. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning. |
| Bathroom | Clean and shine faucets and handles. | Metal polish | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid harsh chemicals on delicate finishes. | Buff with a microfiber cloth for extra shine. |
| General | Clean mirrors and windows. | Glass cleaner | DIY vinegar solution | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials on mirrors. | Wipe in a circular motion for streak-free results. |
| Bathroom | Replace towels and refill toiletries. | Fresh towels and toiletries | Organic cotton towels and bulk toiletries | As needed | 5 minutes | Medium | Check expiration dates on toiletries. | Provide extra towels for longer stays. |
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 | Strip bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover. | Mild laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves when handling used linens. | Check for any stains or damages on the bedding for timely replacement. |
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor, paying attention to corners and under furniture. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Use a natural bristle broom or eco-friendly vacuum cleaner | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Move furniture carefully to avoid scratching the floor. | Use a microfiber mop for hardwood or laminate floors for a streak-free finish. |
| Mattress | Vacuum mattress surface and sides to remove dust and debris. | Upholstery attachment for vacuum cleaner | Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Ensure the mattress is dry before making the bed again. | Rotate the mattress regularly to ensure even wear. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all bedroom furniture surfaces, including nightstands, dressers, and chairs. | Furniture polish and microfiber cloth | DIY furniture polish with olive oil and lemon juice | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Test furniture polish on a small area first to check for discoloration. | Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches on the floor. |
| Pillows | Fluff and rotate pillows, check for any stains or odors. | Pillow spray for freshening | DIY pillow freshening spray with essential oils | Monthly | 5 minutes | Low | Follow care instructions for specific pillow types. | Consider using pillow protectors to prolong the life of pillows. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills with a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Window cleaner | DIY window cleaner with vinegar and water | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed and open windows for ventilation. | Wipe down window screens with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. |
| Curtains | Remove curtains and wash them according to care instructions. | Gentle laundry detergent | Wash with vinegar and baking soda | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Medium | Check for any delicate fabrics that may require special care. | Hang curtains to dry to prevent wrinkles. |
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 exterior of the stove, oven, and microwave. | Degreaser or stove cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15-30 minutes | Medium | Allow the appliances to cool down before cleaning. Use gloves when handling strong cleaning solutions. | Clean spills and splatters immediately to prevent them from hardening and becoming harder to clean later. |
| Dishwashing | Empty the dishwasher, clean the filter, and run a cleaning cycle. | Dishwasher cleaner or vinegar | Baking soda and vinegar | Monthly | 15-30 minutes | Medium | Be cautious when handling dishwasher parts to avoid injury. | Regularly check for food debris in the filter to prevent clogs and ensure optimal dishwasher performance. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior and interior of the refrigerator, including shelves and drawers. | All-purpose cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar | Vinegar and baking soda solution | Monthly | 30-60 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the interior. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. | Remove all items from the refrigerator before cleaning to ensure a thorough job. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry, cabinets, and drawers, and declutter any unused items. | Storage bins or organizers | Use recycled containers or jars for storage | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | High | Be careful when handling glass containers or sharp objects. | Label containers to easily identify contents and maintain organization. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean behind appliances, under furniture, and inside cabinets. | Vacuum cleaner, microfiber cloth, and all-purpose cleaner | Use a microfiber cloth dampened with water or vinegar | Bi-annually | 1-2 hours | High | Move heavy appliances with caution to prevent injury. | Regularly check and clean these areas to prevent pests and maintain a clean environment. |
| Utensils | Inspect and replace any damaged or worn-out utensils. | New utensils as needed | Consider buying sustainable and durable utensils | As needed | Varies | Low | Dispose of broken utensils properly to prevent accidents. | Invest in high-quality utensils to reduce the frequency of replacements and minimize waste. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges and scrub brushes regularly. | New sponges or scrub brushes | Biodegradable sponges or reusable scrubbing pads | Every 2-4 weeks | 5-10 minutes | Medium | Dispose of old sponges properly to avoid bacterial growth. | Sanitize sponges by microwaving them for a minute or running them through the dishwasher to extend 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 wooden furniture 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 in commercial polishes. | Use a microfiber cloth for dusting to avoid scratching the wood surface. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and wipe down decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and figurines. | Microfiber cloth | Damp cloth with a little vinegar | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a soft-bristled brush to dust intricate or delicate items. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics like TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a can of compressed air to clean dust from vents and crevices. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills using a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Glass cleaner | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar and water | 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. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and clean light fixtures including lamps, chandeliers, and ceiling lights. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution for cleaning | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Medium | Ensure lights are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a step ladder for high fixtures and wear gloves to protect hands. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment or damp cloth | Microfiber cloth for wiping | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Medium | Be gentle to avoid damaging the vents. | Use a flashlight to check for hidden dust in the vents. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Use a natural bristle broom for sweeping | Weekly or as needed | 10 minutes | High | Be cautious of cords while vacuuming to prevent tripping hazards. | Pay extra attention to corners and under furniture where dust tends to accumulate. |
| Rugs | Vacuum rugs to remove dirt and dust. Spot clean any stains as necessary. | Carpet cleaner or stain remover | Vinegar and water solution for spot cleaning | Bi-weekly or as needed | 10 minutes per rug | Medium | Test the cleaning solution on a small inconspicuous area of the rug first. | Rotate rugs periodically to ensure even wear and tear. |
