Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Ottawa
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Ottawa, 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 Ottawa.
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 Ottawa. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Cleaning | Sweep and mop the attic floor thoroughly. | Broom, mop, floor cleaner | Use a broom made from natural materials and a homemade floor cleaner with water and essential oils. | Weekly | 1 hour | High | Watch out for any sharp objects or debris on the floor. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning and drying. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, walls, and stored items. | Microfiber duster, dusting spray | Use a damp cloth with a mixture of water and vinegar for dusting. | Bi-weekly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Avoid breathing in dust particles by wearing a mask. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent re-dusting. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic and place them in a designated area for sorting. | Empty storage bins, vacuum cleaner, microfiber cloths | Use reusable cloth bags instead of plastic bags for sorting items. | Once a month | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves, dust mask, and eye protection. | Label storage bins for easy identification of items. |
| Window Cleaning | Clean the attic windows inside and out for a clear view. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, squeegee | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar and water | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious while handling glass. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Inspect For Pests | Check for signs of pests like droppings, chewed items, or nests. | Flashlight, pest traps, sealant | Use natural pest deterrents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth. | Quarterly | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling potentially contaminated items. | Seal any entry points to prevent pests from entering the attic. |
| Storage Organization | Organize items back into storage bins or designated areas. | Storage bins, labels, shelving units | Reuse cardboard boxes or upcycled containers for storage. | As needed | 1-2 hours | High | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent accidents. | Group similar items together for easier access and inventory. |
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 Cleaning | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior using a toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant wipes. | Toilet bowl cleaner (e.g., Clorox) and disinfectant wipes | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest checkout | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and avoid mixing cleaning products. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Floor Cleaning | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor with a floor cleaner suitable for the flooring material. | Floor cleaner (e.g., Pine-Sol) | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when walking on wet floors to prevent slipping. | Spot clean any spills immediately to prevent staining. |
| Surface Cleaning | Wipe down all countertops and surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner, paying special attention to areas around the sink and faucet. | Disinfectant cleaner (e.g., Lysol) | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when using disinfectant cleaners. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Trash Removal | Empty the trash bin, replace the liner, and ensure proper disposal of waste. | Trash bags | Biodegradable trash bags | After each guest checkout | 5 minutes | Medium | Handle waste with care and wash hands thoroughly after disposal. | Consider using scented trash bags for a fresh smell. |
| Mirror And Glass Cleaning | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces using a glass cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and water for streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner (e.g., Windex) | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the glass. | Use a lint-free cloth for a polished finish. |
| Shower And Tub Cleaning | Scrub and clean the shower walls, tub, and fixtures with a bathroom cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water. | Bathroom cleaner (e.g., Scrubbing Bubbles) | Baking soda and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Ventilate the area and wear gloves while cleaning. | Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove soap scum effectively. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Dust all surfaces including furniture, shelves, and decor items. | Microfiber cloth or duster | Reusable microfiber cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach high areas. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust resettling. |
| Bedroom | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Baking soda for deodorizing carpets | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items that could damage the vacuum. | Move furniture to clean underneath and around for a thorough job. |
| Bedroom | Change bed linens and pillowcases. | Fresh linens and pillowcases | Organic cotton or bamboo bedding | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | High | Handle used linens carefully to avoid contact with skin. | Rotate mattress occasionally to ensure even wear and tear. |
| Bedroom | Clean mirrors and windows. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy stool if cleaning high windows. | Wipe in a circular motion to prevent streaks on glass surfaces. |
| Bedroom | Dust ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. | Microfiber duster with extension pole | Use a damp cloth for dusting | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off the fan before cleaning to avoid accidents. | Use a pillowcase to cover fan blades for easy dusting and cleaning. |
| Bedroom | Organize and declutter closet and drawers. | Storage bins or dividers | Reuse shoeboxes or fabric bins | Seasonally | 30 minutes | Medium | Watch out for sharp objects hidden in clutter. | Donate unused clothing or items to keep the space clutter-free. |
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 stove/cooktop, knobs, and control panel. | Multi-surface cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | After each use | 5 minutes | High | Ensure the stove is turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a non-abrasive scrubber for stubborn stains on the cooktop. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including handles and door seals. | Stainless steel cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. | Remove all items from the top of the refrigerator before cleaning to reach all surfaces. |
| Appliances | Clean the microwave inside and out, including the turntable. | Microwave cleaner or dish soap | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Allow the microwave to cool down before cleaning. | Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices inside the microwave and heat for 2 minutes to loosen grime. |
| Dishwashing | Empty and clean the dishwasher filter and door seal. | Dishwasher cleaner or vinegar | Baking soda and lemon juice | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves to protect hands from debris in the filter. | Run a cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack to deodorize the dishwasher. |
| Utensils | Check and clean utensil drawers and organizers. | All-purpose cleaner | Homemade vinegar spray | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Watch for sharp utensils when cleaning drawers. | Use drawer organizers to keep utensils separated and organized. |
| Dishwashing | Replace dish sponges and scrub brushes with new ones. | Pack of eco-friendly sponges | Biodegradable sponges made from plant-based materials | Every 2 weeks | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly. | Microwave damp sponges for 1 minute to kill bacteria before disposal. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry shelves and check for expired items. | Shelf liners and storage bins | Glass jars for bulk items | Every 3 months | 30 minutes | High | Wear gloves when handling potentially expired food items. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean behind and underneath kitchen appliances like the refrigerator and stove. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Microfiber cloth and baking soda | Every 6 months | 20 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning behind them. | Use a duster or lint roller to reach tight spaces and remove dust. |
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 floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper or broom | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Check for small objects that could damage the vacuum cleaner. | Use attachments to clean corners and edges effectively. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all surfaces of the coffee table, end tables, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth and multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a stable step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on surfaces. |
| Rugs And Carpets | Vacuum rugs and carpets thoroughly to remove dirt and allergens. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Baking soda for deodorizing | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for loose threads that could get caught in the vacuum cleaner. | Rotate rugs to even out wear and tear from foot traffic. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down TV, remote controls, and other electronics for a clean and germ-free environment. | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use compressed air to clean hard-to-reach areas of electronics. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as frames, vases, and figurines. | Microfiber cloth and duster | Reusable dusting mitt | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Handle fragile items with care. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out for a clear view. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloth | Vinegar and water solution with newspaper | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for higher windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks from quick drying. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans to improve lighting and air quality. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Medium | Turn off electricity before cleaning light fixtures. | Use a vacuum attachment to clean ceiling fan blades efficiently. |
