Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Raleigh
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh.
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 Raleigh. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspecting For Pests | Check for signs of pests such as droppings, chewed items, or nests. | Flashlight and pest control spray or traps. | Use essential oils like peppermint or cedarwood to deter pests. | Every 2 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling potentially contaminated items. | Seal any cracks or openings where pests could enter the attic. |
| General | Remove all items from the attic and place them in designated storage areas. | Large storage bins or boxes for organizing items. | Use reusable fabric storage bags instead of plastic bins. | Every 3 months | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and dust mask when handling items. | Label storage containers to easily locate items in the future. |
| Window Cleaning | Clean windows and window sills to allow natural light into the attic. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloths. | Make a DIY window cleaner with vinegar and water. | Every 2-3 months | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if windows are high up. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, rafters, and stored items. | Microfiber cloths or a duster with an extendable handle. | Use a damp cloth made from natural fibers like cotton. | Every 1-2 months | 1-2 hours | Medium | Be cautious of potential allergens in dust. | Start from the highest point and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Storage Organization | Reorganize storage areas to maximize space and ease of access. | Shelving units, storage bins, and labels. | Repurpose old crates or baskets for storage. | Every 6 months | 2-3 hours | High | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent accidents. | Group similar items together to create a more organized storage system. |
| Floor Cleaning | Sweep or vacuum the attic floor to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments for hard-to-reach areas. | Use a broom made from natural materials like bamboo or recycled plastic. | Every 1-2 weeks | 30 minutes | Low | Watch out for sharp objects or nails on the floor. | Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens effectively. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sink Cleaning | Clean and disinfect the sink, faucet, and drain | Sink cleaner, microfiber cloth, disinfectant spray | Use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda for a natural cleaner | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing cleaning agents that can produce harmful fumes | Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet |
| Toilet Cleaning | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior | Toilet bowl cleaner, toilet brush, disinfectant spray | Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for cleaning | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results |
| Overall Cleaning | Sweep and mop the bathroom floor | Broom, mop, floor cleaner | Use a microfiber cloth and vinegar solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for slippery floors | Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the door |
| Overall Cleaning | Dust and wipe down all surfaces including countertops, shelves, and mirrors | Microfiber cloth, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner | Use a damp cloth with a mixture of water and baking soda | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate surfaces | Use a squeegee to prevent streaks on mirrors |
| Shower And Tub Cleaning | Scrub and rinse the shower walls, tub, and showerhead | Scrub brush, shower cleaner, vinegar | Use a mixture of vinegar and water for a natural cleaner | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use non-toxic cleaners to avoid skin irritation | Clean the showerhead by soaking it in vinegar for a few hours |
| Behind Toilet Cleaning | Clean behind and around the toilet | Microfiber cloth, all-purpose cleaner | Use a vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Use gloves and avoid contact with waste | Use a long-handled brush for hard-to-reach areas |
| Under Sink Area | Organize and wipe down the area under the sink | Organizer bins, microfiber cloth | Reuse old containers for storage | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Check for leaks or water damage | Use storage bins to keep cleaning supplies neat and accessible |
| Vent Cleaning | Check and clean bathroom vents for dust and debris | Vacuum with brush attachment, damp cloth | Use a microfiber cloth for dusting | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the vent before cleaning | Regularly check and clean vents to maintain air quality |
| Trash Removal | Empty and replace the trash bag | Trash bags | Use biodegradable trash bags | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Dispose of trash properly to avoid spills | Double-bagging can prevent leaks and odors |
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 furniture surfaces including bed frame, nightstands, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cotton cloths | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a step stool if needed to reach higher surfaces. | Start from top surfaces and work your way down to prevent re-dusting. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor, including under the bed and in corners. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items on the floor that could damage the vacuum. | Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and edges. |
| Mirrors | Clean any mirrors in the bedroom. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes | Low | Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the mirror surface. | Spray cleaner on the cloth instead of directly on the mirror to prevent streaks. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Handle soiled bedding carefully to avoid spreading dirt. | Rotate bedding sets to extend their lifespan. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust or wipe down any light fixtures and lampshades in the bedroom. | Microfiber cloth or duster | Reusable cloth | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Turn off lights and allow bulbs to cool before cleaning. | Use a damp cloth for fabric lampshades and a dry cloth for metal or glass fixtures. |
| Decorative Items | Dust or wipe down any decorative items such as picture frames, vases, or figurines. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum for intricate items. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside the bedroom. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for higher windows. | Wipe in a zig-zag motion to avoid streaks. |
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 all countertops with a disinfectant cleaner to remove any crumbs, spills, and stains. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect your hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Utensils | Check and clean all utensils, ensuring they are free of food residue and properly stored. | Dish soap and hot water | Baking soda paste | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Handle sharp utensils with care to avoid cuts. | Soak utensils in warm, soapy water for easier cleaning. |
| Sink | Clean and disinfect the sink, including the faucet and handles, to remove any food residue and bacteria. | Baking soda and vinegar | Lemon and salt scrub | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing baking soda and vinegar in a closed container to prevent a chemical reaction. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the sink. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of all appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. | Stainless steel cleaner | Microfiber cloth and water | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a toothpick to clean crevices and buttons on appliances. |
| Replacing Sponges | Regularly replace kitchen sponges to prevent bacterial growth and odors. | New sponges | Biodegradable cellulose sponges | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges in a sealed bag to prevent spreading germs. | Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to disinfect them. |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Wipe down the exterior of all cabinets and drawers to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints. | Wood cleaner for wooden cabinets | White vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a step stool if needed to reach high cabinets safely. | Organize cabinets to maximize storage space and ease of access. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry and cabinets, checking for expired food items and reorganizing for efficiency. | Clear storage bins | Reusable glass jars | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling expired food to prevent contamination. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean and dust less obvious areas such as air vents, under appliances, and behind furniture. | Microfiber duster | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Use a step stool or ladder when reaching high areas. | Vacuum vents with a brush attachment for thorough cleaning. |
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 surfaces of the coffee table, side tables, and any other furniture in the living room. | Wood furniture polish | Homemade vinegar and olive oil solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floors, including under furniture and in corners. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Use a natural bristle broom for sweeping | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious while moving furniture to avoid injury. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and edges. |
| Rugs | Vacuum or shake out area rugs to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or rug beater | Hang rugs outside and beat with a rug beater | Bi-weekly | 10 minutes per rug | Medium | Avoid breathing in dust while cleaning rugs. | Rotate rugs regularly to ensure even wear. |
| Decor | Dust and wipe down decorations, picture frames, and any other decorative items. | Microfiber cloth | Damp cloth with a little vinegar | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care. | Use a can of compressed air to clean intricate or delicate items. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down TV screens, remotes, speakers, and any other electronics in the living room. | Electronics cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to remove dust from vents and ports. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out for a clear view. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Homemade vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for outside windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to avoid streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
