Cleaning airbnb Cottage in San Jose
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in San Jose, 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 San Jose.
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 San Jose. 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 or vacuum the attic floor thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner, broom, dustpan | Natural bristle broom, dustpan | Monthly | 1 hour | High | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust. | Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for better dust removal. |
| Dusting | Dust all surfaces including beams, walls, and stored items. | Microfiber cloths, dusting spray | Microfiber cloths (dampened with water) | Every 2 months | 1.5 hours | Medium | Use a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Work from top to bottom to prevent re-dusting lower areas. |
| Inspection | Check for signs of pests, leaks, or mold in the attic. | Flashlight, pest traps, mold test kit | Essential oils (for pest control), vinegar (for mold) | Every 3 months | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and a mask when handling potential hazards. | Seal any cracks or openings to prevent pests from entering. |
| Attic | Remove any cobwebs from corners and ceiling | Extendable duster | Microfiber cloth | Every 3 months | 15 minutes | High | Use a ladder if necessary, wear gloves | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from falling on already cleaned areas |
| General | Remove all items from attic and place in designated storage areas. | Storage bins, labels | Cardboard boxes, reusable bags | Every 3 months | 2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Label storage bins for easy identification of items. |
| Window Cleaning | Clean attic windows inside and out. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1:1 water-vinegar mix) | Every 3 months | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious while cleaning. | Wipe windows in a zigzag pattern to avoid streaks. |
| Attic | Inspect for any signs of pests or rodents | Flashlight and pest traps | Essential oils like peppermint to deter pests | As needed | Varies | High | Wear gloves and a mask if dealing with pests | Seal any entry points to prevent future infestations |
| Organizing | Reorganize stored items for better access and space utilization. | Shelving units, storage containers | Recycled cardboard boxes, wooden crates | Every 6 months | 2 hours | High | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent accidents. | Group similar items together for easier organization. |
| Attic | Check for any water leaks or damage | Flashlight and moisture meter | Baking soda to absorb moisture | Every 6 months | 20 minutes | High | Be cautious of slippery surfaces if there's water damage | Address any leaks promptly to prevent further damage |
| Attic | Dust and wipe down any exposed beams or surfaces | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Every 6 months | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear a mask if the attic is dusty | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust before wiping down surfaces |
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 | Scrub toilet bowl with a toilet brush and disinfect the seat, lid, and exterior surfaces. | Toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant | Baking soda and vinegar | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure proper ventilation when using cleaning products. | Let the cleaner sit in the toilet bowl for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Floor | Sweep, mop, or vacuum the bathroom floor | Floor cleaner, mop, vacuum cleaner | Vinegar and water solution, eco-friendly floor cleaner | Weekly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Use caution when working with wet floors | Spot clean spills immediately to prevent stains |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and surrounding areas | Toilet bowl cleaner, disinfectant spray, toilet brush | Vinegar and baking soda mixture, eco-friendly disinfectant spray | Weekly | 10-15 minutes | High | Wear gloves, ensure proper ventilation | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner or vinegar solution for streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the mirror surface. | Buff the mirror with a microfiber cloth for a sparkling finish. |
| Sink | Clean sink basin, faucet, and handles with a non-abrasive cleaner to remove soap scum and water stains. | All-purpose cleaner or vinegar solution | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Trash Bins | Empty and clean the trash bins | Trash bags, disinfectant spray | Biodegradable trash bags, eco-friendly disinfectant | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Wear gloves when handling trash | Line the trash bin with a bag to make emptying easier |
| Trash Can | Empty and clean the trash can with a disinfectant spray or soap and water. | Disinfectant spray or mild soap solution | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Low | Wear gloves when handling trash to prevent contamination. | Line the trash can with a bag to make future cleanups easier and more hygienic. |
| Mirrors And Glass Surfaces | Clean mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces for streak-free shine | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Homemade vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5-10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials on glass | Wipe in a circular motion to avoid streaks |
| Sink And Countertop | Clean and sanitize the sink, faucet, and countertop | All-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloth | Homemade vinegar-based cleaner | Weekly | 5-10 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing cleaning agents, rinse thoroughly | Dry the sink and faucet with a clean cloth to prevent water spots |
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris, then mop with a floor cleaner. | Floor cleaner suitable for the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Be cautious when using water on the floor to prevent slipping. | Use a microfiber mop for efficient cleaning and quicker drying. |
| Shower/tub | Clean shower walls, tub, and fixtures with a scrub brush or sponge to remove soap scum and grime. | Shower cleaner or mildew remover | Vinegar and baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | High | Ventilate the area well to avoid inhaling fumes from cleaning products. | Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and mildew buildup. |
| Shower And Tub | Scrub and disinfect the shower walls, tub, showerhead, and faucet | Shower cleaner, scrub brush, microfiber cloth | Vinegar and baking soda paste, eco-friendly shower cleaner | Bi-weekly | 15-20 minutes | High | Use non-abrasive cleaners for delicate surfaces | Clean the showerhead nozzle for better water flow |
| Behind Toilet And Under Sink | Clean and dust behind the toilet and under the sink | Microfiber cloth, vacuum cleaner with attachments | Vinegar and water solution, eco-friendly dusting spray | Monthly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Use caution when reaching tight spaces | Use a flashlight to see hidden dirt and dust |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Wipe down cabinet doors, handles, and drawer fronts with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime. | All-purpose cleaner or mild soap solution | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Check for any sharp edges or splinters before cleaning. | Declutter cabinets regularly to maintain cleanliness and organization. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize and wipe down cabinets, drawers, and shelves | Multi-surface cleaner, microfiber cloth | Homemade vinegar-based cleaner | Monthly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Check for any sharp objects before cleaning | Use drawer organizers to keep items neat and accessible |
| Exhaust Fan/vent | Remove vent cover and clean with a vacuum or damp cloth to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth | Quarterly | 10 minutes | Low | Turn off the power to the fan before cleaning to avoid accidents. | Regularly check and clean the vent to prevent blockages and improve air circulation. |
| Vents And Fans | Dust and clean bathroom vents and exhaust fans | Duster, vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth, eco-friendly dusting spray | Quarterly | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power before cleaning electrical fixtures | Regularly clean vents to maintain good air quality |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Natural bristle broom | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small items that could damage the vacuum. | Use a damp microfiber mop for hardwood floors for a thorough clean. |
| Furniture | Dust all furniture surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cotton cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Use a step stool if needed to reach high surfaces. | Start from top to bottom to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned areas. |
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Bamboo broom | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items that could damage the vacuum cleaner. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and corners. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use proper ventilation when using furniture polish. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching surfaces while dusting. |
| Curtains Or Blinds | Dust or vacuum curtains and blinds to remove dust and allergens. | Vacuum cleaner or duster | Lint roller or damp cloth | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Be gentle with delicate fabrics to avoid damage. | Spot clean any stains on curtains to maintain their appearance. |
| 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 dirty bedding with gloves if necessary. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Mattress | Vacuum the mattress to remove dust and debris. | Upholstery attachment for vacuum | Baking soda for deodorizing | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Check for bed bugs or signs of infestation. | Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up to freshen the mattress. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean all decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth and gentle cleaner | Diluted vinegar solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to prevent breakage. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and clean light fixtures including lamps and ceiling lights. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off lights and allow bulbs to cool before cleaning. | Remove light bulbs to clean them separately for a brighter room. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean any decorative items like picture frames, vases, or figurines. | Microfiber cloth and feather duster | Reusable cloth and eco-friendly duster | Monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to clean delicate items. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out to ensure a clear view for guests. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Use a sturdy ladder if necessary for high windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for higher windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter the closet, wiping down shelves and hangers. | All-purpose cleaner | DIY vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 45 minutes | Medium | Avoid overloading shelves to prevent collapse. | Use slimline hangers to save space and keep clothes organized. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | DIY vinegar solution | Bi-monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Turn off the electricity before cleaning fixtures. | Use an extendable duster for high ceilings. |
| Bed | Strip the bed of all linens including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover. | Mild laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | After every guest checkout | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves when handling used linens. | Rotate and flip the mattress periodically to ensure even wear. |
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, cutting boards, and knives. | Dish soap and hot water. | Biodegradable dish soap. | After each use | Varies | High | Use a brush to clean crevices in utensils. Dry knives thoroughly to prevent rusting. | Regularly sharpen knives to maintain their sharpness. |
| Utensils | Check utensils for any food residue and clean them thoroughly. | Dish soap and a sponge | Dish soap and a biodegradable sponge | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Use gloves if handling utensils with sharp edges. | Regularly inspect wooden utensils for signs of wear and tear. |
| Dishwashing | Wash, dry, and put away dishes. Check for any leftover food on plates and utensils. | Dish soap and a dish drying rack | Biodegradable dish soap | Daily | 15 minutes | High | Handle sharp knives carefully while washing. | Soak pots and pans with burnt-on food in hot, soapy water for easier cleaning. |
| 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 hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Sink | Clean and disinfect the sink to remove food particles and bacteria. | Bleach or disinfectant spray | Baking soda and vinegar | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaning products. | Use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of appliances such as the refrigerator, microwave, and oven. | Stainless steel cleaner for fridge, all-purpose cleaner for others | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on stainless steel. |
| Dishwashing | Clean and disinfect the sink, faucet, and drain. | Disinfectant cleaner or bleach solution. | Vinegar and baking soda solution. | Weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners. Rinse the sink thoroughly after cleaning. | Use a sink strainer to prevent food particles from clogging the drain. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry, cabinets, and drawers. | Clear containers for storage, labels for organization. | Glass or bamboo containers, reusable labels. | Monthly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Check for expired food items. Avoid overloading shelves and cabinets. | Group similar items together for easy access and inventory. |
| Behind Electronics | Dust behind and underneath electronic devices like the toaster or coffee maker. | Compressed air duster or microfiber cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Unplug devices before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a toothpick or cotton swab to reach small crevices and corners. |
| Under Furniture | Sweep or vacuum under cabinets and furniture to remove dirt and crumbs. | Vacuum cleaner with crevice tool | Broom and dustpan | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Move furniture carefully to avoid injury. | Use furniture sliders to move heavy pieces easily for cleaning. |
| Appliances | Clean the refrigerator inside and out, including shelves, drawers, and door seals. | All-purpose cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. | Vinegar and baking soda solution. | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleaners. | Place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize cabinets and pantry, checking for expired food items. | Organizing bins or baskets | Use recycled containers for storage | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Be cautious when handling glass containers. | Label containers to easily identify contents and expiration dates. |
| Appliances | Clean the oven, stovetop, and range hood. | Oven cleaner for the oven, degreaser for stovetop and range hood. | Baking soda paste for oven, vinegar and water solution for stovetop and range hood. | Bi-monthly | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves when using oven cleaner. Ensure proper ventilation when using chemicals. | Regularly wipe down the stovetop after each use to prevent buildup. |
| Vents | Vacuum or wipe down vents to remove dust and debris. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and a handheld vacuum | Quarterly | 20 minutes | Low | Turn off HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Use a damp cloth to prevent dust from spreading while cleaning. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, and behind appliances. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments, microfiber cloth. | Use a microfiber cloth for dusting. | Quarterly | 30 minutes - 1 hour | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning behind them. Use a ladder for high vents. | Regularly vacuum vents to maintain proper airflow. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges and dishcloths. | New sponges or dishcloths. | Eco-friendly cellulose sponges or reusable dishcloths. | Every 1-2 weeks | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly. Wash reusable dishcloths in hot water. | Microwave damp sponges for 1-2 minutes to kill bacteria. |
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 all surfaces of furniture including tables, chairs, and shelves. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable cotton cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using harsh chemicals on wooden furniture. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Broom and dustpan | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items that may damage the vacuum cleaner. | Use the crevice tool to clean along baseboards and under furniture. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, shelves, and entertainment unit. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish. | White vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Use a sturdy step stool if needed to reach high shelves. | Move furniture slightly to clean underneath and behind for thorough dusting. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs, mop hard floors. | Vacuum cleaner and floor cleaner suitable for the floor type. | Baking soda and water for spot cleaning carpets, vinegar and water solution for mopping hard floors. | Weekly | 45 minutes | High | Ensure rugs are secure to avoid slipping. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and under furniture. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe cleaning spray. | Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning and avoid getting liquids into openings. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics like TV screens, remotes, and speakers. | Electronics-safe cleaning 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 of electronics. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces for a streak-free shine. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloth. | Vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth. | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Low | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the glass. | Wipe in circular motions for a polished finish. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth and gentle all-purpose cleaner. | Damp cloth with a little soap or vinegar. | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Handle delicate items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative pieces to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Windows | Clean windows and glass surfaces including mirrors. | Glass cleaner and lint-free cloth | Vinegar solution (1:1 with water) and newspaper | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool if needed. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by sunlight. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Homemade glass cleaner with vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil. | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if necessary for exterior windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag pattern to avoid streaks. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and wipe down decorative items such as picture frames and ornaments. | Soft cloth or duster | Microfiber cloth | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans. | Microfiber cloth and step ladder. | Microfiber cloth and extendable duster. | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are cool before cleaning to avoid burns. | Use a pillowcase to cover ceiling fan blades for easy dusting. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust light fixtures, lampshades, and bulbs. | Lamp cleaning brush or microfiber cloth | Soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust from lampshades. |
| Curtains/blinds | Vacuum or dust curtains and blinds to remove dust and debris. | Handheld vacuum with brush attachment or duster | Microfiber cloth or duster | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Medium | Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning delicate fabrics. | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust from blinds. |
