Cleaning airbnb Cottage in Seattle
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Seattle, 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 Seattle.
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 Seattle. 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 | Dust and wipe down all surfaces such as beams, walls, and light fixtures in the attic. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Use a mixture of vinegar and water as a natural cleaner | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a ladder if needed and be cautious with overhead light fixtures. | Use a microfiber cloth to trap dust effectively without spreading it around. |
| General | Sweep and vacuum the attic floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner and broom | Use a manual carpet sweeper or a natural bristle broom | Every 2 weeks | 30 minutes | Medium | Ensure good ventilation while cleaning to avoid inhaling dust particles. | Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the exit to avoid stepping on the cleaned area. |
| General | Remove all items stored in the attic and place them in designated storage areas. | Storage bins or boxes | Use reusable fabric storage bags | Every 3 months | 1-2 hours | High | Wear gloves and a mask to protect against dust and allergens. | Label each storage container for easy identification of items. |
| General | Inspect for signs of pests or rodents and address any issues immediately. | Pest control traps or deterrents | Essential oils like peppermint or cedarwood to repel pests | As needed | Varies | High | Wear gloves and consider hiring a professional if needed. | Seal any potential entry points to prevent pests from entering the attic. |
| General | Check for any leaks or water damage in the attic and repair as necessary. | Waterproof sealant or caulk | Eco-friendly sealants made from natural materials | Every 6 months | Varies | High | Use caution when working with electrical components near water sources. | Regularly inspect the attic after heavy rains or storms to catch leaks early. |
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 | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior surfaces. | Toilet bowl cleaner and disinfectant | Baking soda and vinegar | After each guest check-out | 10-15 minutes | High | Use gloves and ensure good ventilation when using cleaning products. | Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust, hair, and debris, then mop with a floor cleaner. | Floor cleaner suitable for the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 15-20 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slipping on wet floors. | Spot clean any spills or stains promptly to prevent them from setting. |
| Shower And Bathtub | Scrub the shower walls, bathtub, and fixtures to remove soap scum, mold, and mildew. | Mildew remover or bathroom cleaner | Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste | After each guest check-out | 15-20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area and wear gloves when using cleaning chemicals. | Use a squeegee to prevent water spots on shower doors and walls. |
| Mirrors | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces with a streak-free glass cleaner. | Glass cleaner or vinegar solution | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | After each guest check-out | 5-10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch the glass. | Buff the mirrors with a dry microfiber cloth for a sparkling finish. |
| Sink | Clean sink and faucet thoroughly, removing any soap scum or water stains. | All-purpose cleaner or bathroom cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | After each guest check-out | 5-10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Trash Bin | Empty and clean the trash bin, replacing the liner with a fresh one. | Trash bin liners and disinfectant spray | Biodegradable trash bags and vinegar solution | After each guest check-out | 5-10 minutes | High | Dispose of trash properly and wash hands after handling waste. | Keep extra trash bags easily accessible for quick replacements. |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Wipe down cabinet surfaces, handles, and drawer interiors to remove dust and dirt. | Multi-surface cleaner or wood cleaner | White vinegar and olive oil mixture | Monthly | 15-20 minutes | Medium | Check for any sharp objects before cleaning to avoid injury. | Use drawer organizers to keep toiletries and supplies neatly arranged. |
| Exhaust Fan And Vents | Remove dust and debris from exhaust fan covers and vents to ensure proper ventilation. | Vacuum with brush attachment or compressed air canister | Microfiber cloth and a vacuum | Every 3-6 months | 10-15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the fan before cleaning to prevent accidents. | Regularly check and replace air filters to maintain air quality in the bathroom. |
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 | Change bed linens including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent | Organic cotton bed linens | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Handle used linens with gloves | Rotate different sets of linens to prolong their lifespan. |
| Floor | Vacuum or sweep the bedroom floor, including under the bed and in corners. | HEPA vacuum cleaner | Natural bristle broom | After each guest check-out | 15 minutes | High | Move furniture carefully to avoid injury | Use crevice tool for hard-to-reach spots. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all bedroom furniture surfaces including nightstands, dressers, and chairs. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for fragile items before dusting | Use a toothbrush to clean intricate details on furniture. |
| Mattress | Vacuum mattress to remove dust and debris. | Mattress vacuum attachment | Baking soda for deodorizing | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use a clean vacuum attachment to prevent allergen spread | Sprinkle baking soda, let it sit, then vacuum for a fresh mattress. |
| Windows | Clean bedroom windows and sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and newspaper | Monthly | 20 minutes | Low | Use a sturdy step stool for high windows | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter bedroom closet, wipe down shelves, and vacuum or sweep the floor. | Closet organizer and storage bins | Upcycled storage containers | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Medium | Check for sharp objects before organizing | Use vacuum storage bags to save space for extra linens. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and clean bedroom light fixtures and lamp shades. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Bi-annually | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off electricity before cleaning | Use a lint roller to remove dust from lamp shades. |
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 | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including handles and door seals. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on stainless steel surfaces. |
| Appliances | Empty and clean the microwave, including the turntable and interior walls. | Microwave cleaner or a mixture of water and lemon juice | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | Medium | Ensure the microwave is unplugged before cleaning to prevent accidents. | Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices inside and heat for a few minutes to loosen grime. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry shelves and cabinets, checking for expired items. | Storage bins and labels | Glass jars and reusable containers | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Handle glass containers carefully to avoid breakage. | Label containers with expiration dates to easily identify and discard expired items. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean kitchen vents and exhaust fan filters to maintain air quality. | Degreaser and a brush | Vinegar and baking soda paste | Quarterly | 30 minutes | High | Turn off the power source before cleaning to prevent electrical accidents. | Regularly check and clean behind appliances to prevent dust buildup and potential fire hazards. |
| Dishwashing | Check and refill dishwasher detergent and rinse aid. | Dishwasher detergent tablets and rinse aid | Eco-friendly dishwasher pods and vinegar as rinse aid | As needed | 5 minutes | Low | Avoid contact with eyes and skin when handling dishwasher products. | Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar to remove any buildup in the dishwasher. |
| Utensils | Inspect and replace any damaged or worn-out utensils. | New utensils as needed | Bamboo or stainless steel utensils for durability | As needed | Varies | Medium | Dispose of damaged utensils properly to prevent accidents. | Store utensils in designated compartments to maintain organization. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges with new ones to prevent bacterial growth. | Cellulose sponges or silicone scrubbers | Biodegradable sponges made from natural materials | Every 1-2 weeks | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges in a sealed bag to contain bacteria. | Sanitize sponges by microwaving them for 1-2 minutes or running them through the dishwasher. |
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 | Sustainable bamboo broom | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Be cautious of electrical cords while vacuuming. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and corners for thorough cleaning. |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of furniture including coffee table, side tables, shelves, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloths | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive materials that may scratch surfaces. | Start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already cleaned surfaces. |
| Rugs | Vacuum rugs to remove dirt and debris. Spot clean any spills or stains. | Vacuum cleaner, carpet cleaner | Baking soda for deodorizing and spot cleaning | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Check rug labels for specific cleaning instructions. | Rotate rugs regularly to ensure even wear and tear. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and wipe down decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth, mild soap solution | DIY vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 10 minutes | Low | Handle delicate items with care to prevent breakage. | Use a soft-bristled brush to dust intricate or fragile items. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, speakers, and gaming consoles. | Microfiber cloth, electronic-safe cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes | High | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use compressed air to clean vents and crevices of electronics. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills using glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. | Glass cleaner, microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution for cleaning windows | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool if needed to reach high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by direct sunlight. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth, mild soap solution | DIY vinegar and water solution | Bi-monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off lights and allow bulbs to cool before cleaning. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent lint from sticking to lampshades. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Vacuum with brush attachment, damp cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar solution | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Wear a mask to prevent inhaling dust particles. | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach narrow spaces in vents. |
