Cleaning airbnb House in Cape Town
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Cape Town, I know that keeping your House 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 Cape Town.
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 House 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 House spotless and ensuring guests have an exceptional stay in Cape Town. Follow these steps, and your property will always be in pristine condition, earning rave reviews from your guests.
1. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Basement
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all furniture surfaces including tables, chairs, shelves, and cabinets. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Wear gloves and mask to protect from dust allergies. | Use microfiber cloths for more effective dusting. |
| Flooring | Sweep and mop the basement floor to remove any dust, dirt, and debris. | Floor cleaner suitable for the type of flooring (e.g., tile, concrete). | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 45 minutes | High | Ensure good ventilation while using cleaning products. | Spot clean any spills or stains immediately to prevent them from setting. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. | Glass cleaner | DIY cleaner with vinegar and newspaper | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed and be cautious with glass edges. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks caused by the sun. |
| Storage Areas | Organize and declutter storage areas like closets, cabinets, and shelves. | Organizing bins and labels | Reuse cardboard boxes for storage | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Be careful when handling heavy or fragile items. | Utilize vertical space with shelving units to maximize storage. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup and improve air quality. | Vacuum with brush attachment | Microfiber cloth and natural dusting spray | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Low | Turn off HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Change air filters regularly to reduce dust accumulation in vents. |
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 | Clean and disinfect toilet bowl, seat, lid, and surrounding areas | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Vinegar and baking soda mixture | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results |
| Bathroom | Clean and disinfect sink, faucet, and countertop | All-purpose cleaner | Citrus-based cleaner | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaners containing ammonia and bleach | Dry the sink and faucet after cleaning to prevent water spots |
| Bathroom | Vacuum and mop the bathroom floor | Floor cleaner suitable for the floor type | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when moving around wet floors to avoid slips | Start from the farthest corner and work your way towards the door |
| Bathroom | Clean and polish mirrors and glass surfaces | Glass cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the surface | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free results |
| Bathroom | Wipe down and sanitize light switches, door handles, and knobs | Disinfectant wipes | Homemade disinfectant spray with essential oils | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Ensure the switches are dry before use | Pay extra attention to frequently touched areas for thorough cleaning |
| Bathroom | Scrub and disinfect shower/tub, tiles, and grout | Mildew remover or bathroom cleaner | Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 20 minutes | High | Ventilate the area and wear protective gloves | Use an old toothbrush to scrub grout lines effectively |
| Bathroom | Clean and organize bathroom cabinets and drawers | Multi-surface cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Check for expired products and dispose of them properly | Use drawer organizers to keep items neatly separated |
| Bathroom | Check and clean bathroom vents and exhaust fan | Vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachment | Compressed air canister | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the power to the vent before cleaning | Regularly clean the vent to prevent dust buildup and maintain 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedding | Strip and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets. | Laundry detergent suitable for linens. | Eco-friendly laundry detergent. | Weekly | 1 hour | High | Follow washing instructions on the labels. | Use a mattress protector to extend the life of the mattress and keep it clean. |
| Furniture | Dust and wipe down all surfaces of the bed frame, headboard, bedside tables, and dressers. | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using abrasive cleaners on wooden surfaces. | Rotate and flip the mattress every few months to ensure even wear and longevity. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs, and mop hard floors. | Vacuum cleaner and floor cleaner suitable for floor type. | Baking soda for carpet deodorizing and vinegar solution for mopping. | Weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use appropriate settings on the vacuum for different flooring types. | Rotate area rugs periodically to prevent uneven wear. |
| Lighting Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures, lamps, and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and vinegar solution. | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Ensure lights are switched off and cool before cleaning. | Replace any burnt-out light bulbs promptly for optimal lighting. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. | Vinegar and water solution with a cloth. | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for outside windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking from the sun. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter closet space, wipe down shelves and hanging rods. | Cloth and multi-surface cleaner. | Microfiber cloth and vinegar solution. | Bi-annually | 30 minutes | Medium | Handle fragile items with care when organizing. | Use storage bins or dividers to keep items organized and maximize space. |
4. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Garage
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garage | Sweep and mop the garage floor to remove dust and debris. | Broom, mop, all-purpose cleaner | Eco-friendly broom, mop, and cleaner | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Wear a dust mask and gloves to protect against dust and dirt. | Use a garage mat near the entrance to minimize dirt and debris tracked into the garage. |
| Garage | Dust and wipe down shelves, workbenches, and other surfaces to remove dirt and grime. | Microfiber cloth, all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth, vinegar solution | Bi-weekly | 45 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a damp microfiber cloth to trap and remove dust effectively. |
| Garage | Organize tools, equipment, and storage items to maintain a neat and clutter-free space. | Storage bins, shelves, labels | Recycled storage bins, wooden shelves, reusable labels | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Ensure heavy items are stored securely to prevent accidents. | Utilize wall-mounted storage solutions to maximize floor space. |
| Garage | Check and replace air filters in the garage to maintain air quality. | Air filters compatible with the HVAC system | Reusable air filters | Every 3 months | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off the HVAC system before replacing filters. | Mark the replacement date on the new filter for easy tracking. |
| Garage | Inspect and clean garage door tracks and mechanisms for smooth operation. | Silicone lubricant, cloth | Biodegradable lubricant, reusable cloth | Quarterly | 30 minutes | High | Ensure the garage door is unplugged or turned off before cleaning. | Apply lubricant sparingly to avoid buildup and maintain smooth function. |
5. 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 oven and stovetop, including burner grates, drip pans, and knobs. | Oven cleaner, degreaser, and scrub brush | Baking soda paste and vinegar | Bi-weekly | 1 hour | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation when using oven cleaner. | Prevent spills by using liners on the oven bottom and stovetop. |
| Dishwashing | Empty and clean the dishwasher filter and spray arms. | White vinegar and soft brush | Citric acid solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the dishwasher components. | Run an empty cycle with a cup of vinegar to remove odors and buildup. |
| Appliances | Clean the refrigerator inside and out, including shelves, drawers, and door seals. | Mild detergent, warm water, and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and baking soda solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the coils at the back of the refrigerator to improve efficiency. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize kitchen cabinets, pantry, and drawers, discarding expired items. | Organizing bins, labels, and shelf liners | Use glass jars and containers for bulk items | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | Medium | Handle glass containers carefully to avoid breakage. | Label containers and use clear bins for easy identification of stored items. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean vents, under furniture, and behind appliances like the refrigerator and microwave. | Microfiber duster, vacuum with attachments, and all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth and vinegar solution | Bi-annually | 1-2 hours | Low | Move heavy appliances with caution to avoid injury. | Use a crevice tool to reach tight spaces and corners for thorough cleaning. |
| Utensils | Check for damaged or worn-out utensils and replace them as needed. | N/A | Repair or repurpose damaged utensils | As needed | Varies | Low | Dispose of broken utensils properly to avoid injuries. | Consider donating or recycling old utensils instead of throwing them away. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges regularly to prevent bacterial growth. | New kitchen sponges or dishcloths | Biodegradable sponges or reusable dishcloths | Every 1-2 weeks | 5 minutes | Medium | Dispose of old sponges properly to avoid spreading germs. | Sanitize sponges by microwaving them for 1 minute or running them through the dishwasher. |
6. 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 including coffee table, side tables, shelves, and TV stand. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use a stable step ladder if necessary to reach high shelves. | Start from the top and work your way down to avoid dust resettling. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments for corners | Broom and dustpan | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small objects before vacuuming to avoid damaging the machine. | Use a crevice tool to clean along baseboards and under furniture. |
| Electronics | Dust TV, speakers, and other electronics. | Microfiber cloth and electronic-safe cleaner | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents and crevices. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items such as vases, sculptures, and photo frames. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items regularly to prevent dust buildup. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust and wipe down light fixtures and lampshades. | Microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Ensure light fixtures are turned off and cool before cleaning. | Use a lint roller to quickly remove dust from lampshades. |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills inside and out. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) and reusable cloth | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if cleaning windows at height. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup. | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment or damp cloth | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Quarterly | 10 minutes | Low | Turn off HVAC system before cleaning vents. | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach into narrow vents. |
