Cleaning airbnb Villa in Durban
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As a long-time Airbnb host and local cleaning expert here in Durban, I know that keeping your Villa 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 Durban.
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 Villa 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 Villa spotless and ensuring guests have an exceptional stay in Durban. Follow these steps, and your property will always be in pristine condition, earning rave reviews from your guests.
1. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Bathroom
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor | Sweep or vacuum the bathroom floor to remove dust, hair, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual sweeping with a broom | Daily | 5 minutes | Low | Ensure the floor is dry to prevent slips and falls. | Use a microfiber mop for a thorough clean without harsh chemicals. |
| Sink | Clean the sink basin, faucet, and handles with a mild cleaner to remove toothpaste residue and water spots. | All-purpose cleaner | Lemon juice and baking soda | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate surfaces. | Dry the sink with a microfiber cloth to prevent water stains. |
| Surface | Clean and disinfect countertops | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect skin from chemicals | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free shine |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect toilet bowl, seat, and exterior | Toilet bowl cleaner | Baking soda and vinegar | Weekly | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation | Let cleaning solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing |
| Floor | Sweep and mop the floor | Floor cleaner suitable for tiles | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Use caution when mopping to avoid slips | Focus on grout lines to remove dirt and grime |
| Toilet | Clean and disinfect the toilet bowl, seat, lid, and exterior using a toilet bowl cleaner. | Toilet bowl cleaner with disinfectant | Baking soda and vinegar | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation. | Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before scrubbing for better results. |
| Shower | Clean shower walls and floor tiles with a non-abrasive cleaner to remove soap scum and grime. | Bathroom cleaner with bleach | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation while using bleach-based cleaners. | Use a squeegee after each shower to prevent water spots and soap buildup. |
| Mirror | Clean mirrors with a glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and streaks for a sparkling finish. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Use a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving behind lint or streaks. | Wipe the mirror in a circular motion to prevent streaks. |
| Fixture | Polish faucets and handles | Metal polish | Baking soda paste | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid abrasive cleaners that may scratch the metal | Dry faucets with a soft cloth to prevent water spots |
| Mirror | Clean mirrors and glass surfaces | Glass cleaner | White vinegar and water | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | Medium | Avoid getting cleaner on other surfaces | Use a lint-free cloth for a streak-free finish |
| Ventilation Fan | Remove dust and debris from the ventilation fan cover and fan blades to maintain proper airflow. | Soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment | Compressed air canister | Monthly | 10 minutes | Medium | Turn off the fan before cleaning to avoid injury. | Regularly clean the fan to prevent dust buildup and maintain efficiency. |
| Ventilation | Dust and clean bathroom exhaust fan | Soft brush attachment for vacuum | Microfiber cloth | Monthly | 15 minutes | Medium | Turn off electricity to the fan before cleaning | Vacuum or wipe down fan blades to remove dust buildup |
| Storage | Organize bathroom cabinets and drawers | Drawer organizers | Reuse small containers for organization | Quarterly | 30 minutes | Low | Check for expired products and dispose of properly | Label containers to keep items easily accessible |
2. 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 | Mild laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to avoid contact with dirt or dust | Rotate and flip the mattress regularly to ensure even wear |
| Furniture | Dust all surfaces of the bed frame, headboard, bedside tables, and dressers. | Microfiber cloth | Reusable dusting cloth | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the furniture finish. | Use a vacuum with a brush attachment for efficient dust removal. |
| Floor | Vacuum carpets or rugs | Vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter | Baking soda for deodorizing carpets | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Check for small items on the floor to avoid damaging the vacuum | Spot clean any spills or stains immediately to prevent them from setting |
| Flooring | Vacuum or mop the bedroom floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or mop | Microfiber mop | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Use caution when moving furniture to avoid injury or damage to the floor. | Spot clean any spills or stains promptly to prevent them from setting. |
| Bedding | Change and wash all bedding including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and blankets. | Laundry detergent | Eco-friendly laundry detergent pods | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Follow washing instructions on the bedding labels to avoid damage. | Rotate different sets of bedding to extend their lifespan. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish furniture surfaces | Microfiber cloth and furniture polish | Vinegar and water solution for dusting | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Test furniture polish on a small hidden area first | Use a toothbrush to clean intricate details on furniture |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as lamps, picture frames, and ornaments. | Feather duster | Bamboo duster | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to avoid breakage. | Rotate decorative items to prevent dust buildup in one spot. |
| Light Fixtures | Dust light fixtures, lamps, and lampshades | Microfiber cloth and duster | Use a damp cloth for dusting | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Turn off lights before cleaning to prevent electric shock | Replace any burnt-out light bulbs during cleaning |
| Windows | Clean windows and window sills | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution for glass cleaning | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step stool or ladder for high windows | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly |
| Windows | Clean the bedroom windows inside and out for a clear view and natural light. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy step ladder if needed and be cautious when handling glass. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Closet | Organize and declutter the closet, fold or hang clothes neatly, and wipe down shelves. | Closet organizer bins | Recycled cardboard storage boxes | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Avoid overloading closet shelves to prevent collapse. | Use vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal clothing to save space. |
| Air Vents | Vacuum or wipe down air vents to remove dust buildup | Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment or damp cloth | Microfiber cloth for wiping down vents | Quarterly | 15 minutes | Low | Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles | Use a butter knife wrapped in a cloth to reach narrow vents |
3. 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 countertops with a damp cloth to remove crumbs and spills. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Use gloves to protect hands from cleaning chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for streak-free cleaning. |
| Sink | Clean and disinfect the sink, including the faucet and drain. | Baking soda and vinegar | Lemon juice and baking soda | Daily | 5 minutes | High | Avoid mixing cleaning products that contain bleach with other chemicals. | Use an old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas around the faucet. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the microwave inside and out, including the turntable. | Microwave cleaner or soapy water | Baking soda paste | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Wait for the microwave to cool down before cleaning to avoid burns. | Place a microwave-safe bowl with water and lemon slices inside the microwave and heat it for a few minutes to loosen grime before cleaning. |
| Dishwashing | Clean and sanitize the dish rack and drainboard. | Dish soap and hot water | White vinegar and baking soda | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Use gloves to protect your hands from hot water and cleaning agents. | Disassemble the dish rack if possible for a more thorough cleaning. |
| Appliances | Clean the exterior of the refrigerator, including handles and doors. | All-purpose cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Remove all items from the top of the refrigerator before cleaning to access hard-to-reach areas. |
| Appliances | Wipe down the exterior of appliances like the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. | Stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel appliances | White vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15-30 minutes | Medium | Unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electric shock. | Use a microfiber cloth to prevent scratching the appliance surfaces. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. | Pack of new sponges | Biodegradable cellulose sponges | Weekly | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges in a sealed bag to prevent contamination. | Microwave damp sponges for 1 minute to kill bacteria between replacements. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize pantry and cabinets, check for expired food items, and wipe down shelves. | All-purpose cleaner | DIY vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 30-60 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling expired food items. | Use clear containers for better visibility and organization. |
| Sponges | Replace kitchen sponges with new ones. | Pack of new sponges | Biodegradable cellulose sponges | Bi-weekly | 5 minutes | High | Dispose of old sponges properly to prevent bacterial growth. | Sanitize sponges by microwaving them for 1-2 minutes or running them through the dishwasher. |
| Utensils | Check and clean utensil drawers and organizers. | Multi-surface cleaner | Lemon juice and water solution | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Check for sharp utensils to avoid injuries. | Organize utensils by type or use drawer dividers to keep them neat and accessible. |
| Appliances | Clean the oven inside and out, including the racks and door. | Oven cleaner or baking soda paste | Vinegar and baking soda | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Wear gloves and eye protection when using oven cleaner. | Remove the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water for easier cleaning. |
| Cabinets And Drawers | Wipe down the exterior of cabinets and drawers to remove fingerprints and spills. | Wood cleaner for wooden cabinets | Olive oil and lemon juice for wood | Monthly | 30 minutes | Low | Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate surfaces. | Organize items in cabinets to maximize space and efficiency. |
| Dishwashing | Empty and clean the dishwasher filter, run a cleaning cycle with dishwasher cleaner. | Dishwasher cleaner tablets | Baking soda and vinegar | Monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves when handling dishwasher cleaning products. | Regularly check for clogs and remove any debris from the filter. |
| Storage Spaces | Organize and clean pantry shelves and cabinets. | Wood or metal cleaner | White vinegar and water solution | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a step stool to reach high shelves safely. | Rotate food items and check expiration dates while organizing to prevent food waste. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean behind and underneath appliances, dust vents, and wipe down baseboards. | Microfiber duster and vacuum cleaner | Use a damp cloth and natural cleaning solutions | Quarterly | 1-2 hours | Low | Unplug appliances before cleaning around and behind them. | Use a vacuum attachment to reach tight spaces and corners. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean behind and under kitchen appliances like the stove and refrigerator. | Vacuum cleaner with attachments | Microfiber cloth and natural bristle brush | Quarterly | 20 minutes | High | Unplug appliances before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a flashlight to spot hidden dirt and debris in hard-to-reach areas. |
| Less Obvious Areas | Clean kitchen vents and exhaust fan filters. | Degreaser or soapy water | Baking soda paste | Bi-annually | 20 minutes | Medium | Wear gloves and eye protection when handling greasy filters. | Soak filters in warm, soapy water before scrubbing to remove built-up grease. |
| Utensils | Check utensils for signs of wear or damage, replace any worn-out or broken utensils. | New utensils as needed | Consider bamboo or stainless steel utensils for durability. | As needed | Varies | Medium | Dispose of broken utensils properly to avoid injury. | Rotate utensils regularly to ensure even use and longevity. |
4. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down TV screen, remote controls, and any other electronic devices. | Electronic screen cleaning wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Weekly | 10 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning to avoid electrical hazards. | Use a can of compressed air to clean dust from vents and crevices. |
| Flooring | Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove dust, dirt, and debris. | Vacuum cleaner or broom | Manual carpet sweeper or bamboo broom | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Check for small objects that could damage the vacuum cleaner. | Use a crevice tool attachment to clean corners and edges effectively. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including coffee table, side tables, and TV stand. | Wood furniture polish spray | Vinegar and olive oil mixture | Weekly | 20 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use microfiber cloths for dusting to reduce streaking. |
| Furniture | Dust and polish all furniture surfaces including tables, shelves, and cabinets. | Furniture polish spray | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 30 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from chemicals. | Use a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. |
| Flooring | Vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly. Mop hard floors with a suitable cleaner. | Carpet cleaner for carpets, floor cleaner for hard floors | Baking soda for carpets, vinegar and water solution for hard floors | Weekly | 45 minutes | High | Ventilate the room when using floor cleaners. | Use a steam mop for a deeper clean on hard floors. |
| Electronics | Dust and wipe down electronics such as TV, sound system, and remote controls. | Electronic wipes | Microfiber cloth dampened with water | Bi-weekly | 15 minutes | Medium | Unplug electronics before cleaning. | Use a can of compressed air to clean vents on electronics. |
| Windows | Clean windows and glass doors inside and out for a clear view. | Glass cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar and water solution | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Wipe windows in a zigzag motion to avoid streaks. |
| Windows | Clean windows inside and out, including frames and sills. | Glass cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a sturdy ladder if needed for high windows. | Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaks from drying too quickly. |
| Decor | Dust and clean decorative items such as picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Feather duster or microfiber cloth | Soft cloth made from recycled materials | Monthly | 15 minutes | Low | Handle fragile items with care to prevent breakage. | Rotate decorative items regularly to prevent dust buildup. |
| Decorative Items | Dust and clean decorative items like picture frames, vases, and ornaments. | Microfiber cloth | Damp cloth made from old t-shirt | Monthly | 20 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 duster | Damp cloth | Bi-monthly | 30 minutes | Medium | Turn off the electricity before cleaning light fixtures. | Use a step ladder for high fixtures and fans. |
5. Detailed Airbnb Cleaning Checklist For Pool Area
| Item Type | Task Description | Product Suggestion | Eco-friendly Alternative | Frequency | Estimated Time | Priority Level | Safety Precautions | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pool Water | Check and maintain the pool water level, pH balance, and chlorine levels. | Pool testing kit and appropriate chemicals | Natural pool cleaning enzymes | Daily | 10 minutes | High | Wear gloves and eye protection when handling pool chemicals. | Keep a log of water test results to track trends and ensure water quality. |
| Pool Water | Check and adjust pool water pH levels, chlorine levels, and water clarity. | Pool water testing kit | Baking soda to adjust pH levels | Daily | 10 minutes | Critical | Use gloves and goggles when handling pool chemicals. | Shock the pool weekly to prevent algae growth and maintain water clarity. |
| Pool Deck | Sweep and remove debris from the pool deck area. | Stiff bristle broom | Recycled plastic broom | Daily | 15 minutes | High | Watch out for slippery spots and wear proper footwear. | Regularly sweep to prevent debris buildup and potential slipping hazards. |
| Outdoor Furniture | Wipe down all outdoor furniture including chairs, tables, and loungers. | Multi-surface cleaner | Vinegar and water solution | Weekly | 15 minutes | High | Wear gloves to protect hands from dirt and chemicals. | Apply a protective coating to outdoor furniture after cleaning to maintain its appearance and durability. |
| Pool Furniture | Wipe down and sanitize pool furniture including chairs, tables, and loungers. | All-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth | Vinegar solution and reusable cloth | Weekly | 30 minutes | Medium | Use gloves when handling cleaning chemicals. | Rotate cushions and pillows regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear. |
| Pool Deck | Sweep or pressure wash the pool deck to remove debris, dirt, and stains. | Deck cleaner | Baking soda and water paste | Bi-weekly | 30 minutes | High | Wear protective eyewear and clothing when using pressure washer. | Seal the pool deck after cleaning to protect it from weather damage and maintain its color. |
| Pool Tiles | Scrub pool tiles to remove algae, calcium deposits, and dirt buildup. | Tile and grout cleaner | Vinegar and baking soda paste | Monthly | 1 hour | Medium | Use a non-abrasive scrub brush to avoid damaging the tiles. | Apply a tile sealer after cleaning to protect the tiles and make future cleaning easier. |
| Pool Fence | Clean and inspect the pool fence for any dirt, grime, or damage. | Mild soap and water solution | Baking soda paste | Monthly | 20 minutes | Medium | Check for any loose or sharp edges that may cause injury. | Apply a protective coating to the fence to prevent rust and corrosion. |
| Pool Filter | Clean or replace the pool filter as needed to maintain water clarity. | Filter cleaning solution or replacement filter | Filter cleaning solution made with natural enzymes | Monthly | 30 minutes | High | Turn off the pool pump before cleaning the filter. | Regularly backwash the filter to prevent clogs and improve efficiency. |
| Pool Cover | Remove and clean pool cover to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. | Mild soap and water solution | Biodegradable soap | Seasonally | 1 hour | Low | Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the pool cover material. | Store the pool cover properly when not in use to prevent mold and mildew growth. |
