Category: Operations & Cleaning
By: Lauren Fischer
Reply by Olivia Laurent:
Here's my turnover cleaning checklist for a 2BR/1BA (~1,100 sq ft). Takes my cleaner about 2 hours: **KITCHEN (30 min)** □ Wash all dishes / run dishwasher □ Wipe all countertops and backsplash □ Clean stovetop and oven exterior □ Clean microwave inside and out □ Clean refrigerator interior (check for guest food, discard) □ Wipe down all cabinet fronts □ Clean sink and polish faucet □ Empty trash, replace bag □ Sweep and mop floor □ Restock: dish soap, sponge, paper towels, trash bags, coffee, sugar **LIVING ROOM (15 min)** □ Fluff and arrange pillows/throws □ Dust all surfaces (TV stand, shelves, coffee table) □ Wipe down TV screen □ Check remotes (batteries, working) □ Vacuum carpets / mop hardwood □ Clean under sofa cushions (you'd be amazed) □ Wipe light switches and door handles **BATHROOM (25 min)** □ Scrub toilet (inside and out, including base) □ Clean shower/tub (grout, glass door, fixtures) □ Clean mirror (streak-free!) □ Wipe vanity and polish faucet □ Clean floor on hands and knees (around toilet especially) □ Restock: toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo/conditioner/body wash □ Fresh towels folded and arranged □ Check drain for hair (CRITICAL) □ Empty trash, new bag **BEDROOMS (20 min each)** □ Strip all linens □ Check mattress protector for stains (replace if needed) □ Make bed with fresh linens (hospital corners!) □ Dust all surfaces (nightstands, dresser) □ Vacuum / mop floors □ Check closet for previous guest items □ Check under bed for items □ Wipe light switches and door handles **GENERAL (20 min)** □ Wipe ALL light switches and door handles (COVID taught us this) □ Check all lights work □ Set thermostat to 72°F □ Lock/secure any owner closets □ Take verification photos of each room □ Set welcome amenities (water, snacks) □ Final walkthrough See our deep-dive guide at https://strspecialist.com/airbnb-cleaning-checklist-how-to-keep-your-rental-sparkling for printable PDF versions.
Reply by Tony Russo:
I'll add the "above and beyond" details that separate 4.7 from 4.95 cleanliness scores: - Vacuum the COUCH (not just cushion tops — use the crevice tool between cushions) - Wipe the TOP of the refrigerator (guests notice dust up there) - Clean the baseboards (monthly deep clean task, but check at each turnover) - Wipe inside the medicine cabinet/vanity drawers - Check the BOTTOM of the toilet seat (men splash, guests check) - Dust ceiling fan blades (hair wrap is common) - Clean the washing machine seal (if applicable — mold magnet) - Wipe the INSIDE of the oven (even if it wasn't used — grease drips from previous use) The 5-star cleanliness rating comes from obsessing over the details guests won't consciously notice, but will unconsciously feel.
Reply by Omar Hassan:
For managing all of this digitally, Turno (https://turno.com) lets you build custom checklists with photos for each step. The cleaner checks off items on their phone as they go, and I can see completion in real-time. It's basically a turnover management platform built specifically for STR hosts.