Cleaning checklists protect reviews and reduce stress. I’m going to share how to do away with inconsistent cleaning standards.

You can forgive a lot as a guest.
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A small bedroom.
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A quirky layout.
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Even a neighbour who thinks 6 a.m. is a fine time to test a leaf blower.

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But dirt? No chance.

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Cleanliness is the silent judge of your vacation rental business. Guests might not mention it when it’s perfect, but they always notice when it’s not. And when they do, it shows up in reviews, rankings, and future bookings.

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If you’ve ever opened a review with one eye closed, this article is for you.

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We’ll break down how to create a repeatable cleanliness system — not heroic last-minute cleaning — so your property shows up spotless, calm, and guest-ready every single stay.

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I share deeper walk-throughs like this inside the Vacation Rental Resolutions Podcast 🎧 and on the Vacation Rental Resolutions YouTube channel 📺. Near the end, I’ll also share the one cleanliness mistake that quietly destroys five-star reviews.

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Quick question before we start:
What’s the one thing you always double-check before a guest arrives — just in case?

Let me know in the comments.

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Why Cleanliness Is the One Standard You Can’t Negotiate

Cleanliness sets the emotional tone of the stay.

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Guests decide how they feel about your rental in the first 30 seconds. Floors, smells, bathrooms, kitchen surfaces — their brain runs a silent checklist before they even put their bags down.

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A clean property builds trust.
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A missed detail breaks it.

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This isn’t about perfection. It’s about confidence. When guests feel safe, settled, and respected, they relax — and relaxed guests leave better reviews.

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The Cleaning Checklist That Saves You From “Oops”

A checklist turns stress into certainty.

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Without one, cleaning relies on memory, mood, and how rushed the day feels. With one, every turnover follows the same calm rhythm — no thinking required.

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Here’s the framework you want.

Living Areas

• Dust all visible surfaces and décor
• Vacuum carpets; mop hard floors
• Disinfect switches, handles, remotes
• Check cushions, throws, and furniture for marks

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Bedrooms

• Replace and launder all bedding
• Dust lamps, tables, headboards
• Check under beds (guests always notice dust there)
• Clean mirrors and wardrobe handles

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Bathrooms

• Disinfect toilets, sinks, showers, baths
• Polish taps and mirrors
• Replace towels and restock toiletries
• Empty bins and check for mould

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Kitchen

• Clean worktops, sinks, splashbacks
• Wipe appliances inside and out
• Check cupboards for forgotten items
• Empty bins and replace liners

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Outdoor Spaces

• Sweep patios and walkways
• Wipe furniture and cushions
• Clean BBQs if provided
• Tidy entrances and door areas

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If your property has a hot tub, pool, fire pit, or pets allowed — add them to the list. A generic checklist creates generic results.

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How to Train Cleaners So Standards Don’t Drift

Cleaners don’t fail systems.
Systems fail cleaners.

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Whether it’s you, a team member, or a professional service, clarity matters more than speed.

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Start With Expectations

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Walk the property together.
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Show what “clean” looks like — not just what to do.

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Photos help. So does a printed checklist.

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Communicate Simply

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Clear deadlines. Clear priorities. No guessing.

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Tools like TurnoverBnB help, but even a shared message thread works if expectations are firm.

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Check Without Micromanaging

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Do occasional spot checks.
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Not to catch people out — but to protect standards.

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And when guests praise cleanliness?
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Pass it on. Cleaners rarely hear the good stuff.

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Speed vs Thoroughness: The False Choice

Fast cleaning that misses details costs you later.

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Back-to-back bookings happen. When they do, your checklist becomes your safety net. Nothing gets skipped just because the clock is loud.

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Schedule deeper cleans during slower weeks — skirting boards, grout, vents. Guests may not name them, but they feel them.

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Calm spaces come from unseen effort.

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Turning “Clean” Into “Guest-Ready”

Clean is the baseline. Guest-ready feels intentional.

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Fresh Air Beats Fake Scents

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Ventilate. Keep scents neutral.
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Nothing screams “cover-up” like overpowering fragrance.

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Stock What Guests Expect

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Toilet paper. Soap. Bin bags. Sponges.
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Running out feels careless — even if everything else sparkles.

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Prepare for Requests

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Cots, blankets, fans, extra towels.
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Being ready looks like magic to guests.

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Running a rental isn’t just throw pillows and hashtags.

The “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download helps you automate, price smart, and host like a pro.” Get your copy now!

You can find a link in the show notes.

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What’s the one area in your rental that always needs extra attention during cleaning?

Let me know in the comments.

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Here Are Your Key Takeaways

• Cleanliness protects reviews
• Checklists remove stress
• Systems beat speed
• Cleaners need clarity
• Guest-ready beats spotless

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In Conclusion

Cleanliness isn’t about effort. It’s about systems. When your cleaning process runs quietly in the background, you gain calm, confidence, and consistent five-star feedback. Inside “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course, we build these systems step by step — so standards hold even when you’re not there.

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For related reading, see “How to Build Daily Vacation Rental Routines That Keep Guests Raving” Episode 89.

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You can find it on the Vacation Rental website.

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Subscribe, and if this helped, buy us a coffee ☕ — it keeps the lights on and the checklists coming.