Airbnb guests demand a high level of cleanliness when it comes to the properties they book. As guest expectation becomes higher, one dirty stain on the wall can severely damage your hard-earned reviews at any point.
In this article, we cover the 5 biggest Airbnb cleaning mistakes by hosts.
Airbnb cleanliness is the number one priority for most guests, as shown by our data analysis of 1300 guest reviews for the properties we manage (see the infographic we built based on this research).
It doesn't matter how meticulous you or your cleaning team are, there will always be certain places in your property that usually don't get the attention they require. These areas build up grime over time and become a ticking time-bomb waiting to be discovered by one of your guests sooner or later.
As an experienced Airbnb management company, MadeComfy have accumulated a great deal of insights into what are the most crucial areas of focus for Airbnb cleaning. Take a look at the 5 most common Airbnb cleaning issues:
Most guests do not bake or cook sophisticated meals during their stay, which makes it much more likely to miss that dirty oven or grill when they do. Always make sure to see whether appliances like the microwave, oven, toaster or grill had been stained in any way after a rare bake-off or a grill session. The fridge is a sensitive area too, so don't lower your standards to save time when cleaning it.
Outside features at your property will add an extra wow factor for guests on arrival. For example, gardens, patios, balconies, courtyard
s, outdoor dining areas and bbq facilities, all add value to your Airbnb property. However, they are susceptible to grime and dirt due to their constant exposure to the weather conditions. There is nothing worse than booking a property with a pool or an outdoor dining area, only to find out that they are too dirty to be enjoyed. Meet your guest’s expectations by ensuring that these areas are maintained with extra care.
Bugs inside your property are not an uncommon thing in Australia and most guests understand that they are to some degree unavoidable. It is your responsibility as a host, however, to limit the exposure of your guests to pests in your property. Focus on all the areas within your control. Regularly check all corners of your property that are likely to be inhabited by insects, and most importantly, if the customer encounters anything seriously unpleasant, be ready to call pest control. We recommend booking a recurring pest inspection every 6 months to prevent any surprises.
If items such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, or other toiletries are not replaced, your guests will likely complain. Essential amenities are now expected. Providing additional amenities or high quality brands will be noticed and will take you an extra step close to earning a positive review. Create a checklist for yourself or your cleaning team to make sure that everything is replaced and put in the right place.
Whether they are found in linen, shower, sink or on any surface, hair can be devastating to your Airbnb reviews. There is a difference between cleaning your home and an Airbnb property, where every instance of unfamiliar hair will be mistaken for a sign of negligence on the part of the host.
Get the bin removal sorted! With guests coming in and out all the time, it's important to make sure the bin is removed frequently enough for all guests to have a comfortable departure from your property.
Whether you are cleaning the property yourself or working with an outsourced housekeeping staff, it's a good idea to have a checklist that includes all the areas to be focused on during the clean.
Having a checklist, either it be a digital one like ours or a handwritten one, helps you to have an overview of the state of your property, minimise room for error and get a peace of mind! In addition, make sure to schedule a recurring deep cleaning session every few weeks, where you switch your focus specifically on the problematic and time-consuming areas we mentioned above.
Here at MadeComfy, our 50+ housekeeping staff works with a digital housekeeping app. After every property clean, our staff sends on average 40 property photos to be reviewed by the Quality control manager and Housekeeping Manager, in our headquarters.
All photos are reviewed to make sure every cleaning jobs meet our quality requirements.
There are many things to keep in mind for Airbnb cleaning, and it only takes one misstep to risk long-term damage to your listings. Partnering with a professional property management company experienced in Airbnb cleaning can help you to achieve excellent results time and time again. Read more on our end-to-end rental management service here.
