Turnover Cleaning Checklist

April 29, 2025

Turnover Cleaning Checklist:
Preparing Your Airbnb for New Guests

Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Making new visitors feel welcome to your Airbnb business as soon as they arrive is a great opportunity to provide them with a memorable stay. However, one of the biggest factors that can either elevate or tarnish that experience is having your space clean.

That’s where an
Airbnb cleaning service in Canberra can make a real difference—ensuring your property is professionally prepared for every guest. So, taking the time to clean between visits, or doing the turnover clean, is really key to keeping your visitors happy and providing them with a positive experience.

 

In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step turnover cleaning checklist and give you some tips and tricks to ensure your property is spotless for each and every guest.

Understanding Turnover Cleaning

Cleaning crew performing detailed Airbnb turnover cleaning in a modern kitchen, including high surfaces and countertops

What Is Turnover Cleaning?

Cleaning for turnover means cleaning your Airbnb property thoroughly and preparing it for the next guest or new tenants after one checks out.

This process is more involved than regular cleaning because it means you're scrubbing until the place shines, restocking every amenity, and staging the space to feel fresh and welcome.

Why Is It Important?

A spotless property not only meets but also exceeds guest expectations and aligns with Airbnb hosting standards, which can lead to 5-star reviews and repeat bookings.


For insights on setting appropriate fees, refer to our Airbnb cleaning fee guide.

It reflects your commitment to provide high-quality hosting, and it can significantly affect your reputation.

Comprehensive Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Airbnb common area with clean upholstery, styled furniture, and a spotless rug after turnover cleaning

For an easier turnover process, you can utilise this checklist in every room of your vacation rental business:

1. Entryway & Common Areas

  • Wash Windows and Light Fixtures: Ensure that the windows are sparkling and that fixtures are dust-free to brighten up the space.

  • Spotless Surfaces: The tables and shelves, as well as other surfaces, should be smudge and dust-free.

  • Vacuum and mop floors: Pay special attention to high-traffic areas to keep them in a healthy condition.

  • Check for Personal Belongings: Check that former guests haven't left personal items behind.

2. Kitchen

  • Maintain Clean Appliances: Clean the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and other appliances.

  • Wash countertops and sink: Apply the appropriate cleaners to ensure the surfaces are spotless.

  • Restock Basic Supplies: Replenish dish soap, paper towels, and trash bags.

  • Empty and clean out the bins: Dispose of any food left over and wash the bins.

3. Bedrooms

  • Change and launder bed linens: Hire a reliable laundry business to ensure linens are cleaned according to laundry hygiene recommendations. Our end of lease cleaning inclusions cover thorough bedroom cleaning protocols.

  • Furniture and Decor: Don't forget to dust bedside tables, lamps, and picture frames.

  • Carpet and Rugs: Maintain floors spotlessly clean without dust or stains.

  • Check under beds and closets: Remove anything that is left behind and ensure these areas are tidy.

4. Bathrooms

  • Disinfect Toilets, Sinks, and Showers: Use high-quality cleaning products and follow safe disinfectant use guidelines.

  • Replace towels and mats: Fresh and clean towels should be available for every new guest.

  • Refill Toiletries: Make sure you have enough toilet paper, soap to wash your hands, shampoo, etc.

  • Watch out for mould and mildew: Address any signs of water damage immediately. Learn about our mould damage remediation services to tackle these issues effectively.

5. Outdoor Areas (if applicable)

  • Clean Outdoor Furniture: Take the time to wipe down every surface of the tables, chairs, and any other furniture that is outside.

  • Sweep Decks and Patios: Spend some time sweeping away all leaves, dirt, and other forms of debris that might have gathered.

  • Check Lighting: Carefully inspect and ensure that all exterior lighting fixtures work correctly and efficiently.

Best Practices for Efficient Turnover Cleaning Business

Cleaning staff using digital scheduling software to manage Airbnb turnover cleaning tasks
  • Hire Pro Cleaners: Hiring a professional cleaner will ensure exceptional results and really save you time.

  • Opt for Eco-Friendly Products: Select an eco-friendly cleaning product line to attract environmentally conscious guests. Explore our specialty cleaning services that incorporate sustainable practices.

  • Maintain a Cleaning Schedule: Cleaning regularly, even when no one's visiting, makes it easier to stay on top.

  • Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Routine check-ups are able to identify issues and resolve them before they get out of hand.

The Role of Property Managers and Professional Cleaning Team

Smiling Airbnb cleaning team meeting with a property owner at the door, ready to begin turnover service

If you have an area and don’t feel as though you can handle turnover service, finding a property manager or devoted cleaning staff can absolutely save you.

 

These professionals will take the turnover process off the property owner's hands, working to tight turnaround times and coordinating with laundry services, all to maintain consistent high standards and quality control from one guest to the next.

To Recap

A carefully thought-out turnover cleaning procedure is key, not just to ensure that every guest has an first-rate experience each and every time, but also in winning the long-term success and profitability of your Airbnb property in a competitive marketplace.

 

By taking your time to conscientiously work through this detailed checklist, in conjunction with following best-practice standards, you can have complete confidence that your vacation rental property or home will be inviting, spotlessly clean, and ready to warmly welcome new guests as they arrive for check-in.

Also consider our
pre sale cleaning services to enhance your property's appeal.

Get A Quote

frequently asked question

  • What is the difference between regular cleaning and turnover cleaning?

    Regular cleaning includes the regular things you do to keep it clean, but turnover cleaning is a deep clean that is done between guests to prepare it for the next guests.

  • How can professional turnover cleaning services benefit Airbnb hosts?

    It will make sure that high-quality cleaning is done, that turnovers are handled efficiently, and that tasks such as laundry service and restocking of essentials are done, which should lead to better guest experiences and, thus, increased customer satisfaction.

  • How often should deep cleaning be performed in an Airbnb property?

    In addition to the normal turnover cleaning performed, arranging for a solid and deep cleaning at least every other month is most beneficial.


    This process not only helps maintain the original condition and look of the property, but also helps identify and target specific areas that would not receive adequate coverage with normal turnover cleaning.

  • What are some best practices for maintaining high standards in turnover property cleaning?

    Consider employing a thorough cleaning checklist, engaging with professional service providers, selecting environmentally friendly products, and performing regular maintenance evaluations to keep the property in excellent condition.

  • How can property management software assist in the turnover process?

    Property management software is great for tracking cleanings, coordinating tasks, and conversing with cleaning team members. It is very helpful in making turnover easier and reminds you of important things.

A man in a black hoodie is standing in front of a forest.

Director of Synergy Four Services

Jason Dean, the founder of Synergy Four Services, has led the company to significant achievements, including winning the Canberra Local Business Award for Most Outstanding New Business in 2021 and Most Outstanding Service and Trade in 2022.


Under his leadership, the company became a finalist in 2023. With a range of certifications, including mould remediation, water damage remediation and fire and smoke damage restoration, and compliance with ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards. Jason ensures Synergy Four Services meets the highest safety and quality standards.

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