Vacation Rental Hosting Hacks: Luxury Home Cleaning Services to Keep Your Guests Happy

As a host, you already know how important first impressions are. A sparkling, clean space is one of the best ways to impress your guests and make sure they leave glowing reviews. 

A spotless home doesn’t just look great—it also sets the tone for a great guest experience. But let’s be real: keeping your space spotless between check-ins and check-outs can be daunting.

Don’t worry, though. Below, we’ll share some practical, time-saving tips and hacks to keep your rental clean and fresh for every guest. From creating a cleaning checklist to knowing when to call in the professionals, we’ve got all the bases covered. 

The endless Google search for “house cleaning near me” is over with us! Whether you are hosting an Airbnb, VRBO, or Vacasa, our tips will ensure your space stays spotless and your guests keep coming back. 

Create a Cleaning Checklist for Every Turnover

One of the simplest ways to stay on top of your cleaning game is to create a cleaning checklist for each turnover. Whether preparing for a new guest or tidying between stays, having a checklist expedites the process exponentially.

Essential Areas to Focus On

Some areas of your rental need more attention than others. Here’s where you should focus your energy:

• Bathrooms: Start with the bathroom. It’s one of the most important areas to clean thoroughly. Clean the toilet, sink, and shower. Don’t forget to replace used towels, wipe down mirrors, and ensure the floor is spotless.

• Kitchen: Clean the countertops, wipe down the stovetop and microwave, and scrub the sink. Check that all appliances are clean and that no crumbs or spills are hiding in the corners.

• Living Areas: Dust the furniture, fluff the pillows, and vacuum any carpets or rugs. If your space has hardwood floors, give them a good sweep and/or mop. Ensure everything looks neat and tidy.

A Few Key Cleaning Tasks

Here are the main tasks to include in your checklist:

• Dusting and Vacuuming: This should be done in all rooms. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches.

• Wiping Down Surfaces: From countertops to coffee tables, all surfaces should be wiped down and free from fingerprints.

• Changing Linens: Clean sheets and fresh towels are a must! Always replace them before a new guest arrives.

The Power of Professional Cleaning Services for Your Vacation Rental

While a DIY approach can work wonders, there’s a lot to be said for bringing in the pros, especially if you’re pressed for time and want to maintain impeccable cleanliness. This is where professional home cleaners come in handy.

Why Professional Cleaners Are a Game-Changer

Sometimes, a quick vacuum and surface wipe just aren’t enough. If you're looking to consistently maintain a high standard of cleanliness and ensure your space always looks its best, professional cleaning services are invaluable. Not only will they give your short-term rental property a deep, thorough cleaning, but they also have the right equipment and expertise to get rid of stains and odors that you might not be able to tackle on your own. They can help you take on a deep clean or even offer a spring cleaning service to freshen up your space, whatever your needs may be!

Regular vs. One-Time Cleaning

• Recurring House Cleaning: For ongoing cleanliness, hiring professional cleaners for recurring house cleaning makes sense. This service ensures your space stays fresh and clean for every new guest.

• One-Time House Cleaning: Sometimes, you might need one big spring cleaning service. These can be done any time of year, like after a busy holiday season or when your space has experienced heavy wear. For these situations, a one-time deep cleaning is ideal. These services will include overlooked areas, like baseboards, windows, or carpets.

Specialized Services for Specific Needs

If your rental has gone through a renovation or a heavy usage period, consider services like move-in and move-out cleaning or post-renovation cleaning. These deep-cleaning services will leave your space looking new and ready for the next guest or tenant.

DIY Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness Between Guests

While you don’t always need to hire professional cleaners, it’s important to maintain cleanliness between turnovers. Here are some quick and easy DIY cleaning tips for staying on top of things:

• Wiping Down High-Touch Surfaces: Quickly wipe down high-touch areas like doorknobs, remote controls, and light switches to keep things fresh.

• Tidy Up Common Areas: Take a few minutes to straighten up the living room, fluff the pillows, and tidy any stray items guests may have left behind.

• Clean Floors: Vacuum the high-traffic areas (e.g., living room, entryway) and mop the floors.

If your rental is pet-friendly, pet hair and stains can be a challenge. Here are some tips. A few strategies to consider:

• Pet Hair: Use a lint roller to remove hair from upholstery or invest in a handheld vacuum with a pet hair attachment.

• Stains: For stubborn stains, use a natural stain remover or baking soda and vinegar. For fabrics like sofas, consider using a fabric cleaner to remove stains and odors.

Bathrooms are high-maintenance, especially when multiple guests are using them. Here are some tips:

• Use natural air fresheners like essential oils or diffusers to keep the bathroom smelling fresh.

• Keep extra toilet paper and toiletries available for guests.

• Always check the grout and tile for any buildup—this spot can easily collect stains.

Set Expectations with Your Guests

It’s not all about cleaning yourself! Setting the right expectations with your guests can help keep your space neat and tidy during their stay. Setting some simple house rules can go a long way in helping keep your space in tip-top shape. For example:

• No Shoes Inside: You can ask guests to remove their shoes upon entry to prevent dirt from being tracked throughout your space. Be sure to offer them a cute shoe space in the entryway to remind them to get barefoot and relax. They’re on vacation!

• Tidy Up After Yourself: Encourage guests to pick up after themselves and provide them with trash bags to keep things organized throughout their stay.

It’s also a good idea to provide guests with basic cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and extra trash bags to clean up small messes themselves without much fuss.

How to Keep Your Rental Looking and Smelling Fresh for Guests

Once your space is sparkling clean, the next step is ensuring it stays fresh and inviting for your guests.

Nothing says "welcome" like a fresh-smelling room. Consider using natural air fresheners like essential oils or even a few strategically placed air purifiers to keep things smelling crisp. Avoid strong chemical air fresheners, as some guests may be sensitive to them.

Guests are looking for comfort as much as cleanliness. Ensure the space feels cozy by:

• Providing soft, clean linens and fluffy towels.

• Ensuring the furniture is arranged in a way that encourages relaxation. Add small touches like throw blankets, pillows, or a book collection to create an inviting vibe.

Keep Your Space Spotless and Your Guests Happy

Keeping your space spotless doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it’s all about setting the right systems in place, staying consistent with your cleaning routines, and knowing when to call in the pros. From creating a cleaning checklist to using professional home cleaners for deep cleaning, you now have the tools to maintain a spotless space between guest check-ins.

If you’re looking to take the hassle out of keeping your vacation rental pristine, consider hiring The Help Cleaning Services for recurring home cleaning services, post-renovation cleaning, or move-in & move-out cleaning. We’re here to help make your rental experience smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable for your guests.

The search for house cleaning near me is over! Call or text 817-630-9416 for a free quote or to book The Help Cleaning Services today.