7 Expert Vacation Rental Cleaning Tips to Improve Your Chances of a 5-Star Rating

Regardless of your location or background as a vacation rental property owner, there’s one thing you all have in common: the drive for more 5-star ratings. A 5-star rating can boost your bookings and lead to more referrals, and one of the best ways to improve your chances of getting this thumbs up from your tenant is by keeping your oasis spotless. Whether you’re currently renting out an apartment in Scottsdale or renting a home in Kansas City with plans of managing more properties for other homeowners or you plan on buying a home in Albuquerque to use as a vacation rental, there are some key vacation rental cleaning tips that can help you with getting more 5-star reviews.

To help you in taking your cleanliness to the next level, Redfin reached out to several successful property owners to compile a list of seven vacation rental cleaning tips to help you in your cleanliness journey. Read on to learn more. 

1. Take the extra time to clean and it will pay dividends

“Based on a study we conducted with short-term rental managers and vacation rental management companies across the United States, there’s a 91% chance guests will leave a 5-star rating if the vacation rental is exceptionally clean, well-organized, and inviting upon arrival. However, if it’s not, there’s a 98% chance guests will rate their stay 4.5 stars or lower.

Guests who leave 5-star reviews are more likely to book again, share their experience on social media, and refer your property to friends and family.

This creates a flywheel effect that boosts your visibility on Airbnb:

• Positive first impressions lead to 5-star ratings
• 5-star ratings lead to referrals
• Referrals lead to more listing views
• More views lead to wishlist saves
• Wishlist saves (and 5-star ratings) lead to higher rankings
• Higher rankings lead to more bookings

Investing extra time for spot-checks after each clean and adding thoughtful touches — like fluffed pillows, fresh flowers, and a welcome basket — creates a strong first impression. This simple effort increases your chances of spinning the flywheel toward higher rankings, more bookings, and greater income.” – Dusty Winans, owner of Padearn, a skilled SEO and lead generation agency for vacation rental properties.

2. Do a final check before turning the property over to your tenant

“It’s unrealistic to expect perfection from your cleaner, but that is exactly what guests are looking for. Don’t skip out on the checklists, inspections, and pictures. Even the best cleaner on the best day may ‘only’ do a 99% job (still an A+) and that other 1% could be a trigger for your guest.” – Tim Bauman, owner of Lake Geneva Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

3. Keep an eye out for hard water marks

“One of the hardest areas to tackle in vacation rentals is hard water. Here in northwest Montana, we consistently have to address spots from hard water on glass shower doors, which we use Mega Scrubbing Bubbles for. Additionally, discoloration on grout and tile is common from hard water. Attacking it with vinegar or bleach works well.” – Colin Hamilton, co-owner of Glacier Country Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

4. Get help from an app like Breezeway

“Prioritizing high-touch areas like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches is crucial for maintaining a fresh environment. However, I think it is even more important to invest in quality control measures by using apps like Breezeway, which ensures nothing is overlooked, as it provides fully customizable and comprehensive checklists, requires photo documentation of certain tasks, and allows for direct reporting maintenance issues. This approach minimizes the chance of missing commonly forgotten areas and aids in thorough inspections, enhancing overall guest experience.” – Kristian Lewis, owner of New Braunfels Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

5. Make sure to clean often overlooked areas

“In the short-term rental industry, consistent cleaning is crucial for maintaining high guest satisfaction and positive reviews. Regular cleaning practices and attention to detail help ensure a welcoming and hygienic environment, boosting guest trust and loyalty.

Often overlooked areas, such as light switches, remote controls, spaces behind and under furniture, as well as straightening furniture and wall art, can significantly impact a guest’s perception of cleanliness. A well-maintained property not only enhances the guest experience but also supports higher occupancy rates and repeat bookings.” – Lucie Tighe, owner of Tampa Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

6. Clear the crumbs out of the kitchen and leave the space smelling fresh

“Want to wow your vacation rental guests? Hit those sneaky high-touch spots like doorknobs, light switches, and remotes with a zesty disinfectant spray between stays, and don’t sleep on the kitchen drawers—give ‘em a quick swipe with a mild cleaner to banish rogue crumbs. A spritz of citrus-scented air freshener in the living area seals the deal, leaving the space irresistibly fresh and ready for rave reviews!” – Jay Breitlow, owner of Orlando Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

7. Stage the property for your next tenant

“A simple, yet impactful touch is to stage the property after cleaning.  Fluff the pillows, arrange the throws, and leave a small welcome gift. These small details elevate the guest experience and make your rental stand out.

Don’t underestimate the power of a fresh scent.  A subtle, clean fragrance throughout the property can make a huge difference in how guests perceive the overall cleanliness and create a welcoming first impression.” – David Hughes, owner of Branson Airbnb Vacation Rental Property Management by Grand Welcome.

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