How Small Upgrades Made My Airbnb Cleaner’s Job Easier – And Improved My Reviews

As an Airbnb host, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my guest experience.

But, over time, I’ve realised that providing an exceptional stay isn’t just about fresh linens or local recommendations—it’s about maintaining a clean, inviting, and well-organised space.

One of the best decisions I’ve made as a host is to invest in small upgrades that make my cleaner’s job easier. These changes have saved time, reduced stress, and most importantly, improved guest satisfaction, resulting in better reviews.

After making these upgrades, I noticed an immediate difference. My cleaners were more efficient, my property was in better shape between stays, and guests consistently commented on how clean and comfortable the space felt. It became clear that when I invest in making things easier for my cleaning team, the benefits ripple out to everyone who stays at my property.

In this blog, I’ll share some of the small but impactful changes I’ve made and provide actionable tips for fellow Airbnb hosts looking to streamline their cleaning process.

1. Declutter and Create Functional Spaces

One of the first changes I made was cutting down on clutter. In my early days as a host, I had a lot of decorative items around the house—extra pillows, knickknacks, and various pieces of art.

While they gave the space a cozy feel, they also created more work for my cleaners. Each decorative item had to be dusted, moved, and repositioned, which added unnecessary time to the cleaning process.

To fix this, I opted for a more minimalist design. I removed items that didn’t serve a practical purpose and focused on creating a clean, functional space that still felt welcoming.

I also added storage solutions, such as baskets and hooks, to help guests keep their belongings organised. This has reduced clutter, making it easier for my cleaners to do their jobs quickly and efficiently, and the space feels less chaotic for guests.

Actionable Tip:

Opt for minimalist decor that looks good but doesn’t require constant maintenance.

Add storage options like baskets and hooks to keep guest belongings off surfaces, reducing the cleaning workload.

2. Upgrade to Easy-to-Clean Materials

The next change I made was upgrading to easy-to-clean materials, especially in high-traffic areas.

For instance, I swapped out plush fabric couches for faux leather, which is much easier to wipe down between guests. I also replaced delicate surfaces with more durable, low-maintenance options.

My kitchen countertops, for example, used to be porous and stained easily, so I installed laminate counters that are both stylish and easy to clean.

These changes have drastically reduced the time it takes to clean my property. Before, my cleaners had to spend extra time vacuuming fabrics or scrubbing stains, but now they can wipe down surfaces in minutes. Plus, these easy-to-clean materials hold up better over time, meaning I don’t have to worry about replacing them as often.

Actionable Tip:

Choose furniture and surfaces made from easy-to-clean materials like faux leather, laminate, or stainless steel.

Avoid materials that trap dirt and odours, such as thick fabrics or porous surfaces.

3. Standardise Cleaning Supplies

For a while, I allowed my cleaners to bring their own supplies, assuming they knew best.

However, I quickly realised that this led to inconsistencies in the way my space was cleaned. Some cleaners used products that left streaks on my glass surfaces, while others didn’t have the right tools for certain materials. It was frustrating because I wasn’t getting the consistent results I wanted.

To solve this, I created a dedicated cleaning supply station in my property. I stocked it with high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products that I know work well on my surfaces, along with tools like microfibre cloths and a cordless vacuum.

By providing standardised supplies, I’ve ensured that my property is cleaned the same way each time, which has led to more consistent results.

Actionable Tip:

Set up a cleaning supply station with high-quality, eco-friendly products tailored to your property’s needs.

Provide your cleaners with the right tools, such as microfibre cloths and effective cleaning solutions.

4. Invest in Smart Home Technology

One of the best upgrades I made was integrating smart home technology into my Airbnb.

Installing a smart thermostat, for example, allows me to control the temperature remotely, ensuring that my guests walk into a comfortable environment without my cleaner needing to adjust it manually. I’ve also added a smart lock, which allows my cleaners to enter and exit the property easily without the hassle of key exchanges.

Another addition was a robotic vacuum. While it doesn’t replace a full clean, it helps reduce the amount of dust and debris between stays, giving my cleaners a head start.

These small investments have streamlined the cleaning process and helped me ensure the property is always guest-ready.

Actionable Tip:

Install a smart thermostat to remotely control the temperature and save your cleaners time.

Use a smart lock to eliminate the need for physical keys and simplify access for cleaners.

Consider a robotic vacuum for light maintenance between deep cleanings.

5. Simplify the Guest Checkout Process

I used to provide guests with a long list of checkout tasks, thinking it would help my cleaners. However, I quickly realized that most guests didn’t have the time or desire to complete a lengthy list of chores before they left, leading to inconsistent results.

To make things easier for both my guests and cleaners, I simplified the checkout instructions. Now, I only ask guests to take care of a few key tasks, like taking out the trash and placing used towels in one spot.

This reduces the stress on my guests and ensures that my cleaners can get started more quickly after checkout.

Actionable Tip:

Keep your checkout instructions simple and focus on tasks that truly help your cleaners.

Asking guests to handle just a few basics, like trash removal, speeds up the cleaning process.

6. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Finally, I’ve learned that staying on top of maintenance is crucial to keeping my space in good condition.

A leaky faucet or broken appliance can derail the cleaning process and frustrate both guests and cleaners. To avoid this, I schedule regular maintenance checks between stays, ensuring everything is in working order before the next guest arrives.

This proactive approach prevents small issues from becoming bigger problems and keeps my property running smoothly.

Actionable Tip:

Schedule regular maintenance to address potential issues before they affect the guest experience.

Prevent small problems from disrupting the cleaning process by fixing them early.

Conclusion

Investing in small upgrades to make your cleaner’s job easier can have a big impact on both the efficiency of your cleaning process and the guest experience.

By decluttering, choosing easy-to-clean materials, providing consistent supplies, and integrating smart home technology, I’ve streamlined my Airbnb’s turnover process and consistently received better reviews.

If you’re looking to improve your hosting experience, these simple changes can make a world of difference for both your cleaning team and your guests.