Maintaining a sparkling clean property is essential for short-term rental hosts aiming to deliver a five-star experience. While regular cleaning covers the basics, a deep clean ensures every nook and cranny of your rental shines. Creating and using a “deep clean checklist” can streamline this process and guarantee no detail is overlooked. Here’s a comprehensive checklist every rental host should follow, plus tips on the best cleaning frequency and how tools like Host Tools can help you manage your cleaning team effectively.

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The Ultimate Deep Clean Checklist

Use this checklist during your deep clean to thoroughly refresh your property and ensure it’s spotless for guests. Be sure to keep extra cleaning supplies on hand as well by regularaly checking your supply inventory.

Kitchen

• Clean and sanitize inside all appliances, including the oven, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
• Wipe down cabinets and pantry shelves, removing crumbs and spills.
• Degrease the backsplash, stove, and range hood.
• Scrub the sink and polish faucet fixtures.
• Dust light fixtures, vents, and ceiling corners.

Bathrooms

• Deep clean the grout and tiles in showers, tubs, and floors.
• Sanitize and polish all fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and handles.
• Replace or thoroughly wash shower liners and curtains.
• Clean inside cabinets and drawers, removing buildup or dust.
• Use a descaler to tackle hard water stains on glass and metal surfaces.

Bedrooms

• Wash and sanitize all bedding, including mattress covers, pillow protectors, and comforters.
• Vacuum and rotate mattresses; steam-clean if necessary.
• Dust headboards, nightstands, and lampshades.
• Wipe down all surfaces, including inside and underneath drawers.
• Clean windows, blinds, and curtain fabrics.

Living Areas

• Shampoo carpets and rugs or steam-clean hard floors.
• Vacuum behind furniture and in hard-to-reach corners.
• Wash cushion covers and spot-clean furniture upholstery.
• Dust and wipe down decorative items, picture frames, and electronics.
• Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, and air filters.

General Spaces

• Wash all windows inside and out for a streak-free shine.
• Dust baseboards, door frames, and molding.
• Clean vents, air conditioning units, and other HVAC components.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Eliminate cobwebs from ceilings and corners.

How Often Should You Deep Clean?

The frequency of a deep clean depends on how often your rental is booked. If your property experiences heavy guest turnover, a deep clean should be performed at least every three to four months to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. A little more often than just spring cleaning!

For less commonly rented properties, a biannual deep clean may suffice. However, always remain flexible based on guest feedback or if your property encounters particularly messy stays. Regular inspections can help you identify when an additional deep clean might be necessary.

How Host Tools Can Help Manage Your Cleaners

Keeping track of your cleaning schedule, especially for deep cleans, can be challenging—but that’s where Host Tools makes it easy. With Host Tools, you can automate your cleaning management by easily scheduling them based on guest check-ins and check-outs.

Final Thoughts on Your House Cleaning Checklist

By combining a thorough deep cleaning checklist alongside smart tools like Host Tools, you can ensure that your short-term rental not only meets but exceeds guest expectations. Prioritizing cleanliness and efficiency will help you maintain a stellar reputation and keep guests coming back for more.