10 Things for Housekeepers to Check During Cleaning

Housekeeping Tips for Short-Term Rentals: Ensuring a 5-Star Experience

When it comes to short-term rentals, housekeeping can make or break your unit’s success. The cleanliness of your property significantly impacts the guest experience. Beyond routine cleaning, sanitizing, and refreshing between guest stays, here are 10 essential tasks for housekeepers to ensure a 5-star cleaning process.

Top 10 Housekeeping Tips for 5-Star Feedback

1. Check Safety Devices
   • Monthly or as per manufacturer specifications, test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Record the tests on a log. Safety first!
2. Inspect for Pests
   • Look for signs of bugs or critters. Experienced crews know the patterns of behavior, where to look for nests, and how to identify pest droppings.
3. Clear the Pantry and Cabinets
   • Remove opened food and donate unopened non-perishables to a local food bank.
4. Check for Drafts and Damage
   • Inspect for drafts, cracks, or holes on the exterior, especially around doors and windows.
5. Service Filters
   • Date and sign initials on HVAC filters to document service dates easily.
6. Improve Air Quality
   • Use air purifiers, particle air cleaners, ionizers, or ozone to reduce indoor air pollution and remove lingering guest odors.
7. Log Supply Use
   • Track supply use to simplify inventory management, budgeting, and re-supply runs. Monitoring battery changes and light bulb usage can also help detect potential issues.
8. Check and Sanitize Remotes
   • Ensure each remote is sanitized and functioning properly to provide a seamless experience for your guests.
9. Clear Drains
   • Use a zip tool once a month to reduce build-ups that can cause bad smells, slow drains, or blockages.
10. Close the Bathroom Door
    • Pay special attention to the bathroom. Often, the first place a guest will check is the bathroom, and they will view the space differently than cleaners. Take extra time to inspect each room from the guest’s perspective.

By following these tips, housekeepers can help ensure a spotless and welcoming environment for guests, leading to excellent reviews and repeat bookings.