An Airbnb turnover clean resets the rental between every stay: check for left-behind items and damage, strip and remake every bed with fresh linens, clean and sanitize the bathrooms and kitchen, wash or put away all dishes, empty every trash can, wipe high-touch surfaces like remotes and door handles, restock supplies, and vacuum and mop last. Finish with a walkthrough and photos so you know the space is guest-ready.
Cleanliness is one of the categories guests rate after every stay, and one missed hair in the shower can mean losing a five-star review. The fix is a repeatable turnover checklist that your cleaner follows the same way every time. Here is the checklist we recommend for short-term rentals in Washington, DC (NW) and across the DC area.
Before the turnover
- Share access details: lockbox or door code, building entry, and parking.
- Confirm the window: checkout and check-in times, and any same-day turnovers.
- Show where supplies live: clean linens, towels, toiletries, and paper goods.
- Keep a written checklist and a reference photo of each room so beds, pillows, and amenities are staged the same way every time.
Step 1: Walk through and reset
- Open windows or run fans to air out the space
- Check under beds, in drawers, and in closets for items guests left behind
- If agreed with the host, note any damage, stains, or missing items and send photos
- Collect all trash and recycling, and replace the liners
- Strip all used beds and gather used towels
- Start laundry first if it is part of the service, so it finishes in time
Bedrooms
- Make each bed with fresh sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers
- Check pillows and blankets for hair and stains
- Dust nightstands, headboards, lamps, and window sills
- Clean mirrors and glass
- Check closets for clean hangers and an empty luggage rack
- Vacuum, including under the bed
Bathrooms
- Scrub and disinfect the toilet, shower, tub, and sink
- Remove every hair from the drain, floor, and tub
- Clean the mirror and polish fixtures
- Hang or fold fresh towels the same way every time
- Restock toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Mop the floor
Kitchen
- Wash, dry, and put away dishes, or unload the dishwasher
- Throw out food guests left in the refrigerator and wipe its shelves
- Clean inside the microwave and wipe the stovetop and appliance fronts
- Wipe counters, the sink, and the coffee maker
- Restock coffee, tea, dish soap, sponges, paper towels, and trash bags
- Sweep and mop
Living and dining areas
- Wipe remotes, light switches, door handles, and the thermostat
- Dust tables, TV stands, and shelves
- Vacuum sofa cushions and under the cushions, then fluff and arrange pillows
- Reset guest information, Wi-Fi card, and house manual
- Vacuum rugs and mop hard floors last
Final walkthrough
- Walk in through the front door the way a guest would
- Check that lights and the thermostat are set for arrival
- Take a photo of each room to confirm the space is guest-ready
- Lock up and confirm completion with the host
Deep clean your rental between turnovers
Turnovers keep the rental guest-ready, but they do not reach everything. Schedule a deep clean every few months to handle baseboards, grout, vents, inside appliances, and mattress protectors. Slower booking months are a good time.
How long does an Airbnb turnover take?
A thorough turnover typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the rental, the number of beds and bathrooms, how the last guests left it, and whether laundry is included. Same-day turnovers need a firm checkout time and supplies ready on site.
What Nice Maids turnover cleaning includes
Our Airbnb and short-term rental cleaning includes a full kitchen and bathroom reset, bed making with guest-ready linens you provide, trash removal and restocking of visible supplies you leave out, and vacuuming, mopping, and dusting. Laundry, interior windows, restocking guest amenities you supply, and same-day turnover scheduling are available as add-ons. Damage or inventory checks, guest communication, key management, and exterior areas such as patios are not included unless confirmed in advance.
Serving Washington, DC (NW) and nearby
Short-term rentals in Northwest DC range from historic Georgetown townhouses with original brick and wide-plank floors to modern condos in buildings with management rules. In a condo, confirm elevator use, building access, and where the team can park before the first turnover. In a townhouse, plan for stairs and street parking. Nice Maids also serves hosts in Northeast DC and Northern Virginia. See our Airbnb cleaning service and house cleaning in Northwest DC.
Nearby, we also clean homes in Washington, DC (NE), Arlington, VA, and McLean, VA.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on an Airbnb cleaning checklist?
A complete checklist covers a walkthrough for left-behind items and damage, fresh linens on every bed, a full bathroom and kitchen sanitize, dishes, trash, high-touch surfaces, restocking supplies, floors last, and a final walkthrough with photos.
How long does it take to clean an Airbnb between guests?
Most turnovers take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the rental's size, the number of beds and bathrooms, the condition guests left it in, and whether laundry is included.
Should Airbnb cleaners wash the linens?
It depends on the arrangement. Many hosts keep two or three full sets of linens so the cleaner can make the beds right away while used sets are laundered. Laundry is a common add-on to a turnover cleaning.
What do Airbnb guests notice most about cleanliness?
Hair in the bathroom or on the bedding, dirty dishes, crumbs in the kitchen, smells, and dust on surfaces at eye level. A consistent checklist and a final walkthrough catch most of these.
How often should you deep clean an Airbnb?
Every few months for a busy rental, in addition to turnover cleans. A deep clean reaches baseboards, grout, vents, and inside appliances that turnovers skip.
Can guests be asked to clean before checkout?
Hosts commonly ask for simple tasks such as starting the dishwasher, taking out trash, and gathering used towels. Keep requests short and list them in the listing and house manual so guests know before they book.
- Checklist based on the Nice Maids Airbnb and short-term rental service scope and common host guidance (Guesty, Hospitable, Little Hotelier).
