13 Essential Tips on How to Hire the Perfect Cleaner for Your Airbnb
In the world of Airbnb management, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness is crucial to ensuring guest satisfaction. Regardless of the quality of your property, guests expect spotless accommodations when they arrive. Therefore, hiring the right cleaner or cleaning company is essential for your short-term rental management strategy. But how do you go about selecting the best cleaner for your Airbnb? Here’s what you need to consider.
1. Assess Experience and Ask for References
Cleaning a holiday rental requires more than just basic housekeeping skills. A professional cleaner needs to understand the specific demands of Airbnb management, such as quick turnovers, attention to detail, and working within tight timelines. Ask your potential cleaner about their experience with short-term rental properties, and request references from other property owners they’ve worked with. Remember, anyone can call themselves a cleaner, but not everyone will do an exceptional job.
2. Inquire About Their Capacity and Resources
If your cleaner is a solo operator, they may only be able to handle a small 3-bedroom home within the typical 4-hour cleaning window (which often includes changing linen). However, if you have multiple properties or larger spaces, you’ll need to know if they have assistance to manage simultaneous cleans, especially if there are back-to-back bookings. It’s important that your cleaner understands the urgency of completing a clean within the check-out and check-in window—usually 11am to 3pm. Never agree to block off extra time for cleaning, as this could lead to lost bookings and reduced revenue.
3. Location Matters
In Airbnb management, proximity is key. Hiring a cleaner who lives close to your holiday rental is advantageous because they can respond quickly to last-minute issues or emergencies. Whether it’s putting out bins, dealing with a guest complaint, or handling an urgent situation, having a local cleaner who can attend to the property promptly can save you from potential guest dissatisfaction.
4. Discuss Linen and Towel Services
If you provide linen and towels for your guests, you’ll need to discuss how your cleaner will handle these items. Ask how much they charge per bed or per bundle of towels, or negotiate a fixed price that covers everything. Some cleaners include linen services in their overall fee, while others may charge separately, so it’s important to clarify this upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on.
5. Walk Them Through the Property
When bringing a new cleaner on board, it’s important to give them a thorough walkthrough of the property. Show them where you store supplies and linen, and explain any specific cleaning requirements. If you’re not available to do this in person, arrange a virtual walkthrough via Skype, FaceTime, or a phone call while they’re on-site. You can always update your lock box code afterward to maintain security.
6. Additional Services: Lawn Care, Garden Maintenance, and More
Some cleaners may offer additional services, such as lawn mowing, garden maintenance, or minor repairs. Ask if they are willing to take on these tasks. Having a cleaner who can also handle other property maintenance jobs can simplify your short-term rental management, reduce the number of invoices you have to manage, and ensure that your property remains in top condition year-round.
7. Ensure Reliable Communication
In today’s world of online property bookings, having a cleaner who is easy to communicate with is crucial. Ensure that they have an email address they check regularly and provide their mobile number for emergencies. Good communication is vital for coordinating cleaning schedules, managing last-minute changes, and handling any issues that arise.
8. Look for Cleaners Who Use Checklists
A cleaner who uses a checklist is more likely to deliver consistent results. Ask if they have a set checklist they follow during each clean. Even if they don’t, you can create your own cleaning checklist to ensure that nothing is missed. Documenting your expectations for each clean, as well as tasks that should be completed weekly, monthly, or quarterly, can help maintain high standards.
9. Ask About Backup Plans
What happens if your cleaner gets sick or goes on holiday? Make sure they have a backup plan in place so that your property doesn’t suffer if they are unavailable. Consistent service is key in Airbnb management, and having a backup cleaner ensures that your property will always be ready for guests, even in the cleaner’s absence.
10. Emergency Contact Role
In Airbnb management, it’s important to have someone who can handle emergencies, especially if you don’t live near your property. Ask your cleaner if they are willing to be your emergency contact. This means they’ll be available to attend to the property in person if something goes wrong—whether it’s a plumbing issue, a guest lockout, or another urgent situation. Even if you live nearby, having your cleaner handle emergencies can save you time and hassle.
11. Set Clear Expectations and Avoid Hourly Rates
Whether or not your cleaner uses a checklist, you should always document your cleaning standards explicitly. Different people have different definitions of “clean,” so make sure you clearly communicate your expectations. It’s also important to establish a payment structure that avoids complications. Instead of paying by the hour, agree on a set fee per clean (either including or excluding linen services). This will prevent cleaners from inflating their hours and ensure that your cleaning costs remain predictable.
An Airbnb owner shares:
“We had a cleaner who was on an hourly rate, and our cleaning costs skyrocketed as she spent excessive time at the property. After switching to a fixed fee and providing a detailed checklist, we resolved the problem and kept costs under control.”
12. Test Their Work
Before fully committing to a new cleaner, it’s wise to do a test run. Book your property under a fake name, stay there yourself, and observe the cleaner’s work. Add a few subtle tests—such as crumbs on the couch or a small stain on the countertop—to check their attention to detail. If the cleaner passes the test, follow up with future guests to ensure that high standards are being maintained. Regularly inspect the property and monitor guest reviews to ensure that your cleaner continues to meet your expectations.
13. Monitor Stock Levels
It’s important to keep an eye on consumable items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and guest amenities. Both you and your cleaner should monitor stock levels to ensure that nothing runs out during a guest’s stay. This also helps prevent any potential misuse of supplies.
An Airbnb owner shares:
“We hired a new cleaner and noticed that our stock of guest supplies was depleting rapidly. It turned out that the cleaner was helping herself to items meant for guests. After replacing her, the problem was resolved.”
Conclusion
Hiring the right cleaner for your Airbnb is essential to successful short-term rental management. A great cleaner can help ensure that your property is always in top condition, leading to positive guest reviews and repeat bookings. By carefully vetting potential cleaners, setting clear expectations, and regularly monitoring their work, you can maintain high cleanliness standards and keep your guests happy. Investing time in finding the right cleaner will pay off in the long run, helping you manage your Airbnb effectively and achieve lasting success.
