Quick answer
A cleaning job is complete when cleanliness, linen, consumables and operational readiness have all been checked. Use a consistent checklist for each property, recording the responsible person's name, the date and anything that needs correcting before handover.
The following checklist is a practical handover tool. Adapt it to the home's materials and equipment, product instructions and the cleaning team's needs.
Before work begins
Confirm that checkout is complete and access is available. Record the next arrival time and any special preparation requirements, without sharing more guest personal information than necessary.
- Record visible damage before moving objects.
- Collect rubbish and used linen separately from clean items.
- Check that suitable products and tools are available.
- Ventilate the property where it is safe to do so.
- Keep any personal belongings found for the lost-property procedure.
Airbnb advises following product labels and required contact times, and avoiding mixing cleaning products. Do not improvise combinations or concentrations to speed up the work.
Kitchen and dining area
Check inside the areas used every day as well. A clean table is not enough if there is leftover food in the fridge or dirty utensils in a cupboard.
- Clean worktops, sink, tap and table.
- Check utensils, cutlery and glasses before putting them away.
- Clean appliances that have been used according to their instructions.
- Check the fridge, bins and visible food residue.
- Replenish agreed consumables and leave cleaning tools dry.
Bedrooms and living room
Replace used linen and inspect each set before making the beds. Worn or stained items need separate handling, rather than being covered up when the bed is made again.
- Check beds, protectors and surfaces beside sleeping areas.
- Remove dust and clean floors and areas beneath accessible furniture.
- Check the sofa, cushions and any sofa bed.
- Clean handles, switches and remote controls appropriately.
- Leave wardrobes and drawers free of previous guests' belongings.
Bathroom and outdoor areas
Use separate tools for the bathroom and keep clean and used materials apart. Check for odours, drainage problems and signs of leaks before completing the inspection.
- Clean the toilet, basin, shower, mirrors and floor.
- Put out clean towels and a bath mat.
- Replenish toilet paper and the specified toiletries.
- Check the balcony and outdoor furniture where present.
- Remove objects obstructing walkways or exits.
When the property can be handed over as ready
Make a final walk from the entrance through every room. Confirm that the key or code works, lighting and basic amenities are available, and equipment is arranged as intended.
If there is serious damage, evidence of pests, a leak or a safety issue, inform the responsible person immediately. Do not mark the property as ready until the issue has been assessed and clear instructions have been given.
Airbnb requires cleaning between stays and the absence of health hazards. Signing a checklist does not replace actually resolving a problem.
Keep a limited number of final-condition photographs, without guests' personal belongings or documents. See how the cleaning and linen service brings together the work, final inspection and handover update.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to an item left behind?
Record it, store it with controlled access and inform the person responsible for communication. Arrange its return without making the guest's details public.
Is the same checklist enough for every home?
A shared basic checklist helps, but each home needs its own adjustments. Remove items the home does not have and add instructions for specialised appliances or materials.
How is the next arrival handled if there is a delay?
Inform the person responsible for access early. Confirm the handover time after inspection so the guest receives accurate instructions.
