The Power of Deep Cleans

Joey Miller
2/10/2025

The short-term vacation rental industry is booming, with platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Bookings.com giving travelers more choices than ever. With increased competition, professional hosts must go above and beyond to provide exceptional guest experiences.

What is one key factor that can exponentially influence guest satisfaction and reviews? Cleanliness. While regular cleanings between stays are crucial, periodic deep cleans play an even more critical role in maintaining the integrity and reputation of a rental property.

Read below as we break down the what, why, and how of the deep-clean process.

So, What Is a Deep Clean Anyway?

Deep cleaning is a thorough and comprehensive process that goes beyond a standard turnover cleaning. Standard cleanings are expected and focus on high-touch/surface-level areas. Deep cleans address hidden grime, sanitize hard-to-reach areas, and restore the property to a “near-new” state. A deep clean includes tasks such as:

• Carpet and upholstery cleaning to remove stains, dirt, and allergens
• Cleaning and flipping mattresses to treat and prevent parasitic insects
• Deep scrubbing of kitchen appliances, including the inside of ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers
• Sanitizing high-touch areas such as light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls
• Cleaning vents, fans, and air filters to improve air quality
• Washing baseboards, walls, and ceilings to remove dust and scuffs
• Decluttering and organizing storage areas such as closets and cabinets
• Treating mold and mildew buildup in bathrooms and damp areas
• Replacing highly used items, such as shower curtain liners and beach towels

Why Do Deep Cleans Matter?

Guest Satisfaction and Reviews

Even minor cleanliness issues can lead to negative reviews, which hurt future bookings. A spotless property increases the likelihood of five-star ratings, repeat guests, and guest referrals!

Quality Health and Safety

Lingering dust, mold, and bacteria can cause allergies, respiratory issues, and guest complaints. A thorough deep clean reduces the risk of health concerns and aligns with the high hygiene standards expected by modern travelers.

Extending Life of Property and Furnishings

Regular deep cleaning maintains furniture, flooring, and appliances, preventing long-term wear and tear and reducing overall costs.

Compliance with Local Regulations and Standards

Depending on the city and platform of the vacation rental, there may be strict cleaning and sanitation requirements. Implementing periodic deep cleans helps hosts comply with guidelines and avoids fines and penalties.

Competitive Advantage

Many travelers filter listings by cleanliness rating and, with so many options available, it is essential for hosts to maintain high standards to remain competitive. Your property can stand out by simply scheduling regular deep cleans and maintenance!

How Often Should Deep Cleans Be Performed?

The frequency of deep cleans depends on several factors, including occupancy rates, property size, and climate. Some general guidelines include:

• High-traffic rentals: At least once per season
• Moderate usage properties: Every three to six months
• Low guest turnover/less frequently rented locations: Annually

In addition to the above guidelines, deep cleans should be scheduled with any of the following scenarios:

• After a long-term guest stay (30+ days)
• Following an incident (e.g., smoking, pet accidents, or excessive mess)
• Before peak booking season to ensure the property is in excellent condition

The best time of year for deep cleans typically depends on the type of rental market:

• Beach markets: between October and December and between February and April
• Ski markets: between October and December and between April and June

Best Practices for Deep Cleaning Vacation Rentals

1. Compensate Cleaners for More Hours/“Larger” Clean

• Hourly cleaners can simply be paid for additional hours.
• Piece-rate cleaners will need to be paid an additional amount based on the additional hours it takes to perform the clean.

2. Use a Checklist

• Helps ensure that no area is overlooked.
• Includes everything from washing windows to disinfecting mattresses.

3. Inspect for Maintenance Issues

• Identify and address minor maintenance issues before they become costly problems.
• Check for leaks, loose fixtures, and wear and tear.

4. Upgrade Linens and Amenities

• Replace worn-out linens, pillows, and towels.
• Ensures that every guest has a high-quality, fresh, and “above and beyond” experience.

5. Advertise “Frequent Deep Cleans” in Rental Postings

• Committing to frequent deep cleans deserves to be advertised.
• Guests will be attracted to book your property, and rebook, and others will see the evidence in all of your “Cleanest rental I’ve ever stayed in” reviews!

What Are You Waiting For?

Deep cleaning is an essential aspect of managing a successful short-term vacation rental. Not only is it non-negotiable in ensuring guest satisfaction, but it also improves property longevity, compliance with health and hygiene standards, and provides a competitive edge. By incorporating routine deep-cleaning schedules and following the outlined best practices, professional hosts will maintain exceptional cleanliness, receive glowing (pun intended) reviews, and secure more bookings in an increasingly competitive market.

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