The Touch-Up Clean: A Simple Step That Can Prevent Guest Complaints
VRMA Staff
6/5/2026
A property can be spotless when the cleaning team leaves and still feel less than guest-ready by the time the next arrival walks through the door.
For vacation rental operators, especially those in seasonal markets, several days may pass between a turnover clean and a guest check-in. Dust settles, entryways collect debris, supplies get depleted, and small details that weren’t noticeable during the original cleaning can suddenly stand out. That’s why some operators have added a final “touch-up clean” to their arrival process.
For James Rubino, owner of Rubino Home Ventures in Upstate New York, the need became clear over time.
“No matter how small or large the gap was in between stays, we would always find things that could be touched up or that the cleaning team may have missed that could ultimately affect our guests’ arrival experience,” he says.
During the offseason, Rubino says properties may sit vacant for three or four days between guests. During peak periods, many are same-day turnovers or have only a single day between stays. Regardless of the timeline, he found that a second set of eyes before check-in consistently helped improve presentation and catch small issues.
What Is a Touch-Up Clean?
Unlike a full turnover, a touch-up clean is designed to refresh a property rather than clean it from top to bottom.
According to Rubino, the process typically requires only a few basic supplies, including a microfiber cloth, multisurface cleaner, and a vacuum. The goal is to address the areas most likely to impact a guest’s first impression.
His team’s checklist includes:
- Wiping down surfaces
- Vacuuming entryways
- Confirming all garbage has been removed
- Straightening beds
- Checking that towels are neatly displayed and in the proper locations
- Ensuring consumable supplies are fully stocked
The process takes place on the morning of check-in as part of what Rubino calls the property’s “arrival experience.”
The Details Guests Remember
While cleanliness is important, Rubino notes that some of the strongest guest impressions come from factors that extend beyond what guests see.
“Smell and hearing,” he says when asked which details make the biggest difference.
His team diffuses a signature scent before guest arrivals and plays music throughout the home.
“For me, it’s always Frank Sinatra,” he says.
These small touches help create a welcoming atmosphere while reinforcing that the property has been intentionally prepared for the guest’s arrival.
Building the Process Into Operations
At Rubino Home Ventures, the touch-up clean is handled by the property’s inspector rather than the housekeeping team. That approach provides another opportunity to identify issues before guests arrive.
The key, Rubino says, is standardization.
By scheduling the process for the morning of every arrival and creating a consistent checklist, teams know exactly what to look for without creating unnecessary bottlenecks.
For operators looking to implement a similar process, his advice is straightforward: Give the responsibility to an inspector or another team member who can provide a second set of eyes and use technology platforms to systematize the workflow.
A touch-up clean may only take a few minutes, but it can help ensure the experience guests have upon arrival matches the standards operators work hard to deliver.