Airbnb cleaning checklist: the complete turnover protocol

1. Prepare the property & plan each turnover

A great clean starts before you open the door. Consolidate every booking, arrival time and guest request so your crew knows what to expect.

• Sync Airbnb, Booking.com and direct stays in the BNB Pilot unified calendar.
• Set buffer times between check-out and check-in to absorb surprises.
• Share pet policies, number of guests or special requests ahead of time.
• Prepare a standard welcome kit: amenities, local guide, emergency info.

2. Room-by-room Airbnb cleaning checklist

Structure your protocol by zone so nothing gets missed. Use the steps below as a ready-to-go field checklist.

Entrance & high-traffic areas

• Aerate immediately and check for lingering odours.
• Dust switches, door handles, remotes and railings.
• Vacuum then mop using the right product for each surface.
• Check window locks and safety devices (alarm, smoke detector).

Kitchen

• Degrease worktops, cupboards, handles and appliances.
• Wash and store dishes, empty dishwasher filters.
• Clean microwave, fridge, coffee machine (descale regularly).
• Restock essentials: coffee, tea, oil, towels, bin bags.

Bathroom & toilets

• Descale shower head, taps and visible joints.
• Disinfect WC, sink, bathtub/shower and horizontal surfaces.
• Replace towels, bath mat and amenities (soap, toilet paper).
• Check hairdryer, mirror demister and ventilation.

Bedrooms

• Aerate for at least 15 minutes and inspect bedding for stains.
• Change sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and decorative cushions.
• Dust bedside tables, lamps, TVs and shelves.
• Straighten cushions and check curtains/blinds.

Outdoor areas

• Sweep patios, empty ashtrays, tidy outdoor furniture.
• Test outdoor lighting, locks and BBQ.
• Water plants and replace any tired-looking greenery.

3. Quality control before the guest arrives

Finish each turnover with a quick inspection. It often makes the difference between a five-star stay and a complaint.

4. Digitise the checklist inside BNB Pilot

Turn this paper checklist into live tasks to secure execution and visibility.

1. Create a “Standard cleaning” template in Checklists and group items by room.
2. Attach it to each property so it automatically appears on new stays.
3. Add photos (linen cupboard, meter location, emergency contacts).
4. Monitor progress directly from the arrivals & departures calendar.

Want to go further? Read our guide Synchronise Airbnb and Booking.com via iCal to automatically share checklists with your crew.

5. Download and adapt the template

Before rolling it out to your team, customise the checklist for your property:

• Add property-specific items (spa, fireplace, bike room).
• Set target durations for each area to monitor productivity.
• Create multilingual versions if needed.
• Plan a seasonal deep-clean checklist (detectors, maintenance).