The Airbnb turnover cleaning checklist, room by room

An Airbnb turnover cleaning checklist is the list your cleaner works through between one guest's checkout and the next guest's check-in. Every room needs the same three things: clean and reset it, restock it, and take a photo that proves it's guest-ready. Below is the full checklist, room by room, plus the order to work in and the spots that are easiest to miss.

Airbnb's own baseline is short. Hosts are expected to clean between every stay: do laundry, take out trash, vacuum or sweep, and wipe down surfaces. Guests who arrive to a place that isn't clean have 72 hours from the time they notice the issue to report it, and Airbnb suggests a partial refund, such as the cleaning fee, for something like unwashed linens. Cleanliness is also one of the factors Airbnb names in its quality system, which has removed over 400,000 listings since 2023. A written checklist is the simplest protection you have.

How long does an Airbnb turnover take?

Most Airbnb turnovers take 1.5 to 4 hours, and a standard two-bedroom usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours, according to HomeGuide. A messy checkout can push it to 4 or 5 hours, so build some slack into same-day turnovers.

Cost ranges and hourly rates from HomeGuide. Time estimates assume a standard turnover; a messy checkout can add an hour or more.

What order should you clean an Airbnb in?

Work so nothing gets dirty twice and the laundry is never the thing holding you up.

1. Walk through first. Before touching anything, photograph damage, stains or items the guest left behind.
2. Strip every bed and start laundry. Towels and sheets are the longest task, so they go first.
3. Collect trash from every room and replace liners as you go.
4. Start the dishes. Load and run the dishwasher, or unload it if it's clean.
5. Clean top to bottom, dry before wet. Dust and wipe high surfaces first, then counters, then bathrooms.
6. Make the beds once linens are dry.
7. Restock consumables in every room.
8. Do floors last, working toward the exit.
9. Take final photos of each room and compare them to your reference photos.
10. Lock-up check: all private rooms, closets and cabinets are locked, then thermostat, lights, windows, doors and keypad.

The room-by-room Airbnb turnover checklist

Kitchen

Clean and reset

• Remove all guest food from counters, fridge, freezer and cabinets
• Run or empty the dishwasher; put dishes, glasses and cookware back where they belong
• Clean stovetop, oven exterior, microwave inside and out, and the vent hood
• Empty the coffee filter, clean the coffee maker, empty the kettle
• Clean the toaster crumb tray if it was used
• Clean sink and faucet; check the disposal for debris
• Wipe handles, cabinet fronts and other high-touch spots
• Count dishware, silverware and cookware for anything missing or broken
• Empty trash, add a new liner, sweep and mop

Restock

• New dish sponge, clean kitchen towel, dish soap and hand soap
• Paper towels and trash bags to your standard
• Coffee, tea, sweetener and any pantry basics you provide

Photos to take: wide shot of counters, sink with sponge and soap, coffee station, and the fridge, microwave, oven and dishwasher open to show they're empty and clean.

Bedrooms

Clean and reset

• Strip all linens and check the mattress protector and pillows for stains
• Make the bed to match your reference photo
• Check under the bed, in drawers and in the closet for guest items
• Wipe nightstands, dresser, lamps, switches and mirrors
• Reset hangers, luggage rack and blinds
• Check the TV remote works
• Empty trash, vacuum, and check for hair and pet hair

Restock

• Extra blankets and pillows in their spot
• Towels or robes if you stage them in the bedroom
• Bedside items like tissues or a charger

Photos to take: wide shot of the made bed, close-up of pillows and bedding, and the closet and drawers open.

Bathrooms

Clean and reset

• Remove all guest items from the counter, shower and tub
• Clean toilet (bowl, seat, lid, base and the floor around it)
• Clean sink, faucet, counter and mirror
• Clean shower walls, glass, fixtures and tub
• Clear hair from the drain, floor and every visible surface
• Wipe shampoo and soap bottles
• Check for mold or mildew in grout and caulk
• Make sure the plunger and toilet brush are clean and in place
• Empty trash, add a new liner, mop

Restock

• Toilet paper, with a backup roll
• Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash
• Towels, washcloths and bath mat staged to your reference photo

Photos to take: wide shot of the vanity, toilet and shower; close-up of the drain; towels and toiletries as staged.

Living and dining areas

Clean and reset

• Remove guest items, then check under sofa cushions
• Reset furniture, pillows and throws to your standard layout
• Wipe tables, TV stand and electronics; clean the TV screen
• Test the remotes and replace batteries if needed
• Wipe light switches, door handles and the thermostat
• Wipe the dining table and chairs, and check that chairs are stable
• Reset games, books and guest guides
• Vacuum or mop, including under furniture

Photos to take: wide shot of each room, plus pillows, throws and remotes staged.

Laundry and supply closet

• Clean the dryer lint trap and check both machines for left-behind items
• Wipe the washer seal and the detergent tray
• Restock detergent and laundry supplies
• Check back-stock of toilet paper, paper towels, soap, trash bags and sponges
• Note anything running low so it can be reordered before the next turnover

Photos to take: lint trap pulled out, and the supply shelves restocked.

Entry and outdoor spaces

• Sweep the porch, steps and entry; shake out the welcome mat
• Clear cobwebs from the door frame and light fixtures
• Wipe the door handle and keypad, and confirm the lock works
• Walk the deck, yard and parking area for trash and guest items
• Clean the grill grates and check propane if you have a grill
• Reset patio furniture and cushions; check the hot tub cover if you have one

Photos to take: the entry as the guest will see it on arrival, and each outdoor area reset.

Which spots are easiest to miss during a turnover?

The easiest spots to miss are the ones that look fine with the door closed. Put these on the photo list, not just the task list:

• Inside the microwave, oven and fridge
• The shower drain and the bathroom floor behind the toilet
• Under the beds and under sofa cushions
• The coffee maker filter basket
• The dryer lint trap
• Remote batteries
• Cobwebs at the front door, which is the first thing a guest sees

At my own cabin, The Wildernest in Yosemite, I add one more for my housekeepers: check that all private rooms, closets and cabinets are locked before they leave.

Why should your checklist include photos?

A checklist tells your cleaner what to do. Photos show that it was done, and how. The most useful version pairs every room with a reference photo, so your cleaner can see your standard instead of guessing at it, and then sends back a matching photo when the room is finished.

Those photos also become your record. If a guest reports a cleanliness problem within Airbnb's 72-hour window, timestamped photos from the turnover show what the room looked like before they arrived. I compared six ways to check a turnover, from doing it yourself to hiring an inspector, in What does it cost to check your Airbnb before a guest checks in?

How should you share the checklist with your cleaner?

Use whatever your cleaner will actually open on turnover day. Common options:

Whichever you pick, keep the list in the same order as the cleaner walks the property, and update it every time something gets missed.

Make this checklist do more

If you'd like this checklist on your cleaner's phone with your reference photos beside each item, that's what I built Chai to do. Your cleaner opens a link, with no app or login, works through the list and takes photos. Chai compares them to your reference photos and flags anything that doesn't match before your next guest arrives. Every account starts with 14 days of Chai Verified, no credit card, and you can get started free.