Airbnb Cleaning Service Checklist for Hosts in 2026

Cleaning before guest arrival is crucial to creating a positive first impression. Start by decluttering all common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining space. Remove any leftover items from previous guests, including trash, personal belongings, or misplaced furniture.

Hosting on Airbnb means more than just offering a place to stay — it’s about creating a memorable, spotless experience for every guest. Whether you clean the property yourself or use a professional cleaning service, this checklist will help you maintain 5-star cleanliness, meet Airbnb’s standards, and keep your rental guest-ready year-round.

For professional help, explore Lumina Life Cleaning Services — your trusted cleaning company in Calgary.

Why a Cleaning Checklist is Essential for Airbnb Hosts

Maintaining a high standard of cleanliness is non-negotiable for Airbnb hosts. Guests expect a spotless property upon arrival, and failing to meet these expectations can lead to negative reviews, lower ratings, and fewer bookings.

A cleaning checklist ensures that no area of your property is overlooked during the process. It helps streamline tasks, maintain consistency, and reduces the chances of missing critical details like sanitizing high-touch surfaces or restocking essentials.

A well-structured checklist also benefits hosts who outsource cleaning to professionals. By providing cleaners with a detailed list, you ensure they meet your standards and cover every aspect of the property. This level of organization improves guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

👉 For consistent, high-quality turnover cleanings, visit Lumina Life Cleaning Services.

airbnb cleaning checklist
Airbnb Cleaning Checklist 2026

Pre-Guest Arrival Cleaning Tasks

Cleaning before guest arrival is crucial for creating a positive first impression. Start by decluttering all common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining space. Remove any leftover items from previous guests, including trash, personal belongings, or misplaced furniture.

Dust all surfaces, wipe down countertops, and vacuum or mop floors to ensure the space looks tidy and inviting. Pay special attention to high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls — these are hotspots for germs.

In the kitchen, clean appliances thoroughly, including the microwave, oven, and refrigerator. Empty the trash, replace liners, and ensure all dishes, utensils, and glassware are clean and neatly arranged.

For bathrooms, sanitize sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs. Replace towels, washcloths, and toiletries, and ensure there’s an adequate supply of toilet paper and soap. Bedrooms should have freshly laundered linens, and beds should be made with precision.

Pre-Arrival Cleaning Checklist

  • Declutter and dust all common areas.
  • Clean kitchen appliances and restock supplies.
  • Sanitize bathrooms and replace toiletries.
  • Vacuum or mop floors and wipe down high-touch surfaces.

💡 Tip: Schedule a professional deep cleaning every few months to maintain long-term quality. Check out Lumina Life’s Deep Cleaning Services.

Post-Guest Departure Cleaning Checklist

After guests leave, it’s essential to restore the property quickly and thoroughly. Begin by inspecting all rooms for damage or excessive wear. Document any issues with photos for your records.

Remove all trash and recycling, replacing bin liners. Check for hidden trash under beds, behind doors, and in outdoor areas.

Deep cleaning is especially important between stays. Focus on areas that may have been used heavily — carpets, upholstery, and windows. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust and allergens. If needed, steam-clean mattresses and sofas to eliminate odors and bacteria.

Post-Departure Cleaning Checklist

  • Inspect the property and note any damages.
  • Remove all trash and replace liners.
  • Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and windows.
  • Restock consumables like coffee, snacks, and toiletries.

For professional turnover cleaning, Lumina Life offers quick, reliable service across Calgary.

Airbnb Cleaning Standards and Guidelines

Airbnb has official cleaning standards to ensure hosts maintain hygienic and welcoming spaces. These guidelines emphasize thorough disinfection, especially after the pandemic. Hosts are encouraged to:

  • Use EPA-approved or equivalent cleaning products.
  • Clean top-to-bottom to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Focus on high-touch surfaces — door handles, light switches, appliance controls.

It’s also recommended to allow enough time between check-outs and check-ins for proper cleaning and ventilation.

Following these standards not only keeps guests safe but also strengthens your reputation as a professional host — resulting in more positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Recommended Airbnb Cleaning Supplies

Having the right tools ensures efficiency and quality. Here’s what every host should keep on hand:

  • Microfiber cloths and scrub brushes.
  • Multi-surface cleaner and bathroom disinfectant.
  • Vacuum cleaner with attachments.
  • Disposable gloves, trash bags, and hand sanitizer.

For disinfection, choose EPA-approved products that kill germs effectively. For eco-conscious hosts, consider biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning supplies — Lumina Life uses environmentally safe products across all cleaning services.

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Hiring a Professional Airbnb Cleaning Service

If you manage multiple properties or simply value your time, hiring professionals is the best solution. Expert cleaners ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance with Airbnb standards.

When choosing a provider:

  • Check reviews on Google or Yelp.
  • Ask about experience with short-term rentals.
  • Request details on cleaning protocols and emergency availability.

💰 Average cost in Calgary: from $50/hour, depending on property size and cleaning complexity.

At Lumina Life Cleaning Services, Airbnb turnover cleaning includes all essentials — pre-arrival prep, post-departure deep cleaning, restocking, and eco-friendly disinfection.

👉 You can easily request a free quote here to get an estimate tailored to your property.

Maintaining High Cleanliness Standards for Your Airbnb

Consistency is key to success as an Airbnb host. Whether you manage one apartment or several listings, keeping a detailed checklist and working with reliable cleaners ensures smooth turnovers and happy guests.

By following Airbnb’s cleaning standards, using quality supplies, and scheduling regular deep cleanings, you’ll create a welcoming environment that earns 5-star reviews and repeat bookings.

Stay ahead in 2026 with organized cleaning routines and trusted partners like Lumina Life — helping Calgary hosts keep their properties spotless, stress-free, and ready for the next guest.

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