Essential Airbnb Cleaning Supplies Every Airbnb Host Must Have for a Spotless Guest Experience
Hey there, fellow Airbnb hosts! Let me drop a truth bomb on you right off the bat: Did you know that Airbnbs’ with a cleanliness rating of 4.8 or higher receive 20% more bookings. Yep, you read that right. It’s a stat that keeps most hosts up at night.
I remember when I first started hosting on Airbnb back in 2018. Man, was I in for a rude awakening! I thought cleaning would be a breeze. Oh, how wrong I was!
My mother professionally cleaned houses for a living. Besides going to work with her on school holidays, my childhood Saturday morning routine (after breakfast and cartoons, of course) was to help clean our house, bathrooms included. But it wasn’t until I got my first 4-star review for a dusty balcony (ouch!) and a six-hour clean after one guest brought mounds of sand into my beach-front apartment that I realized I needed to up my cleaning game.
Here’s the deal: in the world of Airbnb, cleanliness isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s the foundation of your entire hosting business. A spotless space isn’t just appreciated; it’s expected. And in 2024, with heightened awareness around hygiene and sanitation after COVID-19, the bar is higher than ever.
But don’t sweat it! I’ve been in the trenches, I’ve made the mistakes, and I’ve cracked the code on keeping my Airbnb sparkling clean without losing my mind (or all my free time). The secret? Having the right cleaning supplies and an Airbnb cleaning checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through all the essential cleaning supplies you need to keep your Airbnb rental in tip-top shape. I’m talking about everything from the basics that will help you tackle everyday messes to the specialized tools that’ll make your life so much easier. Trust me, once you’ve got these supplies on hand, you’ll be cleaning smarter, not harder.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive list of all the cleaning supplies you need to keep your Airbnb spotless, your guests happy, and those 5-star reviews rolling in. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, I won’t judge), and let’s get to in. Your path to becoming a cleaning supply pro starts now!
The Foundations of Airbnb Cleaning
Alright, let’s get down to the absolute must-haves for any Airbnb cleaning arsenal. These basic supplies are essential items for maintaining cleanliness in an Airbnb rental. They’re the workhorses – the cleaning supplies that’ll handle 90% of your cleaning needs. Trust me, I’ve learned that skimping on these basics is a recipe for disaster.
Basic Airbnb Cleaning Supplies
All-purpose cleaner: Your new best friend. Look for one that’s effective on multiple surfaces.
Pro tip: Dilute your all-purpose cleaner in a spray bottle for quick touch-ups between deep cleans. Your future self will thank you!Microfiber cloths – unsung heroes: These little miracle workers pick up dirt like nobody’s business. Invest in a good set of microfiber cloths in different colors. Invest in a good set of microfiber cloths in different colors.
Vacuum cleaner: I know, I know—not the most exciting topic. Invest in a lightweight, cordless vacuum for quick cleanups. Consider purchasing a vacuum specifically for pet hair if your listing is pet-friendly, and don’t forget to get one with attachments for furniture and crevices. You’d be amazed at the places guests manage to leave crumbs! Also, I’m a big fan of bagless vacuum cleaners.
Mop and bucket – old school, but essential: Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. Invest in a mop with a removable, washable head and a foot petal to help you spin out excess water without bending down or getting your hands dirty.
Duster: Get an extendable one to reach those pesky ceiling fans, high corners, and light fixtures!
Disinfectant wipes: New to the list are disinfectant wipes for on-the-go spot checks. Wipes, while not necessarily environmentally friendly (but they can be), are too convenient to ignore.
Cleaning supply carry basket: A durable carry basket will ensure you move from room to room with everything you need without having to waste time finding it.
Bathroom Essentials
Toilet bowl cleaner and brush: Choose a cleaner with an angled nozzle for under-the-rim cleaning. Those hard-to-reach spots can jeopardize a bathroom’s cleanliness. And don’t skimp on the brush—a good-quality one will save you time and elbow grease!
Shower and tub cleaner: Look for one that cuts through soap scum like a hot knife through butter. I’ve tried everything from vinegar to baking soda on lemons to Windex to magic erasers. Find a product or system that works for you and use it consistently.
Pro tip: consider leaving your guests a small spray bottle of your chosen product and a window squeegee to passively suggest that they wipe down after every shower. But please don’t expect nor ask them to!Glass cleaner: For streak-free mirrors and shower doors. Use said squeegee above, and your future self will thank you for it.
Grout brush: This will be your bathroom’s new best friend. That discolored grout? It doesn’t stand a chance against a good grout brush, some elbow grease, and a little product.
Air freshener: Opt for a subtle, natural scent. Nobody wants to feel like they’re bathing in a perfume factory.
Kitchen Must-Haves
Dish and hand soap plus sponges: Choose a grease-cutting dish soap that could degrease an engine (kidding, but you get the idea) and sponges with a scrubby side for those stuck-on messes. Pro tip: Leave a fresh sponge out for each new guest. Trust me, it’s appreciated. No one wants to think of someone else’s germs when washing their dishes.
Oven and stovetop cleaner: For those inevitable cooking messes. A good oven cleaner will save the day.
Stainless steel cleaner: Keep those appliances shining like new. Remember to go with the grain to avoid leaving streaks.
Garbage bags: Stock various sizes. There’s nothing worse than trying to stuff a week’s worth of trash into a tiny bathroom bin liner. Been there, done that, never again!
Dishwasher detergent: If your property has a dishwasher, opt for easy-to-use pods. They’re foolproof for guests and prevent overpouring. Just make sure to leave clear instructions—not everyone has used a dishwasher before, but more notably, yours!
Paper towels: Save your kitchen dish towels from nasty stains.
Bedroom and Living Area Cleaning Products
Fabric freshener spray: For curtains, sofas, and mattresses, a quick spritz can do wonders to freshen up the place.
Lint roller: Perfect for quick touch-ups on soft surfaces and pesky hairs. I keep one in almost every room. It’s especially handy on upholstered furniture, bedsheets and pillows.
Upholstery cleaner: For spills and stains, because they will happen.
Wood polish: Keep wood furniture looking its best and dust free. A little goes a long way.
Carpet stain remover: From coffee spills to mysterious marks that you’d rather not think about, a good carpet stain remover is worth its weight in gold.
Laundry Essentials
Laundry detergent: Choose an unscented version to accommodate guests with sensitivities.
Stain remover: Your secret weapon against wine spills and makeup stains. I once salvaged a towel that had a mysterious dark spot on it. It was like magic!
Dryer sheets: For that extra touch of softness. But don’t go overboard – one per load is plenty.
Bleach for white linens: Use sparingly and carefully.
Iron and ironing board or handheld steamer: For that final, “hotel-quality” polished touch. It may seem overboard, but wrinkles to guests are like a loudspeaker yelling, “This has not been washed.”
Looking for an amenities checklist? Check out my post 10 Airbnb Amenities Every Guest Wants.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options
Don’t want to use harsh chemicals in your Airbnb vacation rental? You can green-clean your way to five-star reviews and into Mother Nature’s good graces.
Natural all-purpose cleaner: Look for plant-based, biodegradable options. Or make your own! Mix equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of essential oils, and you’ll have a cheap, effective, and eco-friendly solution.
Biodegradable trash bags: Small change, big impact.
Reusable cleaning cloths:
Non-toxic bathroom cleaner: Clean and green. For tough stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. It’s abrasive enough to scrub stubborn marks and gentle enough not to damage surfaces.
Plant-based laundry detergent: Clean clothes, clean conscience. Plus, it comes in recyclable packaging. Win-win!
Safety and Sanitation Supplies
Disposable gloves: Protect your hands while cleaning. Go for nitrile gloves if you can – they’re more durable than latex and better for people with latex allergies.
Face masks: Great for dusting and using strong cleaning products. Plus, they give guests peace of mind knowing you’re taking hygiene seriously.
Hand sanitizer: Place bottles in key areas for guest use. I put them near the entrance, in the kitchen, and in the bathrooms. It’s an easy way for guests to keep their hands clean.
Disinfectant spray: For quickly sanitizing high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches. Just make sure to let it sit for the recommended time before wiping.
First aid kit: Always be prepared for minor emergencies. In some countries, a first aid kit is a requirement for your short-term rental license.
Where to Buy Airbnb Cleaning Supplies in Bulk
Online marketplaces: Amazon and Walmart.com offer convenience and often great prices.
Wholesale clubs: Costco and Sam’s Club are great for bulk buying.
Janitorial supply stores: Often overlooked, but great for commercial-grade products at good prices.
Eco-friendly online retailers: For sustainable cleaning supplies in bulk.
Local dollar stores: Great for small, frequently used items.
With these cleaning supplies and a comprehensive Airbnb cleaning checklist in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your home or apartment sparkling clean and your guests returning for more.
As you implement these tips and find your own cleaning groove, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your space. Every Airbnb is unique, and what works for one might not work for another.
And lastly, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back. Keeping an Airbnb clean is no small feat, and by taking the time to learn about and invest in the right cleaning supplies, you’re already steps ahead of the game.
So here’s to you, rockstar hosts! May your all-purpose cleaners always be full, your vacuum batteries always be charged, and your reviews always be five stars. Happy hosting and even happier cleaning!
Sincerely,
Amylee Silva, the mama-bear of Airbnb Hosts worldwide!
P.S. If you take away nothing else from this guide, remember this: always check the cleaning supply closet before your guests arrive. Realizing you’re out of toilet paper after your guests have checked in is not a situation you want to find yourself in. Ask me how I know!
