Comprehensive Cleaning Checklist For Vacation Rentals

There is no denying that vacation rentals are one of the most lucrative investment options in Melbourne. It offers a strong income potential, sustainability and peace of mind. However, to attract guests with a low vacancy rate, make sure you maintain the property in a spick and span condition, especially during a peak season.

As a host, it is your responsibility to plan a meticulous vacation rental cleaning session in advance to enjoy repeat bookings without any hassle. You can also hire experts for a budget end of lease cleaning Melbourne for a stress free experience. From tackling stubborn stains to sanitising bathroom fixtures and fittings, they’ll clean everything to give you peace of mind.

If you are doing it yourself, look at the detailed cleaning checklist for vacation rentals in Melbourne. It covers all rooms, hard to reach areas, crannies and high touch surfaces to help you create a clean, healthy and hygienic holiday accommodation for your guests.

1. Why Cleaning a Vacation Rental is Important?

Clean and well organised short term rentals create positive first impressions on guests, leading to higher customer ratings, repeat bookings and consistent income. Regular dusting and cleaning also keep the dust, disease cause germs and debris at bay, ensuring a healthy stay for every guest. Also, remember that poor hygiene, stained properties and mouldy walls can instantly ruin your brand image in the local market.

Last but not least! Routine cleaning prevents costly property repairs by allowing you to spot damage early, saving you time and money. So, it is good to follow a proper checklist that complies with hospitality standards for short term rentals.

2. Start with a Kitchen: Tackling Grime, Grease and Gunk

You should always follow the top to bottom cleaning approach to clean all nooks and crannies. Let’s begin with a kitchen:

• Remove cobwebs from the ceiling and walls using a telescopic duster.
• Disinfect light fixtures and fittings
• Clean and de grease the kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash area using a white vinegar solution. You can also wipe down the interiors using a damp cloth to remove food crumbs.
• Wipe down kitchen appliances, including the oven, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator. Clean inside and outside using all natural cleaning products.
• Cleaning fridge racks, drawers, gaskets and tossing expired or leftover food.
• Clean the tile and grout by removing cooking grease.
• Remove stains and grease from the stovetop and countertops.
• Wash tablecloths and napkins.
• Clean and sanitise the coffee maker, RO and toaster
• Unclog the garbage disposal and polish the faucets.
• Sweep and mop floors.
• Empty trash cans and refresh them

3. Bathroom Cleaning Checklist

This is another one of the dirtiest areas in a vacation rental, which tends to harbour lethal germs, unpleasant odours, and mouldy patches. This can ruin the experience of guests. So, it is good to remove soap scum, hard water stains and mineral deposits from shower heads, glass doors, bathtubs, and walls. Remove limescale with white vinegar or castile soap.

Make sure you clean and disinfect the toilet bowl and the rim area using a white vinegar solution or soda crystals. Also, wipe down cabinets and shelves, scrub counters, taps and towel rails. You can clean tiles and grout using an old toothbrush and baking soda. Lastly, polish the mirror and mop the floor.

Tip: Declutter the bathroom cabinet, place new towels and bathmats, and stock new toiletry items before the new guest arrives to ensure a welcoming stay. You can also hire experts for an expert end of lease cleaning Melbourne to achieve spotless results without any stress.

4. Cleaning a Living Room like a Pro

Start the process by removing loose dust and dirt from ceilings, walls, fans, light fixtures, and fittings. Next, clean the light fixtures and fittings, shelves and picture frames. If the windows look dull and dingy, it can deter guests. So, wash them inside and outside using all natural products. Don’t overlook the sills, tracks, panes and glass screens.

Also, vacuum upholstery furniture, carpets, and other soft furnishings to remove embedded dust and grime. You can use rubbing alcohol to disinfect remote controls, door handles and light switches to keep germs at bay.

Keep sweeping and mopping the floors, and finish with that ultimate shine.

5. Bedroom Cleaning Checklist for a Short Term Rental

Don’t forget to change the bed sheets and quilts once the guest vacates the property. Strip and wash them in hot water to kill germs and dust mites. This helps you provide a clean, hygienic and comfortable bedding to your guests.

You can use a damp microfibre cloth to dust hard surfaces like lamps, shelves, picture frames, and wooden surfaces. Clean mirrors and windows, and vacuum carpets and rugs to improve indoor air quality.

6. Don’t Skip Outdoor Cleaning

Make sure you clean outdoor areas, such as patios, balconies, and decks, to provide a pleasant guest experience. Wipe down the outdoor furniture, fluff cushions, degrease the grill and sweep the walkways and driveways.

It is also good to leave enough time between guests and hire a professional end of lease cleaning Melbourne team when needed for spotless results. Ask questions, compare quotes and read reviews before making the final decision.

Infographic: How to Clean Short Term Rentals?

Wrapping Up

Follow this simple yet effective cleaning checklist to prepare your vacation rental for guests. Make sure you clean every nook and cranny and conduct a thorough inspection. This will leave a great impression on guests, while helping you get great reviews, ratings and repeat bookings.