What should be on a vacation rental cleaning checklist?
Updated June 1, 2026 · Category: Cleaning
Key facts
| Unit size | Typical time | Fair fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 1.0–1.5 hr | $45–$70 |
| 1 bed | 1.5–2.0 hr | $70–$100 |
| 2 bed | 2.0–3.0 hr | $100–$140 |
| 3 bed | 3.0–4.0 hr | $140–$200 |
| 4+ bed | 4.0+ hr | $200+ |
Step-by-step
- 1
Strip and start laundry first
Linens are the longest task — start them before anything else.
- 2
Top-down cleaning per room
Dust, then surfaces, then floors. Saves re-cleaning.
- 3
Restock consumables
TP, paper towels, coffee, soap, dish tabs.
- 4
Photo-check every room
Cleaners upload photos to StayFlow before clocking out.
- 5
Final walkthrough
Smell check, lights off, thermostat set, door locked.
Comparison
| Strategy | Guest perception | Revenue effect |
|---|---|---|
| Match cost exactly | Fair | Neutral |
| Bundle into nightly | No 'sticker shock' | +5% bookings |
| Mark up 20% | Common | +8% margin |
| No cleaning fee, higher nightly | Best conversion | +10% bookings, lower ADR |
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠ No photo check
Without photos, disputes are he-said-she-said.
⚠ Same fee regardless of stay length
Long stays should not pay a per-night cleaning premium.
⚠ Forgetting outdoor spaces
Patios and BBQs are common complaint sources.
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I charge for cleaning?
- Match the cleaner's actual cost. Marking it up looks greedy and hurts conversion.
- Should I clean between same-guest extensions?
- Offer a mid-stay clean at cost for stays over 7 nights.
- Who pays for damage cleaning?
- Damage protection / deposit, not the standard cleaning fee.
Related answers
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