If you’re hosting in Austin, cleanliness isn’t just a good habit, it’s your competitive edge. Travelers expect spotless spaces, especially in a vibrant and bustling city like Austin. Whether you’re new to short-term rentals or managing multiple listings, a well-planned Austin Airbnb Cleaning Checklist helps keep your space guest-ready, hygienic, and 5-star review worthy.
Before your next booking, use this research-backed guide to streamline your process, prevent cleaning misses, and create a memorable experience for your guests.
1. Start with a Full Turnover Checklist
Every host needs a reliable turnover process between guests. This is more than just wiping surfaces, it’s a deep and consistent cleaning routine.
Your Austin Airbnb Cleaning Checklist should always include:
- Strip and replace all bed linens and towels
- Wipe and sanitize all high-touch surfaces (light switches, remotes, door handles)
- Empty and sanitize trash bins
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum floors thoroughly
- Refill essentials like soap, paper towels, and toilet paper
Why it matters: Austin’s tourism industry is competitive. A thorough cleaning routine ensures guest satisfaction and fewer complaints.
2. Prioritize High-Touch Surfaces
In short-term rentals, guests come and go frequently, making high-touch surfaces critical to keep disinfected. These are the areas that are touched dozens of times per day and can easily collect germs.
Include in your Austin Airbnb Cleaning Checklist:
- Door handles and cabinet knobs
- Light switches and thermostat controls
- Remote controls and appliance buttons
- Faucet handles in bathrooms and kitchens
How & Why Tip: Use disinfecting wipes or sprays approved for home use. Always let the product sit for the recommended time to properly kill bacteria and viruses.
Pro Tip: Keep a mini checklist of these areas visible in your cleaning supply closet so you or your cleaners never miss them.
3. Don’t Skip Under the Furniture
It’s tempting to clean around large pieces like beds and couches, but your guests may notice dust or debris that you overlook. This is especially true for allergy-sensitive visitors.
Checklist Additions:
- Vacuum or sweep under beds and sofas
- Dust baseboards and behind headboards
- Lift rugs and clean underneath
Why it matters in Austin: Dust and pollen levels can be high in certain seasons. A clean space beneath furniture improves indoor air quality, something guests will appreciate, even if they don’t say it out loud.
4. Restock Essentials Every Time
Guests expect more than just a clean space, they expect it to be stocked and ready. Forgetting a basic item like toilet paper can lead to negative reviews.
Restock these essentials for every new booking:
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Hand soap and dish soap
- Trash bags and liners
- Coffee, tea, sugar, and basic condiments (if you offer them)
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
How & Why Tip: Keep a cleaning checklist posted inside a supply closet or cabinet with an inventory log. This helps streamline restocking and avoids missed items.
Pro Tip: Buy in bulk and prep a “cleaning bin” with supplies you can grab and go before each turnover. It saves time and ensures consistency.
5. Deep Clean Between Long Guest Gaps
If your Austin Airbnb goes unbooked for several days or weeks, dust and odors can accumulate. Even if no one has used the unit, you’ll need to freshen things up before the next guest arrives.
Deep clean checklist:
- Dust all surfaces, especially windowsills and ceiling fans
- Run water through all faucets to prevent buildup
- Check for musty smells and use baking soda or charcoal to absorb odors
- Freshen linens or rewash sheets if stored for more than a week
Why it matters: Texas heat and humidity can create musty smells fast. A guest shouldn’t walk into a unit that feels unclean, even if it technically hasn’t been used.
Also Read: How Long Do Housekeepers Get to Clean A Room?
7. Final Walkthrough: The Ultimate Guest-Ready Check
Before you hand over the keys or the lockbox code, walk through your Airbnb as if you were the guest. This last step catches overlooked details and gives you peace of mind.
What to check during your final walkthrough:
- Are all surfaces (including high ones like ceiling fans and vents) dust-free?
- Is there any lingering smell? Use neutral air fresheners if needed.
- Do all lights, appliances, and remotes work?
- Are amenities (coffee, toiletries, towels) fully stocked?
- Is the welcome guide or house rules booklet visible?
Why It Matters: A clean space is great, but small finishing touches (like a neatly folded towel or wiped mirror) elevate the experience and can earn you five-star reviews.
Austin Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Recap
Here’s a quick look at everything your Airbnb cleaning routine should include:
- Kitchen and appliances
- Bathroom disinfection and restocking
- Bedroom freshening and linen changes
- Living area dusting and floor care
- Outdoor spaces cleaned and welcoming
- Laundry reset and trash disposal
- Final walkthrough and amenity check
Ready to Impress Your Guests Every Time?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or want more free time between bookings, let Hellamaid take the stress off your plate. Our expert cleaners know exactly what Airbnb guests expect, and we deliver sparkling results every time.
Book your trusted Austin Airbnb cleaning today and never worry about bad reviews again!
