Cleaning is one of the most critical aspects of managing an Airbnb property. Guests expect a spotless, well-maintained environment, and hosts who fail to meet these expectations often face negative reviews, complaints, and lost bookings. But how long should it really take to clean an Airbnb property?
The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the property, its condition, and the number of guests it accommodates. In this blog post, we’ll explore what influences the time it takes to clean an Airbnb and provide tips on how to optimize your cleaning routine for efficiency and effectiveness.
Factors That Affect Cleaning Time
- Size of the Property Naturally, the larger the property, the more time it will take to clean. A small one-bedroom apartment might take only an hour or so to clean, while a spacious four-bedroom house could require several hours of work. The more rooms and bathrooms, the more time it will take to clean thoroughly. Why it matters:
- Cleaning time increases with the size and complexity of the property.
- Larger properties need more attention to detail, from deep cleaning bathrooms to tidying up living spaces.
- Number of Guests The number of guests who stayed at your property directly affects how long it will take to clean. More guests mean more mess, more used towels and linens, and generally more work to restore the property to a pristine condition. If you had a large group or families with children, expect more mess and cleaning tasks. Why it matters:
- A property with more guests will need more cleaning, including additional laundry and sanitizing.
- Thoroughly checking for any potential damage or mess caused by a larger group will take more time.
- Property Condition and Turnover Frequency If guests are respectful and leave the property in good condition, cleaning may take less time. However, if there are spills, stains, or messes to address, you may need to spend extra time deep cleaning certain areas. Additionally, the frequency of turnover can affect how much time you need for cleaning. A quick turnaround between guest stays might require more focused, efficient cleaning to meet tight timelines. Why it matters:
- Regular turnover means more cleaning and less time to get the property ready.
- If guests leave the property messy or if there are extra cleaning tasks (like dealing with spills), it will take longer to get everything in order.
- Cleaning Expectations and Standards The level of cleanliness you aim to achieve will also affect how long the cleaning takes. If you’re following a basic cleaning checklist, you might be able to finish faster. However, if you’re doing a deep clean—scrubbing baseboards, washing windows, and disinfecting every surface—the process will take longer. Why it matters:
- Guests expect a high standard of cleanliness, and a deep clean can take more time but is necessary to maintain your ratings and reputation.
- Setting your standards for cleanliness will determine the time it takes for each turnover.
- Amenities and Additional Cleaning Tasks Properties with extra amenities—such as a hot tub, pool, or full kitchen—require additional attention. Cleaning these areas, especially the kitchen, may involve more time for scrubbing appliances, counters, and dishes. Additionally, outdoor spaces, balconies, and garages may need attention too, depending on the type of guests and the property’s location. Why it matters:
- Cleaning kitchens, bathrooms, and special amenities takes longer than just tidying up common areas.
- More complex properties require more time and specialized cleaning tasks.
Typical Cleaning Times for Different Properties
- Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment Average Cleaning Time: 1-2 hours
A small studio or one-bedroom apartment typically requires 1 to 2 hours for a standard cleaning. This includes tidying up, dusting, vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and changing linens. If the property has more amenities like a full kitchen, it may take a little longer. - Two-Bedroom Apartment or Small House Average Cleaning Time: 2-3 hours
A two-bedroom apartment or a small house typically requires 2 to 3 hours to clean. This includes cleaning multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and the common areas. Kitchen cleanup is also included, which may take extra time if guests have cooked or used the space extensively. - Three to Four-Bedroom House Average Cleaning Time: 3-5 hours
A larger home with three to four bedrooms generally requires 3 to 5 hours to clean, depending on the number of bathrooms, the size of the living areas, and how much cleaning needs to be done. If the home has additional amenities like a pool or hot tub, expect to spend more time cleaning those areas. - Larger Properties (5+ Bedrooms) Average Cleaning Time: 5+ hours
Large homes, villas, or estates with five or more bedrooms may take a whole day or more to clean. These properties typically have multiple bathrooms, larger living areas, and outdoor spaces that need attention. Extra services, like laundry or special requests from guests, can also add to the time.
Tips for Efficient Airbnb Cleaning
- Create a Cleaning Checklist A detailed cleaning checklist can help you stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked. Break down tasks by room—cleaning the bathroom, washing the linens, vacuuming, wiping down surfaces, and so on. This will help you streamline the process and make cleaning quicker and more efficient.
- Invest in Quality Cleaning Supplies Having the right cleaning products and tools can make the job easier and faster. Consider using multi-surface cleaners, microfiber cloths, and a high-quality vacuum to cut down on time while ensuring a deep clean.
- Hire Professional Cleaners If cleaning is taking too much of your time or you have back-to-back turnovers, consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Cleanbnb. A professional team can efficiently clean your property between guests, allowing you to focus on other aspects of hosting. Cleanbnb specializes in short-term rental cleaning and understands the high standards required for Airbnb properties.
- Use Automation and Scheduling Tools If you’re managing multiple properties or experiencing frequent turnover, use scheduling tools to ensure cleaning is planned in advance. Automation tools can help keep track of guest arrival times, so cleaning is scheduled accordingly.
Conclusion
The time it takes to clean an Airbnb property depends on many factors, including the size, condition, and amenities of the property, as well as the level of cleanliness required. On average, cleaning can take anywhere from 1 hour for small spaces to over 5 hours for large homes with multiple rooms and amenities.
To maintain high standards and meet guest expectations, a thorough cleaning is necessary after each stay. If cleaning is taking too much of your time or becoming overwhelming, partnering with a professional cleaning service like Cleanbnb can ensure your property is always spotless and ready for guests, with minimal effort on your part.
Whether you’re cleaning the property yourself or hiring professionals, focusing on efficiency, quality, and consistency will help you provide the best experience for your Airbnb guests.