As a pet-friendly Airbnb host, you open your doors to travelers who want to bring their furry companions along for the ride. While offering a pet-friendly space can be a major selling point for your listing, it also comes with additional cleaning responsibilities. Pet hair, odors, and stains can quickly accumulate and detract from your property’s cleanliness, leading to potential guest complaints.
To ensure that your space remains fresh, welcoming, and free of any unwanted pet-related issues, it’s important to take a proactive approach to cleaning.
1. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum
Pet hair is one of the most common complaints for pet-friendly Airbnb hosts. Even if you have a well-behaved pet, shedding can quickly become a problem, especially on carpets, rugs, and upholstery. The best way to keep pet hair at bay is to vacuum frequently and thoroughly.
Tips for effective pet hair removal:
- Use a high-powered vacuum: Invest in a vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed for pet hair. Many vacuums come with specialized attachments (like motorized brush heads) that can help remove hair from upholstery and carpets.
- Focus on all surfaces: Don’t just vacuum the floors—make sure to clean your furniture, curtains, and other fabric-covered surfaces where pet hair may accumulate. Upholstery attachments and handheld vacuums can make this process easier.
- Vacuum regularly: Try to vacuum after each guest stay, even if the property seems relatively clean. Pet hair can quickly build up, and a quick once-over will keep things looking fresh.
By staying on top of vacuuming, you can significantly reduce the presence of pet hair and prevent it from becoming an issue during guest stays.
2. Remove Pet Odors with a Deep Clean
Pet odors are another common source of complaints from guests. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can leave behind smells that linger in carpets, bedding, and upholstery. To avoid odors from becoming a problem, a thorough deep clean is necessary between guest stays.
How to eliminate pet odors:
- Wash pet bedding: If you allow pets in your Airbnb, make sure to wash any pet bedding, blankets, or towels used during the stay. This can help eliminate any pet odors before the next guest arrives.
- Use odor-neutralizing cleaning products: When deep cleaning, use pet-safe odor-neutralizing products that can effectively combat smells without harming your pet or guests. Look for sprays, powders, or cleaners that are specifically designed for pet odors.
- Focus on carpets and upholstery: Pet odors tend to get trapped in fabric, so it’s important to focus on cleaning carpets, rugs, and furniture. Consider using a carpet cleaner with a pet odor-removal solution or having your carpets professionally cleaned regularly.
- Use air purifiers: Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help reduce airborne pet dander and odors. Air purifiers can be particularly useful in pet-friendly rentals to maintain a fresh atmosphere for guests.
A thorough deep clean every few months, in addition to regular turnover cleaning, will help keep your property free of lingering odors and ensure that your space feels fresh for every guest.
3. Keep Surfaces Sanitized
Pets love to explore, and this often means they’re leaving behind dirt, germs, and bacteria on surfaces. To ensure your Airbnb remains in pristine condition, it’s crucial to sanitize high-touch areas after each guest stay. Not only will this help reduce pet-related messes, but it will also ensure your property is safe and hygienic for all guests.
Key surfaces to sanitize:
- Doorknobs, light switches, and handles: These high-touch areas often accumulate pet germs, so make sure to disinfect them regularly.
- Kitchen surfaces: Clean and sanitize countertops, tables, and any other surfaces where pets may have jumped or interacted. Pay extra attention to the dining area and kitchen if pets have access to these spaces.
- Pet-friendly zones: If you’ve designated certain areas for pets, like a pet bed or crate, be sure to sanitize these spaces after each guest’s departure.
Using pet-safe disinfectants will help you maintain a clean and sanitary environment without the risk of irritating your guests or their pets. Regular sanitizing is key to preventing the buildup of bacteria and germs that pets may carry into the space.
4. Address Stains Immediately
Accidents happen, especially with pets, and even the most well-behaved pets can have an occasional mishap. Whether it’s a pet stain on the carpet, couch, or bedding, it’s essential to address stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in and becoming a long-term issue.
Tips for handling pet stains:
- Act fast: If a pet has an accident, clean it up immediately. The longer a stain sits, the harder it will be to remove, and the more likely it is to leave a permanent mark or odor.
- Use enzymatic cleaners: For pet urine stains, enzymatic cleaners are highly effective in breaking down the odor and stain at the molecular level. These cleaners are safe for pets and will help eliminate lingering smells.
- Spot clean fabrics: If pets have dirtied upholstery or fabrics, use a fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo to spot clean the affected areas. Always test the cleaner on a hidden spot first to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
- Deep clean carpets regularly: Even if there are no obvious stains, regular deep cleaning of your carpets will help remove dirt, dander, and minor stains that can accumulate over time.
By addressing stains immediately and deep cleaning your carpets and furniture periodically, you can prevent pet-related messes from becoming a bigger issue.
5. Remove Pet Hair from Bedding and Linens
It’s not just the floors and furniture that need attention—pet hair can also accumulate on bedding, linens, and towels. Pet hair can be tough to remove from fabric, but a few extra steps can ensure that all linens are free from pet-related issues.
How to handle pet hair on linens:
- Wash linens between stays: Always wash bed linens, towels, and any other fabric items between guest stays. This will help eliminate any pet hair and prevent guests from finding unwanted fur in the beds or bathrooms.
- Use a lint roller: Before putting fresh linens on the bed, use a lint roller to pick up any stray pet hair. A lint roller is an easy and effective way to remove hair from bedding and other fabrics.
- Dry on high heat: When washing linens, dry them on high heat to loosen pet hair and ensure it doesn’t remain trapped in the fabric.
By keeping your linens and bedding clean, you’ll avoid complaints from guests who may be sensitive to pet hair or allergens.
6. Communicate Expectations to Guests
Lastly, it’s essential to communicate clearly with your guests about your pet policy and expectations. Let them know the cleaning protocols you have in place to ensure the space is pet-friendly and ready for their stay. This will help set expectations and minimize potential issues.
Tips for clear communication:
- Provide pet-friendly details: In your listing, clearly state that your property is pet-friendly and outline any rules, such as pet size limits, designated pet areas, or cleaning expectations.
- Request pet care: Ask guests to clean up after their pets and avoid allowing them on furniture (if that’s part of your policy). This will reduce the need for excessive cleaning and keep your space in great condition for future guests.
- Address potential concerns: If a guest has a pet, check in with them about any allergies or special considerations. You can also provide pet amenities like pet beds, bowls, and toys to make their stay more comfortable.
Being proactive about pet-related cleaning and communicating clearly with your guests will help prevent complaints and ensure your Airbnb stays clean and welcoming.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a pet-friendly Airbnb requires extra effort, but with the right cleaning techniques, you can keep your space fresh, clean, and welcoming for all guests. Regular vacuuming, odor elimination, stain removal, and sanitation are key to preventing pet-related complaints. By following these pet-friendly cleaning tips, you’ll create a positive experience for both pet owners and non-pet owners, ensuring your property stands out as a top-notch, pet-friendly getaway.