What to Discuss With Cleaners for Your Airbnb
Finding the right cleaner for your Airbnb has become much easier in recent years. As short-term rentals have grown in popularity, many cleaning companies now advertise Airbnb and vacation rental cleaning services.
That's great news for hosts—but here's something many property owners overlook:
The best Airbnb cleaner isn't necessarily the one with the most Airbnb experience.
What matters most is finding someone who understands they are much more than a cleaner. They are the eyes and ears of your property.
Your Cleaner Is Your First Line of Defense
Think about it. Your cleaner will likely spend more time inside your property than you do.
They are often the first person to notice when something isn't right:
A guest may have taken an item.
A window may no longer lock properly.
The air conditioner may not be cooling as it should.
A lightbulb may have burned out.
A chair may have become damaged.
A smoke detector may be chirping.
Supplies may be running low.
A great cleaner doesn't simply clean and leave. They actively help protect your investment by reporting issues before they become bigger problems.
When interviewing potential cleaners, make sure they understand that communication is one of the most important parts of the job.
Ask About Their Availability
Airbnb turnovers don't always happen on a convenient schedule.
Before hiring a cleaner, ask:
Are you available on weekends?
Can you accommodate same-day turnovers?
How much notice do you need?
What happens if a guest checks out late?
Do you have blackout dates during busy seasons?
Reliability matters just as much as cleaning quality.
Do They Have Enough Staff?
This becomes especially important for larger homes.
A small cleaning team may do an excellent job on a two-bedroom property but struggle to complete a six-bedroom home during a short turnover window.
Ask questions such as:
How many cleaners are typically assigned?
Can you handle larger properties?
What is your average turnover time?
Do you have backup staff available if someone is sick?
A cleaner's capacity can directly impact guest satisfaction and check-in readiness.
Discuss Laundry Expectations
Laundry is one of the biggest challenges in short-term rentals.
Make sure you're clear on:
Will laundry be washed on-site or off-site?
How long does turnaround take?
Do they provide linen services?
Will linens be folded and put away?
How do they handle stained items?
Having a clear laundry process helps prevent last-minute surprises.
Review the Cleaning Checklist Together
Every host has different standards.
Even if a cleaner already works with Airbnbs, don't assume their checklist matches your expectations.
Walk through:
Kitchen cleaning standards
Bathroom expectations
Restocking procedures
Bed-making standards
Outdoor space maintenance
Trash removal procedures
The more specific you are, the more consistent your guest experience will be.
How Will Communication Work?
Communication can make or break a hosting operation.
Ask:
Will updates be sent via text, app, or email?
Can they send photos after each clean?
How quickly do they respond to messages?
How are maintenance issues reported?
Many successful hosts require a quick photo report after every turnover to verify the property is guest-ready.
Inventory and Restocking
Guests expect essentials to be available when they arrive.
Talk with your cleaner about:
Toilet paper inventory
Paper towels
Coffee supplies
Soap and shampoo
Trash bags
Cleaning supplies
Determine who is responsible for monitoring inventory and how shortages will be reported.
Ask About Their Backup Plan
Even great cleaners experience emergencies.
Find out:
What happens if they get sick?
Do they have backup cleaners?
How are last-minute cancellations handled?
A backup plan can save you from a stressful turnover day.
Final Thoughts
When hiring an Airbnb cleaner, don't focus solely on cleaning experience.
Look for someone who is dependable, communicative, detail-oriented, and willing to treat your property as if it were their own.
The right cleaner isn't just cleaning your Airbnb—they're helping protect your investment, maintain your reviews, and create a better experience for every guest who walks through the door.
At Zabrina's Homestays, we've worked with cleaners across a variety of short-term rental properties and understand how important the right cleaning partner can be to a property's success.
A strong cleaner-host relationship is one of the foundations of a successful Airbnb business.
