I will be honest: when I started hosting my flat on Airbnb, I thought the hard part was getting bookings. I nailed the photos, wrote a great description, and priced it competitively. But after the first three guests, my rating dropped from 4.9 to 4.2 – and all the reviews said the same thing: “Cleanliness could be better.”
I was mortified. I had cleaned between every booking, but I clearly was not doing it right. So I sat down, studied what the top hosts were doing, and built a turnover routine that finally earned me those elusive 5 star reviews.
My Personal Turnover Checklist That Actually Works
Before I even start cleaning:
• I remove every last item left by previous guests – even the forgotten sock behind the bed.
• I strip all beds and throw everything into the laundry.
• I empty all bins and replace the liners.
• I stock up on cleaning supplies and guest essentials so I do not run out mid clean.
Living area – this is where guests form their first impression.
• I vacuum and wipe down sofas and upholstery (crumbs hide everywhere).
• I dust all furniture, fixtures, and shelves – and I never forget the TV remote.
• I wipe light switches, door handles, and the coffee table until they gleam.
Kitchen – no crumbs left behind.
• I wash and put away every dish, utensil, and piece of cookware.
• I clean the toaster, kettle, hob, and microwave inside and out.
• I wipe all countertops, the sink, and the taps – and I always check the fridge for forgotten food.
Bedrooms – hotel standard every time.
• I change and launder all bed linens, including duvet covers.
• I make the beds with fresh, crisp linens – hospital corners included.
• I dust headboards and nightstands, and I vacuum under the beds.
Bathrooms – spotless and sanitised.
• I clean and disinfect the toilet, sink, shower, and mirror.
• I replace toiletries and lay out fresh towels.
• I wipe every surface and fixture until they shine.
The extra mile – this is what got me my 5 stars.
• I disinfect all high touch areas, including switches, handles, remotes, taps, and flush buttons.
• I do a final walk through, checking that every amenity is stocked – toilet paper, soap, coffee, you name it.
• I reset the furniture to its original layout, set out a welcome note, and even snap a few photos for my own records.
The Game Changer: Calling in the Pros
Even with my new routine, I was spending three to four hours between every booking. With back to back guests, I was burning out. That is when I discovered Curavo Cleaning’s Airbnb turnover service. They took over the entire process – faster, more thorough, and always consistent.
Now I do not stress about last minute cleans. My property is always guest ready, and my reviews have climbed back to 4.9. Cleanliness is now my biggest strength, not my weakness.
If You Host in Leicester, Loughborough, or Milton Keynes…
Do not let a bad clean ruin your hosting business. I have been there – and I learned the hard way. Let the professionals handle your turnovers so you can focus on being a great host.
+447432644459
