A spotless property is one of the fastest ways to earn repeat bookings and glowing reviews. Guests may forgive a creaky floorboard or a dated sofa, but they won’t overlook dirty bathrooms or leftover crumbs in the kitchen. In the holiday let business, cleaning is about more than hygiene — it’s about trust, presentation, and efficiency.

A good cleaning routine also ensures faster turnarounds, meaning you can welcome more guests with less stress. Below is a step-by-step cleaning checklist for holiday lets that you can adapt to your own property.

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Entryway and First Impressions

The entrance is the first thing guests notice. Make sure it shines. Sweep pathways, wipe down the front door, and remove cobwebs from doorframes. Inside, ensure mats are clean and free of mud or sand. A fresh-smelling hallway instantly sets the right tone. Adding a subtle scent (like lavender or citrus) creates a welcoming atmosphere without feeling overpowering.

Living Room / Common Spaces

Guests often gather here, so presentation matters. Dust all surfaces including skirting boards, lamps, and shelves. Vacuum or mop floors, fluff cushions, and ensure furniture is free from stains. Electronics such as the TV remote should be sanitised, and all light bulbs should work. Consider a quick “staging check” before leaving: straighten throws, arrange magazines, and open curtains to let in natural light.

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Kitchen

The kitchen is where guests are most critical. Start by clearing cupboards and the fridge of any leftovers. Wipe down all surfaces, clean inside the microwave, and scrub the hob and oven. Don’t forget small appliances like the kettle, toaster, and coffee maker — guests will use them daily. Check cutlery, glasses, and pans for stains or damage. Replenish basics like salt, pepper, and cooking oil if you provide them. A sparkling kitchen shows guests that you care about the details.

Bedrooms

Comfort and cleanliness in the bedrooms directly affect reviews. Replace all bedding with freshly laundered linen — never reuse items, even if they “look clean.” Dust furniture, vacuum floors under beds, and check wardrobes and drawers for forgotten items. Add finishing touches such as neatly folded blankets or plumped pillows. If possible, use the same scent for linen across all rooms to create consistency.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms must be spotless. Scrub toilets, sinks, showers, and baths with disinfectant. Polish mirrors, replace towels, and check toiletries (soap, shampoo, toilet roll) are topped up. Pay close attention to hidden grime: behind taps, shower doors, and around drains. Guests will always notice a stray hair — make it part of your checklist to double-check before leaving.

Outdoor Areas

If your property includes a garden, patio, or balcony, these should also be included in the clean. Sweep pathways, wipe outdoor furniture, and empty bins. In summer, check barbecues or fire pits are cleaned. In winter, ensure outdoor lighting works for safety.

Final Touches

Once the cleaning is done, walk through the property as though you are a guest arriving for the first time. Are the beds neatly made? Is the kitchen inviting? Are bins empty? These final checks ensure nothing is missed. Adding small extras — such as fresh flowers or a welcome gift — can lift the overall impression from “clean” to “exceptional.”

Efficiency Tips for Faster Turnarounds

Use a checklist: Whether digital or printed, a checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.

Keep a locked supply cupboard: Stock it with cleaning products, spare linen, and essentials so staff aren’t searching around.

Work in pairs: For larger properties, two cleaners working systematically (one in bathrooms, one in bedrooms) cuts turnaround time.

Standardise setups: Always place items (cushions, cutlery, toiletries) in the same spot — this saves thinking time and creates consistency.

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Pro Tip

Cleanliness is one of the biggest factors in whether guests leave a positive review. A structured, repeatable cleaning checklist saves time, reduces stress, and guarantees your property is always guest-ready.

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