Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist: Preparing for Guests

When it comes to vacation rentals, first impressions are everything!

Whether your guests are staying for a weekend or a whole month, you want them to walk in and feel like they’ve just entered a five-star retreat. And let’s be real—nobody wants to check into a rental with a lingering smell of bacon from the morning breakfast of the previous guests.

That’s where a solid Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist comes in handy!

A solid Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist keeps you organized and ensures nothing gets overlooked. It helps streamline the cleaning process, making turnover time more efficient and stress-free.

By following a checklist, you won’t have to rely on memory, which means fewer mistakes and a consistently high standard of cleanliness. Plus, a checklist can help train new cleaners if you ever need an extra set of hands!

Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Here’s your ultimate guide to making sure your rental is spotless, stocked, and ready to impress.

1. The Entryway: Welcome to Cleanliness!

• Sweep and mop the entryway (first impressions matter!)

• Wipe down the front door and check for cobwebs

• Ensure the welcome mat is clean and in place

• Make sure any keypads or lockboxes are sanitized

2. Living Room: No Trace of Prior Guests Allowed

• Dust all surfaces (don’t forget under the furniture—yes, guests check!)

• Fluff and arrange pillows neatly

• Vacuum rugs and carpets

• Wipe down coffee tables and side tables

• Check for any trash or forgotten items (mystery socks = not a good look)

• Sanitize remotes and light switches

3. Kitchen: Shine Like a Five-Star Chef's Kitchen

• Clean and disinfect all countertops

• Scrub the sink and faucet (goodbye, water spots!)

• Wipe down all appliances, including the inside of the microwave

• Run the dishwasher or make sure all dishes are put away

• Restock essentials like dish soap, paper towels, and sponges

• Take out the trash and replace the liner

• Sweep and mop the floors—no one wants to step in mystery crumbs

4. Bedrooms: Fluff, Tuck, and Repeat

• Strip and replace all bedding with fresh, clean linens

• Fluff pillows and make the bed hotel-style (crisp and inviting!)

• Dust nightstands, dressers, and headboards

• Check under the bed for any leftover surprises (no one wants to find a stray sock from a previous guest!)

• Empty trash cans and wipe them down

5. Bathrooms: Spa-Level Clean

• Scrub and sanitize toilets, sinks, and showers/tubs

• Wipe down mirrors (no streaks allowed!)

• Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and fresh towels

• Check for hair (yes, it's gross, and yes, guests will notice!)

• Empty the trash and replace the liner

6. Laundry: The Unsung Hero of Turnover Cleaning

• Wash and fold all linens and towels (use high-quality detergent for that fresh scent!)

• Check for stains and treat them ASAP

• Make sure laundry machines are clean and free of lint

• Store any extra linens neatly in a designated space

7. Final Touches: The Cherry on Top

• Do a final walkthrough to check for anything missed

• Open windows for a few minutes to air out the space

• Lightly spray an air freshener or place a diffuser with a clean scent

• Leave a small welcome gift or note for guests (it’s the little things!)

Organizing for Efficiency: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Here are some of my top tips to help save you time that I have picked up over the last 7 years cleaning.

• First, always clean in a logical order—start from the top (dusting and wiping surfaces) and work your way down (vacuuming and mopping).

• Always bring a fully stocked cleaning caddy with disinfectant, microfiber cloths, glass cleaner, and trash bags to avoid back-and-forth trips.

• Stick to a routine so you don’t miss anything, and assign tasks if you have a cleaning partner to maximize efficiency.

I like to clean the biggest items first so after I start a load of laundry(if time allows that day, if not bag it up and do it off site) and make sure the dishwasher is going, Im headed to the bathrooms. Once the bathrooms are done, I clean the kitchen. Then dust everything and before you know it all I have left is the floors, make the beds, and restock. You may find it easier to clean one room at a time or if you have help I like to break it up by floor or dry vs wet work.

Tracking Cleaning for Multiple Rental Properties

To maintain consistency across multiple properties, use a digital or printed checklist for each rental. Here are some of the best ways to track and manage your cleaning process:

• Google Sheets or Excel – Create a shared document with checkboxes for each task and update it in real time.

• Cleaning Apps – Use apps like Operto Teams to schedule cleanings, track progress, and ensure everything is done correctly.

• Printed Checklists – Keep a laminated checklist in each rental for cleaners to check off tasks as they go.

• Before & After Photos – Have cleaners take photos of key areas before and after cleaning to ensure consistency.

• Property Logbook – Maintain notes on each property to track restocking needs, maintenance issues, or special requests from guests or use software like Operto Teams to help with this too.

Remember, a clean rental = happy guests = great reviews = more bookings= more work! So, stick to the checklist, and give your guests the fresh start they deserve. Now, go forth and clean like the rockstar you are!

If you would like a checklist that's ready to use check out the store for our Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist.