18/07/2026
Overview
This is
a standard operating procedure (SOP) for turning over an Airbnb unit between guests. It focuses on preventing missed items (e.g., laundry left in machines), restoring cleanliness across kitchen/bath/common areas, and resetting linens and towels to a consistent guest-ready standard.
Objectives
Verify no guest items remain (especially in washer/dryer and kitchen).
Clean and sanitize high-touch and high-soil areas.
Reset beds, linens, towels, and amenities consistently.
Restock consumables (toilet paper, trash bags, select fridge items).
Present the space neatly (pillows arranged, surfaces dusted, floors vacuumed).
Required Supplies & Equipment
Waterproof/closed work shoes (recommended for bathroom/wet-area work).
Cleaning chemicals:
General-purpose cleaner
Specialty cleaner for tough messes (e.g., splatters/spills)
Polish/shining agent for stainless/fixtures/sink area (as applicable)
Microfiber cloths (multiple)
Duster
Vacuum (and vacuum bags)
Trash bags:
Large bags for main trash can
Smaller bags for bathroom/secondary bins
Gloves
Fresh linens:
Sheets
Pillowcases
Towels (guest-facing set and locked/reserve stock)
Pre-Check: Arrival and Quick Scan
Perform a quick walkthrough to identify:
Visible messes or “explosion” areas needing immediate attention.
Any leftover belongings.
Trash status (full/overflowing bins).
Locate on-site supplies storage (commonly under sink/cabinet areas and in dedicated closets).
Laundry Area: Washer/Dryer Verification
Open dryer and washer.
Confirm there are no clothes/items left by the previous guest.
Remove any leftover items and follow your property’s lost-and-found policy.
Bathroom & Toilet Paper Standard
Identify toilet paper storage location.
Replace the in-use roll with a full roll.
Standard: always leave a full roll available for incoming guests even if the previous roll is only partially used.
Clean bathroom surfaces as needed (ensure wet-area safe practices).
Bedroom Reset: Linens, Pillowcases, Towels
Strip used bedding:
Remove linens and pillowcases.
Replace with fresh linens and fresh pillowcases.
Towel handling:
Replace any towels left on the bed or set out from the prior guest.
Ensure towels provided match the guest count standard.
Presentation:
Make the bed neatly.
Arrange pillows as expected for the listing.
Kitchen Procedure
1) Dishes and Countertops
Check for dishes left out.
If dishes are present:
Wash them.
Dry and put them away.
Wipe countertops and adjacent surfaces.
2) Sink and Surrounding Area
Inspect the sink and surrounding countertop.
Use the appropriate cleaner:
Apply a shining/polishing chemical to leave a clean, shiny finish.
Note on surface appearance:
Some countertop colors/patterns may appear “milky” or stained; still wipe thoroughly to remove residue and avoid guest confusion.
3) Stove, Oven, and Crumbs
Inspect stove area and nearby surfaces for crumbs.
Wipe and remove crumbs from:
Stove top
Counter edges
Surrounding prep areas
Inspect the oven interior/exterior:
Clean if there is evidence of cooking residue.
4) Trash Management
Check kitchen trash.
If any garbage is present:
Remove it.
Replace the liner.
Ensure supply availability:
Large trash bags are available for the main bin.
Smaller liners are available for smaller bins.
5) Consumables and Kitchen Items
Wipe cabinets/drawers/handles where needed.
Check disposable/stocked kitchen items (as applicable):
If any stocked items are used, replace them with new ones per property standard.
Fridge check and restock:
Verify expected items.
Replace/add water as required.
If certain items are intentionally left (e.g., beverages), confirm they remain in place.
Living/Common Area: Dusting, Mirrors, Floors, Staging
Dust surfaces (tables, shelves, visible ledges).
Wipe surfaces where fingerprints/marks appear.
Clean mirrors to a streak-free finish.
Stage the room:
Fold and position textiles neatly.
Ensure pillows and soft furnishings are arranged consistently.
Vacuum floors throughout.
Towel Inventory Control (Cost Management)
Keep reserve towels locked/stored away.
Rationale: leaving extra towels accessible increases usage, laundry volume, and operating cost.
Provide only the towel quantity required for the booked guest count.
If guests require additional towels beyond the standard set, apply the property’s extra-towel policy (e.g., additional charge) as defined by operations.
Quality Standards That Drive Guest Reviews
Prioritize:
High-quality, large bath towels
Comfortable, high-quality bedding
Even if minor cosmetic issues exist (e.g., small paint scratches), strong fundamentals (cleanliness, bedding, towels) heavily influence guest satisfaction and star ratings.
Storage Locations (Example Set)
Under-sink area: cleaning supplies and toilet paper storage.
Closet/storage area: vacuum, vacuum bags, extra linens/sheets, and additional towel stock.
Final Checklist (Before Exit)
Washer/dryer empty.
Trash removed and liners replaced.
Kitchen: dishes put away, counters/sink polished, stove/oven checked.
Bathroom: full toilet paper roll placed.
Beds: fresh linens and pillowcases installed.
Towels: correct count placed; reserve towels locked.
Mirrors cleaned.
Dusting completed.
Floors vacuumed.
Space staged neatly (pillows arranged, items aligned).
