Tips For Keeping Your Rental Property Clean and Attractive For Guests
Ensuring your rental property is clean, inviting, and well-maintained for each new group of guests is one of the most important responsibilities of being a rental owner. While it does require consistent effort, establishing thorough cleaning procedures and dedicating time for routine maintenance can make all the difference in creating a space guests actively rave about and want to return to.
Though requirements will vary slightly based on the type of rental - such as a beach condo versus a mountain cabin - there are fundamental guidelines owners should follow for optimizing the experience. This includes everything from deep cleaning between visitor turnovers, to checking minor condition issues, to offering welcoming amenities upon arrival.
Interior Cleaning Checklists
The interior cleaning and maintenance involved with rental properties generally falls into two main categories: 1) the mandatory deep cleaning that must happen between each guest stay and 2) supplemental tasks that should be done on a regular basis to keep the property in good order.
Post-Stay Deep Cleaning
Once guests depart, scheduling a intensive clean for the space before the arrival of the next group is non-negotiable. This includes washing all linens, towels and blankets, scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens thoroughly - including areas like walls and floors, cleaning out fridge and pantry areas, wiping down furnishings, and ensuring no stray items are left behind by previous guests.
It can be tempting try and save time or expenses by only washing certain blankets that look dirty or doing a lighter surface clean of areas like bathrooms. Avoid that urge. The deep clean standard between each stay should be thorough, consistent, and leave the property looking nearly brand new for the next guests.
Specific areas to focus on for deep cleaning include:
- Kitchen - Clean inside all appliances like the refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. Wipe down external appliances and backsplashes. Wash cabinet doors and drawers - inside and out. Deep clean the sink, scrubbing to remove any stains or grime build up. Sweep, mop, and vacuum the floors.
- Bathrooms - Clean all surfaces of the toilet, sink, urinals and showers until they are spotless and shining. Use cleaning products designed specifically for soap scum, hard water stains and mildew that often accumulate in bathrooms. Wash the walls, mirrors and windows with cleaning products. Thoroughly scrub all floors.
- Bedrooms - Strip all linens, bedding and towels and wash them, even items that were unused. For any upholstered furniture, use the hose attachment on your vacuum for a thorough cleaning rather than only doing a surface vacuuming. Check mattresses and box springs for any signs of stains.
- Common Living Areas - Dust all surfaces, including inside any cabinetry. Vacuum and/or mop hard surface flooring. Use vacuum hose attachments for detailed cleaning of upholstered furniture and draperies. Clean any glass tables, coffee tables or decorative items thoroughly.
- Outdoor Living Areas - Sweep outdoor walkways. Rinse down outdoor furniture. Clean outdoor grill surfaces. Wipe down exterior surfaces of appliances on patio/deck areas.
Supplemental Cleaning Tasks
In addition to the mandatory whole unit cleaning after guests vacate, incorporating supplemental cleaning tasks between guest stays is also extremely important for rentals. This helps prevent gradual wear-and-tear or minimizes odd issues previous guests may have left behind.
Some examples include:
- Visually inspecting for any cracks, holes or damage to walls, floors and furnishings. Patch and repaint anything found.
- Dusting lighting fixtures, fans, wall hangings and baseboards for any dust or debris accumulation.
- Checking window tracks for dirt build up and cleaning out.
- Wiping down furnishings, decorative items, and televisions for dust.
- Vacuuming under appliances for any dust bunnies or crumbs.
- Cleaning out air vents for circulation efficiency.
- Wiping inside kitchen cabinets, drawers and shelving.
- Ensuring any outdoor furniture/appliances are cleaned even if they weren’t apparently used.
While supplemental cleaning tasks do take a bit more time, creating checklists and reminders can help ensure they get incorporated in at an appropriate frequency between guest stays.
Regular Preventative Maintenance
In addition to cleaning related tasks, rental properties also require certain regular preventative maintenance for the safety of guests and making sure all features properly function.
HVAC and Appliances
- Schedule annual tune ups and maintenance for heating, air conditioning, hot water heaters, and any appliances like washers, dryers or stand alone air conditioning units.
- Check and replace filters 2-3 times per year or according to manufacturers recommendations. Clogged filters can overwork HVAC systems and reduce efficiency.
- For any issues with dripping faucets, running toilets, broken appliances or faulty electronics, call in a certified technician for repairs immediately. Avoid makeshift fixes.
Structural Items
- Monitor for leaks around windows, foundations or rooflines that could indicate water intrusion issues.
- Check under cabinetry and along baseboards for any signs of moisture or mold growth. Address any issues immediately.
- Test smoke detectors and CO monitors to ensure they are functioning. Replace batteries twice per year.
Landscaping Upkeep
- Tree and bush trimming maintenance should be done as needed based on growth patterns, no less than once a year.
- Garden areas and lawns should be weed-treated, fertilized and mowed regularly during the growing season.
- Inspect the exterior structure for any indication of holes, cracks or deterioration that requires repair.
Implementing Preventative Maintenance
Tracking and managing all the supplemental cleaning and regular maintenance for a rental can feel daunting. The key is to break tasks down into categories by frequency.
For example, daily tasks might include taking out trash and quick sweeps of outdoor areas. Weekly tasks could include wiping down stainless steel appliances and spot cleaning tile floors. Monthly tasks may include dusting ceiling fans or cleaning windows. Quarterly/Annual tasks include duct cleaning, carpet cleaning and appliance tuneups.
Use spreadsheets or project management software to catalog all recurring maintenance items and when they should be done. Setting calendar reminders also helps ensure important tasks do not slip through the cracks at the appropriate times each year.
Prepare for New Guests
In addition to the baseline cleaning procedures between stays and regular maintenance, take steps to make guests feel welcomed and cared for even before they arrive. This extra gesture leaves a lasting impression.
Welcome Information
Prepare an organized guide to the property and area that goes beyond a typical guest book. For example, create a welcoming binder that contains:
- Instructions for using appliances/electronics
- Local restaurant recommendations
- Activities guide based on guest interests
- Emergency and owner contact information
Print out the information or email it in advance to set clear expectations even before arrival.
Personal Touches
Adding thoughtful personal touches can really wow incoming groups:
- Leave a customized welcome note with the names of group members.
- Provide local baked goods or snacks as a treat upon arrival.
- Send a welcoming text when they arrive to ensure all is going smoothly.
- Share current local events during their dates if applicable.
Stage the Property
Stage the rental space as you would model home. Make beds neatly, set out clean towels in bedrooms and fresh flowers on tables. Ensure all waste bins are emptied and cleaned. Open window coverings and turn on lights for a bright, welcoming environment.
First impressions really set the tone for a guest's entire stay. Attention to detail for that initial reveal when they enter pays dividends through an enjoyable visit likely to result in a 5-star review.
Consistency is Key
Approaching rental unit cleaning, maintenance and turnover with a systematic strategy is the key to running a successful rental property. Establishing set expectations, documenting procedures clearly for any cleaning services, and managing recurring tasks provides structure. While the workload is not insignificant, the rewards of happy guests, stellar online reviews and consistent bookings makes the effort more than worthwhile.
Prioritizing deep cleanliness, preventative maintenance and special guest touches provide huge returns on investment for time and expenses - especially considering excessive wear and tear expenses if neglected over longer periods. By dedicating focus to keeping things fresh, comfortable and optimal operating condition, both owners and guests mutually benefit.