As an Airbnb host, maintaining a clean and sanitized space is essential to keeping your guests happy and earning great reviews. With the rise of hygiene awareness, especially after the pandemic, cleanliness expectations are higher than ever. To ensure your property is spotless and safe for each new guest, it’s important to follow a thorough cleaning and disinfection routine between stays.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential steps for cleaning and disinfecting your Airbnb, ensuring your space remains fresh, inviting, and germ-free.
1️⃣ Clean First, Then Disinfect
One of the most common misconceptions is that disinfecting alone is enough. However, cleaning and disinfecting are two different processes, and both are crucial for a healthy environment.
- Cleaning: Removes dirt, dust, and debris from surfaces. This process physically eliminates germs, but doesn’t necessarily kill them.
- Disinfecting: Involves applying a solution that kills bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Disinfection is only effective on clean surfaces.
Steps for Cleaning:
➤ Dust and wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth.
➤ Sweep and vacuum the floors.
➤ Remove any visible debris or stains.
➤ Take out the trash and wash dishes.
Once the cleaning process is complete, you can move on to disinfecting the property.
2️⃣ Focus on High-Touch Areas
High-touch areas are surfaces that are frequently handled by guests, and these are often the places where germs accumulate the most. Ensuring these areas are properly disinfected will help prevent the spread of illness and keep your Airbnb safe for every new guest.
Key High-Touch Areas to Disinfect:
1️⃣ Door handles and light switches
2️⃣ TV remotes and thermostats
3️⃣ Faucet handles and toilet flushers
4️⃣ Keyboards and tabletops
5️⃣ Appliance controls (microwave, stove, etc.)
Use a high-quality disinfectant spray or wipes to clean these surfaces thoroughly.
3️⃣ Change Linens and Towels Between Guests
Changing bed linens, towels, and other fabric-based items between guests is a must. These materials can easily harbor bacteria, allergens, and even viruses if not properly cleaned.
➤ Strip the beds and replace with fresh sheets, pillowcases, and blankets.
➤ Wash all towels and bathmats in hot water.
➤ Clean soft surfaces like couches and throw pillows by vacuuming or steam cleaning.
To further ensure freshness, consider using a fabric disinfectant spray on furniture and curtains.
4️⃣ Use the Right Cleaning Products
Not all cleaning products are created equal. To properly disinfect your Airbnb, use EPA-approved disinfectants that are proven to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Many commercial disinfectants are specifically designed for high-traffic environments like hotels and short-term rentals.
Recommended Cleaning Products:
- EPA-approved disinfectant sprays and wipes
- Bleach solutions for non-porous surfaces
- Alcohol-based cleaners with at least 70% alcohol
Make sure to follow the product instructions for proper application and safety guidelines.
5️⃣ Ventilate the Space
Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good air quality and ensuring that disinfectant fumes do not linger. After cleaning, open windows or use fans to allow fresh air to circulate through the property. This helps to remove stale odors and improves overall air quality for your guests.
Tips for Ventilation:
➤ Open windows for 15-30 minutes after cleaning.
➤ Use an air purifier with HEPA filters to improve air quality.
➤ Ensure air conditioning filters are cleaned regularly.
6️⃣ Sanitize Bedding, Curtains, and Upholstery
While hard surfaces are often the main focus, soft surfaces like bedding, curtains, and upholstery can trap dust, allergens, and germs. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these items will help keep the space free from hidden contaminants.
How to Sanitize Soft Surfaces:
➤ Vacuum and steam clean carpets and rugs.
➤ Use fabric disinfectant spray on couches and curtains.
➤ Launder all removable cushion covers and pillowcases.
For deeper cleaning of soft furnishings, consider hiring a professional upholstery cleaner every few months.
7️⃣ Consider Using Ozone Generators for Odor Removal
If your Airbnb has a strong odor from pets, cooking, or smoking, ozone treatment can be an effective way to remove stubborn smells. Ozone generators release ozone molecules that neutralize odors at the source, leaving your property smelling fresh.
Benefits of Ozone Treatment:
- Eliminates strong odors from the air and fabrics.
- Disinfects surfaces by breaking down bacteria and viruses.
- Improves overall air quality.
However, it’s essential to use ozone generators safely. Make sure the space is unoccupied during treatment, as high concentrations of ozone can be harmful to humans.
For professional cleaning and disinfection services for your Airbnb, get a free quote here.
