If a recent pandemic has taught us anything it's how quickly and easily germs can spread. As a vacation rental owner, it should be your top priority to maintain not only a clean but hygienic space for your guests, no matter how busy or quiet your booking list is.
During peak season, a lot of people might flow through your rental unit, meaning just as many germs. And while low season might not see as many guests, this is no time to slack off on cleaning. Regular deep cleaning is integral to your success as a business.
Here are the top deep cleaning tips for vacation rentals you ought to know.
Put Laundry at the Top of the Pile
Nothing says unhygienic like dirty or stained sheets and linens. In fact, this is a sure-fire way to earn yourself negative reviews. Deep cleaning your laundry must be at the top of your to-do list when it comes to vacation rental maintenance.
It's important to sort your linens by fabric type and color to keep them in pristine condition. Always use a top-quality detergent and fabric softener. To brighten whites and remove odors, add in a cup of vinegar to the wash.
Take things a step further for that real hotel finish and iron or steam your linens for a crisp, professional look and feel.
Keep the Kitchen Sparkling
This kitchen is undoubtedly one of the most frequently used spaces in a vacation rental. Deep cleaning the kitchen on a regular basis should also be high on your to-do list. In fact, you should deep clean between every guest stay.
This means cleaning and decluttering kitchen countertops and cabinets. Clean all high-touch areas with disinfectant. Thoroughly clean areas that collect grease and grime, i.e. the stovetop and oven, fridge, and inside the microwave. Remove any old food from the fridge and expired food from the pantry.
Clean and wipe down dining areas and keep countertops free from too much clutter/decor.
Prioritize Bathroom Cleaning
The exact same goes for bathroom cleaning - you should deep clean between each guest stay. Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is another frequently used space and nothing will ''ick'' give your guests more than an unhygienic bathroom.
Remove all personal items, empty trash cleans, and declutter the space. Take the time to clean all surfaces well with a disinfectant cleaner. Use a mild cleaner in the shower to remove soap scum and mineral deposits.
Make sure to clean and disinfect inside the toilet bowl, as well as around and behind it. Remove old, stained bath mats and towels and replace with fresh ones. Restock toiletries such as toilet paper, air freshener, soap and shampoo.
Clean and Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces
As the saying goes, the devil's in the details. When it comes to vacation rental hygiene, you must prioritize high-touch surfaces. These are the areas that your guests will notice the most, too. Dirty/grimy light switches, TV remotes, and door handles signify a major lack of attention to detail. It looks unprofessional.
Take the time to thoroughly clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces between each guest stay. This also includes countertops, bed side tables, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces.
Looking for More Deep Cleaning Tips for Vacation Rentals?
Your ultimate goal as a host should be to provide a top-notch experience for your guests in every possible way. The best way to do that is to focus on both the big and small details when creating guest-ready vacation homes.
Looking for more deep cleaning tips for vacation rentals? Take some time explore our PMI Property Management blog.
