Cleaning fees play a crucial role in every Airbnb listing. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the nature of cleaning fees, how to determine the right price for your property, effective strategies for managing cleaning on Airbnb, and much more!

What is the Airbnb cleaning fee?

The term “Airbnb cleaning fees” refers to the cost property owners incur to comprehensively clean their rental space, whether a vacation home, bed and breakfast, or farm stay. Ensuring a high standard of cleanliness is essential for providing guests with a hygienic and welcoming environment. These cleaning fees can cover the costs of professional cleaning services, cleaning supplies, and washing and ironing linens and towels, among other necessities.

Additionally, by implementing a separate cleaning fee, travelers can appreciate your commitment to upholding a superior level of cleanliness in the accommodations you provide.

How to add a cleaning fee

To add a cleaning fee to your Airbnb listing, follow these steps:

1. Access Your Listings: Log in to your Airbnb account, go to ‘Listings’, and select the specific property you want to update.
2. Navigate to Pricing Settings: Go to the ‘Pricing and Availability’ section.
3. Locate Cleaning Fee Option: Scroll down to locate the ‘Cleaning Fee’ option. This is typically under ‘Fees and Charges’.
4. Set Your Cleaning Fee: Enter the amount you’d like to charge for cleaning. Be sure to set a fee that reflects the time and cost to clean the space between stays.
5. Save Your Changes: After entering your desired fee, save the changes to update your listing.

The cleaning fee will automatically appear as part of the total cost guests see when booking your listing.

Airbnb Cleaning: Who Takes Care of It?

As the property manager of a rental apartment or a private host, it is up to you to decide who will take care of your Airbnb between the departure and arrival of your guests. You can choose between several options.

Use a cleaning business

Hiring a cleaning company can be an excellent choice if you operate a short-term rental business or manage several rooms and accommodations in the same locality. These companies deliver professional-grade cleaning services, ideal for your vacation rentals.

If you use Smoobu’s Channel Manager, you’ll benefit from numerous integrations designed to streamline your rental cleaning process. One such integration is Doinn, which links you with local and eco-friendly cleaning businesses. Don’t miss our specialized webinar to find out more!

Many of today’s cleaning businesses will have an all-inclusive price for Airbnb rentals.

Hire independent cleaners

Independent cleaners offer another viable option for professionally cleaning your rental space. You can discover contacts through dedicated websites, personal recommendations, or by posting advertisements in local shops.

With Smoobu, you can create customized accounts for your cleaning staff and set specific permissions for their access. For example, they can be sent an automatic alert for cleaning based on a guest’s check-in and check-out dates.

This means you can control what information they can view. For instance, knowing check-in and check-out dates is essential for scheduling cleaning, while you may prefer to keep pricing details and guest correspondence confidential.

Use a concierge service

Many vacation rental owners opt to delegate the management of their properties to a concierge service. These companies handle various concierge tasks, including welcoming guests and providing them with keys while ensuring the property is well-maintained.

How much should I pay someone to clean my Airbnb?

There is no one price-fits-all for Airbnb cleaning fees as this depends on the size of the property, where it is located, and what specific surfaces and materials must be cleaned. To get peace of mind about how much you are paying or how much you may be quoted it could be a good idea to follow these steps.

Ask the host community: Other Airbnb hosts nearby can offer insights into typical cleaning rates and may recommend trusted cleaners or services.

Compare rates: Research both individual cleaners and companies to find competitive prices. Independent cleaners often charge less, and some services offer discounts for regular bookings.

Use your cleaning fee as a benchmark: Try to keep cleaning costs close to what you charge guests. For instance, if your cleaning fee is $75, look for services within that range.

Airbnb cleaning fees in the U.S. typically range from $50 to $150 per stay, depending on location, size, and services.

Do it yourself

Alternatively, you may choose to manage the cleaning service yourself between Airbnb bookings. This is often the most straightforward and cost-effective option, especially if you reside near the property or rent it out infrequently. By doing so, you have the opportunity to personally assess the apartment’s condition, allowing you to identify any potential damages firsthand.

How to clean your Airbnb

Ensuring a spotless environment for your guests is crucial not only for enhancing their travel experience but also for safeguarding the reputation of your vacation rental. By implementing thorough and high-quality cleaning practices, you increase your chances of receiving favorable reviews and a strong star rating from your Airbnb visitors.

As previously mentioned, several options are available for managing the cleaning of your Airbnb. It’s wise to establish a comprehensive housekeeping protocol regardless of your selected method. Having a detailed checklist of tasks helps to streamline operations, whether you are working alone or with a team, minimizing the risk of oversight and maintaining a consistently exceptional cleaning standard.

To delve deeper into this topic, explore our extensive guide on the significance of cleaning in vacation rentals.

Airbnb Cleaning Tips

Cleaning vs Sanitizing

For Airbnb hosts, ensuring both cleanliness and hygiene is key to guest satisfaction. Cleaning and sanitizing serve different purposes, but together they create a safe, appealing environment.

Cleaning: Creating a Spotless Space Cleaning removes visible dirt and grime from surfaces, making spaces look neat but doesn’t necessarily kill germs. This step is crucial for a polished appearance and first impressions.

Cleaning Tips:

Target High-Use Areas: Focus on floors, countertops, and high-traffic zones like kitchens and bathrooms.

Use Effective Products: All-purpose cleaners work well, while degreasers are ideal for kitchens.

Refresh Linens: Wash bedding and towels after each stay for a fresh feel.

Check Hidden Spots: Dust light fixtures, fans, and vents, which can affect air quality.

Sanitizing Tips:

Use Effective Disinfectants: Anti-bacterial products are ideal for eliminating bacteria and viruses. Follow product instructions for optimal results.

Prioritize High-Touch Surfaces: Sanitize doorknobs, remotes, and light switches between stays.

Launder at High Temperatures: Wash linens in hot water to remove allergens and bacteria.

Ventilate Rooms: Open windows when using disinfectants to avoid the buildup of fumes.

Cleaning makes a space look fresh, while sanitizing reassures guests of its hygiene. By integrating both, hosts can ensure a rental that feels safe and inviting, boosting guest satisfaction and building a strong reputation.

Cleaning checklist

Kitchen

• Surfaces: Disinfect countertops and cabinet fronts.
• Appliances: Clean inside and out (microwave, fridge, stove, dishwasher).
• Sink: Scrub, polish faucet, check garbage disposal.
• Dishes: Wash and store dishes neatly.
• Trash: Empty, replace liner, wipe down bin.

Bathroom(s)

• Toilet: Scrub all parts.
• Sink/Vanity: Disinfect, clean mirror, organize toiletries.
• Shower/Tub: Scrub surfaces, clear drains.
• Towels: Replace with fresh, neatly folded ones.
• Trash: Empty and wipe bin.

Bedrooms

• Bedding: Replace linens and make bed neatly.
• Closet: Organize hangers, blankets.
• Surfaces: Dust nightstands, lamps.
• Floor: Vacuum/sweep thoroughly.

Living Room

• Furniture: Vacuum upholstery, spot-clean.
• Tables/Decor: Dust surfaces, lamps, and decorations.
• Electronics: Dust TV, sanitize remotes.
• Floor: Vacuum/sweep/mop as needed.

General Areas

• Windows/Mirrors: Remove smudges.
• Touchpoints: Wipe handles, switches.
• Floors: Vacuum/sweep all rooms.
• Entryway: Tidy and clear cobwebs.

Additional Touches

• Restock: Check toiletries, coffee, paper towels.
• Air Freshener: Use light scents.
• Final Check: Walkthrough for tidiness.

Airbnb Cleaning Fee FAQ

What does an Airbnb cleaning fee cover?

An Airbnb cleaning fee covers essential tasks to prepare the property for the next guest. This includes:

1. General Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, and mopping all rooms.
2. Kitchen: Wiping surfaces, cleaning appliances, washing dishes, and emptying trash.
3. Bathroom: Sanitizing toilets, showers, sinks, and mirrors; restocking towels.
4. Bedroom: Replacing bed linens and tidying up.
5. Living Areas: Dusting, wiping surfaces, and vacuuming or sweeping.

The fee supports thorough cleaning to ensure a fresh, guest-ready space.

What is the Average Airbnb cleaning fee?

The average Airbnb cleaning fee varies by property size, location, and amenities, but generally falls between $50 and $150 per stay in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of typical cleaning fee ranges:

• Small Spaces (Studios, 1-bedroom apartments): $50 – $80
• Medium Spaces (2-3 bedroom homes): $80 – $120
• Larger Spaces (4+ bedroom homes, luxury properties): $150 or more

Location plays a significant role, as fees in high-demand areas or large cities may be higher. Some hosts adjust cleaning fees based on guest stay length, while others include the cost in their nightly rates to avoid separate charges.

Can the Airbnb Cleaning Fee discourage shorter bookings?

Yes, a high Airbnb cleaning fee can discourage shorter bookings, as it significantly increases the nightly cost for one- or two-night stays. Guests may be turned off if the cleaning fee is disproportionately high compared to the nightly rate, especially for short trips.

Setting a fair cleaning fee that covers cleaning costs—not as a profit booster—is key. Keeping the fee reasonable makes your listing more appealing to guests, regardless of stay length, and encourages a steady flow of bookings without deterring shorter stays.

How to calculate cleaning fees on Airbnb?

Setting competitive and reasonable cleaning fees for your Airbnb listings is crucial for the success of your short-term rental business. But how do you determine the right price? While it’s important to cover your cleaning expenses, be cautious not to set the fee too high, as this could lead to decreased bookings.

• To accurately assess your cleaning costs on Airbnb, consider several key factors:
• the type of accommodation you provide;
• the rates of professional cleaning services or your concierge service;
• if cleaning yourself, the time required;
• the rates of competitors offering similar services;
• the cost of laundering (sheets, linens, towels);
• the expense of your cleaning supplies; and any potential added services you may offer (such as laundry collection and linen changes during guests’ stays).
• By taking these elements into account, you can ensure your cleaning fees remain reasonable and appealing.

What if I need an Airbnb deep cleaning?

If guests have left your property in a particularly messy or dirty manner, then you may be able to claim extra cleaning fees via AirCover. for more information on this, visit our AirCover Guide.

In short: be careful about Airbnb cleaning for your short-term rental

A dirty vacation rental is one of the main reasons guests leave negative reviews. Therefore, if you want to be successful with your business, you need to consistently offer a clean and hygienic accommodation.

On Airbnb, this is further highlighted by the ability to see the exact cost for each listing. Set cleaning fees that allow you to offer professional service but that do not penalize you compared to the competition.

Finally, to make everything more efficient, consider managing your vacation rental with dedicated solutions, such as Smoobu’s channel manager. Try it now for 14 days, without obligation.

14-day free trial