According to NerdWallet, cleaning fees cost between 25% to 30% of an investor's income, which explains why so many do it themselves.
Investing in cleaning supplies means you can deep-clean the property and create a winning first impression. Yet with so many different items on the market, it can feel difficult creating a list that covers all bases.
If you're struggling to create a vacation rental cleaning checklist, you've come to the right place. Here are 10 essential items to add to your caddy.
1. Multi-Purpose Cleaner
An essential in your holiday rental sanitation arsenal is a multi-purpose cleaner. It can be used on most surfaces, from countertops to bathroom tiles. As you browse products, check that they eliminate bacteria and work on the relevant surfaces.
2. Disinfectant Spray
Another heavy-hitter on the checklist is disinfectant spray. Paired with your cleaner, spritz high-touch areas in the vacation rental, such as door knobs and light switches. Ideally, the disinfectant spray should also clean to speed up the process.
3. Microfiber Cloths
One of the top rental cleaning tips is stocking up on microfiber cloths. The beauty is that you can throw dirty cloths in the washing machine for multiple uses.
Use a color code system to avoid cross-contamination. For instance, reserve blues for heavily soiled areas and yellows for lighter tasks.
4. Vacuum Cleaner
Read any Get Your Property Guest-Ready Cleaning Guide and vacuum cleaners always get mentioned. These machines keep your carpets and upholstery pristine with minimal effort. Note the different attachments as they are designed for specific jobs.
5. Mop and Bucket
Your property cleaning checklist isn't complete without mopping hard floors. Flat mops are great for everyday cleaning while sponge mops tackle stubborn dirt. Pro tip: Choose a mop with a wider head as it absorbs more liquid and cuts through grime.
6. Glass Cleaner
Smudges are no more with a quality glass cleaner. Use a clean microfiber to make mirrors, windows and glass surfaces in your property sparkle. For a DIY solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
7. Rubber Gloves
Protect your hands with gloves. Make sure you keep these separate from the washing up ones. If your hands are dry afterwards, moisturize them.
8. Duster
Get a duster for hard-to-reach places. Owners love lamb wool because the heads are washable and easy to keep clean. Remember, always clean your property from top to bottom.
9. Scour Pads
Grease is every owner's worst nightmare. But you can prevent this with scour pads. The key is to choose non-scratch pads to protect appliances and surfaces.
10. Toilet Brush
Lastly, on your vacation home maintenance, grab a toilet brush. Keep it ready for guests during their stay. It's recommended to clean bathrooms first because they are the hardest to do well.
Our Must-Do Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist
Now that you're armed with a vacation rental cleaning checklist, housework will be a breeze. Or, if you don't have much time, hire a property manager who will do it for you.
At PMI ATX Properties, we understand how busy investors are, which is why we handle the daily tasks of property management. From turnovers to attracting guests, our team of experts have years of experience managing vacation rentals.
If you're interested, drop us a line to chat with a team member.