Updated: January 2026
A five-star Airbnb clean isn’t “deep cleaning every time.” It’s consistent, guest-noticeable cleanliness: fresh smell, spotless bathroom, crisp bedding, and zero crumbs or hairs anywhere. In London, where short-let changeovers can be tight, the easiest way to stay on top of standards is a repeatable checklist + a final 5-minute quality check.
Below is a room-by-room guide you can use for every turnover.
Quick Turnover Checklist (Do This First)
Before you start, do these every time:
- Open windows for airflow (even 5–10 minutes helps)
- Remove all rubbish + recycling (including bathroom bins)
- Strip beds and bag used linen separately
- Start dishwasher / clear dishes (if applicable)
- Start laundry or prep the next linen set
- Check for left-behind items (drawers, wardrobe, under bed, behind doors)
- Set up supplies in a caddy so you’re not running back and forth
Entrance & Hallway
First impressions happen here.
- Wipe door handles, light switches, entry buzzer/intercom
- Clean mirror/console table if present
- Vacuum/mop floors right to the edges
- Spot clean wall scuffs (only if visible)
- Check for odour (bins out, ventilate)
5-star signal: no dust on skirting boards, no shoe marks, fresh air.
Living Room
- Dust high-visibility surfaces (tables, shelves, TV unit)
- Wipe remote controls and coffee table (high-touch areas)
- Vacuum sofa cushions and under cushions
- Vacuum/mop edges and corners (crumb zones)
- Clean obvious glass marks (windows/doors)
- Reset the room neatly (aligned cushions/throws)
Common misses: crumbs under the coffee table, dusty TV edges, hair on soft furnishings.
Kitchen
This is where reviews often get won or lost.
- Empty fridge of leftovers (unless your house rules say otherwise)
- Wipe fridge shelves and handles (including the inside lip)
- Clean hob + splashback (degrease properly)
- Wipe microwave inside/out
- Sink + tap: remove water spots, polish chrome
- Disinfect counters (then dry so there are no streaks)
- Empty bin and replace liner
- Quick check cupboards/drawers for crumbs or sticky marks
5-star signal: no grease smell, no crumbs in corners, sink looks polished.
Bedroom(s)
- Strip bed fully; check mattress protector
- Make the bed tight and crisp (photos matter)
- Dust bedside tables, lamps, headboard edges
- Wipe switches and door handles
- Vacuum under bed if accessible
- Check wardrobe and drawers for left items
- Clean mirrors and visible marks
Common misses: hair on pillows, dusty headboards, fingerprints on wardrobes.
Bathroom(s)
Bathrooms are the #1 cause of “cleanliness” complaints, so do this in order:
- Toilet: bowl + under rim, hinges, exterior, flush button
- Shower/bath: remove hair from drain, clean glass, corners/edges
- Sink & tap: clean and polish, check overflow hole
- Mirror: streak-free
- Tiles: spot clean splash areas
- Floor: vacuum then mop
- Restock: toilet roll + spare, hand soap, fresh towels
5-star signal: no limescale rings, no hair anywhere, mirror spotless, towels presented neatly.
Linen & Towels (The “Hotel Standard”)
- Always use a fully fresh set (no “quick refresh”)
- If you do same-day turnovers, keep 2–3 linen sets per bed
- Check for stains in bright light before putting items back
- Fold towels uniformly so they look intentional, not rushed
Simple Restock List
Keep a standard kit so each stay feels consistent:
- Toilet roll (1 on holder + 1 spare minimum)
- Hand soap + dish soap
- Bin liners + kitchen roll
- Tea/coffee/sugar (whatever your listing promises)
Final 5-Minute Quality Check (Prevents Bad Reviews)
Walk through like a guest:
- Stand at the door: what do you see/smell first?
- Check taps and mirror under bright light
- Run a hand over key surfaces (grit = missed)
- Scan for hairs: bed, bathroom floor, shower drain
- Reset the space: curtains aligned, lights as you prefer, windows closed if needed
One Last Tip
If you’re doing frequent or same-day changeovers, the difference between “clean” and “5-star clean” is rarely effort — it’s consistency. A checklist you repeat every time beats a perfect clean once.
