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Airbnb Turnover Cleaning in London: The 5-Star Checklist (Room-by-Room)

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:

1. Toilet: bowl + under rim, hinges, exterior, flush button
2. Shower/bath: remove hair from drain, clean glass, corners/edges
3. Sink & tap: clean and polish, check overflow hole
4. Mirror: streak-free
5. Tiles: spot clean splash areas
6. Floor: vacuum then mop
7. 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.