A turnover cleaning checklist for short-term rentals, room by room

The short version

A turnover has to be finished between one guest leaving and the next arriving, often in a few hours. That only works with a fixed list done in the same order every time, and a way to confirm it is done without visiting. The checklist below is a starting point. Remove what does not apply to a unit and add what is specific to it.

Before cleaning starts

• Open windows
• Walk through every room and look for damage, missing items and things left behind
• Photograph anything broken before touching it
• Strip beds and start the first load of laundry, because washing and drying take longest
• Collect all rubbish and empty the fridge of leftovers

Kitchen

• Empty and reload or put away the dishwasher
• Wipe worktops, hob, sink and taps
• Check inside the oven and microwave
• Wipe fridge shelves and door seals
• Check that the basic set of plates, glasses, cutlery and pans is complete
• Restock dish soap, sponges, bin bags and whatever you provide, such as coffee or salt

Bathroom

• Clean toilet, sink, shower or bath, and the glass
• Remove hair from drains
• Wipe mirrors and shelves
• Replace towels and the bath mat
• Restock toilet paper, soap and shampoo
• Empty the bin

Bedrooms

• Check mattress protectors and pillows for stains
• Make beds with fresh linen
• Look under the bed and inside wardrobes and drawers
• Dust bedside tables and lamps, and check that the lamps work

Living areas

• Dust surfaces, wipe the table
• Check under sofa cushions
• Put remotes back in their place and check the batteries
• Vacuum, then mop, working towards the door

Last checks before leaving

• Windows closed, heating or air conditioning set for arrival
• Lights off, except any you leave on for a late arrival
• Keys back in the key box, and the code set if it changes per stay
• Rubbish taken out with you

What to photograph

Photos are not about distrust. They are how a cleaner shows the work was done and how a manager answers a guest who says the place was not clean. Four or five photos are enough:

• Each made bed
• The bathroom from the door
• The kitchen worktop and sink
• The living area from the entrance
• Any damage or missing item found on arrival

Ask for photos of the same things every time. A cleaner who knows exactly which five photos are expected takes them in a minute.

Same-day turnovers

When one guest leaves and the next arrives on the same day, the order matters more than the list. Start laundry first, do bedrooms and bathroom next because guests notice them first, and leave floors until last. If you manage several units, these are the ones to schedule first in the morning, and the ones to know about a few days ahead.

Quick answers

How long does a short-term rental turnover take?

It depends on size and on how the last guests left it. A one bedroom apartment is usually a matter of a couple of hours for one person, and laundry is often what decides the total time.

What is the difference between a turnover clean and a deep clean?

A turnover resets the unit for the next guest: beds, bathroom, kitchen, floors and restocking. A deep clean covers what a turnover skips, such as inside cupboards, behind furniture, windows and mattresses, and is scheduled separately a few times a year.

Should every unit have its own checklist?

Yes. Start from one shared list and adjust it per unit, because the items that get forgotten are the ones specific to a home, like a balcony, a second bathroom or a coffee machine that needs descaling.