Tips for Cleaning a Vacation Home

To impress your guests, maintain a spotless vacation rental home. A clean vacation home promotes safety and comfort for the occupants while keeping the property’s value and appeal. Here are tips to help streamline the cleaning process, including stocking up on vacation rental supplies:

Create a Cleaning Checklist

Begin by sorting the tasks into categories based on different areas of the home, including the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, living room, and outdoor spaces. A checklist assists in keeping track of the places that have been cleaned and makes sure that no area is left uncleaned. Include tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and sanitizing the surfaces that are usually touched, such as the light switches and door handles. Include specific items relevant to your rental property, such as cleaning the barbecue grill or inspecting outdoor furniture. Having everything written down makes cleaning easier and provides relief, knowing that the area is ready for visitors. Writing things down is especially helpful when you are unfamiliar with the process.

Declutter

Start with removing things that do not belong in the rental space, such as clothes left behind by guests or expired food in the pantry. Clear out old brochures or magazines to keep the area clean and tidy. After removing all the unnecessary items, the place will look more welcoming, even before you deep cleaning. Decluttering makes it easy for you to focus on actual cleaning tasks since there are fewer items to move out of the way. Sort items into three groups—keep, discard, or store—to simplify this process.

Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most frequently used rooms in a vacation home and should be given special attention during cleaning. Start by washing the countertops, the cabinets, and the area above the sink or stove, depending on where the spillage occurred. Clean the interiors and exteriors of appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Scrub the sink and rinse it well to remove any stains or dirt. Do not forget about things like the coffee maker, toaster, or utensils. Please give them a quick wash and inspect them for cleanliness. Clean the kitchen floor by sweeping and mopping to confirm no crumbs or spills. 

Pay Attention to Bathrooms

Begin by cleaning the sink, shower, and tub to eliminate any stains or deposits that may be present on the surface. Wipe the mirrors until they are shiny and free of water stains. Clean the countertops and disinfect all surfaces, especially those that are frequently touched, such as taps and knobs. Do not neglect the toilet. Clean the bowl, toilet seat, and floor to provide a clean and germ-free environment. Used towels should be replaced with clean ones, and other items like soap and toilet paper should be restocked. Quickly scan the area for any smells and eliminate them by opening the window or using a light-scented air freshener. 

Refresh the Bedrooms

Start by removing all the bedding and replacing them with clean sheets, pillowcases, and covers. Neatly make the bed and confirm that all the items were arranged clean and presentable. Clean all surfaces, including nightstands, lamps, and headboards, to verify no dust accumulation. Vacuum or sweep under the bed and around the furniture to confirm no dust or debris left behind. Look inside the closet and drawers for any items left behind by previous guests, and confirm that these spaces are empty and clean.

Restock Vacation Rental Supplies

Restocking vacation rental supplies helps guests have all they need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.  Restock products like multi-surface cleaners, sponges, and dishwashing liquid. These items allow the guests to clean up during their stay if necessary. Restock bathroom supplies like hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and plush towels. Make sure that the tissue and the toilet paper are well stocked. In the kitchen, have dishwashing detergent, paper towels, coffee filters, and spices such as salt and pepper. Stock up on non-perishable products like coffee, tea, and sugar. Consider other items that make a home inviting, such as blankets, linens, or scented candles. If your rental targets families, items like board games or children’s dinnerware can make a difference.

Keep Your Vacation Home Clean

Following these tips and establishing a cleaning routine can help keep your vacation property looking its best. To keep these homes clean, you can do it yourself or hire a professional cleaning company. When choosing supplies like towels and linens, opt for items that are soft, durable, and easy to clean to make sure they can withstand frequent wash and use.