The Secret Sauce to Vacation Rental Success: A Stellar Cleaning & Maintenance Team

Today, let’s dive into the oh-so-vital topic that often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle of hosting: cleaning and maintenance. You see, behind every dazzling vacation rental property lies an unsung hero—the dedicated cleaning and maintenance team. They’re the ones who sprinkle the fairy dust (well, maybe it’s just elbow grease) to keep your property sparkling and your guests swooning. And we all know the importance of that sought after 5-star rating. So, let’s explore why finding a top-notch team for your vacation rental is like striking gold, and hey, we’ve even got a checklist or two to help you along the way!

Why a Good Cleaning and Maintenance Team is Worth Their Weight in Gold:

First Impressions Matter: Imagine arriving at your vacation rental to find it less than spotless. Yikes, right? A stellar cleaning team ensures that your guests are greeted with cleanliness and comfort, setting the stage for a memorable stay from the get-go.

Happy Guests, Glowing Reviews: Cleanliness consistently ranks as one of the top factors influencing guest satisfaction. A well-maintained property not only earns you rave reviews but also encourages repeat bookings and referrals. It’s like a domino effect of happiness!

Protecting Your Investment: Vacation rental properties undergo wear and tear, especially during high season. A proactive maintenance team can nip potential issues in the bud, saving you from costly repairs down the road. Think of them as your property’s guardian angels, keeping everything in tip-top shape. Find a good maintenance team that is willing to be on-call for minor repairs throughout the year, as well as completing a yearly maintenance checklist.

Peace of Mind: Hosting can be hectic, but knowing you have a reliable team taking care of the nitty-gritty allows you to focus on what truly matters—creating unforgettable experiences for your guests and yourself.

Here is a simple checklist that outlines the tasks that should be considered at each turn. Use the list to customize the tasks to suit your property.

Cleaning Tasks for Every Turnover:

• Dusting and wiping down all surfaces (I recommend using disinfectant on high-touch surfaces)
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Washing linens and towels
• Sanitizing bathrooms and kitchen areas
• Emptying trash and recycling bins
• Checking and restocking amenities (toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Inspecting for any damage or missing items (Instruct your team to report this to you immediately, as some booking platforms have a time allotment for reporting things.)
• Outdoor area cleanup (patios, decks, grills, etc.)
• BONUS TIP! Be sure that cleaners are checking the inside of drawers, closets, AND appliances at each turn. People store – and forget – strange things in strange places. (I recently had a guest who found old pizza boxes in the oven. Luckily, they found them before turning the oven on, or it could have been a disaster.)

Schedule one or two deep cleanings each year (during the off season, if possible). This is a great chance to find and repair issues that may have been missed during regular cleaning and sets you up for better post-guest cleanings as well.

Here is another checklist that outlines the tasks that should be considered during deep cleaning and annual maintenance. Use the list to customize the tasks to suit your property.

Deep Cleaning and Yearly Maintenance Checklist (Recommended Annually):

• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: Schedule a professional deep cleaning for carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove deep-seated dirt and stains, ensuring a fresh and inviting ambiance.
• Window Washing: Give those windows a thorough wash, inside and out, to let the sunshine in and provide guests with clear, picturesque views of the surrounding scenery.
• Cabinet and Pantry Organization: Take the opportunity to declutter and organize cabinets, pantries, and storage spaces. Dispose of expired items, wipe down shelves, and arrange contents neatly for a streamlined and guest-friendly experience.
• Appliance Detailing: Give your appliances some TLC by deep cleaning both the interiors and exteriors. This includes the refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and any other appliances provided for guest use. Pull them out from the wall and clean behind them, including the floors, walls, and back and sides of appliances.
• Deep Clean of Hard-to-Reach Areas: Don’t forget those easily overlooked spots! Dust and clean ceiling fans, light fixtures, air vents, and baseboards to eliminate accumulated dust and grime.
• Mattress and Pillow Sanitization: Invest in professional mattress and pillow cleaning to remove allergens, dust mites, and stains, ensuring a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment for your guests.
• Grout and Tile Cleaning: Restore the sparkle to tiled surfaces by scrubbing grout lines and tiles to remove built-up dirt, mold, and mildew. Seal grout as needed to prevent future staining and discoloration.
• Deep Clean of Outdoor Spaces: Spruce up outdoor areas by power washing decks, patios, and furniture. Trim landscaping as necessary and refresh outdoor cushions and decor to create inviting spaces.
• Ventilation System Maintenance: Schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your property’s ventilation system, including air ducts and HVAC filters, to improve indoor air quality and promote guest comfort. This is especially important if you are a pet friendly property.
• Touch-Up Painting and Repairs: Address any scuffs, scratches, or dings on walls, doors, and trim with a fresh coat of paint or touch-up pen. Repair minor damages promptly to maintain the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.
• Plumbing check for leaks and clogs: Snake drains that are used regularly to prevent issues in the future. This is also a good time to check your toilet tanks to ensure that they are filling and draining properly. Replace parts if needed.
• Roof inspection for any damage or leaks: Have a contractor in your contacts to inspect your property for any storm damage that you may have suffered. Insurance usually allows quite a bit of time to make a claim, so your slower seasons are the perfect chance to get this taken care of.
• Exterior painting and repairs as needed: Touch up scuffs to your exterior. Focus on doors and highly traveled areas.
• Deck and patio maintenance: Repair and replace any broken or damaged boards and railings. Repair sidewalk and stair cracks to eliminate tripping hazards.
• Appliance servicing and repair: Change filters and lightbulbs in your appliances. Give everything a test run to make sure that things are working properly.
• Pest control inspection and treatment
• Safety equipment check (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers): Replace batteries, clean detectors, and check expiration dates.

Remember, finding the right cleaning and maintenance team is like finding the perfect travel buddy—they’ve got your back through thick and thin. If you have a team member that is not meeting the marks, do not hesitate to look for someone new. Vacation rental cleaning and maintenance is a very competitive market, and there is no room for anyone who offers less-than-stellar service. So, invest the time and effort into assembling your dream team, and watch as your vacation rental property shines brighter than ever before. Happy hosting!