Managing Cleaners 101

Choosing the right cleaner for your properties will save you time & money, making your life as a manager or host easier, will be reviewing cleaner vendor management in this article

Setting Realistic Expectations for Cleaners

Create a detailed cleaning checklist of what you want the cleaners to complete, then ask yourself, could you complete it perfectly in four hours? It’s a lot, and that’s the challenge your cleaners face.

While cleaners may report issues, not all problems are obvious. A TV with a broken LED screen, for example, looks fine when off but reveals a glaring flaw when turned on.

Let Birds fly and Fish Swim

Cleaners should focus on cleaning, not damage inspection, so don’t rely on them to catch everything. If they miss something, it’s not negligence it’s just not their primary role. Withholding payment isn’t the answer; it’s unethical and damages relationships. And if you don’t think that matters, imagine needing a last-minute turnover only to find your only available cleaner is suddenly 'out of town.

To prevent last-minute surprises, implement routine inspections by someone unbiased that does not know your cleaner or has no interest in interacting with them. Catching hidden issues early ensures a seamless experience for your guests.

Cleaning Inspections

Here are some helpful protocols that will save you money & frustration if anything is brought up by the guest that might be fully truthful

• Standard turn Documentation: Cleaners do need to provide documentation in the form of photos but not as many as you think, we would just recommend

1. Under the beds
2. Inside all appliances
3. Close up of pillows
4. Close up of beds from both sides
5. Shower glass
6. Shower tile lower half
7. All mirrors
8. Toilet seats
9. Toilet base
10. Outside of appliances
11. Wide shot of each room
12. Under Couch
13. Baseboards in corner of rooms
14. Front Door
15. Close up of Dining room set
16. Closeup of flatware drawers
17. Closeup of cooking wear storage
18. Closeup of where pots & pans are stored

• Deep Cleaning : We always recommend once and awhile giving your property a break and doing a deep cleaning, if you can have someone come and inspect these cleanings they are the most important since this is your chance to fix bad cleaning issues that will come back to bite you.
• Unbiased Third Party: Find someone willing to travel to the properties when needed to check how well the cleaning was done and find any damages caused by the guest so you don't miss the opportunity to submit a claim

Diversify or accept defeat

Like mamma used to say don't put all your eggs in one basket because that one basket of eggs might get a flat tire on the freeway one day

Have multiple cleaning teams ready for last-minute turnovers—they happen. It’s trickier with one property but easier if you have frequent turnovers. If managing multiple Airbnbs or a hotel, split the workload: Team A gets four cleanings, Team B gets three, and Team C serves as backup. This keeps you top of mind while ensuring teams stay competitive and careful.

The team that performs the best can be rewarded with the opportunity to clean new properties that you on board or deep cleanings that do pay more since you know they do well, trust us they will notice that you notice them doing a great job if you give them more of these projects, then take them away

Closing Remarks

Cleaning is one of the most crucial aspects of managing an Airbnb. It’s tough, backbreaking work—and a skilled trade. Some may overlook this, but ensuring every hair and crumb is gone after multiple guests, whether for short or long stays, is no easy task. That’s exactly why you’re paying a professional to do it.