Short-term rental cleaning checklist: the complete list

Preparation and property inspection

• Confirm the address, next check-in time and task instructions.
• Prepare clean linen, towels, equipment and the agreed supplies.
• Air the apartment if weather and property rules allow.
• Check rooms and storage for belongings left behind; hand any finds to the responsible person under the property procedure.
• Photograph damage and heavy soiling before cleaning and inform the manager.
• Collect rubbish from every room and deal with leftover food under the property rules.
• Keep used textiles separate from clean linen and prepare separate bathroom cleaning equipment.

Bedroom and sleeping areas

• Strip used linen and inspect the mattress, pillows and protectors for stains and damage.
• Check that fresh linen is dry, clean and undamaged.
• Replace the sheet, pillowcases and duvet cover; make the bed to the property standard.
• Prepare additional beds and linen sets for the booked number of guests.
• Wipe bedside tables, lamps, switches and accessible surfaces.
• Inspect wardrobes and drawers, wipe shelves and check that hangers are available.
• Remove dust and debris under the bed, vacuum and mop the floor with a suitable product.

Living room

• Inspect the sofa and armchairs and remove crumbs and debris between cushions.
• Wipe tables, shelves and accessible furniture surfaces.
• Clean remotes, door handles and switches using a method suitable for each surface.
• Test the lights, television and remote; report faults to the manager.
• Return furniture, cushions and amenities to their designated positions.
• Vacuum rugs and floors and mop hard flooring so it is free from marks and sticky residue.

Kitchen and appliances

• Clean worktops, the kitchen table and splashback; remove crumbs and grease.
• Clean the sink and tap, clear the drain strainer and check that water drains.
• Clean the cooled hob and check that no food residue remains.
• Inspect the oven and trays; clean them according to appliance instructions if used.
• Remove food from the fridge under the property rules and wipe shelves, seals and the handle.
• Clean the microwave inside and out and wash the turntable.
• Empty old water from the kettle and check the kettle and coffee area are clean.
• Wash and dry crockery and cutlery; check quantities and look for chips.
• Check cupboards and the dishwasher; remove dirty dishes and food debris.
• Clean the bin if dirty, fit a fresh liner and replenish tea, coffee and kitchen supplies from the inventory list.

Bathroom and toilet

• Clean the basin, shower or bath; remove hair, soap residue and deposits.
• Clean the toilet inside and out, including the seat, flush button and base.
• Wipe mirrors, taps, shelves and handles without leaving streaks.
• Check drainage, the toilet flush and any visible leaks.
• Replace towels and the bath mat with clean ones to match the property standard and guest count.
• Replenish toilet paper, soap and toiletries in the agreed quantities.
• Clean the bathroom bin, replace the liner and remove used toiletries.
• Mop the floor and check corners, behind the door and for any unpleasant smell.

Entrance, balcony and extra areas

• Wipe the entrance door, handles, mirror and storage shelf.
• Clean the doormat, mop the entrance floor and inspect the coat cupboard.
• If there is a balcony, remove rubbish, wipe the furniture and check the floor is clean.
• Check the washing machine and drying rack for forgotten laundry and clean visible dirt.
• Compare spare supplies and extra amenities against the property inventory and note shortages.

Final check before guest arrival

• Walk through without cleaning equipment and check for dirt, hair, streaks and unwanted smells.
• Check linen, towels, crockery and supplies against guest numbers and the property standard.
• Make sure rubbish is removed, equipment is stored and staff belongings have not been left behind.
• Close windows, switch off unnecessary lights and set the climate controls as instructed.
• Check keys, check-in instructions and the entrance door lock within your assigned responsibilities.
• Take the agreed after-cleaning photos of the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and entrance.
• Send the checklist and photos to the manager and report faults before confirming the apartment is ready.

Photo evidence and damage

Agree on required shots in advance: room overviews, the made bed, kitchen, bathroom fittings and entrance. Each photo should show the whole area being checked; capture damage both close up and in context. Report defects openly and keep photos linked to the correct property.

Photos support remote review but cannot show smells, drainage performance or hidden surfaces. Use separate checks and periodic on-site inspections for these points. Keep photos with the task and review comments so corrections and their timing remain traceable.