Airbnb and vacation rental cleaning is one of the fastest-growing niches in the cleaning industry. Hosts need reliable turnover cleaning between guests, and they pay premium rates for quality service. If you’re researching how to start an Airbnb cleaning business, you’re looking at a niche with explosive growth potential.
Why Airbnb Cleaning Is Different
Before learning how to start a vacation rental cleaning business, understand what makes this niche unique:
| Factor | Regular House Cleaning | Airbnb Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Flexible | Strict checkout/check-in windows |
| Frequency | Weekly/bi-weekly | Variable (could be daily in peak season) |
| Scope | Maintenance cleaning | Deep clean + restocking every time |
| Payment | Per cleaning | Per turnover (higher rates) |
| Client relationship | Direct with homeowner | Via host or property manager |
| Standards | Client preferences | Guest reviews determine success |
Airbnb cleaning requires speed, consistency, and attention to detail that directly affects your client’s income and reviews.
The Business Opportunity
The numbers make this niche attractive:
Average turnover rate: $75-200 per cleaning (depending on property size)
Cleaning frequency: Active Airbnbs turn over 15-25 times monthly during peak seasons
Market size: Millions of Airbnb listings in the US alone, most needing professional cleaning
Client loyalty: Hosts rarely switch cleaners who deliver consistently
Growth pattern: One good relationship leads to referrals to other hosts
How to start an Airbnb cleaning business successfully means understanding that hosts are running businesses too. Your reliability directly impacts their income.
What You Need to Get Started
How to start a Airbnb cleaning business requires specific preparation:
Cleaning supplies:
- Commercial-grade vacuum
- Mop system
- All-purpose cleaners
- Bathroom disinfectants
- Glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloths (lots of them)
- Laundry supplies (many turnovers include linens)
- Restocking items (sometimes provided by host)
Business essentials:
- LLC registration
- General liability insurance
- Reliable transportation
- Smartphone for photos and communication
- Scheduling app
Professional touches:
- Branded uniform or shirt
- Cleaning checklist (detailed)
- Before/after photo documentation
- Fast communication response time
Total startup cost: $500-2,000 for a professional operation.
Finding Airbnb Hosts Who Need Cleaners
Getting clients is your first challenge. Here’s how:
Search Airbnb directly: Browse listings in your area. Look for properties that mention needing cleaning help or show inconsistent photos (suggesting variable cleaning quality).
Facebook groups: Search for “[Your City] Airbnb Hosts” or “Short-Term Rental [Your City].” These groups are goldmines for networking.
Property management companies: Many hosts use property managers. One relationship with a management company can yield multiple properties.
Real estate investor groups: Investors often own multiple rentals. Attend local REIA meetings and network.
Word of mouth among hosts: Hosts know other hosts. Ask satisfied clients for referrals—offer a referral bonus if needed.
Create a Google Business Profile: Optimize for “Airbnb cleaning [city]” and “vacation rental cleaning [city].”
Leave business cards at properties: With host permission, leave cards for guests who might be hosts themselves or know hosts.
Pricing Airbnb Cleaning Services
Vacation rental cleaning typically pays more than standard house cleaning:
| Property Type | Turnover Rate |
|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $60-100 |
| 2 bedroom | $85-130 |
| 3 bedroom | $110-170 |
| 4 bedroom | $140-220 |
| 5+ bedroom | $180-300+ |
Additional charges:
- Laundry service: +$20-40
- Restocking supplies: +$15-30 (or pass-through cost)
- Deep cleaning (quarterly): 2x standard rate
- Same-day/emergency: +25-50%
- Late checkout cleanings: +$25-50
Pricing considerations:
- Factor in strict time windows
- Account for inconsistent scheduling
- Consider seasonal demand fluctuations
- Price higher than regular cleaning—the work is more intense
The Turnover Cleaning Checklist
Airbnb cleaning follows a specific process:
Upon arrival:
- Photo document any damage or issues
- Check for guest belongings
- Report problems to host immediately
Kitchen:
- Clean all appliances inside and out
- Sanitize counters and sink
- Check cabinets for items left behind
- Restock supplies per host instructions
- Run dishwasher if needed
Bathrooms:
- Sanitize toilet, tub, shower, sink
- Clean mirrors
- Restock toiletries
- Fresh towels (folded consistently)
- Check under vanity for left items
Bedrooms:
- Strip and remake beds with fresh linens
- Clean all surfaces
- Vacuum/mop floors
- Check closets and drawers
Living areas:
- Dust all surfaces
- Clean windows and mirrors
- Vacuum/mop floors
- Reset furniture and decor
Final steps:
- Set thermostat to host preference
- Close blinds/curtains consistently
- Lock all doors
- Photo document completed cleaning
- Send confirmation to host
Consistency matters enormously. The property should look identical after every cleaning.
Managing the Unique Challenges
Airbnb cleaning presents specific challenges:
Tight time windows: Checkout at 11 AM, check-in at 3 PM. You have four hours maximum, often less.
Variable scheduling: Bookings change constantly. Be prepared for last-minute additions or cancellations.
Guest damage: You’ll encounter messes ranging from minor to horrifying. Have protocols for documenting and reporting.
Inventory management: Track cleaning supplies and restocking items. Running out mid-clean is not an option.
Communication demands: Hosts expect immediate responses. Keep your phone accessible during business hours.
Quality pressure: Bad cleaning leads to bad reviews, which costs your host money. The stakes are higher than regular cleaning.
Scaling Your Airbnb Cleaning Business
Growth opportunities abound:
Add more properties: Each successful relationship leads to referrals. Most hosts know other hosts.
Build a team: When you can’t handle volume alone, hire reliable cleaners. Your role shifts to quality control and client management.
Offer laundry services: Many hosts struggle with linen management. Pickup, wash, and delivery services command premium rates.
Provide restocking: Buy supplies in bulk and resell to hosts at convenience markup.
Partner with property managers: Management companies oversee dozens or hundreds of properties. One relationship can transform your business.
Your Airbnb Cleaning Business Starts Now
You now understand how to start Airbnb cleaning business operations—from finding hosts to pricing turnovers to scaling your company.
The vacation rental market continues expanding. Hosts need reliable cleaning partners who understand the unique demands of turnover cleaning. Position yourself as that partner and you’ll build a thriving business.
At the Cleaning Business Institute, we provide training for specialty cleaning niches including vacation rental services. Our courses cover client acquisition, operations systems, team building, and growth strategies.
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Start serving the vacation rental boom today.