Airbnb Cleaning: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Company – The Complete Host’s Decision Guide
Every successful Airbnb host faces a critical question sooner or later: should you tackle Airbnb cleaning yourself, or hire a professional company? The way you answer this impacts your reviews, your time, your safety – and your bottom line. In this definitive guide, we explore every angle of Airbnb Cleaning: DIY vs Hire a Company. You’ll discover practical pros and cons, detailed workflows, safety and hygiene factors, expert checklists, cost breakdowns, and advice directly for Chicago hosts. Whether you manage one apartment, a family house, or a portfolio of rentals, this article provides the tools and checklists to help you choose the best cleaning approach for your situation.
What Does Clean Mean for Airbnb Hosts? Setting the Gold Standard
For Airbnb properties in Chicago or anywhere else, “clean” is more than surface sparkle. It means:
- Disinfection of high-touch areas (light switches, remote controls, handles).
- No hair, odors, or overlooked grime in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Presentable linens and towels cleaned to hotel standards.
- Spotless surfaces: floors, countertops, appliances, and mirrors.
- Hidden areas checked and dusted (under beds, behind furniture).
Professional cleaning companies use strict checklists, while DIY approaches can be more flexible. The gold standard: every guest walks in to fresh, hygienic, and visually impressive spaces. See a detailed Airbnb cleaning checklist for the essentials.
The Two Main Paths: Defining DIY and Professional Airbnb Cleaning
DIY Airbnb Cleaning Defined
DIY means hosts or their close associates (friends, family) perform all cleaning tasks between stays. This involves planning, purchasing supplies, and actively cleaning, inspecting, resetting, and laundering.
What Professional Airbnb Cleaning Services Do
Professional cleaning companies, like Quick Cleaning, provide scheduled or on-demand deep cleans using commercial equipment and extensive checklists, often with optional restocking and maintenance.
Comparing DIY and Professional Airbnb Cleaning: At-a-Glance Table
| Factor | DIY | Professional Company |
|---|---|---|
| Consistent Quality | Varies by skill & energy | Standardized, checklist-driven |
| Time Commitment | High for host | Minimal for host |
| Hygiene | Depends on knowledge/supplies | Trained in disinfection & safety |
| Availability | Flexibility based on schedule | Flexible scheduling, emergency service |
| Guest Expectations | May miss hotel-level standards | Meets/exceeds guest standards |
| Cost | Lower direct expense, higher time cost | Higher service cost, lower time |
| Turnover Speed | Delayed if busy or sick | Fast turnovers regardless of host |
| Risk of Bad Reviews | Higher if any detail is missed | Lower, due to experience & process |
The Airbnb Host’s Real-World Checklist: What’s Required Regardless of Who Cleans
- Remove all trash and used items
- Sanitize surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
- Replace linens and towels with laundered, stain-free sets
- Check appliances, lights, and internet connectivity
- Replenish supplies (toilet paper, soap, cleaning materials)
- Inspect for forgotten items, damages, or safety hazards
- Restage decor, furniture, and guidebooks precisely
See the full 2022 Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for detailed guidance.
DIY Airbnb Cleaning in Detail: Benefits, Pitfalls, and Who Should Choose It
Top Benefits of DIY Cleaning
- Direct control over every decision and finishing touch
- Cost savings (no contractor or service fee markups)
- Immediate feedback loop: instant fix if guest complains
- Personal touch; hosts may leave handwritten notes or local gifts
Key Challenges and Risks
- Time: Cleaning between guest check-outs and check-ins can be stressful, especially on busy weekends
- Physical Emphasis: Repetitive cleaning is physically demanding; risk of burnout
- Quality Drift: Fatigue or rushing can lead to missed details, risking negative reviews
- Supply Management: Frequent trips for fresh linens or cleaning products
Who Should Choose DIY?
- Hosts with a single nearby property
- Those who enjoy cleaning and want full control
- Flexible schedules with plenty of turnover time
- Hosts building a small, personally managed brand
Pro tip: If you opt for DIY, create a standard operating checklist. For planning, study our core comparison article and vacation rental checklist for best practices.
Hiring a Professional Airbnb Cleaning Company: What to Expect at Every Step
How Does the Process Work?
- Schedule post-checkout cleans (recurring or self-booked online)
- Staff arrives with industrial-grade supplies and follows a custom checklist
- Check and report maintenance needs or damages found
- Photos and reporting: Some companies document condition via detailed photos or logs
What Sets Pro Cleaners Apart?
- Use of EPA-certified disinfectants and professional hygiene products
- Staff versed in Chicago codes, Airbnb requirements, and safe chemical handling
- Streamlined turnover and staging, reducing guest waiting times
- Insurance and bonding for peace of mind
Tip: Not all companies offer the same coverage. Verify whether deep cleaning, laundry, restocking, and emergency cleanings are included. For a decision guide, reference what to look for in a vacation rental cleaning service.
The Financials: Comparing DIY and Professional Airbnb Cleaning Costs
Direct and Hidden Costs of DIY
- Supplies (cleaners, PPE, microfiber, mops)
- Laundry (utilities, detergent, fabric treatment)
- Trash disposal (potential city fees)
- Your time: valued at an hourly rate (estimate 2–4 hours per full turnover)
Professional Cleaning Company Pricing Factors
- Flat price per turnover or by square footage
- Extra charges: same-day service, difficult stains, post-event messes
- Potential volume discounts (repeat bookings)
See an in-depth look at Airbnb cleaning fees to budget accordingly.
Guest Experience and Reviews: The High Stakes of Turnover Cleanliness
- Over 50% of Airbnb guests evaluate rentals by cleanliness in reviews
- Negative cleaning reviews are the most difficult to recover from for hosts
- Accurate cleaning equals higher daily rates and more bookings
Pro cleaners can help defend your ratings, but DIY allows personalized flourishes that can delight guests. The key is consistency. Compare strategies in common Airbnb cleaning mistakes and learn how to avoid review-killing issues.
Speed, Schedule, and Flexibility: Matching Turnovers to Real-World Challenges
DIY Scheduling Realities
- Must work around your own commitments
- Can be hard to manage if there are back-to-back check-ins
- Risk of last-minute cancellations or issues
Pro Company Scheduling
- Advance and recurring bookings available
- Automated and emergency cleanings possible
- Staffing backup means your Airbnb is rarely left unprepared
For practical automation and efficiency, see how to automate your Airbnb cleaning.
Disinfection and Hygiene: Safety Protocols in the DIY vs. Pro Debate
- Companies use hospital-grade disinfectants and follow OSHA rules
- DIY hosts must learn proper chemical handling and PPE (see OSHA HazCom)
- Post-pandemic, guests expect sanitized spaces—shortcutting protocols can risk host liability
- Managing biohazard or sharps waste (rare but possible) is best left to trained cleaners
Checklist: When Should You Hire an Airbnb Cleaning Company?
- You manage multiple rental units or listings
- Your personal or work schedule is inflexible
- You or your team are not local
- Turnover windows are under 4–5 hours
- Guests often leave late or check in early
- You’ve received negative cleaning reviews
- Desire for protection (insurance, bonding, contract)
- Want to reduce hands-on property management
Still unsure? Discover more about how to find an Airbnb cleaning company and how the details add up for Chicago hosts.
The Hidden Host Costs: Burnout, Liability, and Unexpected Hassles
- Burnout: Turnovers on holidays, nights, or back-to-back can wear hosts down
- Injury: Improper chemical use or repetitive motion
- Legal exposure: Missed cleaning protocols can result in guest injuries or claims
- Lost bookings: Delayed turnovers = missed reservation revenues
In these cases, a professional partner can offset risk and stress. The right choice supports your growth as a landlord or business owner.
Case Studies: When DIY Works (and When It Doesn’t)
DIY Success: The Downtown Chicago Studio Host
- Lives two blocks from property, works remotely
- Manages checkouts personally; enjoys prepping space
- Maintains consistently high cleanliness ratings
DIY Struggle: The Multi-Property Owner
- Owns three units spread across the city
- Missed turnover after a late guest checkout
- Received guest complaints – needed rapid pro response
Professional Company Power: Emergency Recovery
- High-volume Airbnb, frequent bookings
- Professional cleaning crew on call; never misses a turnover
- Improved review scores and reduced stress
Chicago-Specific Cleaning Considerations for Airbnb Hosts
- Winter mud/salt—special attention to entryways and carpets (carpet cleaning tips)
- Summer storms—moisture control to prevent mold and odors
- Building and health code expectations can be strict, especially for units in multi-family buildings
- Event or festival crowds can spike cleaning needs; plan for surge periods in advance
Tip:
Quick Cleaning provides flexible scheduling and Chicago-specific protocols for seasonality, guest types, and property layouts.
Decision Framework: How to Choose the Best Path for Your Airbnb
- Audit your rental(s): location, frequency, size, and special cleaning needs
- Track your time spent per turnover, and estimate your hourly worth
- Review guest feedback for any cleanliness-related comments
- Research available cleaning companies and compare their offerings—including emergency or short-notice cleans
- Do a trial: if using DIY, sample a professional cleaning and compare
- Factor in burnout, backup plans, and how you’d handle illness or travel
- Commit to one approach for a set period, then review results
Transition Tips: Moving from DIY to Professional Cleaning (or Vice Versa)
- Document your routine, key priorities, and supply lists
- Test a hybrid approach: you handle light cleans, company does deep cleans or emergencies
- Communicate clear standards with any cleaning partner
- Revisit cleaning protocols at least seasonally
Managing the transition seamlessly preserves your ratings and protects your property.
Frequently Asked Questions – Airbnb Cleaning: DIY vs. Professional Company
- How often should Airbnb properties be deep cleaned?
- Between every guest stay is ideal, but at least monthly deep cleans (in addition to turnover cleans) are recommended, especially in high-traffic properties. See our cleaning frequency guide.
- How much time does a full DIY clean usually take?
- Typically, 2–4 hours per turnover, depending on property size and state of departure. Seasonality and guest habits (pets, events) can extend this time.
- Are professional cleaning companies worth the cost for a small Airbnb?
- If your time is valuable, or if consistent hotel-level quality and reviews are priorities, the investment in a cleaning company often pays off in higher rates and less stress.
- What safety and hygiene protocols must every Airbnb host follow?
- Thorough disinfection, safe chemical use, glove and PPE use when needed, and adherence to both Airbnb and local public health standards.
- How do cleaning companies handle last-minute bookings or emergencies?
- Reputable cleaning companies offer fast scheduling and backup teams to minimize missed turnovers. Communication is essential.
- Can DIY hosts automate part of their cleaning process?
- Yes, by preparing cleaning kits, outsourcing laundry, or setting automated reminders for turnover tasks. Third-party platforms help with scheduling.
- What are the hidden costs of not cleaning professionally?
- Negative reviews, guest complaints, and even Airbnb penalties can cost much more than cleaning fees. Additionally, overlooked issues (like pests or mold) may cause property damage over time.
- Is there a cleaning contract or agreement needed?
- When hiring a company, having a contract detailing scope, schedule, and quality standards protects both parties—see our guide to Airbnb cleaning contracts.
- What is the best way to check a cleaner or company’s quality?
- Request a written checklist, references, and before-after photo evidence. Periodically review guest feedback.
- Should I use special products for short-term rental cleaning?
- Always use disinfectants approved for hospitality use and train in safe chemical handling.
Summary: Making Your Airbnb Cleaning Choice Work for You
Whether you’re hands-on or hands-off, your cleaning approach will shape your earnings, reputation, and stress as a host. DIY cleaning is cost-effective and puts you in full control, but can demand time and stamina. Hiring a professional cleaning company delivers speed, reliability, and standards that can boost your Airbnbs’ reputation. Weigh your needs, property scale, and growth plans. Use this guide for your own comparison—and revisit as your hosting model changes.
Ready to take the next step, or need backup support for difficult turnovers? Explore our Airbnb cleaning services for flexible, Chicago-focused solutions.
About Quick Cleaning
Quick Cleaning specializes in recurring house cleaning, deep cleaning, move out cleaning, office cleaning, and special facility cleaning for both residential and commercial clients. Our highly-trained teams serve households and businesses throughout Chicago, Illinois and nearby areas, always putting consistency, client relationships, and safety protocols first. If you’re juggling a busy rental, business, or family schedule, Quick Cleaning ensures your space impresses—every time.
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