Your Complete Guide to Finding an Airbnb Cleaning Company

Running an Airbnb is as much about cleanliness as it is about hospitality. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned property manager, knowing how to find an Airbnb cleaning company can mean the difference between consistent 5-star reviews and stressful turnovers. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly which factors to consider, how professional Airbnb cleaning works, red flags and required checklists, safety expectations, pricing realities, and how to make the best decision for your property. This framework draws on industry standards and trusted sources to help you secure the right cleaning partner for your needs.

Understanding Airbnb Cleaning: What Makes It Different?

Choosing a cleaning company for an Airbnb isn’t the same as hiring a regular house cleaner. Airbnb turnovers involve time-sensitive schedules, hospitality-grade standards, and frequent property reviews from guests. Here’s what sets Airbnb cleaning apart:

• Guest-ready presentation: Every stay requires immaculate linens, restocked supplies, and a flawless first impression.
• Time windows: Many cleanings must happen between checkout and check-in, often just a few hours apart.
• Hospitality-level standards: Attention to detail in kitchens, bathrooms, high-touch surfaces, and hard-to-reach areas is mandatory.
• Photos & reporting: Professional companies often send before/after photos and flag maintenance issues.

Chicago’s busy tourism cycle makes these demands even more important for local hosts.

Decoding Airbnb Cleaning Service Types

Before you begin your search, it’s essential to understand the main types of Airbnb cleaning services you’ll encounter, as their offerings may differ significantly. Here’s a comparison:

• Standard turnover cleaning: Resetting the space between guests, including linen changes, bathroom sanitation, kitchen cleaning, refilling essentials, and tidying.
• Deep cleaning: Intensive cleaning of areas often missed during regular turnover, such as vent covers, under furniture, grout, and appliances.
• Specialized cleaning: Pet treatments, allergen reduction, and eco-friendly/scent-conscious options.
• Restocking and light maintenance: Refilling amenities, checking batteries, replacing bulbs, reporting damages.

Check your property’s needs and guest expectations to decide which service model is appropriate.

Step One: Define Your Airbnb Cleaning Priorities

• Consider your property’s size and unique cleaning challenges (e.g., historic homes, high-traffic apartments).
• Account for hosting frequency – do you need same-day turnovers, back-to-back weekends, or regular mid-stay refreshes?
• Decide if you want linens washed onsite/offsite, restocking included, and if pet-friendly cleaning is required.

Documenting these priorities before your outreach ensures you ask the right questions and avoid wasted time.

Red Flags and Non-Negotiables When Screening Airbnb Cleaning Companies

When researching companies, knowing what to avoid is as critical as what to seek out. Key warning signs include:

• Lack of experience with short-term rentals – General house cleaners might miss hospitality-level touches.
• No clear checklist or cleaning protocol – Professional services should have detailed, written processes for turnovers, laundry, and checks.
• Poor communication – Slow or inconsistent responses make scheduling errors more likely.
• No insurance or background checks – For guest and owner safety, companies must be properly insured and vet their staff.
• Vague pricing or hidden fees – Transparent, itemized pricing is a must for budgeting.
• Lack of references or online reputation – Reliable companies can provide Airbnb host references or verified third-party reviews.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Here’s a checklist of smart questions to cover:

• How many Airbnb or vacation rental turnovers do you handle per month?
• Are your staff trained in hospitality-level or CDC-influenced cleaning protocols (see CDC environmental cleaning guidelines)?
• Can you provide a sample turnover checklist for review?
• How do you handle last-minute bookings, cancellations, or guest-reported issues?
• What happens if a guest leaves a mess or damage outside of standard cleaning?
• Is linen service included, or is that an extra fee?
• Do you send arrival/departure photos and status updates?
• Are cleaners background checked and insured?
• How do you handle keys, smart locks, or security codes and privacy?

Document answers for every company you interview to compare easily.

Hospitality Cleaning Protocols: Meeting Airbnb and CDC Standards

Most Airbnb guests expect properties to meet (or exceed) hotel-grade cleaning. Reputable companies:

• Follow strict protocols for bathroom/kitchen sanitation and high-touch surfaces.
• Use disinfectants and procedures compliant with recognized infection prevention guidelines.
• Are trained in cross-contamination prevention and safe cleaning product use.
• Document every clean with a structured checklist, sometimes co-created with hosts (see Airbnb Cleaning Checklist).

If a company can’t detail their protocol, look elsewhere.

Understanding Airbnb Cleaning Checklists and Turnover Steps

A comprehensive checklist is the backbone of reliable turnovers. Typical steps include:

• Bathroom: disinfect surfaces, polish fixtures, restock supplies, remove trash.
• Kitchen: wipe appliances, sanitize counters, check for leftover food, restock basics.
• Beds: strip and change linens, fluff pillows, make up beds hotel-style.
• Living areas: vacuum/mop, dust electronics, straighten furniture, check under beds/sofas.
• Entryways: remove debris, check for lost items, adjust welcome signage.
• Report damages or maintenance needs immediately.

For a detailed room-by-room protocol, visit the Airbnb Cleaning Checklist.

Scheduling: Managing Turnovers and Recurring Cleanings

Success as an Airbnb host in Chicago hinges on fast, reliable cleanings. Ask companies:

• How far in advance you must book or cancel a cleaning.
• What software/tools they use for scheduling (some integrate with Airbnb calendars directly).
• If they can provide emergency/same-day cleaning coverage.
• How they handle peak season demand or last-minute changes.

Automated calendar syncing and SMS/email notifications streamline the process. See how to automate your Airbnb cleaning for more insights.

Comparing Pricing, Fees, and Service Packages

Pricing models vary widely. Some companies quote by size of unit, turnover frequency, amenities, or special requests. When comparing quotes, consider the following table:

Service Element	Typical Inclusion	Potential Extra Fee
Turnover cleaning w/ linens	Yes	If multiple beds/complexities
Guest supply refills	Some	Often charged by supply or via host-provided stock
Deep cleaning	No	Quoted as needed
Damage reporting	Yes	Frequent reports may increase costs
Laundry (onsite/offsite)	Varies	May incur extra pickup/delivery fee

Ask for itemized proposals. Value consistent cleaning and reliability over the lowest price.

Vetting Credentials: Training, Insurance and Company Policies

• Look for cleaning companies whose staff are trained in hospitality or follow CDC disinfection protocols (see CDC resources).
• Verify insurance and worker’s compensation coverage (ask for proof).
• Companies should conduct staff background checks and regular quality training (see industry models from APIC).
• Clear policies for key/security management and confidentiality safeguard your property and data.

Negotiating the Cleaning Agreement

Once you’ve chosen a company, a written agreement is highly recommended. Points to clarify:

• Checklist of included tasks
• Expected cleaning frequency and change/cancellation processes
• Who provides cleaning supplies/linens
• Communication protocol for reporting damage or supplies
• Payment terms and T&Cs for missed cleans, emergencies, or disputes

For drafting tips, review How to Create an Airbnb Cleaning Contract.

Advanced Tips: Handling Back-to-Back Stays and Peak Seasons

Chicago’s busy rental season can lead to intense turnover periods. Best practices include:

• Booking recurring cleaning or a minimum guaranteed slot each week
• Maintaining a backup company or dedicated floating crew for overflow
• Utilizing software that auto-alerts staff to new reservations or cancellations
• Creating laminated on-property checklists for both guests and cleaners to ensure quick cross-checks

Consistency keeps reviews high and downtime low.

Case Examples: Chicago Hosts Succeeding with Professional Cleaning

Case 1: A two-bedroom Airbnb in Lincoln Park shifted from DIY cleaning to hiring a specialized team. Their 5-star cleaning reviews increased by 30%, they reduced stress, and turnover times between guests decreased.

Case 2: An Airbnb manager with multiple listings in downtown Chicago integrated their cleaning calendar with a professional company, achieving 100% on-time turnovers and gaining the Superhost status after three months.

Documented example strategies can maximize efficiency for both seasoned and new hosts. For more, see how cleaning services can boost your Airbnb.

Integrating Company Policies with Airbnb’s Cleaning Standards

It’s smart to align your cleaning company’s protocols with Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Initiative. This includes:

• Following a five-step cleaning process
• Maintaining supply logs and using only approved cleaning products
• Documenting completion via checklists and photos
• Preparing for surprise reviews and feedback from guests

Resources like Airbnb Cleaning Protocol 2022 offer further guidance.

Comparing DIY Cleaning vs. Professional Companies for Airbnb Hosts

Should you do it yourself or hire the pros? Weigh these factors:

• Time cost: Multiple turnovers per week can quickly add up for busy hosts.
• Consistency: A trained team follows a checklist every time, reducing the risk of missed spots.
• Guest expectations: 5-star cleanliness scores are harder to maintain solo, especially at scale.
• Emergency coverage: Sick? Out of town? A company provides backup staff as needed.

See insights at DIY vs. hiring a company for Airbnb cleaning.

FAQ: Airbnb Cleaning Companies for Hosts

What’s the difference between a regular cleaner and an Airbnb turnover specialist?

Turnover specialists are trained for hospitality standards and guest-ready checklists, with rapid job completion and reporting practices specific to short-term rentals.

How often should I deep clean my Airbnb?

Most hosts schedule deep cleans every 1–3 months, or after extended bookings. Source: Airbnb Cleaning Frequency.

Should I provide supplies or can the company handle it?

Many companies restock basic supplies if the host wishes, but clarify if there are extra fees or preferences for brands.

How do I ensure my property meets health and safety requirements?

Partner with companies using CDC-aligned protocols (see CDC guidelines) and request cleaning checklists.

What if a guest makes a mess beyond standard cleaning?

Outline surcharge policies for excessive mess/damages in your agreement. Some companies photograph and report such issues for your documentation and claim process.

Is it possible to automate cleaner scheduling with Airbnb bookings?

Yes, leading cleaning companies sync with booking calendars and can receive auto-alerts for all check-ins/outs. Learn how at how to automate your Airbnb cleaning.

What if I have back-to-back guests with very little turnover time?

Reliable companies offer same-day and rapid turnovers, but always check availability, especially for peak weekends or events in Chicago.

Can a cleaning company assist in guest communication or problem reporting?

Some companies will communicate guest issues, lost-and-found, or property concerns back to the host, especially when agreed in advance.

Are background checks and insurance standard?

Yes; reputable Airbnb cleaning companies always background-check their staff and provide proof of liability insurance on request.

What makes a cleaning company “Airbnb-focused”?

Frequent experience with turnovers, hospitality checklists, rapid response, flexible scheduling, and proactive communication define an Airbnb-focused provider.

Taking the Next Steps: Choosing Your Airbnb Cleaning Company

1. Outline your property’s needs (frequency, special requests, cleaning areas, hosting style).
2. Contact multiple companies and compare their answers to the essential checklist above.
3. Request sample checklists and proposals.
4. Choose a transparent, communicative partner with documented Airbnb experience.
5. Consider starting with a trial period before long-term commitments.

For setup and custom plans in Chicago, you can explore Airbnb turnover cleaning solutions here.

About Quick Cleaning

Quick Cleaning is a trusted residential and commercial cleaning company serving Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding region. Specializing in recurring house cleaning, deep cleaning, move out cleaning, office and facility cleaning, Quick Cleaning’s team brings hospitality-level standards and detailed checklists to every job. Our trained, background-checked staff use professional products and flexible scheduling to meet the unique needs of Airbnb hosts, property managers, and business owners. Transparent communication and a commitment to long-term relationships ensure peace of mind for all clients. Quick Cleaning helps households and businesses in Chicago, Illinois and nearby areas keep their spaces clean and healthy.

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