Understanding Why the Cleaning Fee Is So High on Airbnb: A Complete Guide for Hosts, Guests, and Property Managers

As either an Airbnb guest or host, you’ve probably wondered: Why is the cleaning fee so high on Airbnb? When booking a vacation rental or preparing your own property, cleaning charges sometimes appear steep—especially compared to traditional hotels or local services. This guide by Quick Cleaning will unravel what drives these cleaning fees, explain the professional standards behind short-term rental turnover, and show you how hosts in Chicago (and similar urban markets) gauge fair rates and guest experience. Whether you’re curious about the work behind the numbers or trying to set the right cleaning fee as a host, you’ll walk away with clear answers and insider perspective.

Unpacking the Airbnb Cleaning Fee: What Are Guests Really Paying For?

At its core, the Airbnb cleaning fee is a one-time charge designed to prepare the property fully for each new guest. Unlike typical cleaning, this process is governed by strict standards: every surface, linen, and amenity must look and feel freshly sanitized. The cleaning fee covers:

• Pre-arrival and post-departure deep cleaning (beyond light tidying)
• Laundry of all linens, towels, and sometimes curtains or blankets
• Restocking toiletries, guest amenities, and consumables
• Sanitizing high-touch areas (doorknobs, switches, remotes, countertops)
• Detailed checks for wear, damages, or maintenance issues

This level of service requires more hours and specialized products than standard cleaning—meaning the fee reflects real labor, supplies, and the cost of last-minute reliability.

Comparing Airbnb Cleaning to Hotel Housekeeping: Why Is It So Different?

Hotels operate with on-site staff, daily cleaning, and economies of scale. In contrast, Airbnb hosts (often individuals or small property managers) arrange each turnover as a unique event. Here’s a comparison:

Factor	Airbnb Rental	Hotel Room
Cleaning Frequency	Full deep clean between every guest	Light daily servicing; deep clean less often
Laundry	All linens/towels washed or changed between guests	Daily towel exchange; sheets less frequent
Scope	Includes dishes, appliances, outdoor, amenities	Mostly bedroom and bathroom
Cost Structure	Fee per stay, set by host	Built into nightly rate

This difference in workload and standards directly impacts the cleaning fee, especially when professional services like Quick Cleaning are involved.

Anatomy of the Cleaning Fee: Breaking Down the Key Cost Drivers

• Size & Layout: Bigger homes require more time (living rooms, multiple bathrooms, kitchens, outdoors).
• Last-Minute Turnover: Gaps between guest check-out and next check-in are often tight, demanding fast and thorough work.
• Professional-Grade Products: Cleaning companies use commercial disinfectants and tools suited to diverse surfaces and allergy concerns.
• Chicago Cost of Labor: Urban markets have higher wages, insurance, and compliance standards, which reflect in the fee.
• Hosts’ Reputation Stakes: A missed spot or low review can hurt a host’s income far more than the cost to clean extra.

Don’t forget hidden labor:

• Waste disposal and recycling sorting
• Detecting and photographing potential damage
• Guest supply audits (coffee, soap, paper products, etc.)

Professional vs. DIY Airbnb Cleaning: When Does Outsourcing Make Sense?

Hosts must balance cost-control with guest satisfaction. Doing all the work themselves may save money upfront, but introduces risks of missed details, schedule overload, and inconsistent results. Professional cleaning companies like Quick Cleaning offer:

• Trained, vetted cleaners familiar with short-term rental standards
• Quality checklists and repeatable processes
• Reliable results in tight scheduling windows
• Insurance and liability coverage

Learn more about the DIY vs. professional debate in our in-depth guide: DIY vs. Hiring a Company for Airbnb Cleaning.

Understanding the Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: What Gets Done (and Why)

The expectations for each turnover are set by Airbnb’s protocol—and by competitive guest standards. A high-quality Chicago Airbnb cleaning checklist covers:

• Kitchen: Appliances inside and out, counters, sinks, dishes, trash, fridge check
• Bathrooms: Toilets, showers, mirrors, grout cleaning, fresh linens/toiletries
• Bedrooms: Bedding changed, dusting, vacuuming/mopping, window ledges
• Living Space: Furniture wipe-down, floors, tech remotes sanitized
• Entryway: Floors cleaned, contact points disinfected
• Outdoor/Patio (if applicable): Sweeping, furniture cleaning

For a sample full list, see our Airbnb Cleaning Checklist.

Chicago Regulations and Airbnb Cleaning Requirements: What Every Host Should Know

Local laws and Airbnb community standards both stress cleaning and guest safety. In Chicago, hosts face extra requirements:

• Adhering to City of Chicago’s vacation rental ordinances, which mandate regular cleaning and sanitation records
• Compliance with hygiene best practices as outlined in public health authority documents (see resources at University of Illinois Extension)
• Following Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, including specific products and timing

Common Misconceptions About Airbnb Cleaning Fees

• Myth: “The cleaning fee is pure profit for the host.”
  Fact: Most hosts use the fee to pay cleaners and cover supplies.
• Myth: “You only need to tidy up before check-in.”
  Fact: Guests expect hotel-level sanitation, not just straightening up.
• Myth: “Shorter stays should mean lower fees.”
  Fact: The cleaning job is the same (or more work with quick turnover) regardless of the length of stay.

Are High Fees Always Fair? Evaluating the Value for Guests and Hosts

Hosts must balance realistic cleaning costs with competitive pricing. Here are useful decision tips for both groups:

• Hosts: Get quotes from multiple professional providers. Compare the scope—some “cheap” cleaners may skip essentials (like laundry or appliance cleaning).
• Guests: If a fee seems unusually high, review the listing’s amenities, size, and prior guest ratings for cleanliness. Ask hosts what’s included.
• Both: Remember location matters—a large house in central Chicago costs more to clean than a small studio in a low-labor-cost area.

Sample fee range for a typical Chicago Airbnb (2024):

• Studio apartment: $65–$100 per turnover
• 2–3 bedroom condo: $110–$180 per turnover
• Family house: $170–$320 per turnover

Prices vary with seasonal demand, last-minute jobs, and special requirements. For very frequent or repeat jobs, see our Airbnb Cleaning Service page for Chicago-specific details.

Special Requirements and Hidden Factors That Can Raise Cleaning Fees

• Extra beds or cots
• Pets or allergy cleaning
• Outdoor patio/balcony work
• Emergency/same-day turnover
• Deep cleaning between extended stays or after parties

These issues require more time, different supplies, or extra removal/disinfection steps, so reputable cleaning companies will charge accordingly. For details about deep/specialty clean costs, check our Deep Cleaning Services or Same-Day Cleaning Services information.

How Professional Cleaners Set Airbnb Turnover Prices: The Inside View

Professional cleaning services, such as Quick Cleaning, consider several factors in their pricing:

• Square footage and number of rooms/bathrooms
• Frequency of turnovers (one-time vs. recurring)
• Type and number of linens & towels
• Special requests: eco-products, fragrance-free, child/pet safety
• Schedule flexibility and late-notice surcharges

For more on what to look for in a provider, read: What to Look for in a Vacation Rental Cleaning Service.

Hygiene, Safety, and Professional Standards: What Sets Top Airbnb Cleaning Apart

Chicago guests now expect COVID-safe, hospital-grade cleaning—even beyond city or platform regulations. Pro services rely on best practices borrowed from healthcare industries, with checklists inspired by authorities (APIC best-practices training), and make sure every high-risk surface is handled properly. Look for companies with proper liability insurance, trained staff, and a process for guest feedback after each stay.

Airbnb Superhosts and Cleaning Fees: Does Spending More Really Boost Your Rating?

Top-rated hosts are meticulous about cleaning, as guest reviews directly impact Superhost status. Investing in professional cleaning—even if it means a higher up-front fee—most often pays out through:

• Better guest experiences
• More 5-star cleanliness ratings
• Long-term occupancy (repeat guests, positive word-of-mouth)

Notably, the cleaning fee is not marked up for profit by professionals; it’s an investment in continued bookings.

For more, visit our post on How to Become a Superhost.

Guest Preparation Tips: How to Minimize Cleaning Fees on Airbnb Bookings

As a guest, you can potentially save on cleaning fees by:

• Choosing smaller units or those with streamlined amenities
• Booking longer stays where the fee is amortized over more nights
• Reading reviews for mentions of transparency and fee fairness
• Reaching out to hosts about what’s covered—sometimes, hosts can offer discounts for repeat guests or stays where minimal cleaning is needed

For a smooth booking every time, use our Vacation Rental Checklist.

Host Decision Framework: Setting the Right Cleaning Fee for Your Airbnb

Hosts aiming for fair and competitive pricing should:

1. Assess property size, amenities, and guest turnover frequency
2. Compare cleaning quotes from local, insured providers experienced with Airbnbs
3. Decide if you’ll handle cleaning yourself or hire professionals for each turnover
4. Factor in labor, supplies, insurance, taxes, and the time cost for scheduling/admin work
5. Benchmark against top-rated similar listings (in Chicago, fees for average 2BR condos typically range $100–$160)

For help automating your cleaning process, see How to Automate Your Airbnb Cleaning.

Troubleshooting: When Cleaning Fees Cause Booking Issues

If an Airbnb listing’s cleaning fee discourages bookings, both hosts and guests can:

• Open a transparent discussion about what’s involved in the cleaning process
• Ask if the host can offer a lower fee for longer stays or off-peak nights
• Present receipts or cleaning company invoices for transparency
• Consider bundling cleaning and supply fees for a simpler guest experience

A clear, detailed description of what’s included in the cleaning fee can foster understanding and reduce disputes.

Sample Airbnb Cleaning Fee Calculation: A Real-World Example

Below is an illustrative breakdown for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Chicago.

• Basic cleaning labor (3 hours at $38/hr): $114
• Laundry (2 loads): $18
• Supplies/disinfectants: $12
• Inspection/admin/turnover confirmation: $16
• Insurance/liability overhead: $10
• Total typical cleaning fee: $170–$180

This estimate can adjust up or down based on property specifics, rush jobs, and extra tasks.

FAQ: Airbnb Cleaning Fees Explained

• Do cleaning fees cover damage repair?
  No. Cleaning fees are for routine guest turnover; damages are addressed separately via Airbnb’s resolution process.
• Should guests clean before leaving?
  Basic tidying (trash out, dishes rinsed) is appreciated, but deep cleaning is the host’s responsibility, not the guest’s burden.
• Can I negotiate the cleaning fee as a guest?
  Hosts may be flexible for longer stays or repeat bookings, but cleaning costs are usually fixed to ensure standards are met.
• Why does the fee stay the same for one or multiple nights?
  Cleaning labor is largely the same after any length of stay, so the fee doesn’t scale with length.
• Is professional cleaning required by Airbnb?
  Airbnb requires a detailed protocol, which can be performed by the host or a pro. Many hosts hire cleaners to meet ratings expectations.
• How does cleaning differ during peak vs. off-peak seasons?
  Some cleaning companies adjust fees for last-minute or holiday bookings, due to overtime and demand surges.
• What should hosts include in cleaning instructions?
  Clear, itemized tasks (including linens, appliance checks, supplies restock), either for themselves or their chosen cleaners.
• How can I tell if a high cleaning fee is justified?
  Compare details: property size, amenities, extra cleaning needs, and host reviews for cleanliness scores.
• Do hosts profit from cleaning fees?
  The majority use the fee to pay for cleaning costs and supplies, not as an income center.
• Are there rules about cleaning fee refunds?
  If a guest finds the property not cleaned to standard, Airbnb may intervene, but hosts may not routinely refund fees unless issues are documented.

Key Takeaways: Navigating Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Chicago (and Beyond)

• Cleaning fees reflect the real cost of preparing homes to hotel-level standards between guests
• Urban markets like Chicago have higher costs due to wages, labor demand, and regulations
• Professional cleaners offer reliability, insurance, and consistent quality—justifying the investment
• Both hosts and guests should assess the full value of cleaning services, not just the bottom-line fee

If you’re a host seeking a streamlined, reliable partner for Airbnb turnovers, or a guest wanting peace of mind, Quick Cleaning is here for you with flexible, checklist-driven solutions. Explore our Airbnb cleaning options or learn about all our cleaning specialties.

About Quick Cleaning

Quick Cleaning helps households and businesses in Chicago, Illinois and nearby areas keep their spaces clean and healthy. Our team specializes in recurring house cleaning, deep cleaning, move out cleaning, office cleaning, and unique facility solutions. Each cleaner is trained to strict standards, follows detailed checklists, and uses only professional-grade products and equipment. We focus on transparent communication, reliability, and long-term client relationships—whether you’re a homeowner, Airbnb host, property manager, or business owner. For safe, professional cleaning with flexible scheduling and honest pricing, trust Quick Cleaning for your next appointment.

cleaning your home, cleaning company chicago, Airbnb Cleaning Company in Chicago, Airbnb Cleaning Chicago, airbnb cleaning in Des Plaines IL, airbnb cleaning Lombard IL, airbnb cleaning service in Yorkville IL, airbnb cleaning services in Morton Grove IL, airbnb clean service Hanover Park IL, best airbnb cleaning in River Grove IL, airbnb cleaning services in Bensenville