Cleaning and Maintenance Tips That Keep Guests Coming Back
- gsausabr
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
In the world of short-term rentals, nothing matters more than guest experience—and nothing shapes that experience more than the cleanliness and condition of your property. Whether you’re hosting families on vacation, remote workers, or weekend travelers, a clean and well-maintained home can mean the difference between a glowing 5-star review and a booking lost forever.
The truth is, today’s guests are more demanding than ever. They expect hotel-level cleanliness, fast responses to issues, and a space that looks exactly like the photos.
Here are our top cleaning and maintenance tips to keep guests coming back—and spreading the word.
🧼 1. Treat Cleaning Like a Profession (Because It Is)
Don't think of cleaning as a side task—it’s part of your brand. Hiring a professional cleaning team is one of the best investments you can make. They know what to look for, follow checklists, and work efficiently between check-ins.
If you clean the property yourself, follow a structured checklist that includes:
Dusting baseboards, fans, and behind furniture
Wiping down all surfaces and high-touch areas (remotes, handles, switches)
Cleaning inside the fridge, microwave, and oven
Washing and replacing all linens and towels
Emptying trash and restocking supplies
💡 Pro tip: Leave a welcome card that mentions your strict cleaning protocol—guests love transparency.
🛠️ 2. Perform Preventative Maintenance (Not Just Emergency Repairs)
Waiting for something to break is a bad plan. Regular maintenance avoids bad surprises—and saves you money in the long run.
Schedule monthly inspections for A/C filters, plumbing, lights, and appliances
Tighten screws, fix leaky faucets, replace burnt-out bulbs
Test Wi-Fi, TVs, and streaming services between stays
Keep an eye on outdoor areas—grills, pools, gardens, and patio furniture
A well-maintained home shows you care—and guests can feel it the moment they walk in.
🧽 3. Deep Clean Monthly (Or More Often)
Even with regular turnovers, a deep clean is essential to keep your rental looking and feeling fresh.
Steam-clean carpets and upholstery
Wash windows and window screens
Clean behind and under furniture and appliances
Remove any scuffs from walls and doors
Re-seal countertops or tile grout if needed
💡 If you’re in a high-humidity area like Florida, pay special attention to mold-prone zones like bathrooms and laundry areas.
🧴 4. Stock Essentials—and Then Some
Guests appreciate thoughtful touches. Make sure your property is always stocked with:
Toilet paper, paper towels, and soap
Dishwashing liquid, sponges, and trash bags
Basic cleaning supplies (especially for longer stays)
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-size or refillable dispensers)
Laundry detergent if you have a washer/dryer
Add a few extras like coffee pods, bottled water, or local snacks—and you’ll likely see those 5-star reviews roll in.
🔄 5. Have a Reliable Turnover System
Efficiency is everything in short-term rentals. Whether you clean yourself or use a service, having a standardized turnover process helps you avoid missed details.
Use digital checklists for cleaners
Take “before and after” photos to monitor property condition
Keep spare linens, towels, and backups for everything on-site
Allow at least 4–5 hours between check-out and check-in to avoid stress
💡 Consider using a turnover calendar tool or apps like TurnoverBnB to coordinate teams and scheduling.
📲 6. Respond Quickly to Maintenance Issues
Guests will forgive small problems—but not if you ignore them. If the A/C stops working or the shower clogs, your speed in resolving it can make or break the stay.
Have a go-to handyman or local service team
Make sure guests have an easy way to contact you
Keep a few spare items (like fans, light bulbs, batteries) on site
Follow up after the fix to ensure everything’s working smoothly
Guests feel safe when they know you’re available and attentive.
🔑 Final Thoughts
In the short-term rental business, a sparkling clean and well-maintained property isn’t optional—it’s expected. It’s also your biggest opportunity to impress guests and build a base of loyal return visitors.
At Dreams N Fun, we know that success starts with consistency. That’s why our property management service includes professional cleaning coordination, routine inspections, guest-ready checklists, and 24/7 maintenance support—so you never have to stress about the small stuff.
📩 Want to keep your rental spotless and stress-free? Contact us today and discover how we can help.
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