Professional cleaning services have become a standard part of managing Airbnb and other short-term rentals, especially in competitive markets like Tennessee. Both guests and hosts have high expectations for cleanliness, and many property owners rely on professional services to meet those expectations. Below is a detailed Q&A article that answers common questions Tennessee residents have about how professional Airbnb cleaning works and what they can expect.
Do Airbnbs Get Professionally Cleaned?
Yes. Most Airbnb properties are professionally cleaned between guest stays, especially in high-traffic areas like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. With short booking windows and high guest turnover, hosts often use professional cleaning companies to ensure quick, thorough service that meets guest expectations.
How Does Professional Airbnb Cleaning Work?
Professional Airbnb cleaning typically follows a standardized turnover checklist to prepare the space for the next guest. The process is time-sensitive, detailed, and focused on presentation and sanitation.
Step-by-Step Overview of Airbnb Turnover Cleaning:
- Scheduling the Service
- Coordinated between the host and cleaning service
- May be automated via Airbnb calendar syncing
- Arrival and Access
- Cleaners enter via lockbox or smart lock provided by the host
- Cleaning and Inspection
- Complete cleaning of the unit
- Checklist used to ensure nothing is missed
- Restocking and Staging
- Essential supplies are replenished
- Towels, pillows, and toiletries are arranged for presentation
- Reporting Back
- Notes and photos may be sent to the host to confirm completion
What Are the Cleaning Standards for Airbnb?
Airbnb recommends that hosts follow their 5-step enhanced cleaning process, which became more prominent during the pandemic. Many professional services have adapted their workflows to align with these standards.
Airbnb's Cleaning Expectations:
- Clean each room thoroughly before disinfecting
- Sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, remotes, and light switches
- Check for leftover items, damage, or missing supplies
- Restock household essentials (toilet paper, hand soap, etc.)
- Communicate to confirm readiness for the next guest
What Cleaning Tasks Are Typically Performed?
A professional Airbnb turnover clean includes all essential tasks to return the property to a "guest-ready" state. These tasks go beyond standard residential cleaning.
Common Cleaning Tasks:
- General Cleaning
- Dusting all surfaces
- Vacuuming carpets and rugs
- Sweeping and mopping floors
- Taking out trash and recycling
- Bathroom Cleaning
- Scrubbing toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces
- Replacing towels and bath mats
- Restocking toilet paper, hand soap, shampoo, etc.
- Kitchen Cleaning
- Cleaning countertops and backsplash
- Wiping down appliances (microwave, fridge, oven)
- Washing dishes or loading dishwasher
- Restocking coffee, tea, paper towels, and dish soap
- Bedroom Cleaning
- Changing bed linens
- Fluffing pillows and arranging bedding
- Vacuuming or sweeping floors
- Checking for personal belongings left behind
- Living Area Cleaning
- Straightening furniture and decor
- Disinfecting remotes, light switches, and door handles
- Cleaning windows and mirrors
- Restocking Essentials
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Hand soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Coffee, tea, sugar
Are Guests Expecting Professional-Level Cleanliness?
Yes. Airbnb guests increasingly expect a hotel-level standard of cleanliness. Properties that fail to meet these expectations often receive lower reviews and fewer repeat bookings.
Common Guest Expectations:
- Fresh linens and towels
- No visible dust or dirt
- Spotless bathrooms and kitchens
- Pleasant, neutral scent
- Sanitary, uncluttered environment
In competitive short-term rental markets like Nashville, cleanliness is one of the top-reviewed features.
Why Do Hosts Choose Professional Cleaning Services?
Professional services provide reliability, speed, and consistency—critical for short booking windows. Many Tennessee hosts operate remotely or manage multiple properties, making hands-on cleaning impractical.
H3 Key Benefits for Hosts:
- Time Savings
- Cleaners handle turnovers quickly and efficiently
- Higher Guest Ratings
- Clean properties lead to better reviews
- Consistency
- Professionals follow the same checklist every time
- Damage or Issue Reporting
- Cleaners can alert hosts to maintenance issues
- Scalability
- Hosts can manage multiple units more easily
How Are Cleaning Fees Determined?
Hosts usually set the cleaning fee in the Airbnb listing. This fee covers the cost of professional service and varies by property size, location, and required tasks.
Typical Cleaning Fee Factors:
- Property size and number of rooms
- Frequency of bookings
- Location (urban vs. rural areas in Tennessee)
- Special cleaning requests (e.g., deep cleans, pet-friendly)
Average Range:
In Tennessee, Airbnb cleaning fees typically range from $50 to $150 per turnover, depending on the unit.
Who Pays the Cleaning Fee?
The guest usually pays the cleaning fee, which is added to their total booking cost. However, hosts are responsible for ensuring the service is completed properly.
What If There Are Issues with the Cleaning?
If a guest finds the property unsatisfactory, they can report it to Airbnb. The platform may offer a refund or require the host to address the problem.
For Hosts:
- Maintain good communication with your cleaning service
- Perform random quality checks
- Provide clear checklists and expectations
For Guests:
- Contact your host if something is amiss
- Document issues with photos
- Reach out to Airbnb support if needed
How Do Hosts Find a Reliable Airbnb Cleaner in Tennessee?
Many hosts find cleaners through:
- Local cleaning companies offering short-term rental services
- Word-of-mouth and host communities
- Property management companies
- Online platforms with vetted cleaners
What to Look for in a Cleaning Service:
- Experience with Airbnb or vacation rentals
- Ability to follow checklists and timelines
- References or reviews from other hosts
- Flexibility and last-minute availability
Are There Airbnb Cleaning Regulations in Tennessee?
There are no state-specific laws mandating professional cleaning, but all short-term rentals must meet local health and safety standards. Some cities may have additional requirements for vacation rental cleanliness or inspections.
Cities to Watch for Local Rules:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
Hosts should stay updated with local ordinances to avoid penalties.
Can Hosts Perform Their Own Cleaning?
Yes, some hosts choose to clean their properties themselves, especially if they manage only one unit. However, this requires a commitment to consistency, time, and effort.
Pros:
- Saves money
- Hands-on quality control
Cons:
- Time-intensive
- Risk of burnout
- Hard to manage during peak booking seasons
Final Thoughts: What Should You Expect from an Airbnb Clean?
Whether you're a guest or a host, professional cleaning is an essential part of the short-term rental experience. For hosts in Tennessee, hiring a reliable cleaning service can protect your reputation, increase your ratings, and save you valuable time. You can rely on our vacation rental and Airbnb cleaning services at Crystal Clean Cleaning Company.
For guests, professional cleaning ensures a comfortable, sanitary space that meets modern expectations. If you're staying in or managing a short-term rental in Tennessee, you can expect:
- Hotel-like cleanliness
- Sanitized surfaces
- Restocked essentials
- A visually appealing and welcoming environment
