A consistent, thorough cleaning checklist is the foundation of every high-rated Airbnb property. Guests notice when things are missed — and London guests, paying premium short-let rates, notice more than most. Whether you clean your property yourself or use a professional service, this checklist covers every area a guest will see, use, and judge you on. For a full guide to choosing a reliable Airbnb cleaning service in London, read our host guide to Airbnb cleaning.
Before the Clean: What to Do First
Before touching the property, do a quick walk-through:
- Check all rooms for items left by departing guests — return to lost property or leave in a designated spot
- Identify any damage, broken items, or maintenance issues — photograph and report immediately
- Open windows to ventilate before cleaning (10 minutes minimum)
- Start the washing machine with used linen and towels if doing your own laundry
- Gather all cleaning products, fresh linen, and restocking supplies before starting
Kitchen Checklist
The kitchen is the room guests judge most harshly after the bathroom. Cover every surface:
- Hob: degrease all burners or induction surface — wipe underneath removable parts
- Oven: wipe interior including racks and glass door — full degrease if heavily used
- Microwave: clean inside, outside, and the plate
- Fridge: wipe all shelves and drawers, remove any items left by guests, check door seals
- Dishwasher: run a cycle if items have been washed and left inside; clean the filter
- All cupboards: wipe fronts and handles; quickly check inside for left items
- Sink and taps: descale and polish — hard water marks are the most common guest complaint in London kitchens
- Countertops: wipe all surfaces including behind appliances
- Bin: empty, clean inside, and replace liner
- Restock: check washing-up liquid, dish soap, hand wash, kitchen roll
Bathroom Checklist
Bathrooms receive the closest scrutiny. London's exceptionally hard water means limescale builds quickly — descale at every turnover, not just occasionally:
- Toilet: inside bowl (including under the rim), seat both sides, cistern top, base, and surrounding floor
- Shower screen or curtain: remove limescale; check curtain for mould at the base
- Shower head: descale — London hard water blocks these fast
- Bath or shower tray: remove limescale ring and any hair from the drain
- Sink: descale taps and basin, clean drain
- Mirror: streak-free clean — guests notice immediately
- Tiles and grout: wipe down; spot-clean grout if darkening
- Floor: mop including corners and behind the toilet
- Towels: replace with fresh folded set — fold hotel-style if presentation matters to you
- Restock: toilet paper (minimum 2 rolls visible), hand soap, any complimentary toiletries
Bedroom Checklist
Beds are the centrepiece of the guest experience. A freshly made bed with clean linen is the single most powerful impression you can create:
- Strip all beds — mattress protectors should be changed every 3–5 stays or at any sign of staining
- Remake with freshly laundered linen — fitted sheet, flat sheet or duvet cover, pillowcases
- Check under the bed and behind furniture for items left by departing guests
- Wipe all surfaces: bedside tables, desk, shelving
- Dust any decorative items and light fittings
- Check wardrobe and drawers for left items; wipe wardrobe interiors monthly
- Vacuum carpet or mop hard floor including under furniture
- Check and replace any missing or damaged amenities (hangers, spare blanket, etc.)
Living Areas and Hallway
Living spaces often accumulate the most evidence of a previous guest — crumbs, fingerprints, rearranged furniture:
- Sofa and armchairs: plump cushions, check under cushions for crumbs and lost items, spot-clean any marks
- Coffee table and surfaces: wipe thoroughly including bases and legs
- TV remote: wipe with an antibacterial cloth — high-touch item often missed
- Windows: wipe any visible fingerprints or marks from inside
- Skirting boards: wipe — build-up is visible to guests at low angles
- Hallway: vacuum or mop, wipe light switches and door handles throughout the property
- Any outdoor space (balcony, garden): sweep, wipe down furniture, check for left items
Final Checks Before Your Guest Arrives
Before locking up, do a final walk-through using the guest's perspective — enter each room as if for the first time:
- Switch on all lights and check every bulb is working
- Check the temperature is set appropriately for the season
- Confirm the WiFi password is visible
- Check all windows are closed and locked if appropriate
- Review the welcome guide or house manual is in place
- Take final check-out photos of each room — send to the host immediately
- Confirm any consumables that are running low so the host can restock before the next turn
- Lock up securely and confirm key is returned to the correct location