Is an Airbnb Cleaning Service Worth It?
Published inAirbnb
6 min read · 12 Oct 2023

Is an Airbnb Cleaning Service Worth It?

Rolling up your sleeves and scrubbing every nook and cranny of your vacation rental can be a considerable drain on your time, not to mention the challenge of maintaining this level of cleaning standards with a fast turnaround time for the next guest.

This is where outsourcing to a professional Airbnb cleaning service can be a game-changer.But does the cost-effectiveness of these housekeeping services live up to their promise? Let's dissect the pros and cons of investing in such a service for your short-term rental.

When Should You Choose DIY Cleaning

Choosing DIY cleaning for your Airbnb is a practical decision when you're flying solo on the housekeeping front. This choice is convenient if your rental is small to moderate, say, a cosy loft downtown or an idyllic cottage nestled in the countryside.Since you'd have fewer surfaces to scrub, you can channel less of your budgeting towards professional cleaning. A personal touch in your cleaning procedures can ensure remarkable guest satisfaction, sometimes leading to rave reviews.If you possess a mobile vacuum cleaner and a handful of sturdy, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, you're already halfway equipped for the task.

Consider the turnaround time too; if you host infrequently or the check-out and check-in times are generously spaced, you can consider taking the cleanliness matters into your own hands.Be wary, though, as the shine of cleanliness reflects directly on your ratings and guest experience. Cutting corners can lead to a leased vacation home with less-than-stellar reviews.Guest readiness and high standards of cleanliness are non-negotiable in the vacation rental business. A cleaning checklist, along with timely maintenance and property management, can be your ally in this housekeeping mission.

When Hiring an Airbnb Cleaning Service Makes the Most Sense

The decision to outsource depends on many factors, such as budgeting, turnaround time, and your approach to Airbnb hosting. However, considering the time saved and the high standards of cleanliness achieved, hiring a cleaning service may just be worthwhile for ensuring your Airbnb business thrives in the competitive tourism industry. Here are some scenarios to consider:

  • When You Want to Spend More Time Doing What You Love

Often, vacation rental owners find their free time evaporating amidst the rigorous demands of cleanliness and sanitisation. Cleaning is not merely a task; it's an investment in guest satisfaction. Every hour spent scrubbing, dusting, and disinfecting is an hour less spent on hobbies, family, or self-care.

By hiring a professional cleaning service, you can not only reclaim those lost hours but also enhance your rental property's appeal.Airbnb hosts know that a spotless property gets good reviews and draws more travellers to their doorstep, ultimately supporting rental income.

  • When your Cleaning Isn’t Professional Cleaning

There's a deep difference between home cleaning and professional cleaning, say those who've traversed it.Here’s how our London cleaners explain it: professional housekeeping services bring a level of thoroughness, precision, and consistency that's hard to achieve otherwise.

Expert cleaners have the training to carry out deep cleaning tasks, turnover services, and end-of-stay cleaning, the checklist of which would exhaust even the determined DIY enthusiast.Plus, they come equipped with eco-friendly cleaning supplies of professional grade that ensure optimum disinfection.

A well-cleaned short-term rental not only ensures repeat bookings but also safeguards your investment property from premature wear and tear. The cost-effectiveness of these services in the long run, especially for hosts managing multiple properties, is significant.

  • When You Need a Safety Net for Unforeseen Situations

Airbnb hosting is full of surprises, and sometimes these are messy surprises. Following guidelines for sanitisation and disinfection might not always cover every corner.

An Airbnb cleaning service acts as your safety net. These services uphold high standards when it comes to cleanliness and ensure your rental property is always ready for the next guest.Focusing on the rental business while knowing your investment property is in good hands can bring peace of mind to hosts.

  • When You Want to Improve Your Airbnb Reputation

High standards of cleanliness can directly impact your Airbnb ratings. Adhering to an immaculate housekeeping routine is essential, but a deep cleaning service can take it a notch higher.Imagine the outstanding reviews when guests are welcomed into a home that speaks volumes about hygiene standards and attention to detail.

Nonetheless, be discerning of the service you opt for. Highly-trained professional cleaning teams can ensure your property lives up to guest expectations and prospectively boost your ranking.

  • When You Want to Save Money

At first glance, hiring a professional cleaning service might seem counterintuitive to saving money. But consider this: investing now can reduce future costs associated with property damage or negative guest reviews.

A professionally maintained Airbnb property might prevent any avoidable maintenance costs, essentially making it cost-effective in the long haul.Outsourcing house maintenance to professionals not only frees time but also guarantees the quality assurance you require as a property owner.

How Much Is the Average Cleaning Fee for Airbnb?

Providing a pleasant guest experience and maintaining cleanliness are both important aspects of hosting on Airbnb.In the year 2023, the typical cleaning price for an Airbnb in London and the surrounding area will be roughly £35 per stay.However, this price varies depending on the size of the property, the amount of thorough cleaning needed, and the level of housekeeping operations needed.

At the time this blog was written, Get Set Clean offered a cost-effective hourly rate of £22 for their cleaning services in London. They provide both quality and value, including everything from routine sanitisation to thorough cleaning, meticulously following a centralised checklist to meet and exceed visitor expectations.

So, Should you Hire Professional Cleaners?

As we've seen a number of times, leaving post-guest cleaning to the pros maintains high standards and drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to get your rental ready for the next group of visitors.

However, it goes beyond simple cleanliness. It involves upgrading your basic holiday home into a sought-after self-catering establishment that draws a flood of reservations while upholding house regulations, safety precautions, and house maintenance.In conclusion, the question should not be whether professional cleaning services are worthwhile, but rather whether you can afford to forego the numerous advantages that they bring.

A skilled Airbnb cleaning service pays for itself in great guest experiences from the first house tour to the final check-out, more outstanding reviews, and, ultimately, profitable rental success.