How to Stay in the 5-Star Club: Smart Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Airbnb Success
Let’s be honest. When you first listed your Airbnb, it looked stunning. Cushions fluffed. Chrome gleaming. The kind of light that makes your hallway feel like a boutique hotel in Copenhagen. But flash forward a year — is it still holding up?
That’s the question hosts across London, Bristol, and beyond should be asking. Because the secret to staying in Airbnb’s 5-star club isn’t just about welcome baskets and scented candles. It’s about maintenance, materials, and knowing when to call in the pros.
The Paint Job That Lasts
Cheap paint is like instant coffee: fine in a pinch, but you’ll regret it eventually. High-traffic walls — hallways, bathrooms, and kitchen splashbacks — need a durable finish. Think wipeable matt or eggshell for a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Choose quality brands with staying power. Because when guests brush past your wall with a suitcase and leave a scuff? You want a surface that forgives, not flakes.
Don’t Skimp on Fixtures
A dripping tap or flickering spotlight might not seem like a dealbreaker — until it’s mentioned in a review (and they will mention it). Investing in decent fixtures and fittings from day one pays off. Chrome that doesn’t rust. Showerheads that don’t resemble garden sprinklers. Sockets that aren’t hanging on by a wire. It’s not luxury — it’s longevity.
And here’s the bonus: investing in durable, high-quality products doesn’t just save you money in the long run — it saves the planet, too. Fewer replacements mean less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. It’s sustainability without the lecture.
Furniture That Survives Guests (and Gravity)
We all love a design moment. But a wobbly mid-century chair from a market stall? Not the best choice for a high-use rental. Think of your furniture as low-key workhorses. Go for pieces that look good and can survive the occasional suitcase dent, spilled coffee, or impromptu yoga session. Bonus points if the covers are washable.
The Power of a Maintenance Calendar
Here’s where the savvy hosts separate themselves. Schedule seasonal check-ins:
- Spring: touch up paintwork, replace worn linens
- Summer: window cleaning, plumbing checks
- Autumn: appliance servicing, heating test
- Winter: deep clean, seal draughts
You wouldn’t run a hotel without maintenance. Why should your Airbnb be any different?
The Cleanliness Factor: Always, Always Relevant
Guests will overlook many things — but dust isn’t one of them. If your cleaner is rushed, unreliable, or just not detail-obsessed, your reviews will reflect it. A professionally cleaned property isn’t just about appearance; it signals care, consistency, and pride of place.
After all, it’s the details that stay with people. The way the glassware sparkles. The fresh scent when they walk in. The pristine loo roll triangle (yes, that matters).
More Effort, More Bookings
Let’s not forget the business side of it all. When your space is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully furnished, it stands out. And when it stands out, it gets booked. Happy guests mean glowing reviews. Glowing reviews mean more visibility. More visibility? More profit. It’s a simple formula that starts with quality and ends in success.
In Conclusion: The 5-Star Secret Isn’t a Secret
Staying at the top on Airbnb isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about consistency, foresight, and treating your property like the business it is. And while you can’t control every guest, you can control the impression they walk into.
That’s where Get Set Clean comes in. We partner with hosts across London and Bristol to deliver professional, detail-driven cleaning services tailored for short-let properties. Whether it’s a post-checkout reset or a regular cleaning schedule, we help you maintain that crisp, cared-for look guests love — and 5-star reviews reflect.
