When it comes to Airbnb hosting, great cleaning isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Guests expect a spotless, hotel-level experience — and if you miss even small details, it can cost you 5-star reviews (and future bookings).

At JaxBNB, we manage properties every day and know exactly what guests notice — and what they actually complain about in their reviews.
Here’s your go-to checklist for making sure your property is guest-ready every time.

1. The First Impression: Smell and Entryway

What guests notice immediately:

• Stale smells, musty air, or overpowering cleaning chemicals
• Dirt, leaves, or spiderwebs around the front door
• Smudges on glass doors or entry windows

Checklist:

• Freshen the air naturally (no overpowering sprays — clean scents only)
• Sweep the entry area and wipe down doors
• Check for fingerprints on all glass and handles

Pro Tip: Guests decide how clean your property is within the first 10 seconds.

2. Kitchens: The “Silent Judge” Area

Guests don’t always cook — but they definitely inspect the kitchen.

What guests complain about:

• Sticky counters or dirty cabinet handles
• Greasy stovetops or splattered microwaves
• Leftover crumbs inside drawers or on shelves
• Coffee makers that aren’t fully cleaned out

Checklist:

• Wipe all surfaces, including handles and light switches
• Deep clean appliances: fridge shelves, microwave, coffee machine
• Restock fresh sponges and dish soap (dirty or reused = instant complaint)

3. Bathrooms: Where You Win or Lose Stars

Bathrooms are the #1 place guests notice bad cleaning.

Common complaints:

• Hair (anywhere — sinks, showers, floors, towels)
• Water spots on mirrors or chrome
• Mildew in tile grout or shower doors

Checklist:

• Double-check all surfaces for stray hairs
• Polish mirrors, faucets, and glass until streak-free
• Scrub grout and shower edges routinely (not just once in a while)

Pro Tip: Fresh white towels and minimal clutter make bathrooms feel even cleaner.

4. Beds and Linens: Beyond Just Making the Bed

An unmade bed is bad — but even a made bed can trigger complaints if it looks or smells wrong.

Common complaints:

• Stains on sheets or pillows
• Faint odors on linens (especially if stored long)
• Hair or debris on bedding

Checklist:

• Always use freshly laundered sheets and pillowcases (no “spot clean and reuse”)
• Check mattresses and under beds for dust and debris
• Replace any pillows, comforters, or duvets that start looking worn

5. Floors and Corners: The Forgotten Zones

Guests will notice if you skip cleaning the edges.

Common complaints:

• Dust bunnies behind furniture
• Dirt buildup along baseboards
• Sticky floors (especially in the kitchen or bathroom)

Checklist:

• Vacuum and mop thoroughly — not just the middle of the room
• Wipe baseboards and under furniture legs
• Shake out or replace entry mats and area rugs as needed

6. “Small But Mighty” Details

It’s the little things that really make guests feel like the place is truly clean.

Common complaints:

• Dusty ceiling fans or vents
• Fingerprints on light switches and remote controls
• Trash cans that smell or aren’t lined with fresh bags

Checklist:

• Dust vents, fans, and high shelves routinely
• Wipe down remotes, thermostats, and switches
• Empty and sanitize trash cans every turnover

Final Thoughts

Guests don’t just want “clean enough” — they want hotel-level perfection.
The fastest way to ruin a great property is to slip up on cleaning, even by a little bit.

At JaxBNB, we have professional teams that follow strict, detailed checklists to guarantee 5-star stays — every time.
No missed corners. No guest complaints. Just happier guests (and higher profits for you).

👉 Contact JaxBNB today at info@jaxbnb.com or 904-242-6988 if you want your property to be cleaned (and reviewed) like a pro!