One of the biggest headaches for Airbnb hosts is making sure a property is spic and span before any new guests check in.
This can be a stressful task. Often, it has to be handled fast, between one set of guests leaving and the next arriving.
Here we review Cape Town Airbnb cleaning alternatives. Choosing the best approach for you will involve weighing costs against savings in time and convenience.
DIY Airbnb cleaning
Cleaning the Airbnb rental unit yourself is obviously the most cost-effective solution, but is it viable?
Pros: There’s no regular outlay for cleaning, so rental profits are greater. As an Airbnb host, you’re within your rights to charge clients for a cleaning service, whether the job is outsourced or not.
Breakages are kept to a minimum, theft is not a concern and the unit is left exactly as you’d want it.
Cons: DIY cleaning is massively time-consuming and energy-sapping. It may entail allocating a full day to a task that could be done in a few hours by an experienced cleaning team.
Losing a day’s occupancy offsets the money you save by cleaning the unit yourself. It also means you have less time to spend on growing the business, or other pursuits.
Hiring an individual for Airbnb cleaning
Hiring a full-time cleaner may be the answer. However, there are a few things to consider before recruiting someone.
Pros: A dedicated cleaner relieves you of the pressure of having to clean yourself. It allows you to get on with running a small business.
It’s quicker and easier to train one person to do the job the way you want it than to train an entire team.
Cons: You’re reliant on one trained worker. If he or she is sick, needs to take leave for personal reasons or leaves the job, you’re left high and dry.
Employing someone full-time also involves contractual obligations, such as UIF contributions, paid leave and paid overtime.
Hiring a specialist Airbnb cleaning company
As the popularity of Airbnb has grown, companies have started offering specialised Airbnb cleaning services. Typically, they provide a cleaning team as and when it’s required.
Pros: You’re guaranteed a quick, efficient and professional cleaning service by an experienced team.
The team uses the latest equipment and cleaning products – and works fast. This leaves you time to focus on special touches, such as providing crisp bed linen, fluffy towels and fresh flowers.
You probably don’t have to worry about a no-show. You also don’t have to worry about the commitments associated with hiring staff. These are managed by the cleaning company.
Cons: Professional cleaning companies are expensive. You may have to increase your rates to cover the extra costs. This could negatively affect your occupancy level.
There’s also the issue of availability and staff turnover. There’s no guarantee a cleaning company will always be available when you need it.
It’s unlikely the same personnel will be allocated to your job. You may have to explain how you want things done, over and over again.
Periodic deep cleaning as an added dirt-busting technique
Whichever Cape Town Airbnb cleaning alternative you choose, it’s a good idea to invest in periodic deep-cleaning in between routine cleans.
With professional deep-cleaning, you won’t have to replace furnishings as frequently. This saves money.
You’ll also help ensure that your rental unit meets guests’ high expectations for cleanliness.
