Many challenges come with renting out a room or property to guests. The greatest task – and biggest hassle – is the guest house cleaning between changeovers, especially when it has to be done fast.
Fortunately, there are ways to make this more efficient. Guidelines and a basic checklist really help. They’re essential if more than one cleaner is employed.
Special requirements due to the pandemic
Inevitably, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for proper sanitation of surfaces and items that people touch frequently. So, it’s essential to know how to clean for COVID-19 safety.
Airbnb has a 5-step enhanced cleaning process that all hosts are required to follow between guest stays. It’s worth adopting even if you don’t list your property on Airbnb. Guidance here explains how to implement this cleaning process.
Who will do the cleaning?
Some hosts opt for DIY cleaning. This is the cheapest (and most controllable) option, but it’s not the easiest.
Look here for alternative approaches to guest house cleaning and their pros and cons.
Guest house cleaning checklists
Whoever does the cleaning, it’s necessary to follow to the letter how the rooms and communal areas are cleaned.
A standardised checklist provides useful reminders for regular staff and helps train new employees. Use our checklists as a start.
Bedroom
- Strip the bed, check the mattress cover and pillows for stains and damage. Replace with clean linen and covers.
- Empty bin, wipe, disinfect and sanitise inside and out. Replace with clean bin liner.
- Dust, wipe and disinfect ALL surfaces, including furniture, wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, headboard, TV, picture frames, shelves, windows and window frames, door and door sills, skirting boards, fans, light switches, lampshades, knobs, heaters and air conditioning units and vents.
- Lastly, clean the floor. Sweep, mop or vacuum thoroughly. Move furniture and vacuum or mop under the bed.
- Check that all appliances (TV, air conditioner, fans) and lights are clean and working. Use vacuum nozzle to remove dust build-up from ventilation grills. Wipe tops of fan blades.
Bathroom
- Empty bin. Wipe, disinfect and sanitise inside and out. Replace with clean bin liner.
- Remove towels and bathmat.
- Clean, scrub and sanitise shower, basin and bath, including taps, showerhead and surrounding tiles/glass walls. Wipe dry. Polish chrome.
- Clean and sanitise shower curtain or shower door. There must be no build-up of scum, hairs or mould. Wipe windows and frames.
- Clean, scrub, disinfect and sanitise entire toilet, including the outside and flush handle. Remember to lift and clean seat and lid. There must be no stains.
- Clean and polish mirror and lights.
- Check the plumbing for leaks or other problems.
- Restock toilet paper, toiletries, bathmat and towels.
Kitchen
- Completely clean oven, fridge, appliances and gadgets to remove all crumbs, grime and residue.
- Empty bin. Wipe, disinfect and sanitise inside and out. Replace with clean bin liner.
- Wash all pots, pans, cutlery and utensils.
- Clean and sanitise sink, taps and draining area. Fill detergent.
- Replace dishcloths and tea towels.
- Clean and thoroughly disinfect all kitchen surfaces, including shelves, cupboard doors and knobs, and windows.
- Vacuum, wash and wipe floor.
- Make sure all appliances are working well.
General and communal areas
- Empty bins. Wipe, disinfect and sanitise inside and out. Replace with clean bin liners.
- Clean, polish and sanitise all surfaces and windows in communal areas, such as lounges and hallways.
- Vacuum soft furnishings, such as sofas and cushions.
- Sweep and mop or vacuum floors and stairs.
- Replace all light bulbs and check TV, Wi-Fi and remote controls are working. Check all instructions are in clear view.
- Outside, clean braai and wipe down garden furniture.
Printable guest house cleaning checklist
It helps to give each cleaner a checklist with blank spaces to tick off on a daily basis.
You can printout the checklists above or use the samples here.
Helpful Cape Town cleaning services
Sometimes, you discover guests have left furniture, carpets, rugs and mattresses soiled and stained. Chelsea Cleaning can remove those stains for you and give your items a deep clean.
When you need to arrange full guest house cleaning, your usual cleaner can’t make it in time for a scheduled guest arrival or you want linen washed, these Cape Town-based services may be able to help:
Chelsea Cleaning
At Chelsea Cleaning, we don’t do full guest house cleaning but we do clean curtains, carpets, mattresses and upholstery – expertly and at a reasonable price.
