It’s true that first impressions last. The first impression your summer rental makes will stick with your guests.
It may be well located and have great amenities, but if it isn’t clean, feedback from your guests will be critical and ratings will reflect this.
A strict cleaning schedule is vital to protect your investment during Cape Town’s peak summer rental season.
Why deep cleaning matters
Cape Town’s rental market is incredibly competitive. Feedback about subpar homes is readily available online. When there are so many properties to choose from, guests won’t pick a property that has poor reviews about cleanliness.
Keeping your rental home spotless will allow you to charge top rates and prevent any payment disputes.
Deep cleaning also protects its value and prevents costly repairs caused by neglect.
Alternative cleaning approaches
There are a few approaches for cleaning your summer rental.
Doing it yourself is the cheapest option but is the least practical. Most owners have other jobs or properties to take care of.
You can hire a cleaner but you will need to supply all the equipment, cleaning detergents and transport.
Some buildings, especially the modern aparthotels in Cape Town, offer in-house cleaning services. These are very convenient, but you will pay a premium for the convenience.
Outsourcing is often the best option, especially when it comes to deep cleaning requirements.
Many property owners choose a combination of these options.
Timing pre-rental deep cleans
Deep cleans take more time and effort than daily servicing of rental properties. But they are vital, especially in the lead up to the busy season.
Deep cleaning can unearth urgent issues, such as blocked drains and leaks. If carpets and mattresses are being cleaned, you must allow time for them to dry.
Give yourself time to inspect the property before the first guests arrive.
Essential cleaning guide: a checklist
Our essential deep cleaning guide will help you create a checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Carpets and flooring: the foundation
Deep cleaning carpets and floors prevents wear patterns from forming and avoids a “lived-in” look.
It removes embedded sand and dirt that regular vacuuming can’t reach. It’s vital to remove any stains, spills and marks before they become permanent.
Fitted carpets:
Thorough industrial vacuuming
Deep cleaning with hot-water extraction
Spot treatments for stains
Neutralise odours
Clean skirting boards
Hardwood and tiles:
Thorough mopping
Polish
Scrub grouting
Clean skirting boards
Upholstered furniture and soft furnishings
Upholstered chairs and sofas absorb odours and skin oils over time. They also collect allergens, especially from pet hair (if animals are allowed), which could affect the next guests.
Professional upholstery cleaning will help remove this. Don’t forget to clean scatter cushions and throws.
Fabric sofas:
Vacuum under sofa cushions
Professional hot-water extraction cleaning
Spot clean marks and stains
Remove cushion covers and wash
Wash throws and blankets
Upholstered chairs and ottomans:
Thoroughly vacuum
Professional hot-water extraction cleaning
Spot clean marks and stains
Clean and polish wooden legs and arms
Curtains, blinds and window treatments
Dust and pollen accumulate on curtains and blinds from open windows, especially during the Cape’s South Easter season or after a seasonal veld fire.
Keeping windows clean and curtain or blinds in good working order maximises natural light and takes full advantage of beautiful views.
Any broken blinds or torn curtains should be replaced. Repairs can look cheap, so only mend items if the repair is invisible.
Fabric curtains:
Remove from rail and wash
Steam out wrinkles
Spot treat marks and stains
Clean rails and pelmets
Blinds:
Thoroughly dust and clean slats
Check working condition
Take down fabric blinds and wash
Mattresses: the hidden cleaning priority
Guests will expect the mattress in a summer rental home to be clean and comfortable, as well as free from allergens and dust mites.
Odours and stains must be eliminated. Knowing the mattress has been professionally cleaned will give your guests peace of mind.
Invest in high-quality bedding. This is for guest comfort and to withstand frequent and thorough washing.
Mattresses and padded headboards:
Thorough vacuuming (especially seams)
Professional hot-water extraction cleaning
Stain removal
Odour neutralising
Check for signs of bed bugs
Bathrooms and kitchens: beyond basic cleaning
Bathrooms and kitchens are prime locations for dirt to accumulate in hard-to-reach places. Mould can proliferate, especially in Cape Town’s wet winters.
A deep clean will give your rental a showhouse feeling, which can be maintained with regular maintenance throughout the season.
Bathrooms:
Remove limescale from glass and taps
Clean shower door edges or tracks
Scrub grouting, especially corners
Check ceiling, walls and windows for mould
Sanitise drains
Kitchens:
Descale kettle and coffee makers
Clean fridges, defrost freezers and eliminate odours
Deep clean oven/microwave
Clean extraction fan and check for odours
Sanitise drains
Outdoor spaces and entertainment areas
Patio furniture and outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements. They start looking dirty and shabby quickly without regular cleaning. Braai areas accumulate grease and smoke residue and need deep cleaning.
If your rental home has a pool and deck area, it should get a thorough power clean before the summer. This will increase your rental’s appeal in the hotter months.
Patio furniture:
Clean all furniture and check for rust or damage
Remove cushions and clean
Check for mould or moss growth
Braai:
Clear braai areas of smoke residue
Ensure chimneys are clear
Scrub racks and grids
Pool area:
Get a professional pool cleaner to check the water
Ensure pumps and filters are working
Check for moss growth on decks (slipping hazard)
Power wash tiles
Sanitise drains
Creating a cleaning maintenance schedule for the rental season
Once the deep clean is done, maintain this cleanliness throughout the rental season in between bookings.
Create a regular cleaning schedule with your chosen cleaning company or service so that you’re never caught short during quick turnarounds.
Make it clear to guests if any cleaning during their stay is included and when it takes place. Longer stays should include rubbish removal, a change of bedding and fresh towels.
At the end of the high season, another deep clean will ensure that any wear and tear from the summer rush is taken care of.
Return on investment of professional cleaning
No matter what the cost of professional cleaning, it will never compare to the damage bad reviews will do to the reputation of your rental property. Property listings that have bad feedback and negative reviews don’t get many bookings and struggle to recover.
A major concern for people staying in a place that’s not their own home is the possibility of uncleanliness or a lack of hygiene. A property that has a reputation for being pristine can more easily be marketed as a premium summer rental.
Professional cleaning saves time for property owners and rental managers and gives them the assurance that the property looks its best.
Documentation and communication with guests
Following a deep clean, take photographs of your rental property looking its best. The cleanliness of your property must match the level you present in your listing.
Include cleaning certificates in the welcome pack, so guests know the property was recently deep cleaned. Be transparent about this information. It builds trust and will result in better ratings.
Finding a reliable professional cleaning service is an investment rather than just an expense. This investment is vital for your property, giving it an advantage in the competitive short-term Cape Town rental market.
