Published 27 Jun 2025
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6 min read
What is a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist?
A vacation rental cleaning checklist is a template that vacation property owners can use to assess the orderliness of their rental space. It lets them check spots that require deep cleaning and inspect damaged areas that need repair. Creating this checklist ensures that the rental space is in good condition before the guests arrive and after they leave.
Why Should I Have One?
Maintaining a vacation lodging requires extra effort from any property owner. A vacation rental cleaning checklist is a powerful tool to streamline this tedious process.
First, having a checklist on hand provides owners and housekeeping teams with a structure to proceed with the cleaning plans. The cleaning process becomes less daunting if owners plan out the tasks. Moreover, a checklist allows a clear vision of cleaning the space without missing any vital spots or hidden corners.
By keeping vacation rental homes tidy, owners can have spaces to impress the guests. It shows them that their needs are taken care of during their stay. Travelers can look forward to a safe, well-kept place to relax in for their vacation.
Lastly, maintaining a high standard for cleanliness brings peace of mind to guests. It assures them of the owner’s commitment to COVID-19 safety and customer experience. Property owners and housekeeping teams can bring their best foot forward with a proper cleaning system using a vacation rental checklist template.
What to Include in a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Template
A thoroughly neat space makes a big difference to guest satisfaction. However, it’s easy to miss certain blind spots around each nook and cranny of the property. For example, dirt and cobwebs can accumulate in ceiling fans and wall corners. A detailed checklist helps the cleaners keep track of these surfaces and ensure they’re tidied up. So here are important things to include in your vacation rental cleaning checklist:
Living Room
When entering a vacation home, guests often draw their eyes to the living room first. After all, this is the place where they’ll lounge around after a long day of travel. Make a lasting impression with a well-kept, pristine living room.
Vacuum the floor.
Lift area rugs while cleaning the floor.
Check for dirt, dust, and missing items under furniture items.
Inspect in between and under the couch.
Dust the lamps, bookshelves, and ceiling fans.
Disinfect and wipe the TV screen and remote controls.
Disinfect light switches, doorknobs, and coffee tables.
Kitchen
A fully-furnished kitchen is one of the biggest perks that guests expect in a vacation rental home. Hearty meals and bonding moments often begin at this place, so make every moment count by tidying up this area from the inside out.
Clear the dishes and silverware.
Double-check the counter and plates for any food remains.
Clean dirty pans and kitchen utensils.
Wipe and disinfect the stovetop and counter.
Clean out the microwave.
Check if food items are still safe to eat.
Throw out any spoiled food items and used containers.
Throw away and replace dirty garbage bags.
Replenish condiments, oils, spices, and other food items as needed.
Restock on sponges, kitchen towels, and other cleaning supplies.
Bedroom
After a long day of roaming around, guests can look forward to a good night’s sleep with a comfortable bedroom. Help guests relax with a tranquil, tidy resting place.
Wash and replace used sheets, linens, and comforters.
Dust and sanitize cabinets, drawers, and other furniture items.
Air out the surface of area rugs.
Empty the wastebasket.
Polish the floors and windows.
Bathroom
Since the bathroom is where guests wash and clean, it’s only natural to expect it to be clean as well. Keep the bathroom area in mint condition with the following tips:
Check drains and sinks for hair, clogs, or any damage.
Scrub and sanitize bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks.
Wipe mirrors and windows.
Pat the rugs or bath mats clean.
Stock up on bath essentials (e.g., shampoo, soap, conditioner).
Replace waste bins if they’re full.
Laundry Room
Guests who engage in active outdoor activities will need to clean their clothes after their trips. A neat, well-stocked laundry room can help them wash off the dirt and grime from their apparel.
Upgrade your laundry room with these tips:
Cleanse the detergent tray.
Remove stains and spills from the washing machine.
Sanitize the buttons and knobs of the washing machine.
Sweep the laundry room floor.
Check if laundry baskets are ready to use.
Replenish laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets as needed.
Check the labels of the laundry supplies.
Patios, Porches, and Outdoors
After a filling dinner, guests typically hang out by the patio and savor the fresh air outside. Moreover, some vacation properties also include lawns perfect for barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
Maintain the vacation rental’s exterior in mint condition with the following tips:
Sweep the outdoor patio.
Check if the exterior furniture is in good condition.
Sanitize railings, tables, chairs, and other shared spaces.
Dust and clean up shoe racks, if any.
Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist Sample Report | SafetyCulture
5 Must-Haves of a Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist
With so many templates online and so many tasks to complete, it can be challenging to draft a cohesive checklist covering everything for the vacation rental space.
To make things easier, here are a few things to expect when making a vacation rental checklist template:
List of Areas. Begin by organizing the space into different areas such as the living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, and so forth. Include the hidden corners that housekeepers can easily miss when cleaning.
List of Tasks. Divide the tasks per area. For example, when listing down chores for the living room, add vacuuming the floors and wiping the windows.
Vacation Rental Inventory. The checklist should also include the items that need to be restocked frequently, such as bed sheets, linens, towels, and more.
Damaged Items. Keep track of any damaged items or areas in the vacation rental property. It should indicate the damaged item, its location, the time it was seen, and a photo for documentation. This way, the items can be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
Signature of the Inspector. A digital signature completes the form and holds the inspector responsible for the check.
