Airbnb Cleaning Business: How to Start and Grow

Airbnb cleaning businesses charge $75 to $250 per turnover depending on the property size. Short-term rental cleaning differs from regular cleaning because of tight timelines and strict checklists. This guide covers pricing, finding hosts, managing turnovers, and building a profitable Airbnb cleaning business.

Why Is the Short-Term Rental Cleaning Market Growing?

Short-term rentals are everywhere. Millions of hosts list properties on Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms. Every one of those properties needs to be cleaned between guests.

This creates a huge demand for reliable cleaners. Hosts pay well because a clean property gets better reviews. Better reviews mean more bookings and more money for the host.

Why Airbnb Cleaning is a Great Opportunity

• High demand — the short-term rental market keeps growing every year
• Better pay — turnovers often pay more per hour than regular cleaning
• Repeat work — busy hosts need cleaners multiple times per week
• Referrals — hosts talk to each other and share good cleaners
• Flexible hours — most turnovers happen between checkout and check-in

How Does Airbnb Cleaning Differ From Regular Cleaning?

Cleaning a rental is not the same as cleaning a regular home. The standards are higher and the timeline is tighter.

Speed Matters

You often have a small window between checkout and check-in. Checkout is usually at 11 am and check-in at 3 or 4 pm. That gives you 4 to 5 hours to clean, do laundry, and restock.

Hotel-Level Standards

Guests expect a hotel-quality experience. Every surface must be spotless. Beds and towels must be perfect.

Even small details matter. Lined trash cans and restocked soap show guests you care.

Restocking is Part of the Job

You do more than just clean. You replace toiletries, put out fresh towels, and restock supplies. You may also wash and fold laundry.

The host will give you a list of what to restock.

Photo Documentation

Many hosts want photos after each turnover. Take pictures of each room when you finish. This protects you and the host if a guest makes a damage claim.

How Do You Price Airbnb Turnovers?

Airbnb cleaning pays more than standard cleaning. Hosts expect to pay a premium for fast, reliable work.

Typical Pricing

Here is what most cleaners charge by property size:

• Studio or one bedroom — $75 to $120 per turnover
• Two bedrooms — $100 to $175 per turnover
• Three bedrooms — $150 to $250 per turnover
• Four or more bedrooms — $200 to $400 or more per turnover

What Affects Your Price

Several factors change what you can charge:

• Property size — more rooms means more work and higher pay
• Laundry included — washing and folding adds $20 to $50
• Restocking level — more supplies to replace means more time
• Your location — big cities and tourist areas pay more
• Same-day turnovers — charge extra for rush jobs

How Do You Find Airbnb Hosts?

Hosts are always looking for cleaners they can trust. Here is how to find them.

Search Airbnb Listings in Your Area

Go to Airbnb and search for rentals near you. Look at the listings. Contact hosts through the platform or find their contact details on their property website.

Join Host Facebook Groups

Most cities have Facebook groups for rental hosts. Join these groups and introduce yourself. Many hosts post when they need a cleaner.

Contact Property Management Companies

Some hosts use property managers to run their rentals. These managers often handle dozens of properties. Landing one manager can give you steady weekly work.

List on Turnover Cleaning Platforms

Several platforms connect cleaners with hosts. These include TurnoverBnB, Properly, and Breezeway. They handle scheduling and payments for a small fee.

Ask for Referrals

After you clean a few rentals, ask your hosts to tell other hosts about you. Word of mouth is powerful in the rental community. One happy host can lead to five new clients.

How Do You Manage Airbnb Turnovers?

Good systems keep you organized and on time. Here is how to run smooth turnovers.

Create a Turnover Checklist

Write a step-by-step list for every turnover. Follow it every time to stay consistent and fast.

Use our free cleaning checklist as a starting point.

Start With Laundry

Put the laundry in the washer first thing. This lets it run while you clean. By the time you finish cleaning, the laundry is ready to fold.

Work Room by Room

Start from the back and work toward the front door. Clean top to bottom in each room. This keeps you from tracking dirt into clean areas.

Keep a Supply Kit in Your Car

Pack a kit with backup supplies. Include trash bags, paper towels, soap, cleaning products, and extra linens. You never want to be caught without something you need.

Communicate With Hosts

Send a message when you arrive and when you finish. Share photos of the clean property. Hosts love knowing the job is done and the rental is ready for guests.

What Goes on an Airbnb Turnover Checklist?

Here is a complete checklist for a standard turnover:

First Steps

1. Start all laundry — strip beds and gather towels immediately
2. Open windows — let fresh air in while you clean
3. Check for damage — photograph any issues and report to the host
4. Collect trash — empty every trash can and replace bags

Kitchen

• Wash all dishes or run the dishwasher
• Wipe all counters and the stovetop
• Clean inside the microwave
• Wipe appliance fronts — fridge, oven, dishwasher
• Restock dish soap, sponge, and paper towels

Bathrooms

• Scrub toilet inside and out
• Clean tub, shower, and glass doors
• Wipe mirrors and counters
• Mop floor
• Set out fresh towels — neatly folded or rolled
• Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and shampoo

Bedrooms

• Make beds with fresh linens — tight hospital corners
• Dust all surfaces — nightstands, dressers, lamps
• Vacuum or mop floors
• Check closets and drawers for items left behind

Final Steps

1. Fold and put away laundry
2. Stage the property — pillows, throws, welcome items
3. Lock windows
4. Take photos of every room
5. Lock up and send the host a completion message