Short-term rental cleaning keeps your property guest-ready between stays. It's more than a quick tidy-up-it's a structured turnover that protects your reviews, protects your asset, and keeps operations running smoothly. Use Trusted House Cleaners to browse nearby providers, compare services and pricing, and reach out directly to the cleaners who fit your needs.

A short-term rental (STR) or "turnover" cleaning is a professional service designed to prepare a vacation rental, Airbnb, or furnished stay for the next guest-often on the same day a guest checks out. It blends hospitality standards with residential cleaning and light property care. Beyond dusting and mopping, STR cleaners focus on speed, consistency, and presentation so your listing looks exactly like the photos every time.

Typical turnover tasks include:

• Resetting the space to a defined standard and layout
• Bathroom and kitchen sanitization with attention to high-touch areas
• Linens and towels changed or laundered, beds staged neatly
• Trash removed, dishes washed or dishwasher run and emptied
• Floors vacuumed and mopped; dusting and spot cleaning
• Quick inspection for damage or missing items
• Restocking essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, coffee, toiletries) if requested

Unlike a deep clean, a turnover is built for repeatable, checklist-driven work inside tight time windows. Many hosts schedule deeper seasonal cleans to tackle behind-appliance or high-reach tasks that go beyond a standard reset.

Why turnover cleaning matters for hosts and guests

• Protect your ratings: Cleanliness is one of the first things guests rate, and it heavily influences your overall score and search visibility on booking platforms.
• Faster operations: A reliable cleaner helps you accept back-to-back bookings with confidence, reducing gaps and increasing revenue.
• Fewer headaches: Trained pros spot maintenance issues early-like a slow drain, a leaky faucet, or stained linens-so you can act before the next arrival.
• Consistent brand: A staged, crisp presentation keeps your photos honest and your guest experience predictable.

How to use Trusted House Cleaners to find local pros

Trusted House Cleaners is a directory that helps you discover short-term rental cleaning services in your area. Browse profiles to see the services offered, service area coverage, experience with STR platforms, photos, and customer feedback. Reach out to providers directly to request a quote or confirm availability for your turnover windows.

Important: This directory does not pre-vet providers and does not perform any service work. Before you hire, verify credentials, confirm business insurance, and check references to ensure the fit is right for your property and standards.

Ready to compare local pros? It's quick and free.

What's included in a typical STR turnover (and common add-ons)

Every property is different, but most cleaners follow a structured checklist. Expect the following as standard or commonly requested:

Core tasks:

• Kitchen reset: counters and appliances wiped, sink scrubbed, dishes handled, fridge checked for leftovers
• Bathroom reset: toilets, showers, tubs, and sinks sanitized; mirrors polished; towels replaced
• Bedrooms and living areas: surfaces dusted, floors vacuumed/mopped, fingerprints removed from glass and switches
• Beds staged: fresh linens installed and styled to match listing photos
• Trash and recycling removed; bins relined
• Supplies checked: note low inventory or restock if you provide consumables
• Quick quality check and basic photo confirmation on request

Popular add-ons:

• On-site laundry service (linens and towels)
• Linen pickup/delivery or linen rental
• Deep cleaning of grout, ovens, inside fridges, baseboards, or high-reach dusting
• Outdoor tidying: patios, grills, entryways; spot-cleaning exterior glass
• Hot tub chemical check or cover cleaning (where permitted)
• Pet hair treatment or odor remediation
• Inventory count and restocking runs
• Welcome staging touches: coffee setup, folded towel art, local guide placement

Clarify what's "included" versus "extra" before you book so you're comparing apples to apples across multiple providers.

Typical costs for short-term rental cleaning

Pricing varies by market, property size, laundry needs, and service speed. Most cleaners charge a flat rate per turnover with add-ons for laundry or specialty tasks; some offer hourly rates for nonstandard projects.

You may see ballpark ranges like:

• Studio or 1 bedroom: $70-$120+ per turnover
• 2 bedrooms: $100-$160+
• 3-4 bedrooms or larger homes: $150-$250+, and $250-$400+ for larger or luxury properties
• Deep cleans or seasonal resets: often quoted hourly or as a separate flat fee

What affects price:

• Size and complexity: more beds and bathrooms = more time
• Laundry volume: on-site machines vs. off-site linen service; number of loads
• Turnaround speed: tight same-day windows can cost more than flexible next-day resets
• High standards or specialty items: premium finishes, glass showers, stainless steel with fingerprint care
• Restocking: time for shopping and receipts handling
• Access and parking: high-rise logistics, key exchanges, or paid parking add time
• Pets, sand, glitter, confetti, or heavy kitchen use from longer stays

Tip: If you pass a cleaning fee to guests, align your pricing with real turnover costs so you're not losing margin during peak season or weekends.

Turnaround timeline and scheduling

Short-term rentals run on the clock. A typical same-day turnover might look like:

• 10:00 a.m.: Checkout and access confirmed
• 10:15-10:30 a.m.: Cleaners arrive, review notes and any guest messages
• 2-3 hours: Standard 1-2 bedroom reset; larger homes may require 3-5 hours or a team of two or more
• 3:00-4:00 p.m.: Final check, photos, and lockup before the next check-in window

Scheduling best practices:

• Share your calendar: Give cleaners visibility to bookings and special requests
• Define window and must-be-done items: Prioritize tasks if time is tight
• Plan for laundry: On-site machines speed things up; off-site laundry may require next-day completion or a linen rotation
• Build a linen buffer: Keep at least two full sets per bed so turnovers aren't delayed by dryer cycles
• Seasonal loads: Book early for holidays and local events; surge demand can limit availability

How to choose a short-term rental cleaning provider

Look for experienced, reliable partners who understand hospitality pacing and presentation standards. Consider:

• Experience with STR platforms: Ask about turnover volume, same-day resets, and guest-ready staging
• Insurance and business basics: General liability insurance, workers' compensation where applicable, and a business license if required locally
• Staff model: Solo cleaner vs. team-how do they handle back-to-backs or sick days?
• Checklists and QA: Do they use a written checklist and provide completion photos?
• Laundry plan: On-site, off-site, or linen rental; who provides detergent and handles stains?
• Supplies: Do they bring their own, or do you stock a locked owner's closet?
• Communication: Preferred contact method, response times, and how they report damage or missing items
• Security and access: Keypads, lockboxes, smart locks, alarm procedures
• Pricing transparency: Clear rates for add-ons, last-minute calls, or extended stays
• References and reviews: Ask for contactable references, especially from other hosts or property managers

Trusted House Cleaners lists providers so you can reach out directly. Be sure to verify qualifications and suitability for your property before hiring.

Prep tips for hosts before the first clean

A little setup saves time on every turnover:

• Create a house manual for cleaners: Wi-Fi, trash/recycling instructions, quirks, breaker panel location, and appliance notes
• Standardize your layout: Take reference photos so surfaces and décor are staged the same way every time
• Label and stock an owner's supply closet: Cleaners' caddy, vacuum, mop heads, microfiber cloths, sponges, trash bags, bathroom supplies
• Build your linen system: At least two sets per bed and bath; color-code closets or bins by room
• Simplify restocking: Keep a running inventory list and preferred brands; store extras neatly
• Provide access details: Backup codes or lockbox keys; parking instructions
• Note no-go areas: Owner storage and any delicate or special-care items
• Share your calendar and special requests: Early check-ins, late checkouts, pet-friendly stays, or extra towels for long bookings

Smart ways to compare quotes

When you collect estimates, make sure you're comparing the same scope:

• Request a written scope: Rooms, bathrooms, beds, laundry, restocking, and photos
• Confirm who supplies what: Cleaners' products vs. host-stocked items; brand standards for soaps and paper goods
• Ask about add-on pricing: Inside oven/fridge, stains, pet hair, outdoor spaces, and hot tub care
• Clarify minimums and surcharges: Weekend/holiday rates, last-minute calls, parking fees
• Confirm timing: Average duration and staffing for your property size; plan B for back-to-backs
• Understand guarantees: How do they handle missed items or guest complaints?

A clear scope avoids surprise charges and ensures a smooth handoff between bookings.

Questions to ask before you hire

• How many STR turnovers do you handle each week during peak season?
• What's included in your standard turnover, and what counts as an add-on?
• Can you share your checklist and sample completion photos?
• Do you carry liability insurance? If you use a team, how are team members trained?
• What is your process for reporting damage or missing items?
• How do you handle laundry-on-site or off-site? What's the average time for a full turnover with laundry?
• Can you restock consumables? How do you bill for purchases?
• What happens if a previous guest delays checkout or leaves a heavy mess?
• Do you offer deep cleans or seasonal resets? How do you schedule them around bookings?
• How do you prefer to receive access-smart lock, keypad, lockbox-and how do you manage codes?

Signs you might need professional help

• Cleanliness complaints or slipping star ratings tied to housekeeping
• Back-to-back bookings that leave no time for DIY cleaning
• Hosting remotely or managing multiple properties
• Linen bottlenecks: not enough sets or no time for laundry
• Inconsistent presentation: rooms don't match listing photos
• Add-on needs you can't cover: restocking, outdoor spaces, or hot tub care
• You want a documented process: checklists, photos, and clear accountability

What to expect on day one

Your first turnover with a new provider is about alignment. Plan to:

• Walk through the property or share a video tour and reference photos
• Review your must-haves: how beds are staged, how towels are folded, where amenities are placed
• Agree on communication: where completion photos go, when alerts should be sent, who approves purchases
• Time the visit: adjust staffing or scope based on real-world duration
• Schedule the first deep clean: get the space to "baseline perfect," then maintain with standard turnovers

Managing linens and laundry like a pro

Laundry is often the pacing item in turnovers. A streamlined system helps:

• Keep two or three full sets per bed and bath in rotation
• Pre-treat stains promptly; use white linens to allow hot water and bleach when appropriate
• Consider a linen service for busy seasons or larger properties
• Store linens by room, labeled and protected in bins
• Replace tired linens regularly; fresh textiles make photos pop and reviews happier

Restocking essentials without the scramble

Guests expect basics, and cleaners can help you track inventory:

• Standard list: toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, body wash/shampoo, trash bags, dishwasher pods, laundry detergent, coffee/tea basics
• Set par levels: for example, keep three of each item in the owner's closet; when one is opened, add to your shopping list
• Decide your restocking model: host purchases vs. cleaner purchase and reimbursement
• Record receipts: keep a simple log to reconcile costs and taxes

Reducing last-minute surprises

The best hosts plan for the unexpected:

• Backup access: secondary lockbox and an extra key
• Weather buffer: add time during storms or heavy traffic days
• Communication template: quick messages to cleaners when guests request early check-in or late checkout
• Emergency contacts: plumber, handyman, and HVAC tech on speed dial
• Photo documentation: before/after images to resolve disputes and train to your standards

A quick note on compliance and safety

Depending on your city or county, cleaners may operate as independent businesses and could need local licenses. It's smart to confirm:

• Business license requirements in your area
• Liability insurance coverage
• Safe handling of chemicals and equipment
• Any platform-specific rules that affect turnover timing or access

Trusted House Cleaners lists providers for your convenience; always verify qualifications, insurance, and suitability for your property before hiring.

Get started

Short-term rental success is built on repeatable, guest-ready cleanings. The right cleaning partner keeps your calendar moving, your photos honest, and your reviews glowing. Explore local providers on Trusted House Cleaners, compare options, and book with confidence knowing exactly what to expect on every turnover.

Frequently asked questions