Best Short-Term Rental Cleaning in Pennsylvania Ranked

For short-term rental hosts in Pennsylvania, a meticulous and efficient cleaning service is the cornerstone of a successful operation. It directly impacts guest reviews, repeat bookings, and your property's reputation. This service goes beyond standard housekeeping, focusing on a rapid, thorough turnover that sanitizes every surface, refreshes all linens, and restocks essentials to create a flawless, welcoming environment for the next arrival. Finding a reliable provider familiar with the high standards of platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo is crucial for maintaining a 5-star ready property across the state, from the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the scenic retreats of the Poconos.

Janus Clean

21 S 11th St #530, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Janus Clean is a house cleaning company based in Philadelphia, PA, offering a range of residential cleaning services including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. Their team uses eco-friendly, EPA-approved products and provides fully equipped, bonded, and insured cleaning professionals. Janus Clean serves various neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, from Center City to Chestnut Hill, and offers same-day service if booked by 2pm. Since starting in 2022, they have focused on thorough, customized cleaning solutions for homes and have earned over 250 five-star reviews. They accommodate special requests and emphasize environmentally responsible cleaning methods.

5.0

207 Reviews

Polar Express Cleaning

8105 Gladstone Rd, Glenside, PA 19038

Polar Express Cleaning is a house cleaning company serving Philadelphia, PA. They provide a range of services including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. The team uses eco-friendly products and pays close attention to detail to ensure homes are thoroughly cleaned and healthy. Polar Express Cleaning has experience handling various cleaning needs, from routine maintenance to specialized deep cleans after renovations or moves.

5.0

126 Reviews

Philadelphia Cleaning Service

philadelphia

Philadelphia Cleaning Service is a house cleaning company based in Philadelphia, PA, offering a range of cleaning solutions including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. They serve residential clients throughout Philadelphia, providing detailed and thorough cleaning services that cover all areas of the home. The company is known for its careful inspections and consistent results that meet the needs of homeowners and renters alike. Many customers highlight their expertise in deep cleaning and condo cleaning, reflecting their capability to handle various home cleaning challenges.

5.0

118 Reviews

Nico's Cleaning Services

2038 N Front St, Philadelphia, PA 19122

Nico's Cleaning Services is a house cleaning company based in Philadelphia, PA, offering a wide range of cleaning solutions including regular house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental turnovers. Serving residential homes, Airbnbs, and corporate environments, they bring all necessary equipment and supplies to each job. With over seven years of experience and more than 1,000 homes serviced, they emphasize thoroughness and attention to detail in every cleaning. Their team is known for handling various cleaning challenges, from baseboards and windows to appliance interiors and hardwood floors.

5.0

86 Reviews

HAPPY CLEANING SERVICES

14 Grayson Cir, Willingboro, NJ 08046

Happy Cleaning Services is a family-owned cleaning company serving Philadelphia, PA, and nearby areas in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They offer a range of residential and commercial cleaning services including regular cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. The company uses eco-friendly products and professional-grade equipment to ensure thorough and safe cleaning results. They have experience handling specialized tasks like oven and refrigerator cleaning and provide customized cleaning plans to meet client needs. Happy Cleaning Services emphasizes customer satisfaction and offers same-day service options.

5.0

69 Reviews

See more providers in Pennsylvania

What is Short-Term Rental Turnover Cleaning?

Turnover cleaning is a specialized, comprehensive cleaning service performed between guest stays. Unlike a routine weekly clean, it is a complete reset of the property to a pristine, guest-ready state. The goal is to ensure every new arrival walks into a space that feels impeccably clean, sanitized, and fully stocked, as if they are the first guests. This process is governed by strict checklists to guarantee consistency and cover every detail, from disinfecting high-touch surfaces to ensuring fresh linens on every bed ^{1 2 3}. In Pennsylvania's competitive rental market, this level of detail is what secures positive reviews and allows hosts to command premium rates.

The Essential Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Professional cleaners use detailed checklists to ensure no task is overlooked during the tight window between check-out and check-in. Here's what a comprehensive turnover service in Pennsylvania typically includes:

Kitchen Deep Clean & Restock

The kitchen is a focal point for guests. Cleaning goes beyond wiping counters to include:

• Appliance Cleaning: Interior and exterior of microwave, refrigerator, oven, stovetop, and dishwasher.
• Surface Sanitization: Wiping down all countertops, cabinet fronts, and the sink.
• Floor Care: Sweeping and mopping the floor.
• Essential Restocking: Replenishing starter supplies like dish soap, hand soap, paper towels, trash bags, and coffee or tea supplies ^{1 2 4}.

Bathroom Disinfection & Refresh

Bathrooms must be clinically clean. The process involves:

• Thorough Disinfection: Scrubbing and disinfecting the toilet, shower, tub, and sink.
• Fixture Polish: Cleaning mirrors and polishing faucets and fixtures.
• Surface Wipe-Down: Wiping all shelves, counters, and the exterior of cabinets.
• Restocking: Providing fresh toilet paper (with extra rolls), travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and a new bar of soap ^{1 2 5 6}.

Bedroom Reset

A clean, inviting bedroom is non-negotiable. Tasks include:

• Complete Linen Change: Stripping all beds and remaking them with freshly laundered sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.
• Dusting: Dusting all furniture, nightstands, headboards, and window sills.
• Vacuuming: Vacuuming floors, rugs, and under the bed ^{1 3 7}.

Living & Common Areas

These shared spaces require attention to detail:

• Dusting & Wiping: Dusting all furniture, electronics, lamps, and decor.
• Floor Care: Vacuuming carpets and rugs, and mopping hard floors.
• Emptying Trash: Removing all waste from bins and replacing liners ^{5 4}.

High-Touch Surface Sanitization

This is a critical component of modern turnover cleaning, especially for guest health and safety. Professionals will meticulously disinfect all frequently touched points:

• Doorknobs and light switches
• Remote controls and appliance handles
• Cabinet and drawer pulls
• Thermostats and keypads
• Stair railings ^{2 3 6}

Managing Linens for Pennsylvania Rentals

Linen management is one of the most logistically challenging aspects of short-term rental hosting. A seamless system is vital for quick turnovers.

• Complete Change-Out: Every towel, washcloth, bath mat, and set of bed linens must be swapped for freshly laundered sets after every guest departure ^{1 7}.
• Professional Laundry Services: Many hosts in Pennsylvania cities utilize off-site professional laundry services. Companies like Zest in Philadelphia specialize in bulk linen cleaning, which is faster and often results in a higher-quality finish than in-home washing, saving hosts significant time ⁸.
• Adequate Inventory: To avoid downtime, hosts need a sufficient inventory of linen sets. A common rule is to have at least 2-3 complete sets per bed and bathroom. This allows one set to be on the beds, one in the wash, and one ready as a spare ^{2 7}.

Restocking Guest Essentials

Providing a starter kit of essentials enhances the guest experience and is a standard expectation. Your cleaning service or checklist should include verifying these items are present:

• Bathroom: Toilet paper (with extra rolls available), hand soap, and travel-sized toiletries.
• Kitchen: Dish soap, paper towels, trash bags, and a small supply of coffee, tea, and sugar.
• General: Extra trash bags and cleaning supplies for guest use during their stay ^{1 2 4}.

Understanding Cleaning Costs in Pennsylvania

The cost for professional short-term rental cleaning in Pennsylvania varies based on several factors. Prices are typically quoted as a flat fee per turnover rather than an hourly rate, though some services may use an hourly model.

• Price Ranges: For a standard turnover clean, hosts can expect to pay:
  • Small Unit (1-2 bedrooms): $40 - $130 per clean
  • Larger Home (3+ bedrooms): $70 - $150+ per clean
  • In major metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the average cost often falls between $80 and $90 per turnover ^{9 10 11}.
• Key Cost Factors:
  • Property Size & Layout: Square footage and number of rooms are primary drivers.
  • Location: Services in urban centers (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) may charge more than those in rural areas.
  • Level of Finish & Amenities: A luxury condo with high-end finishes may require more detailed care.
  • Booking Frequency: Some cleaners offer discounted rates for regularly scheduled, high-frequency turnovers.
  • Additional Services: Deep cleaning, carpet cleaning, or exterior window washing will add to the cost ^{10 12 13}.

The Importance of Deep Cleaning

Turnover cleaning maintains the property, but periodic deep cleaning is essential for long-term upkeep. A deep clean addresses areas not covered in a standard turnover, such as cleaning inside ovens and refrigerators, descaling showerheads, washing interior windows, dusting blinds and light fixtures, and shampooing carpets. Most hosts schedule a deep clean every 3-6 months, depending on occupancy, to ensure their property remains in top condition ¹¹.

Finding the Right Cleaning Service

When searching for a provider, look for services that explicitly list short-term or vacation rental cleaning. Key indicators of a professional service include:

• Use of detailed, standardized checklists.
• Understanding of platform-specific standards (Airbnb, Vrbo).
• Efficient systems for linen management (either in-house or partnered).
• Reliable, insured, and background-checked cleaning teams.
• Flexibility to handle last-minute bookings and tight turnover windows.

Frequently asked questions

Sources