Top Short-Term Rental Cleaning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ranked

For short-term rental hosts in Philadelphia, a meticulous turnover clean is the cornerstone of a successful listing. This specialized service goes far beyond standard housekeeping, focusing on deep sanitation, restocking essentials, and creating a spotless first impression for every new guest. It's a critical operational task that directly impacts your reviews, ratings, and revenue. This guide will help you understand what professional short-term rental cleaning entails in the Philly market, what you can expect to pay, and how to ensure your property consistently meets the high standards guests demand.

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

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What Makes Short-Term Rental Cleaning Different?

Unlike a routine residential clean, vacation rental cleaning is a high-stakes reset between guests. The goal is to make the property feel brand new for each arrival, eliminating any trace of the previous occupant. This requires a systematic, detail-oriented approach with a strong emphasis on hygiene and presentation. In a competitive market like Philadelphia, where guests have countless options, a single oversight in cleanliness can lead to a negative review that hurts future bookings. Professional cleaners specializing in this niche understand the urgency of tight turnover windows and the specific checklist required to ensure guest satisfaction and protect your hosting reputation^{1 2}.

The Core Components of a Turnover Clean

A comprehensive short-term rental clean in Philadelphia typically includes several key stages:

• Full-Property Reset: This involves removing all trash, recycling, and any items left behind by previous guests. Floors are vacuumed and mopped, surfaces are dusted, and windows and mirrors are cleaned for sparkle^{1 3}.
• Deep Sanitization: High-touch areas are meticulously disinfected. This includes doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, appliance handles, cabinet pulls, and thermostat controls. In the current climate, this step is non-negotiable for guest safety and peace of mind^{4 5}.
• Linen & Laundry Service: All used bedding-sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers-are stripped and replaced with fresh, laundered sets. Towels are swapped out. Comforters and duvets are inspected for stains and laundered as needed^{1 4}.
• Essential Restocking: The property is replenished with the supplies guests expect. This includes bathroom toiletries (toilet paper, hand soap), kitchen basics (dish soap, sponges, trash bags), and often welcoming touches like coffee or sugar^{4 5}.

The Philadelphia Short-Term Rental Cleaning Checklist

To achieve consistency, every cleaning professional should follow a detailed checklist. Here's a breakdown of what a thorough clean for a Philadelphia Airbnb or Vrbo should cover.

Kitchen Deep Clean

The kitchen is a focal point for many guests and requires thorough attention.

• Appliances: Wipe down the exterior of the refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Clean appliance interiors, checking the fridge for any old food and wiping down shelves. Run an empty dishwasher with a cleaning pod to prevent odors^{3 5}.
• Counters & Sinks: Disinfect all countertops and backsplashes. Scrub and sanitize the sink and faucet.
• Cabinets & Drawers: Wipe down the exterior of cabinet doors and handles.
• Final Touches: Empty all trash and recycling bins, replace liners, and restock starter supplies like paper towels, dish soap, and a fresh sponge.

Bathroom Sanitization

Bathrooms must be clinically clean to assure guests.

• Fixtures & Surfaces: Disinfect the toilet (inside, under the lid, and base), shower, bathtub, and sink. Polish mirrors and chrome fixtures to a streak-free shine^{4 3}.
• Floors & Walls: Mop the floor and wipe down any splashes on walls or shower curtains.
• Restocking: Provide a new roll of toilet paper on the holder, leave extras, and set out fresh hand soap. Ensure a full set of clean towels (bath, hand, washcloth) is available per guest.

Bedroom & Living Area Reset

These spaces should feel serene and untouched.

• Bedding: Completely strip the bed and replace with freshly laundered sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers. Fluff pillows and arrange bedding neatly¹.
• Surfaces: Dust all furniture, including nightstands, dressers, and shelves. Wipe down television screens and remote controls with disinfectant.
• Closets & Floors: Tidy closets, ensuring hangers are straight. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and mop any hard floors.

Understanding Costs for Philadelphia Hosts

Investing in professional short-term rental cleaning is an operational cost that pays dividends in guest satisfaction. Prices in Philadelphia vary based on property size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the level of detail required.

For a full property turnover clean, hosts can expect a base cost ranging from approximately $185 to $520⁶. This wide range accounts for a small one-bedroom apartment versus a larger multi-story row home. Additional services are typically priced separately:

• Laundry Service: $5-$20 per load, especially if off-site laundering is required⁶.
• Deep Appliance Cleaning: $20-$85 for intensive cleaning of ovens or refrigerators⁶.

It's important to distinguish the cost to the host from the cleaning fee charged to the guest. The guest fee is often set by the host to cover these operational costs and can vary widely, but in a major market like Philadelphia, rates may lean higher to account for local service prices and labor⁷. When evaluating cleaners, prioritize proven reliability and quality over the lowest price; a missed clean or poor job is far more costly than the service itself.

Best Practices for Philadelphia Hosts

1. Create a Detailed Property Guide: Provide your cleaning professional with a custom checklist that includes property-specific notes (e.g., "check the fireplace for ash," "ensure the rooftop deck furniture is wiped down").
2. Maintain a Consistent Supply Stock: Keep a locked closet or storage area stocked with all necessary cleaning supplies, linens, and guest restock items (toilet paper, soap, coffee) to make the cleaner's job efficient.
3. Build a Relationship with Your Cleaner: Consider working with a dedicated individual or team. They will become familiar with your property and can often spot maintenance issues (a leaky faucet, a burnt-out bulb) before a guest does.
4. Implement a Quality Assurance Check: Use a simple digital form or photo system where the cleaner confirms each task is complete before a guest checks in. This creates accountability and peace of mind.

The Impact on Your Rental Business

A flawless cleaning protocol is your first line of defense in the hospitality business. It directly influences:

• Guest Reviews: "Spotless" and "immaculate" are common keywords in 5-star reviews.
• Superhost Status: Consistent high ratings for cleanliness are essential for achieving and maintaining platform badges.
• Booking Rates: Listings with sparkling reviews and reasonable cleaning fees often have higher conversion rates.
• Property Longevity: Regular, deep cleaning maintains the condition of your furnishings, appliances, and finishes, protecting your investment.

By understanding the scope, standards, and local market dynamics for short-term rental cleaning in Philadelphia, you can build a reliable system that keeps your guests happy and your booking calendar full.

Frequently asked questions

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