Top Short-Term Rental Cleaning in Madison, Wisconsin Ranked

For short-term rental hosts in Madison, maintaining a spotless property is the cornerstone of a successful operation. It directly impacts guest reviews, repeat bookings, and your overall reputation. Short-term rental cleaning, often called turnover or vacation rental cleaning, is a specialized service that goes beyond standard housekeeping to ensure a property is guest-ready between stays. This involves a meticulous, systematic approach to cleaning, sanitizing, restocking essentials, and performing a quick inspection. This guide will help you understand the scope, typical costs, and best practices for turnover cleaning in Madison, so you can effectively find and manage local cleaning professionals who meet the high standards of the short-term rental market.

Kay's Cleaning Services LLC

24 W Klubertanz Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Kay's Cleaning Services LLC is a luxury residential cleaning company based in Madison, WI, offering tailored cleaning solutions for busy families, retirees, Airbnb hosts, and small business owners. They provide a range of services including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning, designed to bring comfort and order to everyday life. With over 20 years of experience, the team focuses on personalized service, attention to detail, and consistent quality using safe, high-quality products. Kay's Cleaning Services is bonded and insured, proudly serving Madison and Sun Prairie, WI, with a commitment to customer satisfaction and care.

4.9

46 Reviews

Madtown Maids

1850 Summerfield Way Apt 3318, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Madtown Maids is a house cleaning company based in Madison, WI, offering a range of cleaning services including deep cleaning, move out cleaning, post construction cleaning, and short term rental cleaning. They serve residential clients in the Madison area and provide specialized cleaning such as move-in/move-out and post construction cleanup. The team is known for accommodating last-minute requests and providing same-day service options. Madtown Maids has experience working with homes that have pets and children, and they focus on detailed cleaning tasks to meet various client needs.

4.6

78 Reviews

The Maids in Madison

3000 Cahill Main Suite J216, Fitchburg, WI 53711

The Maids in Madison offers a range of residential cleaning services including deep cleaning, move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental cleaning. Serving Madison, WI, and nearby communities such as Verona, Middleton, and Fitchburg, they focus on cleaning for health using a proprietary 22-Step Cleaning Process. This process includes detailed dusting, disinfecting high-touch areas, and using commercial-grade vacuums with HEPA filtration to reduce allergens and germs. The Maids also have an exclusive partnership with Mr. Clean, enhancing their cleaning capabilities. With several years of experience, they provide customizable cleaning plans to fit different needs and schedules.

4.6

38 Reviews

Cleanzone Wisconsin LLC

5793 Williamsburg Way, Fitchburg, WI 53719

CleanZone Wisconsin LLC is a licensed and insured cleaning company based in Fitchburg, serving the Madison, WI area. They offer a wide range of services including routine house cleaning, deep cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, post-construction cleaning, and short-term rental turnovers like Airbnb. Their team uses eco-friendly products and proven methods to ensure thorough cleaning of homes and commercial spaces. With over three years of experience, CleanZone Wisconsin LLC focuses on detailed, customized cleaning plans to meet client needs.

4.6

8 Reviews

4 Brothers Kleaning

madison

4 Brothers Kleaning is a local cleaning company based in Madison, WI, offering professional cleaning services for residential, commercial, and post-construction spaces. Their services include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing, interior window cleaning, trash removal, and restocking cleaning supplies. With over 18 years of experience in custodial and janitorial work and more than 35 years of customer service experience, they provide thorough cleaning including deep cleaning and short-term rental turnovers. Their expertise includes floor care such as complete strip and wax treatments.

5.0

3 Reviews

See more providers in Madison, WI

What is Short-Term Rental Turnover Cleaning?

Unlike a regular house cleaning, a vacation rental turnover is a comprehensive reset of the entire property between guest check-out and the next guest's check-in. The goal is to create a consistent, hotel-like experience where every guest walks into a perfectly clean, fully stocked, and welcoming space. This process is critical for securing 5-star reviews and protecting your investment ^{1 2}. A thorough turnover typically includes deep cleaning of all rooms, complete laundering of all linens, restocking of consumable supplies, and a final walkthrough to check for maintenance issues or damage left by previous guests ³.

The Essential Madison Turnover Cleaning Checklist

A detailed, room-by-room checklist is the most powerful tool for ensuring cleaning consistency, whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a service. Here's a breakdown of the core tasks that should be completed during every turnover in a Madison rental.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a high-traffic area where cleanliness is immediately noticeable. A proper clean includes:

• Wiping down all countertops, backsplashes, and the exterior of cabinets.
• Cleaning and sanitizing the sink and faucet.
• Cleaning the microwave inside and out.
• Wiping the stovetop, oven exterior, and hood.
• Cleaning the refrigerator interior-wiping shelves and discarding any leftover food.
• Emptying, cleaning, and relining all trash and recycling bins.
• Restocking starter supplies like dish soap, paper towels, coffee, and filters ^{4 5 6}.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms require a high level of sanitization. Each bathroom should receive:

• Scrubbing and disinfecting the toilet, inside and out.
• Cleaning and sanitizing the shower, tub, and glass doors or curtains.
• Cleaning the sink, vanity, and faucet.
• Wiping mirrors and any glass surfaces until streak-free.
• Mopping the floor.
• Restocking toilet paper, hand soap, and fresh towels ^{7 8 9}.

Bedrooms & Living Areas

These spaces should feel fresh and inviting. Key tasks are:

• Bedrooms: Stripping all beds, laundering sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers, then remaking beds with fresh linens. Dusting all furniture, nightstands, and lamps. Vacuuming and/or mopping floors ¹⁰.
• Living/Common Spaces: Dusting all surfaces, including shelves, electronics, and decor. Vacuuming carpets and rugs thoroughly. Mopping hard floors. Cleaning windows and mirrors. Paying special attention to high-touch points like light switches, remote controls, and door handles ^{4 5}.

Laundry & Linens

This is one of the most time-intensive parts of a turnover. The process involves:

• Collecting all used towels, bath mats, and bedding.
• Washing, drying, and folding towels.
• Washing, drying, and putting fresh sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers back on all beds.
• Some services may also offer ironing or steaming for a premium finish.

Restocking & Final Touches

A guest-ready property is also a well-stocked one. Final steps include:

• Ensuring an ample starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, and soaps.
• Providing basic welcome items like coffee, tea, sugar, and perhaps a few spices.
• Placing shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in showers (if offered).
• For properties with outdoor space, sweeping patios or decks and wiping down outdoor furniture ⁹.

Understanding Cleaning Costs in Madison, WI

Pricing for short-term rental cleaning in Madison can vary based on the size of your property, the level of detail required, and whether laundry is included. Most professionals charge either a flat fee per turnover or an hourly rate.

National averages provide a good baseline: For a small one-bedroom unit, turnover cleaning often ranges from $60 to $100. For larger properties with 2-3 bedrooms, you can expect to pay between $120 and $180 or more ^{1 11}. Madison's active rental market and higher cost of living may push these figures toward the upper end.

Key factors that influence the price:

• Property Size & Number of Rooms: More square footage and additional bathrooms significantly increase cleaning time.
• In-Unit Laundry Service: The washing, drying, and folding of all linens is a major time commitment and is often a separate line item or included in a higher flat fee.
• Level of Cleaning Required: A standard turnover is different from a periodic deep clean, which costs more.
• Restocking Services: If you want your cleaner to purchase and stock essential supplies, this will add to the cost.
• Service Provider: Independent cleaners may charge $25-$45 per hour, while established cleaning companies with insurance, backups, and management software often charge $50-$100+ per hour or correspondingly higher flat rates ¹².

When budgeting, plan for at least $100 to $200+ per turnover for a typical Madison home, especially when laundry is included. Always get detailed quotes that specify exactly what is included for the price.

Choosing Between an Independent Cleaner and a Company

This is a crucial decision for Madison hosts. Each option has its pros and cons.

Independent Cleaners often offer more personalized service and can be more flexible with scheduling and specific requests. Their rates are typically lower. However, you are reliant on one person; if they are sick, on vacation, or quit, you must find a replacement quickly. It's essential to verify their insurance and references thoroughly.

Cleaning Companies provide reliability through a team of cleaners, ensuring someone is always available for your turnover. They usually carry their own insurance and bonding, and many use professional checklists and software for quality control and communication. This peace of mind and consistency often comes at a higher price point ¹².

Best Practices for Madison Hosts

1. Create a Detailed Digital Checklist: Use the room-by-room breakdown above as a starting point to create your own master checklist. Digital tools or apps can help ensure nothing is missed every single time ^{4 2}.
2. Factor in Realistic Timing: Don't underestimate the time needed. A thorough turnover for a 3-bedroom home, including laundry, can easily take 4-6 hours. Schedule your cleaner with a buffer between check-out and check-in.
3. Conduct or Require a Post-Cleaning Inspection: A quick final walkthrough is essential to catch missed spots, verify restocking, and note any property damage before the next guest arrives ³.
4. Communicate Clearly: Provide your cleaner with clear instructions, access details, and a reliable point of contact. Good communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures a smooth process.

Frequently asked questions

Sources