An Airbnb turnover is more than a quick clean. It is the short window in which a property must be checked, reset and made ready for the next guest. A repeatable checklist helps hosts avoid missed items when checkout and check-in times are close together.
This guide covers the essential steps we recommend for short-term rental apartments and holiday lets in Derby.
Before the clean starts
Confirm the checkout time, next check-in time and any property-specific instructions before entering. The cleaner should know where keys are collected, how used linen is handled and which consumables are included in the agreed restocking list.
A useful pre-clean check includes:
- Confirming that the previous guest has left
- Opening curtains and switching on lights
- Checking for visible damage, missing items or excessive waste
- Photographing and reporting anything unusual
- Collecting used towels and bed linen
- Checking the heating and ventilation
RelyPro tip: Keep the checklist specific to each apartment. A standard template is useful, but photographs and notes for individual cupboards, linen stores and access arrangements reduce mistakes.
Kitchen turnover checklist
The kitchen often requires the most careful inspection because guests notice grease, crumbs and poorly washed items quickly.
- Remove rubbish and replace bin liners.
- Wash, dry and put away used crockery and utensils.
- Clean and sanitise worktops, splashbacks and the sink.
- Wipe cupboard fronts, handles and appliance controls.
- Check the fridge for abandoned food and clean visible spills.
- Clean the hob and inspect the oven and microwave.
- Vacuum and mop the floor, including reachable edges.
- Replenish only the consumables agreed with the host.
Restocking should use a documented minimum quantity. That might include tea, coffee, sugar, dishwasher tablets, washing-up liquid and kitchen roll. Recording shortages allows the host or cleaning team to replace stock before it runs out.
Bedroom and linen reset
Strip used bedding and inspect mattress protectors and pillow protectors before making the bed. Fresh linen should be checked for marks or damage before use.
Make the bed consistently, position cushions as agreed and ensure bedside surfaces, lamps, switches and charging areas are dust-free. Check wardrobes, drawers and beneath the bed for belongings left by previous guests.
If linen is managed off-site, label bags clearly so clean and used items cannot be confused during a busy changeover.
Bathroom checklist
Bathrooms should look and feel hygienic, with no hair, residue or water marks left behind.
- Clean and disinfect the toilet, including the seat, hinges and exterior
- Clean the basin, taps, shower and bath
- Remove hair from drains and surrounding surfaces
- Polish mirrors and glass
- Wipe shelves, handles and frequently touched points
- Replace towels and bath mats
- Replenish agreed toiletries and toilet rolls
- Vacuum and mop the floor last
After cleaning, run the taps briefly and check that water drains normally. Report slow drains, leaks or damaged sealant rather than allowing a maintenance issue to become a guest complaint.
Living areas and final presentation
Dust furniture, screens, shelving and accessible surfaces before vacuuming. Check beneath cushions and furniture for rubbish or guest belongings. Straighten furniture, arrange cushions and return remote controls and welcome information to their agreed positions.
The final presentation check should cover the whole guest journey:
- Entrance and key access are tidy and working
- The property smells fresh without excessive fragrance
- Floors and visible surfaces are free from dust, hair and debris
- Beds and towels are presented consistently
- Lights, heating and appliances are left in the agreed state
- Windows and doors are secure
- Welcome items and consumables meet the agreed minimum
Build reporting into the turnover
A cleaner may be the only person who sees the apartment between guests. Simple reporting can therefore protect the property as well as improve the guest experience.
Ask for prompt notification of visible damage, missing inventory, maintenance concerns and low stock. Where appropriate, a small set of timestamped completion photographs can confirm that key rooms were reset before check-in.
When to use a professional turnover service
Self-managed cleaning may work for one property with generous changeover times. A professional service becomes more valuable when you manage several apartments, accept frequent short stays or need dependable cover during holidays and busy periods.
RelyPro provides Airbnb and holiday-let turnover cleaning in Derby, including property-specific checklists, agreed linen resets, consumable restocking and visible damage or shortage reporting.
For an accurate proposal, share the property size, number of beds and bathrooms, normal checkout-to-check-in window, linen arrangements and restocking requirements.