Sparkly Short-Term Rentals: Cleaning Services and How to Find Them

First impressions are everything. As a host, you know that guests have made up their minds about your spot long before they ever step foot in it, but how clean it is when they do will determine whether they come back or not. Making sure that they walk into a spotless and welcoming space is the best way to guarantee good reviews and repeat bookings.

How clean it is doesn’t just impact guest satisfaction, but also helps you stick to the platform standards. That being said, juggling everything from turnover to deep cleaning to just managing multiple properties can be incredibly time-consuming. Even the most experienced vacation rental hosts rely on cleaning services.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the different types of short-term rental cleaning services out there and who the top vacation rental cleaning services out there. With the right cleaning company on your side—and iGMS to help automate their cleaning tasks—you’ll have more time to focus on other parts of your vacation rental business while knowing your property is always in great shape for the next guest.

Why Professional Cleaning is So Important

Keeping your short-term rental spotless is key to making a great first impression with guests. When people book a stay, they expect a clean, comfortable space, and if you fall short, it can lead to bad reviews or even bigger problems.

That’s where professional vacation rental cleaning comes in. It takes the stress off your plate and ensures everything is up to standard, leaving your guests happy and your property in great shape.

Here’s why it’s so important.

How it Impacts Guest Satisfaction and Reviews

Cleanliness can make or break a guest’s experience in your short-term rental. The moment they walk in, they’re forming first impressions, and a spotless space instantly sets the right mood. Whether it’s a sparkling bathroom, fresh sheets, or a dust-free living room, these details go a long way in making guests feel comfortable and at home.

Cleanliness is one of the top things guests mention in reviews, and those positive reviews are gold when it comes to attracting future bookings and standing out in a competitive market like Airbnb or Vrbo.

The link between cleanliness and higher ratings is real. Guests are way more likely to leave five-star reviews if your rental property is consistently clean and well-kept. Plus, properties with high cleanliness scores tend to rank higher in search results on major booking platforms.

If you’re aiming for Superhost or Premier Host status, keeping your place spotless with the help of professional cleaners can boost guest satisfaction, leading to better reviews, more bookings, and even repeat guests!

Meeting Platform Standards for Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.

In recent years, short-term rental platforms have really stepped up their cleaning standards, especially after COVID-19. Take Airbnb, for example—they rolled out a mandatory 5-step enhanced cleaning process that all hosts have to follow to keep guests safe.

This process covers everything from cleaning and sanitizing to using disinfectants properly, with a special focus on high-touch areas like doorknobs, remotes, and light switches. If hosts don’t follow these guidelines, they could end up losing visibility in search results or even getting suspended from the platform.

That’s why it’s super important to team up with professional cleaning services that know these rules inside and out. Cleaning companies specializing in short-term rentals are familiar with platform-specific requirements and can help you stay compliant. Not only does this keep your guests safe, but it also protects your listing from penalties, keeping you in good standing on platforms like Airbnb.

Saving Hosts Time

Running a short-term rental can be a lot to juggle, especially if you’re managing multiple properties or dealing with back-to-back bookings. Cleaning between guests can eat up a ton of time, and that’s where outsourcing to professional vacation rental cleaners can be a game-changer. It frees you up to focus on the bigger stuff—like managing reservations, answering guest questions, and keeping your listings in top shape.

Professional cleaning services take care of all the heavy lifting, from quick turnovers to deep cleanings, and even restocking essentials. This is a lifesaver, especially during peak season when fast turnovers are the norm. By bringing in a reliable cleaning service, you can save hours, cut down on stress, and make sure your rental is always spotless and ready for the next guest. It’s a win-win for both your efficiency and guest satisfaction!

Top Short-Term Rental Cleaning Services

A vacation rental cleaning company is a little different from your average house cleaning service. The cleaning process takes into account the specific needs of a short-term rental property, such as restocking amenities and paying closer attention to the standard of listing platforms.

1. MaidThis

MaidThis is a popular cleaning service that focuses on short-term rental and Airbnb cleaning. They operate in several cities across the U.S. and offer professional turnover cleaning that’s designed with hosts in mind.

Their services cover everything from cleaning and changing linens to reporting any damages or issues they spot during the turnover process, making it easy to keep your rental guest-ready without the hassle.

• Key Features:
  • Specialized in short-term rental turnovers.
  • Syncs cleaning schedules with booking calendars.
  • Satisfaction guarantee and insured services.
  • Automated scheduling options for ease of use.

2. TurnoverBnB

TurnoverBnB is a platform that connects short-term rental hosts with local cleaners. It allows hosts to schedule cleanings automatically based on bookings, offering a marketplace where cleaners can be reviewed and hired. TurnoverBnB is widely used by Airbnb hosts and property managers because of its ease of integration with booking platforms.

• Key Features:
  • Integration with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com calendars.
  • Automated cleaning schedules based on guest check-out times.
  • Hosts can review and choose cleaners from a marketplace.
  • Features checklists and photo documentation for quality assurance.

3. Properly

Properly is a property management tool that offers cleaning services specifically for short-term rentals. It allows hosts to create detailed visual checklists that cleaners can follow to ensure consistency. Properly also integrates with popular booking platforms to automatically schedule cleanings and other maintenance tasks.

• Key Features:
  • Visual checklists to ensure all cleaning tasks are completed.
  • Integration with Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms.
  • Offers photo verification of completed tasks.
  • Facilitates communication between hosts and cleaners for real-time updates.

4. Handy

Handy is a well-known on-demand cleaning service that offers a variety of cleaning options, including ones perfect for Airbnb and short-term rental properties. Even though it’s not just for short-term rentals, Handy is super flexible, making it a great go-to for hosts who need quick, last-minute cleanings to get their place guest-ready in no time.

• Key Features:
  • On-demand cleaning services with flexible scheduling.
  • Background-checked and experienced cleaners.
  • Hosts can book cleaners quickly for urgent turnovers.
  • Available in major cities across the U.S.

5. Tidy

Tidy is a U.S.-based cleaning company that offers customizable cleaning services for short-term rental hosts. Their services are available in multiple cities across the U.S., and they provide hosts with a streamlined booking system to set up recurring cleanings or quick turnovers. Tidy allows hosts to create personalized checklists, ensuring that each property is cleaned according to their exact specifications.

• Key Features:
  • Customizable cleaning checklists.
  • Easy-to-use online booking system.
  • Available for both scheduled and on-demand cleanings.
  • Provides recurring or one-time cleaning services for short-term rentals.

Finding Vacation Rental Cleaners Locally

Finding a reliable local cleaning company for your short-term rental can feel like a big task, but there are a few key steps that can help make the process easier.

Start by searching for cleaning services in your area that specialize in short-term or vacation rental properties. Look at online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or even Airbnb host forums to get a sense of the company’s reputation. Pay attention to how recent and consistent the reviews are, as well as any recurring feedback about the quality of the cleaning or reliability of the service.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to the cleaning companies directly. Ask specific questions about their experience with short-term rentals, their cleaning process (especially for high-traffic areas), and whether they’re familiar with platform-specific requirements like Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocols. It’s also a good idea to ask if they offer turnover services and if they can handle same-day or last-minute bookings, which are common in the short-term rental business.

When vetting cleaning companies, don’t be afraid to request references from other property owners or vacation rental hosts. You can also consider booking a trial cleaning to see if their service meets your expectations. Reliable companies should offer clear communication, competitive pricing, and flexibility in scheduling to fit your needs as a host.

Benefits of Local Services

Choosing a local cleaning company has several benefits, especially when managing short-term rental properties. One of the biggest advantages is faster response times. Local companies are more likely to have cleaners available for last-minute or same-day bookings, which is crucial when you have back-to-back guests or unexpected turnover. Their proximity also means they can handle emergencies or urgent maintenance issues more quickly, giving you peace of mind that your property will always be guest-ready.

In addition, local cleaning companies often have a deeper understanding of the area, which can be helpful in offering personalized services. They might be familiar with the specific cleaning challenges that come with the climate or common guest activities in the region, allowing them to target things like beach sand, mud, or seasonal allergens more effectively.

Plus, by supporting local businesses, you’re contributing to the community, which can help build strong relationships with other property management companies or service providers in your area. This local expertise and connection can go a long way in keeping your short-term rental running smoothly.

Bonus: Automating Your Cleaning Schedule

In the fast-paced world of short-term rentals, automating your cleaning schedule can be a huge time-saver and help prevent mistakes. Property management software (PMS) like iGMS makes it easy for hosts to streamline their cleaning operations. By syncing your booking calendar with cleaning schedules, you can automatically schedule cleanings based on guest check-ins and check-outs—no manual work needed!

Key Features of iGMS for Scheduling Cleanings:

• Automated Turnover Scheduling: iGMS syncs with platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com to detect new bookings or cancellations. Cleanings are then automatically scheduled, so you don’t have to worry about it. Your property will always be guest-ready without the need for constant manual updates.
• Task Management & Checklists: With iGMS, you can create and share detailed cleaning checklists with your cleaners, making sure every task is done to your standards. Cleaners can update the checklist in real-time, giving you peace of mind that the job is getting done right.

By using property management software like iGMS, you can automate your cleaning process, keep things organized, and make sure your rental is always ready for the next guest with minimal effort.

Syncing Cleaners with Your Booking Calendar

Ensuring that cleaners are always up-to-date with your booking calendar is crucial for maintaining smooth turnovers between guests. By syncing your booking calendar with your cleaning service, you can avoid gaps in service, double bookings, or last-minute cleaning requests, which can disrupt the guest experience.

Real-Time Updates:

• When a booking is made or canceled on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com, real-time updates ensure that your cleaners are instantly notified of any changes, giving them adequate time to prepare for new arrivals or modify their schedules when bookings change.

Avoiding Gaps or Overlaps:

• Without a properly synced calendar, there’s a risk of cleaners being unaware of last-minute bookings or changes, which can lead to missed cleanings or unprepared properties. Platforms like iGMS help mitigate this by ensuring that your booking and cleaning calendars are always in sync.

Flexibility for Last-Minute Changes:

• Syncing your cleaners with your booking calendar sends them real-time alerts whenever there are changes, allowing them to adjust their schedules promptly, reducing the stress of last-minute coordination for hosts.

By syncing your cleaning service with your booking calendar, you ensure a seamless operation, eliminate scheduling conflicts, and provide a consistent experience for guests, all while reducing the workload on yourself as a host or property manager.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your short-term rental clean and guest-ready is key to running a successful business. Professional cleaning services do more than just tidy up—they improve the guest experience, boost your reviews, and help you avoid penalties on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

By hiring a reliable cleaning provider, you can save time, ensure your property meets platform standards, and streamline your operations. Whether you need regular cleanings, deep cleans, or turnover services, the right cleaning partner can make all the difference in keeping your rental running smoothly and your guests happy.