Most Important Areas to Clean in Your Airbnb Before Summer

Summer is a peak season for Airbnb hosts, especially in popular vacation spots. Whether your rental is by the beach, in the city, or nestled in a quiet neighborhood, the months between May and August bring a surge of guests looking for short-term stays. To stand out from the competition—and earn five-star reviews—cleanliness matters more than ever.

While your entire Airbnb should be tidy, there are a few key areas that guests pay the most attention to. These spaces leave the biggest impression and can make or break their experience. Before the bookings start rolling in, make sure these critical areas are thoroughly cleaned and guest-ready.

The Bathroom: A Non-Negotiable First Impression

The bathroom is often the first place guests inspect when determining if a space is truly clean. Even a minor oversight—like hair in the sink or soap scum in the shower—can lead to negative reviews.

Make sure to deep clean:

• Toilet bowls and bases

• Shower walls, floors, and glass doors

• Sinks and countertops

• Mirrors (free of streaks and spots)

• Grout and tile (scrub away mold or mildew)

• Exhaust fans (often forgotten but dusty)

Add fresh, folded towels and ensure toiletries are stocked. Consider using a mild air freshener or essential oils for a clean, welcoming scent.

The Kitchen: Spotless, Sanitized, and Stocked

Many Airbnb guests choose short-term rentals so they can cook or eat in. That means your kitchen needs to be visibly clean and hygienic. Even if it’s a compact kitchenette, it should sparkle.

Key areas to focus on:

• Inside and outside of the microwave

• Fridge shelves, drawers, and handles

• Oven and stovetop

• Countertops and backsplashes

• Sink and faucet (no water spots or buildup)

• Cabinets and drawers (wipe inside and out)

• Coffee maker, blender, or toaster (crumb-free and wiped down)

Don't forget to wash dish towels, replace sponges, and refill dish soap and trash bags. Guests notice these details.

The Floors: Sand, Dust, and Allergy Control

During summer, guests often bring in sand, dirt, and allergens from the outdoors—especially if your Airbnb is near a beach or park. Clean floors help create a fresh first impression and reduce allergens in the air.

Clean all flooring types, including:

• Carpets (vacuumed and spot treated)

• Area rugs (shaken out or deep cleaned)

• Hardwood or laminate (mopped, streak-free)

• Tile and grout (scrubbed and sanitized)

Don’t forget under beds and furniture, where dust bunnies love to hide.

The Living Area: Comfort Meets Cleanliness

The living room or lounge is where guests unwind, and they expect it to be clean, cozy, and clutter-free. Pay extra attention to upholstered furniture and surfaces guests frequently touch.

Important areas to clean:

• Sofas and chairs (vacuum cushions, wipe armrests)

• Throw pillows and blankets (freshly washed)

• Coffee and side tables (dust and sanitize)

• Remote controls (wipe down with disinfectant)

• Window sills, blinds, and curtains (dust or vacuum)

• Lamps, light switches, and outlets

Open the windows during cleaning to air out the space and let in that summer breeze.

The Bedroom: A Sanctuary for Summer Guests

A clean, restful bedroom sets the tone for a relaxing stay. Summer guests may arrive after long travel days, and nothing says “welcome” like crisp sheets and a fresh-smelling space.

Prioritize these bedroom cleaning tasks:

• Change bed linens and pillowcases (always fresh for each guest)

• Vacuum or mop floors under and around the bed

• Dust nightstands, dressers, and lamps

• Wipe down headboards and baseboards

• Check under the bed for forgotten items or dust

• Sanitize high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and light switches

Consider adding seasonal touches like light blankets or breathable linens to keep guests cool and comfortable.

Outdoor Spaces: Your Summer Secret Weapon

If your Airbnb has a balcony, patio, or shared garden, summer is the time guests will want to use it. These areas often get overlooked, but a clean, well-maintained outdoor space can be a huge bonus.

Key things to clean outdoors:

• Patio furniture (wipe down or hose off)

• Grill (clean grates and remove ash)

• Deck or entryway (sweep and power wash)

• Outdoor lighting (check for bugs or cobwebs)

• Windows and sliding glass doors (clean both sides)

These finishing touches create a polished look and can really enhance the guest experience.

Prepare for Summer

Summer travelers expect clean, well-maintained spaces—and in today’s world, cleanliness is tied to safety and trust. By focusing on these high-impact areas before the summer rush begins, you can boost your Airbnb’s appeal, increase bookings, and earn glowing reviews.

A deep professional cleaning can save you time and ensure no detail is missed. Whether you manage one property or several, now is the perfect time to prep your Airbnb and let your guests enjoy a stress-free summer stay.