Your browser's security settings have disabled Javascript, which is required to use this web site effectively.
Please alter your security settings. Click here to see how.

Clean as a Whistle: How to Build a Winning Vacation Rental Cleaning Team

Joan Talmadge | Updated 4/29/2025
Clean as a Whistle: How to Build a Winning Vacation Rental Cleaning Team

Vacation Rental Cleaning: Tips for Turnover Success

Vacation rental cleaning crews are the unsung heroes of turnover days, earning the "Most Valuable Player" award for preparing homes for new guests. For owners who can’t be present, a reliable cleaning crew for vacation rentals is crucial to meet today’s high standards for cleanliness.

Don't forget the vacation rental deep cleaning tips prior to the rental season!

The Cleaning Crew: Your Vacation Rental MVPs

Most homeowners guard the names of their trusted cleaners — good vacation rental cleaning services are a treasured resource! Fortunately, we offer a Home Services Directory with cleaning companies listed by region.

When hiring a cleaning crew, ask for and call references. Many companies will assess your property and provide a quote.

Efficient Turnover Cleaning Teams

Professional cleaning teams work fast, with each member specializing in an area: one handles the kitchen, another the bathrooms, and another dusting or vacuuming. These pros ensure quick turnover cleaning for vacation rentals to move on to their next job!

Setting Expectations with Your Cleaning Crew

To avoid misunderstandings, conduct a walkthrough with your cleaners before the rental season begins.

Vacation Rental Cleaning Tips:

  • Post a checklist of responsibilities inside a cabinet or closet.
  • Stock a closet with extra supplies (soap, paper goods, etc.).

Typical Vacation Rental Cleaner Duties:

  • Sanitizing bathrooms
  • Dusting and vacuuming
  • Replenishing soap and paper products
  • Kitchen cleaning, including emptying the fridge
  • Cleaning appliances (microwave, oven, dishwasher, etc.)

What Cleaners Shouldn’t Do

Leave heavy-duty tasks to your pre-season deep cleaning. For industry standards, see the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Safe Stay guidelines.

Don’t Expect Cleaners to:

  • Move furniture to vacuum underneath
  • Wash down woodwork
  • Set up outdoor furniture or sweep decks/patios
  • Clean BBQ grills
  • Water plants
  • Make repairs

These should be handled separately unless specifically arranged.

Communicating Expectations to Guests

Clear communication with guests is key to maintaining your vacation rental’s condition.

Guest Checkout List (Post on the Fridge!):

  • Take out trash and leftover food
  • Wash and put away dishes and kitchen items
  • Return rearranged furniture to its original position
  • Ensure cleaning supplies (dish soap, garbage bags, etc.) are available

Guests are more likely to clean up if you make it easy.

Monitoring Your Property

Ask your cleaners to report any damage or if tenants left your home in poor condition, requiring extra vacation rental cleaning. Notify responsible tenants soon after their departure, ideally within days. See our post about withholding security deposits.

Explore our tips for hiring other vacation rental maintenance professionals to keep your home guest-ready.

About Joan Talmadge

About Joan Talmadge: In 1996, my husband Jeff and I purchased our Cape home and began looking for a way to rent it out during the summer. That's when Jeff created WeNeedaVacation, and the rest is history! After teaching fifth grade for 8 years and spending 15 years writing and editing educational publications, I found myself transitioning into a new career as a business owner. Today, we're fortunate to have a wonderful team of capable, caring staff, and Jeff and I are especially proud that two of our three grown children work with us. After 26 summers of renting out our home, we now live here year-round and couldn't be happier. The Cape truly is magical, no matter the season.