If you’ve ever managed your own vacation rental turnovers, you know the frustration of arriving to find unexpected “parting gifts” on carpets, walls, or furniture.
We’re not talking about major damage—just those annoying blemishes in your carefully maintained décor that take more time and elbow grease than a typical turnover day allows. Too often, nail polish stays in the carpet, or a white heat stain lingers on the dining room table—sometimes until September, when there’s finally time to deal with it. But what impression does that leave on your next guests?
You can set yourself up for success by stocking up on essential supplies (think white vinegar, bleach, baking soda, and even toothpaste!) and arming yourself with techniques to tackle these seven surprises.
1. Sunblock Stains
We want our guests to stay safe and protect their skin with sunblock—but not at the expense of our sofas! This article from HowStuffWorks.com shares how to remove sunblock stains from surfaces ranging from nylon to flagstone and acrylic plastic.
2. Crayon on Walls or Furniture
Little Susie left a seagull masterpiece on the guest bedroom wall. The Spruce offers excellent remedies using everyday household items like white vinegar, toothpaste, or baking soda.
3. Greasy Handprints on the Walls
Adults and kids alike can leave smudges on the walls. This video and blog from CleanMySpace.com offer great tips and techniques to banish those prints.
4. White Heat Stain on a Table Top
Heat stains form when a hot object, such as a coffee mug or steaming dish, is placed on a wooden surface. This trick from TipNut.com works to remove white heat stains!
5. Gum in Carpet
Ah, children. Some homeowners say they’d prefer pets over kids—and gum is often the reason why. WikiHow.com walks you through step-by-step gum removal from carpets.
6. Nail Polish in Carpets or on Upholstery
Nail polish can be tricky to remove from carpets and upholstery—but with the right approach, it's often possible to get it out without lasting damage. Here's a tip from HowStuffWorks.com.
7. Candle Wax in Carpets or on Upholstery
Getting candle wax out of carpet or upholstery is very doable. The goal is to harden the wax first, then lift and melt the residue without damaging the fabric. Here's how from How Stuff Works.