Confessions of a Short-Term Rental Cleaner: What Frustrates Us (and How Hosts Can Help)

As professional cleaners, we’re the invisible force behind the sparkling photos and glowing reviews that help short-term rentals thrive. But behind every beautifully staged room is often a mad scramble to clean, reset, and fix what’s been left behind, and all within a tight window between guests.

Cleaning short-term rentals isn’t like tidying up your home. It’s part hospitality, part damage control, and part race against the clock. And truthfully? It can get frustrating. Here’s what professional cleaners wish every host knew, and how you can help.

Poor Communication = Frustrating Turnovers

Frustration:
We show up expecting to clean a two-bedroom property with standard check-out time, only to find extra guests stayed, a pet was brought without notice, or the check-out was delayed, without anyone telling us.

How You Can Help:

• Keep communication open and prompt, especially when guest plans change.
• Use digital tools (like Host Tools, Hospitable, or Turno) to automatically notify cleaners of updated schedules.
• Set realistic cleaning windows. Depending on the size of your STR, you can expect four hours is standard for one cleaner turning over a 3 bed/2 bath home (this also depends if laundry needs to be done!), so don’t expect miracles in two hours.
• Understand that some guests are messier than others. Removing mystery stains and handling extra trash will take longer.
• Consider if your property is large or complex enough that a day should be blocked off between guests. Airbnb has a handy feature to add this in-between day to reservations automatically.

No Inventory or Replenishment System

Frustration:
We can’t restock what’s not there. If basic items like toilet paper, dish soap, or clean linens aren’t available, it reflects badly on you, and we’re stuck doing damage control.

How You Can Help:

• Set up a locked supply closet stocked with essentials.
• Keep a checklist posted (digitally or printed) with inventory expectations.
• Use Amazon Subscribe & Save for auto-delivery of cleaning and hospitality basics.

Poor Quality or Excessive Linens

Frustration:
Cheap sheets tear in the wash. Overstuffed linen closets waste time as we hunt for matching pillowcases. And who really needs five throw pillows per bed?

How You Can Help:

• Invest in 2–3 high-quality sets per bed and towel type, then rotate, don’t hoard.
• Store linens in labeled bins or shelves for easy access.
• Stick to simple, durable, white hotel-style linens that wash and bleach easily.

Neglected Deep Cleaning Tasks

Frustration:
We’re scheduled for a “standard” turnover, but the shower grout hasn’t been touched in months and the oven looks like it survived a grease fire. Guests will notice, and so will we.

How You Can Help:

• Schedule a monthly or bi-monthly deep clean (and budget for it).
• Assign specialty tasks like ovens, behind furniture and under beds, and exterior and interior windows on a rotating schedule.
• Trust us: proactive maintenance is cheaper than reactive review damage control.
• Visit your property at least once a year, and identify deep cleaning tasks.

No Tipping or Appreciation

Frustration:
Cleaning a STR is physically and mentally demanding. Some hosts treat cleaners as replaceable labor rather than partners in guest experience.

How You Can Help:

• A thank-you note, bonus for high-volume weekends, or even a cold bottle of water goes a long way.
• Pay fairly and consistently. A great cleaner is worth their weight in 5-star reviews.
• Ask for feedback: we see your property more than you do and know what guests leave behind.

Final Thoughts

As a short-term rental cleaner, our goal is to make your property shine. When hosts treat us as part of the team rather than an afterthought, the entire experience improves: for us, for you, and most importantly, for your guests.

By investing in systems, quality supplies, and clear communication, you’ll make our job easier, and your rental more profitable.