Maintaining the cleanliness of an Airbnb rental property while you live out of state is difficult. Airbnb rentals, in general, can have dozens of different guests trouncing through the property in a month’s time.
Managing the cleanings at such as high frequency from afar is close to impossible. When you own property out of state, it’s important to work with professional cleaning companies to help keep things tidy. Even if it costs you money to pay upfront, it’s worth having the help when you live so far away from your rental property.
Here are several effective ways to keep your Airbnb clean while living out of state.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
There’s no arguing about the effectiveness of cleaning your Airbnb regularly. Landlords and real estate investors who live close to their short-term rental properties usually leverage cleaning companies to help them maintain their properties. Over time, if properties are neglected, they can become damaged and less appealing to short-term renters. Eventually, as a worst-case scenario, the city can slap violations on your property based on the assessed damages.
Trying to get rid of code violations tied to a house is not easy. Be proactive versus reactive when taking care of your rental property.
Scheduling regular cleanings with a cleaning company is the easiest way to keep a home tidy. Your Airbnb guests will be much happier and leave you positive reviews based on their experience. It’s worth investing in a good cleaning company that you can trust to perform routine cleanings of the home.
As an out of state investor, you can be completely hands-off and know with confidence that your rental property is clean.
Using A Roomba
No matter how good your cleaning company is, it doesn’t hurt to have extra help while they are away. Investing in a Roomba can help your Airbnb rental stay clean during the odd hours that cleaners aren’t tidying up your property. As an out of state investor, it’s important to leverage technology when possible to make your job easier.
Roombas can be set to particular schedules. For example, you can have them run at night when people are sleeping. Consider adding one to your Airbnb rental property to keep your home cleaner than it ever was before. The more you maintain your property, the more value it will hold over time. If you plan to keep your short-term rental for a shorter period of time, investing in proper cleaning tools is crucial.
Choosing and Displaying Linens and Towels
Imagine stepping into a room where every linen and towel adheres to a tasteful, uniform color scheme. Whites, neutrals, light grays – they don’t just scream elegance; they’re practical. They make cleanliness immediately apparent.
Now, think about storage. It’s not just about where you keep these essentials, but how.
Clever storage solutions like under-bed boxes or labeled closet organizers can be a game-changer, especially when you’re prepping for new guests on a tight schedule.
Whether you choose spa-style rolls or crisp, neat folds, the key is in the presentation. A basket filled with rolled towels in the bathroom or a shelf neatly stacked with linens can transform the space. And let’s not forget the laundry process.
Opting for quick-drying fabrics isn’t just a time-saver; it’s an energy saver too. On those quick turnaround days these fabrics are your best friend. Plus, they’re less prone to developing that dreaded mildew smell.
Here are some ideas for presentation.
French Fold for Bed Linens
A sophisticated choice for bed linens, particularly top sheets.
Lay your sheet flat, then fold it in half widthwise. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise, followed by another lengthwise fold.
Now, bring the bottom end up to two-thirds of the way up the sheet, then fold the top third down over it. This technique creates a crisp, clean appearance when the linens are pulled back, revealing a welcoming bed that invites guests to relax.
Classic Hotel Fold for Towels
Start by laying your towel flat on a surface. Begin by folding the towel into thirds lengthwise, creating a long, narrow shape. Then fold this strip in half widthwise, and fold it once more in the same direction.
This method leaves you with a neat, compact rectangle, ideal for stacking on shelves or placing at the foot of the bed. It’s simple yet elegant, offering a touch of hotel luxury.
Spa Style Roll for Towels
For a spa-like feel, the rolling technique is perfect. Lay your towel flat first. Fold one corner diagonally, so the short edge aligns with the long edge, creating a point at one end.
Starting from the pointed end, roll the towel tightly towards the opposite edge.
This results in a neat, cylindrical shape, fantastic for a more relaxed, inviting look. These rolls can be artfully arranged in a basket or on an open shelf, instantly giving your space a serene, spa-like quality.
Fan Fold for Hand Towels
This one adds a bit of flair. Place your hand towel flat. Start at one end and accordion fold the towel, creating back-and-forth folds about 2 inches wide.
Once the entire towel is folded, fold it in half lengthwise, with the folds on the outside. Tuck the loose corners into the folds on the opposite side, creating a fan shape.
This fold is especially eye-catching when displayed on the bathroom counter or vanity.
Add Fans For Less Dust Buildup
Circulating the air is an effective way to keep the interior of your Airbnb rental property less dusty. While dust may not seem like a huge problem initially because it’s so microscopic, it can pile up over time. When left uncleaned, dust can build up and become visibly dirty to Airbnb guests.
Eventually, dust can turn into filth that is harder to clean off.
By adding fans throughout your Airbnb, you increase the airflow throughout the property. This makes it much harder for the dust to build up and will ultimately save your cleaning company time tidying up the house.
You can add ceiling fans in each bedroom. This helps keep dust from piling up on dressers, nightstands, and televisions.
For common area rooms, you can place small table fans or larger standup fans in places where they fit naturally to increase the airflow. Fans are a powerful and relatively inexpensive way to help keep your Airbnb clean.
Hire A Maid Service
If your cleaning company does not specifically offer maid services, using this as part of your presentation standard between visitors is an important step.
A maid service typically offers thorough cleaning, which includes dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. They take care of the bathrooms too, ensuring they are sparkling and sanitized. Kitchens are wiped down, with special attention to appliances and counters.
This level of cleanliness is about providing a safe, hygienic environment for your guests. More than even the look.
Bed making is another crucial service. Maids will expertly change linens, fluff pillows, and ensure beds are impeccably made, much like a hotel.
When guests walk into a bedroom with a perfectly made bed, it sets a tone of care and ease.
Restocking essentials is crucial to being a go-to AirBnB host. This includes items like toilet paper, soaps, and even special touches like coffee pods or tea bags. It’s these small details that can elevate a guest’s experience, making them feel cared for and valued.
Maid services can also offer laundry services, an invaluable asset for busy Airbnb properties.
Freshly laundered linens and towels are always ready for new arrivals, making the transition between guests seamless. This not only saves time but also ensures a standard of quality and hygiene.
Flexibility is a key benefit. Whether it’s last-minute bookings or unexpected changes in guest schedules, a professional service can adapt quickly, ensuring your property is always guest-ready.
For hosts, the peace of mind this brings is immense. Knowing that your property is in capable hands means you can focus on the business end of AirBnB and maximize earnings.