The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Housekeeper for Your Airbnb

Running an Airbnb sounds like passive income, right? Just list the property and wait for the bookings. Well, not quite. One of the most overlooked but vital parts of hosting is housekeeping. Whether you’re managing one property or ten, having a reliable housekeeper airbnb can make or break your Airbnb business. In this guide, we’re diving into everything you need to know about hiring and managing a housekeeper for your Airbnb.

Why Housekeeping is Crucial for Airbnb Hosts

First Impressions Matter

Ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? That’s especially true in the world of Airbnb. When guests walk in, the cleanliness of your space immediately sets the tone. If it’s spotless, they’re impressed. If it’s not? Well, expect a bad review or even a cancellation.

Positive Reviews Depend on Cleanliness

Airbnb guests may forget what type of mattress you had, but they won’t forget dirty sheets or a musty bathroom. Cleanliness is one of the top factors that influence Airbnb ratings. One bad review about cleanliness can dramatically affect your listing’s visibility and your bottom line.

What Does an Airbnb Housekeeper Do?

A housekeeper isn’t just someone who makes the bed and mops the floor. Their job goes beyond basic cleaning, especially when you’re turning over the space between guests.

Cleaning and Sanitizing

From scrubbing the bathroom to vacuuming under the bed, your housekeeper ensures everything looks (and smells) fresh. Since COVID-19, sanitization protocols have become a priority, and a good housekeeper will follow those to the letter.

Restocking Essentials

Guests expect certain amenities—think toilet paper, soap, coffee pods. A solid housekeeper will check inventory and restock what’s needed. It’s those little touches that elevate the guest experience.

Reporting Issues

Found a broken lamp? Leak under the sink? A responsible housekeeper will let you know about anything that’s off, so you can handle it before your next guest walks through the door.

Qualities to Look for in an Airbnb Housekeeper

Not all housekeepers are created equal. Here’s what you should look for when hiring:

Attention to Detail

Airbnb guests often inspect places like they’re hotel auditors. Missed spots on mirrors or hair in the shower can ruin the whole vibe. You need someone with an eagle eye.

Reliability and Punctuality

Airbnb turnovers are often on a tight schedule. If your housekeeper is late or a no-show, that’s a massive issue. Look for someone who treats the gig professionally.

Trustworthiness

Let’s be real—you’re giving someone access to your home and belongings. Trust is non-negotiable. Always run background checks and ask for references.

Should You Hire a Freelancer or a Cleaning Service?

Pros and Cons of Freelancers

Pros:

More affordable
Personalized service
Direct communication

Cons:

Less availability
No backup if they cancel

Pros and Cons of Cleaning Companies

Pros:

Professional standards
Consistent scheduling
Backup cleaners available

Cons:

More expensive
Less personalized attention

How to Find a Reliable Housekeeper for Your Airbnb

Ask for Referrals

Word-of-mouth is gold. Ask fellow hosts in your area who they use. Often, the best people don’t even advertise—they’re too busy with referrals.

Use Online Platforms

Websites like TurnoverBnB, TaskRabbit, and even Craigslist are great places to find experienced cleaners who specialize in Airbnb turnovers.

Conduct a Trial Run

Before committing, book a trial clean. Check their speed, thoroughness, and how they handle special instructions.

Cost of Hiring a Housekeeper for Airbnb

Per-Cleaning Rates

Rates can vary by location, size of the property, and complexity of the job. On average, expect to pay $50–$150 per cleaning.

Extra Charges to Consider

Don’t forget add-ons like:

Deep cleaning ($30–$60 extra)
Laundry services
Pet hair removal

Creating a Cleaning Checklist

A cleaning checklist helps maintain consistency and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Room-by-Room Tasks

For example:

Kitchen: wipe countertops, clean fridge, empty trash
Bathroom: disinfect toilet, replace towels, refill soap
Bedroom: change linens, vacuum carpets

Timing and Turnover Coordination

Let your housekeeper know when check-out and check-in times are so they can schedule enough time between guests.

Legal and Tax Considerations

Contract Agreements

Whether you hire a freelancer or a service, always have a written agreement outlining scope, payment, and expectations.

Paying Taxes and Insurance

Freelancers may be considered independent contractors. Know your local tax laws. You might also want to carry liability insurance in case something goes wrong.

Automating the Cleaning Process

Using Management Software

Tools like Hospitable, Guesty, or Breezeway let you automate cleaning schedules and send reminders to your housekeeper.

Syncing with Booking Calendars

With automation, you can sync your housekeeper’s schedule directly with your Airbnb calendar, making turnover days stress-free.

Common Mistakes Airbnb Hosts Make with Housekeeping

Underestimating the Time Needed

Thinking a one-bedroom unit only needs 30 minutes? Think again. Rushing the job leads to poor results and unhappy guests.

Not Inspecting After Cleaning

Always do a final walkthrough or request photo proof from your housekeeper. Trust, but verify.

Final Thoughts on Housekeeping for Airbnb

The cleanliness of your Airbnb directly affects your reviews, your income, and your sanity. Don’t treat it as an afterthought. Whether you DIY or hire help, your guests deserve a five-star experience—and it all starts with a clean space.

Conclusion

In the Airbnb game, cleanliness isn’t optional—it’s essential. Hiring the right housekeeper ensures happy guests, glowing reviews, and return bookings. Whether you go for a solo cleaner or a professional team, having the right person in charge of turnover tasks can make your life so much easier. Take your time, vet your options, and invest in someone who’ll treat your Airbnb like it’s their own.