Between guest checkout and the next check-in, every detail matters. A missed coffee stain on the bench or hair in the shower drain is all it takes to earn a 4-star review instead of a 5-star one — and on Airbnb, that difference costs you bookings.
After 5,000+ turnover cleans across Melbourne, we’ve refined the exact checklist our Qbees cleaning teams use between every guest. Use this as your go-to standard whether you clean yourself or manage a cleaning team.
Kitchen Checklist
- Wipe down all benchtops, splashbacks, and cabinet fronts
- Clean inside the microwave (remove turntable and wash separately)
- Wipe stovetop, knobs, and range hood exterior
- Empty and wipe inside the fridge — check for leftover guest food
- Run the dishwasher or hand-wash and put away all dishes
- Clean the sink and polish the tap
- Empty bins and replace liners
- Wipe small appliances (kettle, toaster, coffee machine)
- Restock coffee pods, tea bags, sugar, salt, pepper, and cooking oil
- Check all drawers for items left behind by previous guests
Bathroom Checklist
- Scrub and sanitise the toilet (bowl, seat, base, and behind)
- Clean the shower — glass, tiles, showerhead, taps, and grout lines
- Wipe mirror until streak-free
- Clean vanity top, basin, and tap
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Empty bathroom bin and replace liner
- Hang fresh towels in a hotel-style fold
- Restock toilet paper (at least 2 rolls), hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Check the drain for hair — clear it every time
- Wipe down exhaust fan cover if dusty
Bedroom Checklist
- Strip all beds completely — inspect mattress protector for stains
- Make beds with fresh, crisp linens (use professional linen hire for hotel-quality sheets)
- Fluff and arrange pillows symmetrically
- Fold a throw blanket at the foot of the bed
- Dust bedside tables, lamps, and headboard
- Empty and wipe inside wardrobes and drawers — check for guest belongings
- Vacuum carpet or mop hard floors, including under the bed
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Check power points and charging cables are intact
Living Areas Checklist
- Vacuum all floors and rugs, mop hard surfaces
- Wipe coffee table, dining table, TV unit, and shelving
- Fluff and arrange sofa cushions
- Fold throw blankets neatly
- Clean TV screen with a microfibre cloth
- Dust skirting boards, windowsills, and light switches
- Clean inside sliding door tracks
- Wipe all door handles and light switches (high-touch sanitisation)
- Check remote controls have working batteries
- Arrange welcome materials, house manual, and Wi-Fi info card
Laundry Checklist
- Wipe washer and dryer exteriors and door seals
- Clean the laundry sink and tap
- Sweep and mop the floor
- Restock laundry detergent and dryer sheets if provided
- Empty lint filter in the dryer
Entrance and Outdoor Areas
- Sweep or vacuum the entryway
- Clean the front door handle and lock box or smart lock
- Wipe the doormat or replace if worn
- If applicable: sweep balcony, wipe outdoor furniture, and empty ashtrays
- Check exterior lighting is working
- Remove any rubbish or deliveries left at the door
Final Walkthrough — The 5-Star Check
Before you lock up, do one final lap through the entire property. This is where the difference between a good clean and a 5-star clean happens:
- Smell check — does the property smell fresh and neutral? Use a light diffuser or linen spray, never heavy air freshener
- Temperature — set heating/cooling to a comfortable arrival temperature
- Lights — turn off all lights except a welcoming lamp or entry light
- Blinds — open to let in natural light (daytime check-ins) or close for privacy (evening)
- Photo verification — take 4–6 photos of key rooms for your records and to send to the host
- Lost property — place any items left behind in a labelled bag and notify the host immediately
- Lock up — secure all windows, balcony doors, and entry points
Pro Tips From 5,000+ Melbourne Cleans
Time your turnovers. A well-organised 2-bedroom clean should take 1.5–2 hours. If it’s consistently taking longer, your process needs tightening — or your guests need clearer checkout instructions.
Create a supplies kit. Keep a dedicated cleaning caddy stocked for each property. Running out of bathroom cleaner mid-turnover wastes time and money.
Set guest checkout rules. Ask guests to start the dishwasher, take out rubbish, and strip the beds. Most are happy to help when asked politely in checkout instructions.
Schedule deep cleans quarterly. Turnover cleans maintain the property between guests, but you need a thorough deep clean every 3 months to keep the property in top condition. This includes inside ovens, window tracks, under heavy furniture, and detailed grout work.
Want This Done For You?
Managing turnover cleans is time-consuming, especially with multiple properties or back-to-back bookings. Qbees handles everything — cleaning, linen, restocking, and photo verification — so you can focus on growing your Airbnb business.
We service 13 Melbourne suburbs including Southbank, Melbourne CBD, Docklands, South Yarra, St Kilda, and Richmond.
