Which Areas of an Airbnb Should Be Cleaned Most Frequently?
If you manage an Airbnb in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, consistent cleanliness impacts guest satisfaction, ratings, and compliance. But which areas should be cleaned most often? Whether you’re a facility manager, homeowner, or operations lead, prioritizing the right zones prevents issues and saves both time and money.
Why Frequent Cleaning Is Crucial
High guest turnover means more dirt, bacteria, and wear in certain spaces. Airbnb’s own Enhanced Cleaning Protocols stress the importance of consistency, disinfection, and targeted attention to high-touch points.
High-Touch Hotspots: Areas to Clean Frequently
| Area | Why It Matters | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bathrooms | High moisture, germs, and guest use | After each stay & spot clean daily during long bookings |
| Kitchens | Food prep risks, residue, cross-contamination | After each stay & monitor between guests |
| Doorknobs & Switches | Touchpoints for all guests | After each stay & every 2–3 days during extended stays |
| Remotes & Handles | Often handled, rarely considered | After each stay |
| Bedding & Towels | Direct guest contact, allergens | Change after every stay |
| Floors (Entry, Kitchen, Bath) | Debris and germ transfer | Sweep/vacuum after each stay & spot clean as needed |
Recommended Supplies for Efficiency & Safety
Use EPA-registered disinfectants on hard surfaces, noting contact times: most require surfaces to remain wet for 3–10 minutes. pH-neutral cleaners are ideal for natural stone and sealed wood to prevent damage. Choose microfiber cloths for dust removal and reduce cross-contamination by color-coding them for bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces.
- Disinfectant wipes/sprays for switches and remotes
- pH-neutral detergents for hard floors
- Gloves and masks (PPE) to protect staff and guests
- Lint-free towels for glass and mirrors
Always follow proper waste handling for disposables and avoid harsh ammonia with bleach, which can be hazardous.
Detailed Tips: Bathrooms & Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens harbor the most germs due to frequent use. Focus on:
- Bathroom: Toilet handle, sink faucets, shower controls, and light switches
- Kitchen: Countertops, appliance handles, fridge doors, sink faucet, and microwave buttons
See our in-depth guides for stocking and maintaining guest-ready bathrooms and kitchens:
– Bathroom essentials and extras
– Kitchen essentials and extras
How to Create an Efficient Cleaning Schedule
Consistency is key. In Chicago’s busy Airbnb market, many hosts coordinate turnover cleanings with maintenance apps and digital checklists. Breakdowns by area and task make delegation easier and ensure nothing is missed.
- Inspect high-touch zones daily if guests stay over 3 nights
- Schedule deep cleans monthly or at every maintenance interval
- Keep a log to monitor supplies, PPE usage, and compliance
For more detailed planning, download Airbnb’s Quickstart Cleaning Guide.
Safety & Compliance: Best Practices
Chicago hosts must manage cleaning waste per local guidelines and store chemicals away from guest access. Staff should use gloves and masks as basic PPE, replacing gloves after bathrooms and always washing hands between tasks. Allow each disinfectant its labeled dwell time, and never mix chemicals. Document your procedures to protect your team and ensure OSHA compliance.
Extra Guest Comfort & Operational Insights
Consider these finishing touches:
- Disinfect and deodorize mattresses between guests—get the full method in this mattress guide.
- Eliminate smoke and allergens—helpful info in smoke prevention for Airbnb.
- Boost guest experience and avoid common hosting mistakes—read our guides on improving guest experience and common Airbnb mistakes.
When to Call in Professional Help
For large properties, fast turnovers, or compliance with enhanced sanitation needs, consider experts. Book professional Airbnb cleaning in Chicago to ensure every detail exceeds expectations.
Final Reflections
Frequent cleaning of high-touch and moisture-prone areas is non-negotiable for safety and guest trust. The right products, scheduled protocols, and mindful waste handling keep your Chicago Airbnb a top-rated choice.
Tags: Airbnb Cleaning, Cleaning Best Practices, Facility Management, Chicago, Turnover Efficiency, Airbnb Hygiene, Guest Safety, High-Touch Cleaning, PPE, Disinfection
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