How cleanliness affects ratings and bookings in short-term rentals

Cleanliness in short-term rental properties is not just a matter of aesthetics – it’s a direct investment in the profitability of your business. Studies show that properties perceived as clean increase their revenue by 17.5% and occupancy by 16.5%, even in difficult market conditions. For owners of apartments on Airbnb and Booking.com , perfect cleaning is the key to higher ratings, better visibility in platform algorithms , and, most importantly, higher earnings.

The statistics don’t lie: cleanliness drives bookings

90% of guests using Booking.com and Airbnb emphasize that the cleanliness of an apartment is a key factor when choosing a place to stay. What’s more, 80% of guest reviews concern the standard of cleanliness, which directly translates into future bookings.

Properties that consistently maintain a 5-star rating for cleanliness can expect:

• 15-20% higher rates per night compared to the competition
• Increased visibility in search results – Airbnb and Booking.com algorithms favor properties with ratings above 4.5 stars
• More returning guests who value predictability and standard

On the other hand, one negative review regarding cleanliness can:

• Lower your average rating below 4.5 stars, reducing the visibility of your listing
• Force you to lower your prices to regain the trust of guests
• Cost you hundreds of dollars a month in lost bookings

Guests will forgive slow Wi-Fi or outdated furniture, but dust on the countertop or dirty bedding is a guarantee of a bad review. Booking platforms treat cleanliness as a separate rating category, which means that failures in this area have a disproportionately large impact on the overall score.

DIY Cleaning vs. Professional Services

Choosing between self-cleaning and professional services represents a pivotal strategic decision for short-term rental owners, directly impacting guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and scalability.

Many property owners begin their short-term rental journey by handling cleaning themselves. This approach offers clear advantages: it eliminates direct service costs entirely, provides complete control over cleaning standards and timing, and allows for personal property inspections that often reveal maintenance issues before guests arrive. However, as booking volume increases, the limitations become evident. Time spent scrubbing floors represents significant opportunity cost – those hours could fuel business growth through marketing, new property acquisitions, or pricing optimization. Frequent turnovers create relentless pressure that leads to burnout, while the absence of professional equipment like steam cleaners and industrial vacuums compromises deep-cleaning effectiveness. Most critically, back-to-back bookings with tight turnarounds (11 AM checkout, 3 PM check-in) render consistent quality nearly impossible to maintain single-handedly.

Professional cleaning services address these challenges comprehensively. They deliver guaranteed 5-star standards through specialized equipment such as HEPA vacuums and commercial-grade cleaners, ensuring every surface meets guest expectations. Their 24/7 availability eliminates scheduling conflicts even during peak seasons, while scalable operations seamlessly accommodate portfolio expansion. Guests receive predictable quality they can trust, fostering repeat business and glowing reviews. The trade-offs include fixed service costs that grow with volume and slightly reduced direct oversight, though reputable providers minimize these concerns through rigorous quality controls.

The strategic choice hinges on operational reality: DIY cleaning suits low-volume properties with flexible owner schedules, while professional services unlock the consistency required for high-frequency bookings and portfolio growth. Both approaches have merit, but scalability ultimately favors professional partnerships that transform cleaning from operational bottleneck into competitive advantage.

BedBooking: Your partner in cleaning management

The BedBooking system offers features that significantly facilitate the organization of cleaning schedules in rental properties. The platform allows you to:

• Configure cleaning options tailored to the specifics of your property
• A clear booking calendar connected to multiple platforms ( Booking.com, Airbnb) in one place
• Synchronization of all reservations, allowing for better cleaning planning between guests
• Support on multiple devices – manage cleaning from your phone, tablet, or computer
• Management of different levels of employee access

Automating your cleaning schedule is a key part of professional short-term rental management. Systems that automatically sync booking calendars and assign cleaning after each booking eliminate the stress of manual planning and ensure that your property is always ready to welcome new guests.

7 most common mistakes in maintaining cleanliness in a rental property:

Overlooking hard-to-reach areas

Guests notice dust under furniture, behind the sofa, or on ceiling fans. Move furniture regularly and clean:

• The space under sofas and beds
• The interiors of household appliances (microwave, oven, refrigerator)
• Ventilation grilles and ceiling fans
• Baseboards and window sills

Neglecting to disinfect touch surfaces

Door handles, light switches, TV remotes, and thermostats are areas that require special attention. Guests expect these items to be thoroughly disinfected, especially since they bear traces of previous users.

Use of inappropriate cleaning products

Not all products are equally effective – using the wrong chemicals can damage equipment or cause discomfort to guests. Investing in professional cleaning and disinfecting products is essential.

Failure to replenish basic amenities

Dirty dishes in the sink, lack of toilet paper, or unrefilled toiletries are the most common complaints from guests. Create a checklist that includes:

• Soap, shampoo, and shower gel
• Toilet paper (at least 2 rolls per bathroom)
• Kitchen towels and paper towels
• Basic food products (coffee, tea, sugar)

Neglected bedding

Crumpled sheets or stains on towels are unacceptable. Always:

• Wash bedding at a high temperature
• Iron sheets for a hotel-like effect
• Replace towels and bathroom rugs after each guest

Cleaning only on the surface

Cleaning only visible areas is a trap – guests will check the grout in the bathroom, the nooks and crannies of the kitchen, and the inside of cabinets. Perform deep cleaning of all rooms regularly.

Lack of detailed instructions for the cleaning team

Unclear guidelines lead to inconsistent results. Digital checklists and detailed procedures are the foundation of professional service. Create documentation covering each room with a precise description of tasks.

Disinfection standards in the post-pandemic era

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed guests’ expectations regarding cleanliness and hygiene in rental properties. Properties perceived as clean not only fared better during the crisis, but also gained a competitive advantage for years to come.

Key elements of the disinfection protocol:

High-risk surfaces (require disinfection after each guest):

• Door and cabinet handles
• Light switches and sockets
• Taps, toilets, and bathroom fixtures
• TV and air conditioning remote controls
• Kitchen countertops and refrigerator handles
• Handrails and balustrades

Bedding and textiles (wash at a minimum temperature of 60°C):

• Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets
• Bath towels and rugs
• Curtains and decorative pillows
• Kitchen cloths

Ventilation and air circulation:

• Ventilate the apartment for at least 30 minutes before guests arrive
• Regular replacement of air conditioning filters
• Clean ventilation grilles

Owners should communicate their cleaning protocols in the listing description—transparency builds trust and reassures guests. You can include information about:

• Frequency of professional cleaning
• Disinfectants used
• Ventilation time between guests
• Safety procedures

Cleanliness as an investment, not a cost

The most financially successful owners treat cleaning not as a transactional service, but as a system that protects revenue. Consistent cleaning quality correlates with stable ratings, predictable guest satisfaction, and price power. When a property is reliably clean, owners can confidently raise rates, reduce refunds, and maintain booking momentum even during competitive periods.

Investing in perfect cleaning isn’t just about better reviews – it’s a business strategy that directly impacts your bottom line. Combined with tools like BedBooking, which automate schedule management, you can focus on growing your business, confident that your guests will always walk into a spotless apartment.