Are you moving out of a rental soon? Packing and cleaning can be stressful, but having a comprehensive checklist makes the process much smoother. A thorough cleaning ensures you get your full security deposit back while leaving the space fresh for the next renters. This rental cleaning checklist covers every room, with step-by-step instructions for deep cleaning and sanitizing.
From scrubbing floors to wiping down cabinets, this guide helps you check everything off your list before turning in your keys. With clever tips and a detailed task list, this rental cleaning checklist transforms a dreaded chore into an efficient, hassle-free process. Before you hire a cleaning company, follow each step to make your rental sparkle and earn back your full deposit. Move out with confidence knowing every corner has been cleaned!
Why Cleanliness Matters in the Rental Business
Keeping your rental home spotlessly clean should be a top priority for any host. Travelers expect and deserve lodging that is clean, sanitary, and comfortable. A detailed cleaning checklist is essential for rental owners to keep things running smoothly.
Benefits of Proper Cleaning
- Attract more renters and earn higher ratings/reviews
- Create an inviting living environment for guests
- Reduce damage from wear and tear
- Minimize the spread of germs
- Prevent bug infestations
- Allow renters to easily maintain tidiness
- Lessen the need for cleaning between visitors
- Decrease costs associated with repairs and replacements
First impressions matter, and cleanliness makes a statement about the quality of your rental from the moment a visitor walks through the door. The small upfront investment of time to thoroughly clean goes a long way toward building your reputation, pleasing tenants, and operating a successful rental property.
Essential Household Items to Stock
It’s also essential for owners to stock their rental property with all necessary supplies for housekeeping duties – from brooms and mops to paper goods and light bulbs.
Ensuring your rental unit has everything a tenant needs for basic cleaning and household duties means they can easily maintain tidiness during their stay. Be sure to have ample supplies of the following:
Cleaning Tools and Supplies
- Quality vacuum
- Microfiber mop
- Broom and dustpan
- All-purpose cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes and spray
- Glass/window cleaner
- Dish soap
Basics and Replacement Items
- Light bulbs
- Air filters
- Batteries
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Garbage bags
Also provides essentials like clean linens, towels, cookware, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, coffee makers, and more. These simple but important items allow visitors to feel right at home.
Comprehensive Rental Cleaning Checklist
Meticulously cleaning your entire rental with this detailed checklist helps set the framework for a positive experience. Leave no surface overlooked, and don’t hesitate to get on hands and knees or climb ladders to clean cracks, corners, walls, and ceilings.
Kitchen
The kitchen should shine since it’s where tenants prepare meals daily.
- Clear and wipe down all counters
- Clean outside of appliances (refrigerator, oven, microwave, coffee maker)
- Scrub inside microwave
- Descale coffee maker
- Take out trash and recycling
- Sweep and mop floors
- Clean cabinets, handles, drawer pulls
- Scrub inside drawers
- Wash interior shelves
- Clean the pantry and wipe the shelves
- Dust light fixtures
- Clean switch plates and door knobs
- Empty sink and clean garbage disposal
- Sanitize sink basin
- Shine faucets and handles
- Clean dishwasher exterior
- Run dishwasher empty on sanitizing cycle
- Replenish dishwasher detergent, rinse aid
- Ensure adequate cookware, dishes, utensils
Bathrooms
As one of the most used spaces, bathrooms require meticulous attention.
Basic Cleaning
- Clear countertops
- Take out trash
- Clean mirror(s) and medicine cabinet
- Dust light fixtures
- Clean switch plates, outlets, and door handles
- Sweep and mop floors
Shower/Tub
- Remove shower curtains and wash or replace if needed
- Scrub walls with soap scum remover
- Clean glass shower doors with window cleaner
- Scrub floor basin with bathroom cleaner
- Sanitize and shine faucets and handles
- Flush and sanitize the toilet fully
Sinks
- Polish chrome sink fixtures
- Disinfect sink basin
- Clean inside drawers and under the sink
- Ensure functioning plumbing and adequate water pressure
Storage Areas
- Fold clean hand towels attractively
- Ensure the toilet paper holder is full
- Check stock of toiletries, soap, shampoo
- Clean exterior of shelving
- Dust top of door frames
Dining Room
The dining area should allow visitors to comfortably sit down for meals.
- Dust lighting fixtures and bulbs
- Clean table and chair legs
- Disinfect table top
- Shine glass tabletops
- Wash chair seats/cushions as needed
- Shake out table pad/tablecloth
- Spot clean walls
- Clean window treatments
- Mop or vacuum floors
- Provide placemats and cloth napkins
Windows and Doors
Ensuring windows operate smoothly and doors have adequate locks reassures visitors.
Windows
- Vacuum window tracks
- Clean window and door frames
- Wash window panes thoroughly
- Test locks on all windows
- Ensure screens are secure
- Confirm windows open easily without sticking
Doors
- Polish doorknobs
- Clean sliding door tracks
- Test keyless locks are working
- Check door sweeps permit easy opening/closing
- Ensure locks engage properly
- Confirm entry doorbell operates correctly
Laundry/Utility Room
Having an area to wash clothes can greatly add to a traveler’s convenience.
- Ensure washer and dryer are clean inside/out
- Run empty laundry cycle with afresh tablets
- Clean the dryer exhaust vent thoroughly
- Provide laundry supplies: detergent, dryer sheets, iron
- Sweep and mop flooring
- Empty the lint trap in the dryer
- Check washer for leaks
- Test to confirm all settings operate
Garage/Outdoor Areas
While infrequently used, maintaining tidy outdoor spaces prevents pests while also enabling travelers’ full enjoyment.
Garage
- Sweep out dirt, dust, leaves, cobwebs
- Clear any clutter from floors and shelves
- Arrange outdoor items neatly
- Ensure the garage door operates smoothly
Outdoor Areas
- Wash outdoor furniture cushions
- Put away loose decor items
- Trim overgrown bushes near doors/walkways
- Remove weeds from patio areas
- Clean outdoor railings and surfaces
- Power wash decks/porches as needed
- Ensure secure gates/fences
House Exterior
Curb appeal makes a strong first impression, so keep the entry tidy and have a marked house number.
- Remove clutter from the front porch
- Sweep front steps and entryway
- Wash welcome mat
- Ensure visible, well-lit house/unit numbers
- Clean outdoor light fixtures
- Wash windows (if accessible)
- Clear dead leaves/debris
Regular Cleaning Tips
Even with the most thorough cleaning, dirt still accumulates between visitors. Get in the habit of quick cleanups before the next occupants’ arrival.
- Switch all linens including mattress pads
- Wash all towels and bath mats
- Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes
- Vacuum thoroughly including underneath beds
- Clean ceiling fans and fan blades
- Dust baseboards, windowsills, blinds
- Check/replace air filters
- Clean grease or dirt that accumulates in the kitchen
- Descale showerheads to prevent mineral buildup
According to cleaning expert Flynn (2021), cleaning should start from the top down, moving horizontally from one end of the room to the other. This ensures no areas get missed.
Cleaning Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances get a lot of use, so pay special attention to cleaning them thoroughly.
Refrigerator
- Remove shelves and drawers and wash in the sink
- Clean inside refrigerator walls, compartments
- Shine exterior surfaces
- Dust top and back vents
- Replace the water filter if needed
Oven
- Remove racks and wash with degreaser
- Clean inside oven walls with oven cleaner
- Use a toothbrush to clean crevices
- Polish exterior surfaces
- Ensure all burners operate
Dishwasher
- Remove debris trapped in the bottom drain
- Clean door gaskets and hinges
- Wash removable parts in the sink
- Confirm that the rinse aid dispenser is full
- Test heating element fully sanitizes
Electronics and Entertainment
Travelers often use downtime for streaming shows or playing games. Ensure electronics are cleaned and connected.
TVs
- Dust screen, components, stands
- Ensure secure wall mounts if applicable
- Confirm TV remotes have batteries
- Test all HDMI ports to connect
- Verify cable/satellite service active
Internet/Networking
- Reset the WiFi router and confirm the password displayed
- Connect gaming consoles if available
- Provide info for accessing WiFi
Safety Features
Safety should also be a top focus so occupants feel secure and protected.
Smoke/CO Detectors
- Replace batteries in all detectors
- Test units are correctly located
- Confirm the functioning alarm sound
- Check fire extinguishers not expired
Security System
- Ensure all sensors are operating
- Provide info on arming/disarming system
- Confirm monitoring service active
- Test perimeter alarms sound
Extras and Hospitality
Going above and beyond with small extras makes visitors feel pampered.
Welcome Basket
- Fill a basket with local snacks
- Include area guides/maps
- Provide a list of house rules/instructions
- Leave personalized note
Bedrooms
- Stage beds attractive with decorative pillows
- Leave mint on a pillow with a turn-down service
- Provide soft robes in closets
These additions show you aim to delight at every opportunity!
Employ a Professional Cleaning Service
Trying to prep your rental completely on your own can be extremely labor-intensive. Consider outsourcing to rental cleaning pros who can efficiently refresh your property between visitors. Vetted services:
- Thoroughly clean all rooms/spaces
- Use commercial cleaning agents
- Have specialized equipment like steamers
- Replace consumables
- Know what areas require attention
- Can provide deep cleaning periodically
This ensures your valuable asset stays spotless and minimizes your effort. The small investment is well worth higher ratings and minimal headaches.
According to guidelines from Vrbo (2020), hiring professional cleaners can be a smart investment for rental owners. Not only do they efficiently handle the work, but experts know the best practices to meet hospitality standards.
In Summary
Preparing a rental unit for incoming guests is an involved, multifaceted process. But armed with this comprehensive top-to-bottom rental cleaning checklist, owners have a blueprint for completely refreshing any living space. Meticulously cleaning all areas—from shampooing carpets to polishing fixtures—ensures visitors walk into a pristine, welcoming environment.
Providing a sparkling clean, comfortable home is the cornerstone of five-star hospitality service. With ample time, the right tools and supplies, and an eye for detail, rental owners can exceed travelers’ expectations. Implementing specialized deep cleaning between stays leaves the property move-in ready. Following these best practices for cleaning and maintenance makes hosting smooth while earning accolades from happy tenants. Applying these checklists and procedures will bolster reputations, generate repeat visits, and support thriving rental businesses for the long term.
