A turnover cleaning is not the same as a regular house cleaning. Guests judge your Airbnb differently than they judge their own home. They look for hotel-level cleanliness in spots most people never think about: the top of the nightstand, the inside of the microwave, the edge where the bathroom tile meets the tub. Miss one detail and it shows up in your review.
This is the checklist we use for every single turnover cleaning in Los Angeles. It is based on 1,200+ completed turnovers and refined based on what guests actually complain about. Use it yourself or hand it to whoever cleans your property.
Before You Start: Preparation (5 minutes)
- Walk through the property first. Look for guest damage, left-behind items, and anything unusual.
- Set any left-behind items aside in a labeled bag with the guest name and checkout date.
- Open all windows for ventilation (weather permitting).
- Gather your supplies: cleaning caddy, fresh linens, trash bags, vacuum, mop.
- Start a load of laundry immediately if you are washing linens on-site.
Kitchen (25-35 minutes)
The kitchen takes the most time per square foot. Guests cook, spill, and forget to wipe up. Here is the full sequence:
- Empty the refrigerator. Remove everything the previous guest left behind. Wipe all shelves and drawers with a disinfectant spray.
- Clean the microwave inside and out. A damp cloth with a lemon slice heated for 30 seconds loosens dried food.
- Wipe down the stovetop, including burner grates if applicable. Degrease with a kitchen spray.
- Clean the oven exterior. If the oven interior needs attention, note it for a scheduled deep clean.
- Wipe all countertops, the backsplash area behind the sink, and the countertop edges.
- Clean the sink thoroughly. Scrub the basin and polish the faucet until it shines. Guests notice water spots on chrome.
- Run a cycle on the dishwasher with a cleaning tablet, or hand-wash any dishes left behind.
- Empty and wipe the trash can interior. Put in a fresh liner.
- Wipe down cabinet fronts, especially around the handles where grease accumulates.
- Check and restock: dish soap, sponge, paper towels, trash bags, coffee, tea, sugar.
- Sweep and mop the kitchen floor, paying attention to the area under and around the dining table.
Bathrooms (20-30 minutes each)
Bathrooms are the highest-impact room in any Airbnb review. A single hair on the shower wall can tank your cleanliness score. This section takes the most attention to detail.
- Spray the shower/tub with disinfectant and let it sit while you clean the rest of the bathroom.
- Clean the toilet inside and out. Scrub the bowl, wipe the seat (top and bottom), the lid, the base, and behind the toilet. Do not skip behind the toilet.
- Clean the mirror until it is streak-free. Use glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
- Wipe the sink basin, faucet, and countertop. Polish the chrome.
- Return to the shower/tub. Scrub the walls, door or curtain, and floor. Check the grout lines. Clean the showerhead face if it has buildup.
- Check the shower drain for hair. This is the number one complaint. Clear it completely.
- Wipe down all towel bars, hooks, and toilet paper holders.
- Clean the bathroom floor, including corners and behind the toilet.
- Replace all towels with fresh, folded sets. Standard: 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 2 washcloths per bathroom.
- Restock: toilet paper (at least 2 rolls visible), hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash.
- Final check: look at the bathroom from the doorway like a guest seeing it for the first time. Would you feel comfortable using it?
Bedrooms (15-20 minutes each)
- Strip all bedding: sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover, mattress protector if soiled.
- Check the mattress and pillows for stains. If stained, treat immediately or swap out.
- Make the bed with fresh linens. Hospital corners if possible. The bed should look inviting, not just covered.
- Dust all surfaces: nightstands, dresser top, headboard, windowsill, lamp base.
- Wipe down light switches, door handles, and any remote controls.
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces.
- Empty and wipe the nightstand drawers. Check for left-behind items in drawers and under the bed.
- Vacuum the entire floor, including under the bed edges and in corners.
- Check the closet: provide empty hangers, ensure the space is clear of previous guest items.
- Check that all lights work. Replace bulbs if needed.
Living Areas (15-25 minutes)
- Vacuum all seating surfaces: couch cushions, armchairs. Lift cushions and vacuum underneath.
- Wipe down the coffee table, end tables, and TV console.
- Clean the TV screen with a dry microfiber cloth only. No sprays on electronics.
- Dust shelves, decor items, and any art frames.
- Wipe all light switches, door handles, and remote controls.
- Vacuum the entire floor, including under furniture edges and behind doors.
- Mop hard floors.
- Straighten any books, games, or decor items.
- Check that the WiFi router is on and working. Leave the WiFi password visible.
- Ensure the thermostat is set to a comfortable default temperature.
Outdoor Spaces (10-15 minutes, if applicable)
If your property has a patio, balcony, or yard, guests will use it. It needs attention too.
- Sweep the patio/balcony floor.
- Wipe down outdoor furniture. Remove any cobwebs.
- Empty and clean outdoor ashtrays if smoking is permitted in outdoor areas.
- Check the grill if you have one. Note condition for deep cleaning schedule.
- Clear any debris from the yard or walkways.
- Check that outdoor lights work.
Final Walkthrough (5-10 minutes)
This is the most important step. It is the difference between amateur and professional.
- Walk through every room as if you are a guest arriving for the first time.
- Check for smells. If anything is off, open windows or use a light, unscented spray.
- Check that all lights, fans, and AC/heat are working.
- Verify all doors lock properly (front door, sliding glass, bedroom).
- Take before/after photos of every room. Send to the host.
- Lock up and confirm the lockbox or smart lock code is set for the next guest.
Timing Summary
| Area | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Kitchen | 25-35 minutes |
| Bathroom (each) | 20-30 minutes |
| Bedroom (each) | 15-20 minutes |
| Living areas | 15-25 minutes |
| Outdoor spaces | 10-15 minutes |
| Final walkthrough | 5-10 minutes |
For a typical 1-bedroom apartment in LA, plan on 2.5 to 3 hours. A 2-bedroom takes 3 to 4 hours. A 3-bedroom home with outdoor space can take 4 to 5 hours.
The 47-Point Difference
At Ready Rental Cleaning, we use a 47-point checklist for every turnover. It covers everything listed above plus additional quality checkpoints that we have added based on real guest feedback over 1,200+ cleanings. Items like checking for streaks on stainless steel appliances, verifying the ice maker has ice, and confirming that every charging cable the host provides is in place.
You can download this checklist and use it yourself, or let us handle it. Every turnover cleaning we do includes photo documentation so you can see exactly what was done.
Ready to stop managing your own cleanings? Book a turnover and see the difference a professional checklist makes.