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17. Cleaning and Maintenance Hacks for STR Success

Episode #16

Episode Summary: Cleaning and maintenance may not be the most glamorous part of hosting, but trust me—it’s one of the most important. In today’s episode, I’m diving into the best practices that will keep your short-term rental spotless and running smoothly. I’ll share hard-learned lessons from managing our properties, including one unforgettable nightmare guest. You’ll also hear tips on how to train your cleaners, conduct maintenance audits, and reduce guest questions with clever automation tricks. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Key Takeaways:

  1. Why Cleaning Matters – A spotless property builds trust, earns five-star reviews, and reduces complaints.
  2. Guest Expectations – Poor maintenance can ruin a guest’s experience and hurt your reputation.
  3. Bed Setup Tips – Use three sets of linens per bed to speed up turnovers and offer early check-ins.
  4. Kitchen & Appliance Care – Regularly clean appliances like ovens, toasters, and coffee machines to maintain a polished look.
  5. Living Room Details – Clean under and inside couches, and avoid white rugs to minimize visible stains.
  6. Bathrooms Matter – Provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and ensure no hair or grime is left behind.
  7. Maintenance Audits – Conduct quarterly audits to catch issues before guests do, such as broken arcade games or malfunctioning doors.
  8. Automate Guest Instructions – Use guides and QR codes for appliances, showers, and Wi-Fi to reduce guest inquiries.

Why Listen to This Episode? Cleaning and maintenance can directly impact your short-term rental’s profitability. In this episode, I provide essential best practices to ensure your guests have a spotless, stress-free stay. You’ll learn how to work with cleaners, automate tasks, and avoid negative reviews.

Mentioned in the Episode:

  • Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today! Link: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=brittany-qvwa2r
  • Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.

Let’s Connect! Thinking about improving your cleaning and maintenance processes? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share your progress! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out.

Work With Me Are you a real estate agent or investor looking to optimize your short-term rental strategy? Let's team up! Message me on Instagram to learn more about my mentorship program and how we can grow your business together.

Chapters: 00:01 Introduction – Why Cleaning and Maintenance Are Crucial 02:21 Nightmare Guest Story – How One Guest Created a Four-Day Headache 08:09 Cleaning Best Practices – Bed Setup, Linens, and Early Check-Ins 12:50 Kitchen Maintenance – Appliance Care and Cabinet Organization 17:18 Living Room Cleaning – Nooks, Crannies, and Rug Considerations 23:39 Bathroom Essentials – Providing Amenities and Ensuring Cleanliness 28:25 Maintenance Audits – Room-by-Room Inspections and Guest Feedback 35:12 Automation Tips – Guides, QR Codes, and Guest Communication 41:12 Final Thoughts – Prioritizing Cleaning for Five-Star Reviews

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