How to Choose the Right Cleaners for Your Short-Term Rental

Cleaners make or break your rental. Guests notice every detail. Fresh sheets, spotless counters, a bathroom that actually feels clean. One slip, and your reviews take a hit. The right cleaning crew keeps your place booked and your ratings high. The wrong one costs you money and reputation, fast.

Building Your Cleaning Team

Not every cleaner can handle the pace and pressure of short-term rentals. The job demands speed, precision, and a sharp eye for detail. A cleaner who’s used to weekly house visits won’t cut it. You need people who know the drill: turnovers, staging, and the little touches that make guests feel welcome.

• Look for experience with vacation rental cleaning services. General house cleaning isn’t enough. Short-term rentals move fast, and the standards are higher.
• Ask for proof of insurance and bonding. Accidents happen. You need protection, not promises.
• Call references from other rental property owners. Skip the generic references. Only feedback from other hosts tells you what you need to know.
• Test new cleaners with a trial period. Watch how they handle a real turnover. Missed details or slow work? Move on.
• Keep backup teams ready for peak season and last-minute emergencies. One sick day shouldn’t throw your whole operation off.

Reliable cleaners understand the pressure. They show up on time, work fast, and never cut corners. They know guests expect perfection, and they deliver it. The best teams communicate clearly, flag issues before they become problems, and treat your property like their own. At MainStay Hosts, we’ve seen firsthand how a dedicated cleaning team can transform guest experiences and boost occupancy occupancy rates.

Turnover Timing That Works

Back-to-back bookings leave no room for error. One late check-out or a missed stain, and the next guest walks into a mess. That’s a refund waiting to happen. Smart hosts use digital calendars synced with their guest communication system to keep everyone on the same page. Cleaners see bookings in real time, so there’s no confusion about when to arrive or finish.

Set clear check-out times for guests. Give cleaners a fixed window to work. No more guessing or waiting around. Build in buffer time for the unexpected: spills, broken glass, or a clogged drain. Rushed jobs lead to missed details. Guests notice. Reviews drop.

• Block off extra time after every stay, especially during busy seasons.
• Share the cleaning schedule with your team every week. Surprises kill efficiency.
• Use group chats or scheduling apps to confirm arrivals and departures.

Turnover isn’t just about speed. It’s about consistency. The best teams finish on time, every time, and leave the place spotless. No excuses. No missed spots. That’s why we integrate our cleaning schedules with guest communications, ensuring every turnover is seamless and stress-free for both hosts and guests.

Setting and Keeping High Standards

Guests expect hotel-level cleanliness. Anything less, and they’ll say so in the review. The only way to hit that mark every time is with clear, written standards. Vague instructions lead to missed details. A checklist leaves nothing to chance.

• Write detailed, room-by-room checklists. Don’t assume anything. Spell it out: how to make the beds, where to place the towels, what to check in the fridge.
• Take photos of perfectly staged rooms. Share them with your team. Visuals beat words every time.
• Do random quality inspections. Show up unannounced. Guests do it, so should you.
• Track guest feedback about cleanliness. Every complaint is a chance to fix a process.
• Reward cleaners who deliver flawless work. Bonuses, gift cards, or public praise keep standards high.

Our property optimization specialists document every standard. They know that a missed fingerprint on a mirror or a wrinkled pillowcase can cost a five-star review. Regular audits keep everyone sharp. The best teams take satisfaction in their work and never settle for “good enough.”

Stocking for Success

Running out of supplies during a turnover is a rookie mistake. Guests expect full soap dispensers, fresh toilet paper, and spotless surfaces. Your cleaners can’t deliver if the closet is empty. Professional property management services never skimp on supplies. They invest in quality products that get the job done right and protect your property from damage.

• Keep detailed inventory lists for every property. Know what’s on hand and what’s running low.
• Set minimum par levels for all supplies. Never let stock drop below the line.
• Use commercial-grade cleaning products. Cheap supplies leave streaks and wear out surfaces.
• Stock backup supplies for emergencies. A last-minute booking shouldn’t mean a scramble to the store.
• Track usage patterns. Spot trends and order before you run out.

Cleaners work faster and better when everything they need is in reach. Well-stocked closets mean faster turnovers and fewer mistakes. Guests notice the difference, so do your reviews. At MainStay Hosts, our property management team ensures every unit is fully stocked and ready for the next guest, no matter how tight the turnaround.

Ready to Improve Your Rental Cleaning?

Contact MainStay Hosts at 813-467-6333 or schedule a consultation to learn how our proven cleaning management systems can transform your short-term rental operation.