The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: 50-Point Professional Turnover SOP

San Diego Airbnb success hinges on spotless turnovers. Use this 50-point cleaning checklist, photo documentation system, and restock plan to protect your reviews, ranking, and revenue. We cover room-by-room SOPs, time benchmarks, and hiring strategies—battle-tested across La Jolla, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Del Mar, Downtown, and North County properties.

You’ve seen the 9pm text: “hair in the shower, sticky counter.” One missed detail can cost a 5-star, knock you from Superhost, and sink search visibility in saturated San Diego markets for months. The fix is a documented SOP and photo QC—no guesswork, no “good enough.” OODA’s system maintains a 4.96★ cleanliness rating across 40+ properties by enforcing standards, not opinions.

Why Is Airbnb cleaning a higher standard than hotels?

Airbnb guests expect “pristine home,” not “clean room.” In San Diego’s saturated market, Airbnb’s cleanliness score is weighted heavier than typical categories—5★ cleanliness can mean a 30% boost in search visibility, while 4.5★ makes you nearly invisible. You’re competing with an idealized home in La Jolla and Mission Beach, not a hotel norm.

Here’s the paradox. Guests accept minor imperfections at hotels. In Airbnbs, they expect zero hair, no streaks, no odors, and fully stocked essentials. Our local data shows cleanliness weighs 2x in Airbnb’s algorithm. Drop below 4.7★ overall and your Pacific Beach booking pace will suffer for months—especially outside summer peak.

What common cleaning misses tank San Diego Airbnb reviews?

• Surface-level cleaning: Counters wiped; under appliances ignored. Guests find crumbs behind the toaster and dust at baseboards. Review: “Not as clean as advertised.”
• Inconsistent standards: Friday rush = corner-cutting. No checklist = variable outcomes. Review: “Hit or miss.”
• Detail oversights: Toothpaste on mirrors, hair in drains, sticky handles. Review: “Could be cleaner.”
• Dirty high-touch items: Remotes, door handles, coffee maker residue. Review: “Needs deep cleaning.”
• No QC: No second check or photos before arrival. Review: “Disappointed with cleanliness.”

What is the 50-point Airbnb turnover checklist (with time benchmarks)?

Use this 50-point checklist—print, laminate, and use every turnover. It’s OODA’s exact SOP for 40+ San Diego properties and maintains 4.96★ cleanliness. Plan 2.5–3.5 hours for a 2BR/2BA with an experienced cleaner and stocked supplies. Photo documentation (below) is mandatory.

Consistency wins. The goal is not “looks clean,” it’s “can’t-fail system.” Build muscle memory with the same order every time. We’ve noted time benchmarks so you can spot when a cleaner’s rushing or over-allocating time to low-impact work.

Entry & Common Areas (8 points)

1. Check lockbox/smart lock: Verify codes, battery >20%, wipe exterior.
2. Inspect entry: Sweep/vacuum, wipe door, remove scuffs, shake/replace mat.
3. Living room furniture: Vacuum upholstery, under cushions, clean tables, stage pillows/throws.
4. Floors: Vacuum/sweep, mop, detail corners/baseboards.
5. Electronics/decor: Dust TV, disinfect remotes, test batteries, dust frames/shelves/lamps.
6. Windows/treatments: Sills, interior glass, blinds both sides, check curtains for stains/odors.
7. Lighting/ceiling: Dust fans, replace bulbs, wipe switches/outlets.
8. Odor check: Air out, eliminate odors (don’t mask), confirm clean HVAC filter.

Time benchmark: Living/Entry = 20–30 minutes

Kitchen (12 points)

9. Countertops/backsplash: Clear, disinfect, remove sticky spots, wipe backsplash.
10. Sink/faucet: Scrub basin/drain, polish faucet, fresh hot water run, deodorize if needed.
11. Appliances—exterior: Fridge, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher; polish stainless.
12. Appliances—interior: Fridge/freezer wipe; microwave scrub; oven spot-clean; dishwasher seals.
13. Coffee/small appliances: Descale monthly; empty crumb trays; disassemble/wash blender parts.
14. Cabinets/drawers: Wipe fronts/handles; clean utensil drawer.
15. Dishes/utensils: Dishwasher empty; re-wash anything questionable; verify counts (e.g., 8 place settings).
16. Pantry staples/consumables: Oil/salt/pepper checked; coffee/tea/sugar at ≥50%; trash bags/soap stocked.
17. Trash/recycling: Empty, reline, wipe can, take out, tidy outdoor bin area.
18. Floors: Sweep/vacuum, mop, move/clean under small items, wipe baseboards.
19. Dining area: Table/chairs wiped; overhead fixture dusted; decor centered.
20. Final touches: Fresh towels (2–3), new sponge, tidy counters with coffee setup, final odor check.

Time benchmark: Kitchen = 40–60 minutes

Bedrooms (10 points per bedroom)

21. Strip/inspect bed: Remove all linens; inspect mattress pad; vacuum mattress.
22. Remake bed (hotel standard): Tight sheets, two pillows/person, fresh duvet/cover, crisp staging.
23. Nightstands/surfaces: Wipe tops/drawers; dust lamps; replace bulbs.
24. Closet/storage: Vacuum floor; wipe shelf; 8–10 hangers; remove left items; clean spare blankets.
25. Dresser: Wipe top; check drawers; ensure smooth slides.
26. Floors: Vacuum/mop; clean under bed; dust corners/vents/baseboards.
27. Windows/treatments: Sills, blinds/curtains, remove cobwebs.
28. Decor/details: Dust frames/shelves; streak-free mirror; set decor; verify alarm clock.
29. Lighting/controls: Dust fans; replace bulbs; wipe switches/outlets.
30. Final check: Smell/visual white-glove test; magazine-ready.

Time benchmark: Per bedroom = 25–35 minutes

Bathrooms (15 points per bathroom)

31. Toilet deep clean: Bowl (under rim), remove rings, wipe base/tank/lid top/bottom, disinfect handle, clean behind.
32. Shower/tub: Scrub walls/floor; clean grout; descale showerhead; clear drain; clean door/curtain.
33. Sink/vanity: Scrub basin; polish faucet; clear/stage counter; streak-free mirror; disinfect switches.
34. Cabinets/drawers: Wipe fronts; empty guest items; tidy interior; stack TP.
35. Floors/baseboards: Vacuum for hair; disinfect mop; wipe baseboards and around toilet base.
36. Towels: 2 bath per guest (min 4 for 2 guests), 2 hand per bath, 2 washcloths per guest, fresh bath mat.
37. Toiletries: 2–3 TP rolls visible + backups; full tissues; full soaps; shampoo/conditioner/body wash filled.
38. Trash/liners: Empty, wipe, reline, take out.
39. Ventilation/odor: Run/verify fan; fresh smell; dust vent covers.
40. Shower curtain/liner: Replace if mildewed; verify full closure; check tears.
41. Hardware/fixtures: Polish bars/holders; tighten loose parts; wipe door handles.
42. Final bathroom check: Doorway assessment; zero hair policy; shine mirrors/fixtures; verify hot water/pressure/flush.

Time benchmark: Per bathroom = 30–45 minutes

Outdoor Spaces (5 points, if applicable)

43. Patio/balcony: Sweep/hose; wipe furniture; check cushions; remove cobwebs.
44. Amenities: Clean grill grates/drip tray; tidy fire pit; service hot tub as scheduled.
45. Plants/decor: Water or remove dead; straighten decor.
46. Trash/cleanliness: Pick debris; wipe railings/glass; clean bin area.
47. Final outdoor check: Latch gates; replace bulbs; odor scan.

Time benchmark: Outdoor = 15–30 minutes

Final Walkthrough & Quality Control (5 points)

48. Photo documentation: 8–12 pre-arrival photos: entry, living, kitchen, each bedroom/bathroom, key fixtures (toilet/shower/counter). Timestamp required.
49. Supplies/amenities: Verify restock items (TP, paper towels, soaps, coffee), keys/remotes/manuals.
50. Sensory/function check: Smell neutral; surfaces non-sticky; lights/faucets/flush/HVAC all working.

Time benchmark: Final QC = 10–15 minutes

Total time (2BR/2BA): 2.5–3.5 hours (experienced cleaner)

How does OODA’s photo documentation system ensure 4.96-star cleanliness?

Photos create accountability and proof. Every turnover includes 8–12 timestamped, well-lit photos uploaded within two hours. OODA managers review and approve before guest arrival. If we spot streaks or hair, the cleaner returns immediately—no exceptions. This simple loop is why we hold a 4.96★ cleanliness rating across San Diego.

Without photos, you can’t verify work, coach cleaners, or dispute claims. With photos, you get:

• Proof: Timestamped, pre-arrival condition on file for 30+ days.
• Accountability: Cleaners know standards will be reviewed.
• Training: Visual feedback on misses accelerates improvement.
• Damage protection: Before/after comparisons isolate guest-caused issues.

What photos are mandatory every turnover?

• Entry/living room (wide angle)
• Kitchen counter and sink (shiny, clear)
• Stovetop (clean burners/grates)
• Primary bedroom (perfectly made bed)
• Primary bathroom mirror (streak-free)
• Toilet (lid up, spotless bowl)
• Shower (no hair, no mildew)
• Any additional rooms/amenities and any damage/issues

Use wide-angle, high resolution, lights on, blinds open, and device timestamp on. Store in a cloud folder by property/date. Example naming: LaJollaCondo_Kitchen_2025-01-15_2pm.jpg.

What should you restock between every stay (with budget)?

Guests equate “well-stocked” with care and cleanliness. Budget $50 per turnover for a 2BR to keep bathrooms, kitchen, and general supplies full. One 4-star “not well-stocked” can cost $2,000+ in lost bookings. Our San Diego owners treat restocking as cheap insurance and rank higher because of it.

Tier 1: Non-negotiables (every turnover)

Bathroom:

• Toilet paper: 2 rolls visible + 4 backups
• Hand soap: Full pump
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash: Filled dispensers or travel sizes
• Tissues: Full box
• Towels: Bath/hand/wash/mat refreshed

Kitchen:

• Dish soap: Full bottle; new sponge
• Dish towels: 2–3
• Trash bags: Box under sink; liners in each can
• Paper towels: 2 rolls + 4 backups
• Coffee/filters: 3 days’ supply; sugar/sweetener; oil; salt/pepper

General:

• Laundry pods (4–6); all-purpose cleaner; extra liners for all cans

Tier 2: Expected amenities (guests assume these)

• Tea, creamer, basic condiments (unexpired)
• Basic spices, zip bags, foil/plastic wrap
• Cotton swabs, small first-aid, optional mouthwash
• Spare bulbs and AA/AAA batteries
• Beach towels for coastal rentals (2 per guest)

Tier 3: “Wow” touches (optional, boosts reviews)

• Welcome snacks, local San Diego coffee, sparkling water
• Local wine with a note, luxury toiletries, bath salts
• Welcome basket and laminated local guidebook

Sample restock budget (2BR property)

Category	Items	Cost
Bathroom	TP (6 rolls), hand soap (2), travel toiletries, tissues	$15
Kitchen	Dish soap, sponge, trash bags, paper towels, coffee, filters	$18
Linens	Laundry detergent for washing	$3
Cleaning	All-purpose cleaner refill	$4
Extras	Snacks, local coffee upgrade	$10
TOTAL	Per turnover	$50

Annual (50% occupancy, ~90 turnovers): ~$4,500 • Cost per night averaged: ~$12

How do you track restocks without running out?

• Clipboard: Laminated list in-unit; cleaner checks off and texts a photo.
• Digital (OODA method): Shared Google Sheet auto-builds a shopping list at thresholds.
• Subscriptions: Amazon Subscribe & Save monthly delivery for staples.

What cleaning mistakes hurt reviews—and how do you fix them?

Guests notice details: sponges, smells, switches, and under-appliance grime. A three-minute disinfecting pass on high-touch items and a final smell check can be the difference between 5★ and 4★. These seven misses are the most common across Pacific Beach and Del Mar listings—and exactly how to prevent them.

What most hosts miss (and fixes that work)

• Old sponge: Replace every turnover (~$0.50). Guests equate “new” with clean.
• High-touch surfaces: Disinfect switches, handles, remotes, drawer pulls, flush handles.
• Under/behind items: Move toaster/trash can monthly; spot clean under every turnover.
• Hard water stains: Use descaler weekly; consider a softener for chronic areas.
• Smell test: Air out, use enzyme-based eliminators, wash soft goods monthly.
• Function test: Lights, hot water, flush, HVAC, TV/remotes—check every time.
• Over-staging: Limit to 4–6 pillows; avoid dust-magnet fake plants.

When should you schedule a deep clean vs. a standard turnover?

Turnover cleans reset between guests; deep cleans reset the property. In San Diego, do monthly deep cleans for high-turn Mission Beach summers and quarterly for typical Downtown/La Jolla calendars. Without deep cleans, built-up film and grout discoloration trigger “needs deep cleaning” comments and lower ADR.

What’s the difference—and how often?

• Turnover clean (every guest): 50-point checklist; 2.5–3.5 hours for 2BR.
• Deep clean (monthly–quarterly): Move furniture, scrub baseboards, window tracks, pull appliances, carpet shampoo, vents/fixtures, grout reset; 6–10 hours.
• Seasonality: Summer peaks near the Gaslamp Quarter and coastal rentals compress cleaning windows—plan deep cleans pre/post peak.

Turnover vs. deep clean comparison

Aspect	Turnover Clean	Deep Clean
Scope	50-point SOP; guest-facing surfaces	Behind/under furniture, appliances, windows, vents, grout
Time (2BR)	2.5–3.5 hours	6–10 hours (team of 2)
Frequency	Every checkout	Monthly (high-turn) or quarterly (moderate)
Impact on reviews	Prevents immediate misses	Prevents “lived-in” feel and slow ADR erosion

How do you hire and manage reliable Airbnb cleaners in San Diego?

Use STR-specific platforms and referrals, not generic house cleaners. In San Diego, standard 2025 rates are $90–$120 (2BR), $130–$170 (3BR), and $180–$250 (4BR+). Require a checklist, photo QC, and clear SLAs. OODA maintains a vetted network and coordinates at cost via our full-service management.

Where do you find pros—and what do you ask?

• Sources: TurnoverBnB/Properly, STR-focused companies, local host referrals, OODA’s vetted network.
• Questions: “How many STR turnovers/week?” “Average cleanliness rating?” “Checklist + photos?” “What happens after a complaint?” “Supplies: yours or ours?”
• Red flags: No STR references; refuses checklists/photos; bargain pricing that forces corner-cutting.

How do you set expectations that stick?

• Day 1 walkthrough: Clean together with the printed checklist; call out trouble spots; show supply storage; co-take “finished state” photos.
• Standards: Arrival window, photo deadline, same-day return if QC fails.
• Ongoing QC: Photo review within 2 hours; monthly surprise inspections; quarterly performance review.

What payment model aligns incentives?

• Per turnover: Predictable cost; requires strong QC to prevent rushing.
• Hourly + bonus: Pay for time; bonus on 5★ cleanliness.
• OODA model: You pay cleaners directly (no markup); we handle QC, backups, and coordination under our 7% management fee.

San Diego reference rates (2025): 2BR $90–$120; 3BR $130–$170; 4BR+ $180–$250; deep cleans 2–3x turnover.

Which supplies and tools do pros use for Airbnb turnovers?

Invest $200–$300 in a pro-grade starter kit to protect a $50,000+ annual revenue stream. Cleaners should bring consistent agents/tools; you stock guest-facing items and backups onsite. That split keeps standards uniform from Downtown to North County properties while ensuring guests never run out.

Cleaning supplies starter kit

Agents:

• All-purpose and disinfectant sprays; glass and bathroom cleaners
• Toilet bowl cleaner; floor cleaners (Bona/tile); descaler
• Stainless/wood polish; enzyme odor eliminator

Tools:

• Vacuum (with attachments), microfiber mop, broom/dustpan
• 20+ microfiber cloths; box of new sponges; scrub/grout brushes
• Toilet brushes (replace quarterly), squeegee, extendable duster
• Gloves; trash bags; caddy

Specialty:

• Pumice stone (toilet rings), Magic Eraser (scuffs), steam cleaner, carpet spot cleaner

What stays onsite vs. what cleaners bring?

• Onsite: Backups (TP, paper towels, bags), guest restocks, basic tools (plunger, flashlight), printed laminated checklist.
• Cleaner brings: Cleaning agents, vacuum/mop, microfiber cloths, gloves, sponges, bags for turnover.

Where can you download the checklist and get help in San Diego?

Grab our printable PDF: a cleaner-friendly 50-point checklist with restock sheets. Prefer done-for-you? OODA assigns vetted cleaners, enforces photo QC, and coordinates restocks—no markups on cleaning. We also offer a free cleaning audit for existing teams across La Jolla, Mission Beach, and Downtown.

Free resources and next steps

• Download: 50-Point Turnover Checklist (PDF)
• Request OODA cleaning coordination (included in our 7% management fee)
• Ask a cleaning question—we answer within 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a 2BR/2BA Airbnb turnover take in San Diego?

For an experienced cleaner with supplies ready, plan 2.5–3.5 hours. Kitchens (40–60 minutes) and bathrooms (30–45 minutes each) are the biggest drivers. Summer peak near Mission Beach and the Gaslamp Quarter compresses windows; schedule earlier starts or second cleaners for same-day turns.

What do I do if the guest checks in and finds hair or streaks?

Own it fast: apologize, send the cleaner back immediately, and document before/after photos. Offer a small goodwill credit ($25–$50) if resolved within 2 hours. Photo documentation protects you in disputes and signals to Airbnb that you responded quickly and professionally.

Should I charge a cleaning fee or bake it into nightly rates?

Both work. In San Diego, we see better conversion with transparent cleaning fees aligned to size: $90–$120 (2BR), $130–$170 (3BR). During slower months (Jan–Feb), consider lower fees and slightly higher ADR to maintain search rank and occupancy.

How often should I deep clean a coastal rental in Mission Beach?

Monthly during summer peak due to sand, sunscreen, and higher turnover. Quarterly the rest of the year. Include window tracks, blinds, grout reset, and pulling appliances. Schedule deep cleans around events (e.g., Comic-Con weeks) to maximize ADR while preserving 5★ cleanliness.

How do photo checklists reduce disputes or damage claims?

Timestamped pre-arrival photos prove condition and completeness. If a guest claims “dirty bath” or breaks items, you can show pre-check-in photos to Airbnb Support. OODA keeps photo sets for 30 days; it’s our fastest path to resolve issues and coach cleaners on misses.

What if my cleaner no-shows on a back-to-back turn?

Always maintain a backup cleaner. OODA keeps at least two backups per property and can deploy within 2–4 hours. If you’re DIY, use TurnoverBnB to post the job and ping your backup list. Keep a spare lockbox with supplies for emergencies.

Do San Diego STR regulations affect cleaning timing?

Indirectly. The STR ordinance limits certain license types and requires strong compliance and guest communication—cleanliness significantly impacts review rates that protect your standing. See our guide: San Diego Short-Term Rental Regulations (2025) for the latest.

Can better cleanliness really increase revenue?

Yes. Owners who move from 4.7★ to 4.9–5.0★ cleanliness typically see higher ranking, more weekends booked, and stronger ADR. With OODA’s system, properties commonly achieve up to 35% revenue increase over baseline via better visibility and repeat bookings.

How OODA helps San Diego owners

We run the 50-point SOP, enforce photo QC, and manage vetted cleaners across La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Del Mar, Downtown, and North County. You pay cleaners directly (no markups). Our 7% management fee includes coordination, backups, and 24/7 guest support—delivering 4.96★ cleanliness and stronger search rank.

Ready to protect your reviews and revenue? Request a free consultation →

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Related Resources:

• San Diego Short-Term Rental Regulations (2025)
• How does dynamic pricing work for San Diego Airbnbs?
• What’s included in OODA’s full-service management?
• Is Pacific Beach right for my Airbnb investment?
• FAQ: San Diego Airbnb management and cleaning