09 Apr Spring Cleaning: 12 Home Maintenance Tasks Every Airbnb Host Should Do

Normally, Spring is when we come out of hibernation and our thoughts turn to deep cleaning our homes. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has short-circuited business as usual.

Nevertheless, it’s still a good idea to consider Spring maintenance for your Airbnb property, whether you live there or not. In fact, you’ll want to take extra precautions, under the circumstances. Position yourself to take advantage when things do change and you’re able to host guests once more. Here’s what to do right now:

1. Deep Cleaning

Spring is an important time for deep cleaning your property. Airbnb hosts should deep clean their properties at least every quarter. These deep cleans should be on top of your regular cleaning. For many hosts, Spring and Summer are peak booking seasons. Deep cleaning is more than a regular surface clean. It not only keeps your property looking its absolute best for guests, you’re providing an extra layer of protection for their health and well-being.

Don’t overlook these tasks:

• Empty cupboards and refrigerators completely and sanitize all surfaces.
• Move appliances such as fridges and furniture and dust and mop underneath them.
• Clean all light fixtures to remove dust and cobwebs and dead bugs.
• Wipe down all walls and surfaces to remove any marks, dust or mildew that has collected over the winter. Walls in the kitchen are particularly prone to getting sticky.
• Detail dust all the nooks and crannies that are unique to your property, including power sockets and baseboards.

2. Inspect Your Roof

The roof is your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Make sure your roof has weathered the winter and is ready to withstand any Spring and Summer storms.

3. Cleaning Gutters and Drains

Clogged gutters and drains can open your home up to water damage during the rainy Spring season. Remove any leaves or debris that might be plugging the gutters and drains.

4. Cleaning or Replacing HVAC Filters

Spring is a great time to clean or replace the air filters in air conditioning or ventilation units. Dirty filters force your heat, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems to work harder. This leads to expensive energy bills in the hot Summer months.

5. Cleaning and Repairing Windows and Screens

Make sure to clean and patch any broken windows and torn screens. Check for air leaks around windows and doors and seal to keep air conditioning costs down. And make sure your screens are in good repair. You don’t want flies or mosquitoes annoying your guests!

6. Check Smoke Detectors, Monitors and Alarms

Check any essential equipment in your property. Replace the batteries on battery-operated items. This includes smoke or carbon dioxide detectors, outdoor cameras, noise monitors and more.

7. Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture

Now is the time to dust off your patio furniture and grills. Check your grill has gas and is in working order. Clean any mildew or cobwebs off patio furniture. If you have a pool you should also make sure that it’s clean and ready for Summer use. Get your property completely ready for guests to enjoy alfresco dining. Make sure they can use and enjoy your outdoor space.

8. Mow Your Lawn and Plant Your Garden

Have you been neglecting your yard over the winter months? Now is the time to get your property looking gorgeous for guests. Mow the lawns and prepare planters with colorful blooms to greet your guests

9. Shampoo or Steam Carpets

Steam cleaning your carpets is very important for vacation rentals. Homes in the mountains or snow prone climates take a beating. And if you’re near the shore, you may have a beach-worth of sand. An annual carpet cleaning removes stains and deodorizes so your rental is ready for Summertime visitors.

10. Bug Proof Your Property

Summer brings wonderful weather and good times. But the downside of Summer is the bugs that come with it. Summer is the prime season for fleas, bed bugs, and nasty creepy crawlies such as cockroaches. Some bugs come from outdoors, others come into your property via your guests. But, there are steps you can take to prevent infestations. Cleaning screens and checking windows (see above) can make a big difference. Filling holes and gaps in the walls can also help.

• To prevent bed bugs, use mattress protectors on all your beds for the Summer months.
• Add a suitcase stand so guests don’t put suitcases on the bed.
• To deter cockroaches, make sure you have no sources of leaking water and spray cockroach repellent around windows and doors
• Install automatic mosquito and fly sprays that work on timers. Ultrasonic bug repellents can also help.

Read more about pest prevention here: Guests and Pests: Tips to Protect Your Property from Pest Infestation

11. Flip Your Mattresses

You should flip and rotate your mattresses every 6 months. By flipping and rotating your mattresses, you can help them wear down at an even rate over time. This will extend the life of your mattresses. And take the time to disinfect your mattress as well.

12. Update Your Listing and House Manuals

This is a good time to check if your listing and house manuals are all up to date. Are the online images fresh? Cull manuals for appliances and gadgets that you no longer have and include manuals and instructions for any new appliances or electronics. Revise your welcome pack so it includes any seasonal events, attractions or activities, especially if some local businesses were forced to close.

If you feel overwhelmed by this list remember outsourcing is always an option. Hire a professional cleaning company, property manager or handyman to help out.

You may not be able to get everything done while we’re still coping with the pandemic. But, you can make plans getting all these tasks done once the current restrictions are lifted. Be prepared to get back into business as soon as possible!

Want more Airbnb advice and tips? You can click here to learn more about successful hosting. Find out how you can leverage other people’s properties to build a 6-figure business on Airbnb.