How to hire an Airbnb cleaner

Your cleaner shapes your reviews more than almost anyone else. Here's how to choose one.

1. Hire for turnovers, not house cleaning

A turnover is more than a clean. It means restocking, staging, checking for damage and reporting back before the next check-in. Ask whether they mostly do short-term rentals and whether they work from your listing calendar.

2. Ask these questions

• Do you carry liability insurance, and can I get a certificate?
• Who does the work: you, employees or subcontractors? Who's the backup on a busy Saturday?
• Do you handle linens? Do you wash mine or rent your own? (Compare with a linen service.)
• Do you send photos after each clean and report damage or low supplies?
• How do you price it: flat per turnover, by bedroom, or hourly? What do same-day turns, deep cleans and hot tubs cost extra?
• Can you sync with my calendar or software (Turno, Breezeway, Hostaway and similar)?

3. Get a written quote and a checklist

Prices depend on size, linens, laundry and how fast the turn is, so treat any "average" price with caution. Get a quote for your actual property, and agree on a written checklist covering beds, bathrooms, kitchen, restocking, trash and outdoor areas.

4. Run a paid trial

Book one or two cleans while you can inspect the place yourself or have someone else do it. Then judge the photos, timing and communication.

5. Red flags

• No insurance, or they won't say who's coming into your home
• No backup plan for sick days or peak weekends
• No damage reporting or photos

Find cleaners by city

Myrtle Beach cleaners · Panama City Beach cleaners · Gatlinburg cleaners · Destin cleaners · Pigeon Forge cleaners

General information only. Listings aren't endorsements.