How to Maintain an Immaculate Rental

After providing clarity as to how hosts should price out their cleaning fees, Modern Innkeeper wants to assist them in staying equipped with which essentials are most needed. Researching this alone may become overwhelming due to the mass amount of information there is regarding this topic. The staggering amount of options hosts see when they browse the Internet or store may create more confusion than there originally was. This is why we compiled a list of basic cleaning supplies every host needs not only for themselves but for their guests, too!

 

Supplies for the Host

Lowering expenses and slashing nightly rates is possible when a host cleans the rental rather than hiring a service. Not employing professionals to do this is perfectly okay; however, taking shortcuts is not acceptable. If a host is going to do this, do it correctly. By having the proper tools, a host is on the way to having a squeaky clean property for guests to enjoy!

Stay Protected

One of the reasons investing in protective gear is smart is because it combats chemicals in cleaning supplies. Another benefit is it prevents germs from spreading, a factor more relevant than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Face covering (i.e. mask).

• Expendable gloves

• Protective glasses

• Shoe booties

• Apron

Especially for a host cleaning a property alone, this may appear excessive, but there are many health risks hidden to the naked eye. Plus, guests find it reassuring when their hosts go above and beyond to be safe!

 

Properly Equipped

Now that chemicals and germs do not stand a chance, let’s get the proper tools so a pristine rental will welcome in guests with open arms:

• Vacuum/vacuum bags

• Big/small trash bags

• Mop/mop bucket

• Toilet scrubber

• Paper towels

• Step ladder

• Squeegee

• Sponge

Without these, it is impossible to get down to the nitty gritty, so do not get caught cleaning without an item on this list!

 

Cleaning Solutions

Being protected and stocked will not produce any results until a host has all of the necessary cleaning solutions handy:

• Oven cleaner/degreaser

• Dishwasher detergent

• Multi-surface cleaner

• Laundry detergent

• Furniture polish

• Carpet cleaner

• Glass cleaner

• Floor cleaner

• BBQ cleaner

We recognize not all rentals will require all of these solutions, but every host must conduct research to find out which are the safest options before making a purchase. There is no such thing as being too cautious, even with all the protective gear!

 

Supplies for the Guests

Providing supplies for guests will encourage them to pick up after themselves, effectively conveying the expectation the property should remain clean, which we are here to help with:

• Pet stain and odor remover

• Dishwasher detergent

• Multi-surface cleaner

• Hand sanitizer

• Paper towels

• Hand soap

• Dish soap

• Sponges

• Masks

Including these items in a listing’s description is likely to increase the interest of travelers; in the rental itself, place them where they will be visible to guests so they will be reminded to keep the place tidy.

 

Sweeping it Up!

Do not assume hiring professionals is the only way to provide guests with an immaculate vacation rental! As long as the must-haves are readily available, a host can get the job done. To further understand how to do it correctly, take some advice from someone who did it for a living. If a host needs any extra motivation, consider how it will appease the bank account!