How to Get 5-Star Cleanliness Ratings on Your Airbnb in London

Cleanliness is often cited as the number one factor in achieving five-star reviews.  In fact, Airbnb’s own data show that listings with a cleanliness score of 4.8 or higher earn about 20% more bookings than those rated lower_{getsetclean.co.uk}.  Conversely, a dirty space can drag down your score: Airbnb explicitly warns that “a lack of cleanliness” is one of the most common reasons for fewer than five stars_airbnb.co.uk.  UK hosts should note that poor cleaning can even trigger Airbnb penalties – listings may be demoted in search results or, in extreme cases, removed_{getsetclean.co.uk}.  For London hosts, this means diligent cleaning is not just about guest comfort but also about visibility: higher ratings lead to better search placement and more occupancy.

London Airbnb Host Cleaning Tips (Common Pitfalls)

Many hosts underestimate hidden problem areas.  Leaving dust and grime in overlooked spots will hurt your 5-star goal.  For example, under-bed and behind-couch areas often accumulate hair and debris.  Cleaning experts advise always checking under the beds, inside drawers, and cabinet edges for forgotten dust or trash_airbnb.co.uk.  Similarly, narrow surfaces and high-touch areas get missed: don’t forget baseboards, light switches, throw pillows, and TV remotes, which can harbor dust and germs_hostaway.com.  In fact, Airbnb’s cleaning guide reminds hosts: “Don’t let dust, stains or odours tarnish your… hospitality.”_airbnb.co.uk.  (In London’s city environment, for example, traffic and construction dust can settle quickly on windowsills or shelves.)  Always give extra attention to bathrooms and kitchens, where grime shows up easily – scrub grout and shower doors, clear out the fridge, and sanitize the sink and toilet meticulously.  Below are some common trouble spots, so you don’t miss them:

• Under beds and furniture: Slide the bed frame out and vacuum/dust underneath. Check beneath couches and chairs for crumbs or stray items_airbnb.co.uk.
• Inside drawers and cabinets: Empty and wipe every drawer and cupboard to remove forgotten debris or sticky spots_airbnb.co.uk.
• High-touch surfaces: Disinfect light switches, door handles, TV remotes, and appliance buttons. Guests will notice fingerprints and grime on these.
• Baseboards, ceiling fans, and vents: These often-ignored spots collect dust. Wipe baseboards and fan blades regularly, and clean air vents or filters so dust isn’t blown onto your linens or floors_hostaway.com.
• Upholstery and bedding: Check for pet hair or stains on furniture. Use a lint roller or vacuum attachment on couch cushions and curtains. Always change sheets and towels for each guest, washing them at a hot temperature.

By covering these areas systematically, you’ll avoid the usual shortcomings that trigger guest complaints and low cleanliness scores‍.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Best Practices

A detailed checklist and routine will keep your Airbnb spotless.  Follow these steps between every guest turnover – and do a deeper clean periodically (see below):

1. Prepare the Space: Ventilate the apartment by opening windows and doors to air out the rooms.  Gather all your cleaning supplies and wear gloves.  Airbnb’s protocol emphasizes preparation, including airing out the space and using approved products.
2. Change Linens: Strip used sheets, pillowcases, and towels immediately.  Replace them with fresh sets.  Launder bedding and towels on the highest heat setting possible.  Having extra sets on hand (or hiring a laundry service) speeds same-day turnovers.
3. Dust and Wipe Surfaces: Work from top to bottom.  Dust shelves, tops of cabinets, light fixtures and ceiling fans, then wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth – counters, tables, shelves, and windowsills.  Airbnb guides advise sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping before sanitizing anything.  This removes loose dirt so disinfectants work better.
4. Clean the Kitchen: Thoroughly wipe the countertop, sink, stovetop, and appliances. Empty the fridge of leftovers and wipe its interior. Wash any dishes or put them in the dishwasher. Check the microwave and oven (if guest-accessible) for spills and clean them.
5. Scrub Bathrooms: Clean the toilet bowl, sink, shower/bathtub, and mirrors. Replace shower curtains or doors if needed. Remove hair from drains and apply grout cleaner if tiles are dingy.
6. Vacuum and Mop Floors: After all dusting, vacuum rugs and carpets, paying attention to corners. Then mop hard floors with an appropriate cleaner.  If London’s air has been dusty, floors may get dirty faster, so frequent mopping is key.
7. Sanitize High-Touch Points: Disinfect doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucets, and any electronics – any place guests will touch.  Airbnb’s enhanced protocol calls for spraying approved disinfectant on these surfaces and letting it sit.
8. Check for Missed Spots: Do a final walkthrough using a checklist.  Look under furniture, behind doors, inside bins, and other nooks.  Airbnb recommends hosts refer to their official checklist to ensure nothing is skipped.
9. Reset and Restock: Replace all used items before the next guest arrives. Put in fresh linens, towels, toilet paper, and any amenities (shampoo, soap, kitchen supplies).  Don’t forget final touches: restock the soap dispenser, fill the coffee maker, fluff pillows. Airbnb reminds hosts to wash hands before replacing guest items and to handle linens carefully.

Following a consistent routine like this – especially steps 7–9 – ensures every turn is as thorough as possible.  Many hosts find it helpful to print Airbnb’s 5-step protocol or a custom checklist and tick off each task‍.

Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol

Airbnb itself provides a structured 5-step Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for hosts to follow: Prepare, Clean, Sanitize, Check, and Reset‍.  This formalizes many of the best practices above.  In brief:

• Step 1: Prepare. Air out the space and gather supplies. Use protective gear and approved cleaners.
• Step 2: Clean. Remove dust and dirt from all surfaces (sweep/vacuum/mop floors, wipe counters) before sanitizing. Also wash dishes and laundry on hot.
• Step 3: Sanitize. Disinfect high-touch items (handles, switches, remotes) with a virus-killing product, leaving it to air-dry.
• Step 4: Check. Double-check every room against a room-by-room checklist to catch any missed corners. Involve your team or cleaning partner in this step if possible.
• Step 5: Reset. Only after fully sanitizing should you put back clean linens and supplies.  Airbnb instructs hosts to wash hands before this step and never re-enter a room once it has been sanitized.

Following this official protocol not only meets Airbnb’s expectations but also gives guests confidence in your commitment to hygiene‍.

Deep Cleaning Schedule

In addition to turnover cleans, schedule regular deep cleans to tackle grime beyond the surface.  For London rentals, a good rule of thumb is a full deep-clean every 1–3 months (or more often during busy seasons). A deep clean might include: degreasing the oven, wiping inside the fridge and cupboards, scrubbing tile grout, dusting behind furniture, vacuuming upholstery, cleaning windows and showerheads, and descaling taps if you have hard water.  FrescaVida’s deep clean service, for example, is designed for just these tasks: the team “tackles every corner and surface, removing built-up dirt, grime, and hidden dust that regular cleaning often misses.”.  They specifically target skirting boards, behind appliances, bathroom tiles, and inside cupboards to restore hygiene and freshness.

Keep a record of your deep cleans (date and scope) so nothing is forgotten.  After painting or renovations, or whenever a long-term guest checks out, consider adding a special cleaning.  A truly thorough home will justify higher rates and more five-star reviews.

Why Hire a Professional Cleaning Service?

Managing all this on your own can be overwhelming, especially in a fast-paced London market.  Professional cleaners bring expertise, consistency, and speed.  Hosts who outsource cleaning report saving hours of work and never running out of supplies.  Cleaning companies have systems to maintain the same high quality each time, which is hard to achieve solo‍.

• Consistent Quality: Studies show rentals with higher cleanliness ratings can command higher prices.  A UK cleaning provider notes that outsourcing “helps maintain a consistent standard” and that professionals “can trust [cleaners] to get the job done right” even under tight turnarounds.  This means every guest sees the same level of shine.
• Time Savings: Doing a full turnover clean yourself between guests (often on the same day!) is a huge time sink.  An Airbnb cleaning guide estimates a thorough clean takes hours of effort.  When you hire pros, they arrive with all tools and supplies, knock out the work, and let you move on.  Those hours saved can be spent improving your listing or communicating with guests.
• Expertise & Equipment: Professional teams use industrial-grade vacuums, microfiber tools, and vetted disinfectants.  They know tricks (e.g. using dryer sheets on baseboards or vinegar for limescale) that most hosts don’t.  For instance, FrescaVida’s team follows detailed checklists and high-standard processes so hosts don’t have to double-check every corner themselves.
• Flexible Scheduling: London’s short-let market often means tight check-in/check-out windows.  FrescaVida understands this – they offer early-morning, late-evening, or even same-day cleaning slots to match your booking schedulefrescavida.co.uk.  This flexibility keeps your calendar open and guests happy, without sacrificing cleanliness.

Outsourcing also provides peace of mind: if a guest unexpectedly checks out late or a spill happens last-minute, you have a trusted team ready to handle it.  In short, working with a short-let cleaning service in London like FrescaVida ensures your property consistently meets 5-star standards without all the host stress‍.

London’s Unique Cleaning Challenges

London hosts face some extra hurdles:

• Urban Dust & Pollution:  City air can carry more dust and pollen, which settles on surfaces quickly.  This means your listing may need dusting more often than a countryside home.  A midday clean is sometimes needed after a windy day in London.
• Hard Water and Limescale:  Many London areas have “hard” tap water, which leaves white calcified deposits on faucets, showerheads and kettles.  These stains look dirty, so include a routine of wiping down chrome and using vinegar or limescale remover on fixtures.
• High Turnover Pressure:  The competitive London short-let market often pressures hosts with back-to-back guests.  Same-day turnovers are common.  Having a professional team (with backup staff) means you won’t miss a clean – as one cleaning company notes, trusted cleaners let you handle back-to-back bookings without sacrificing quality.

By acknowledging these challenges and addressing them in your cleaning plan (extra dusting, regular descaling, flexible clean slots), you ensure London’s quirks don’t prevent a sparkling stay.

Trust FrescaVida for Professional Results

At FrescaVida Home Solutions, we specialize in Airbnb turnover cleaning and deep cleans tailored for London hosts.  Our team follows every best practice above: venting the flat, changing linens, dusting every nook, sanitizing handles, and inspecting on a final walkthrough.  We even have a specialized checklist for short-term rentals.  Because timing is crucial, we offer flexible cleaning slots – early mornings, late evenings or even same-day cleans – so your apartment is guest-ready whenever check-in comes.

Whether you need a quick turnover clean, a thorough deep-clean, or regular maintenance, FrescaVida’s trusted London team has you covered.  We bring our own professional-grade equipment and eco-friendly products, and we handle all the scheduling.  As a London-based cleaning company, we know the standards your guests expect.  Let us help you achieve 5-star cleanliness consistently, so you can focus on hosting.

Don’t leave your cleanliness rating to chance. Book FrescaVida’s Airbnb cleaning service in London today, and give your guests the sparkling space they deserve.  With our help, every guest will walk in feeling confident and leave a five-star review.