10 Common Airbnb Cleaning Mistakes Hosts Make (And How to Avoid Them)

A sparkling clean space is one of the fastest ways to earn glowing reviews, happy guests, and a stress-free hosting routine. But even the most organised hosts can overlook small details during an Airbnb turnover; especially on busy changeover days.

At The Guest Prep Co., we spend our days inside short-let homes across East London and Essex, so we see exactly what guests notice… and what they don’t. And trust us; it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.

Here are the 10 most common Airbnb cleaning mistakes hosts make, and how you can avoid them to keep every stay running smoothly.

 

1. Forgetting High-Touch Areas

Light switches, remote controls, door handles; the things guests touch the most are often the first places dust and fingerprints show up.
Fix: Add them to your standard turnover routine and give them a quick disinfecting wipe every clean.

 

2. Rushing the Fridge Clean

Even if it looks “fine,” guests always check the fridge. Leftover food, crumbs, or sticky shelves instantly cheapen the experience.
Fix: Empty, wipe, and deodorise the fridge between every stay.

 

3. Not Checking Under the Bed or Sofa

Guests love to slide suitcases, shoes, or bags into hidden spaces. Dust bunnies love it too.
Fix: Always do a quick under-bed and under-sofa sweep.

 

4. Towels That Don’t Feel Fresh

Towels can look clean but still smell damp if they haven’t dried properly.
Fix: Fully dry towels and store them in a ventilated space. Guests notice freshness immediately.

 

5. Forgetting to Reset the Bedroom

Hosts often clean the space but forget the presentation. Uneven pillows, messy throws, or a leaning bedside lamp can make a room feel unloved.
Fix: Style the bed and room so it feels intentionally put together and not just cleaned.

 

6. Missed Details in the Bathroom

Bathrooms are the most common area for guest complaints. Watermarks, hair strands, and streaky glass are easy to miss in a rush.
Fix: Always do a final “hotel-style” shine check before locking up.

 

7. Not Refreshing the Entryway

First impressions matter more than anything. A dusty shoe mat or cluttered hallway instantly affects the guest’s mood.
Fix: Wipe the door, shake out the mat, and make sure the entry feels bright and welcoming.

 

8. Forgetting to Restock Essentials

Toilet roll, kitchen roll, bin bags, hand soap, dish tabs; the small things guests rely on.
Fix: Create a simple restocking checklist and refresh everything at every turnover.

 

9. Leaving the Air Stale

A home can be spotless but still feel “off” if the air smells stuffy.
Fix: Air out the property for at least 5 minutes and use light, neutral scents.

 

10. Not Doing a Final Walkthrough

This is the step that saves hosts time, money, and reviews.
Fix: Do a slow walkthrough from a guest’s perspective. Anything out of place will jump out immediately.

 

Final Thoughts

Hosting should feel enjoyable and not stressful. If you want consistent, reliable, guest-ready cleans after every turnover, our team is here to help.

At The Guest Prep Co., we specialise in Airbnb cleaning across East London and Essex, with a focus on the thoughtful touches that make guests feel truly welcomed.