How Often Should an Airbnb be Professionally Deep Cleaned?

Regular turnover cleaning keeps your Airbnb guest-ready but turnover cleans alone aren’t enough.

Even well-managed short-term rentals require periodic professional deep cleaning to maintain hygiene standards, protect guest reviews, and prevent long-term wear.

So how often should it be done?

 

The Short Answer. Most Airbnbs should be professionally deep cleaned:

• Every 8–12 weeks for high-occupancy properties
• Every 3–4 months for moderate occupancy
• Immediately after extended stays or problem bookings

Properties with pets, children, or heavy usage may require more frequent deep cleans.

Why Turnover Cleans Aren’t Enough

A professional Airbnb turnover clean focuses on:

• Changing linen
• Sanitising bathrooms and kitchens
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Surface wiping
• Resetting the property for check-in

You can see what’s included in a standard turnover clean on our Airbnb Cleaning Checklist post.

But turnover cleans do not typically include:

• Inside oven degreasing
• Deep descaling
• Grout restoration
• Carpet stain treatment
• Mattress sanitising

Over time, these areas build up grime that affects guest perception, even if the property looks “clean.”

 

Signs Your Airbnb Needs a Deep Clean

You shouldn’t wait for a complaint. Book a professional deep clean if you notice:

• Lingering odours
• Limescale build-up
• Stained carpets
• Grease in kitchen extraction fans
• Dull bathroom grout
• Dust behind beds and sofas
• Drop in cleanliness ratings

A 4-star cleanliness review often signals it’s time.

High Occupancy = Higher Cleaning Demands

In London, many Airbnbs operate at 70–90% occupancy. More guests means:

• Faster wear on soft furnishings
• Increased bathroom and kitchen usage
• Higher likelihood of stains
• Greater bacteria transfer

High-traffic properties benefit from scheduled deep cleans built into their quarterly maintenance plan.

If you operate multiple units, we also recommend structured inspections alongside your cleaning programme.

Recommended Deep Cleaning Schedule by Property Type

Property Type	Frequency
Studio / 1-Bed Flat	Every 3 months (or 15–20 stays)
2–3 Bedroom Property	Every 2–3 months depending on occupancy
4+ Bedroom or Family Property	Every 6–8 weeks
Pet-Friendly Airbnb	Every 6–8 weeks minimum

What Is Included in a Professional Airbnb Deep Clean?

A deep clean typically includes:

• Full kitchen degreasing (including oven interior)
• Deep bathroom descaling and grout attention
• Inside cupboards and drawers
• Interior window cleaning
• Skirting boards and door frames
• Behind and under furniture
• Detailed dusting throughout
• Carpet deep vacuum and spot treatment
• Mattress and upholstery refresh

Deep cleaning focuses on restoring the property to a higher baseline standard and not just preparing for the next guest.

 

Does Deep Cleaning Improve Reviews?

Yes.

Cleanliness is one of Airbnb’s most heavily weighted rating categories. A single 3 or 4-star cleanliness review can affect:

• Search ranking
• Superhost eligibility
• Booking conversion
• Guest trust

Professional deep cleaning protects your listing’s long-term performance.

How Much Does Airbnb Deep Cleaning Cost?

Deep cleaning is priced differently from turnover cleaning because it requires:

• More labour time
• Detailed work
• Specialist products
• Often 1–2 cleaners

Costs vary depending on size and condition. You can request a tailored quote via our Get a Quote page.

Final Thoughts

If you treat deep cleaning as reactive, it becomes expensive. If you schedule it proactively, it becomes preventative maintenance.