When you start cleaning a vacation rental, there are certain areas like the kitchen counter or floor you cannot miss. But do you ever remember to dust the lampshade? Whether you are using an Airbnb cleaner or doing the cleaning yourself, take a look at the most overlooked areas to clean, and ensure you are not missing anything.
- Out of reach places
One of the reasons you forget to clean some areas is because they are out of reach. This includes bookshelves, large appliances, and ceiling fans. When left uncleaned, dust can accumulate, making your home stuffy.
If you don’t have a small ladder, you should buy a dusting rod with an angled brush. Go over the surface with a dry duster, then follow up with a wet pad.
- Knobs, handles, and switches
Switches, knobs, and handles, including handles for your appliances, are used daily. That means they may harbor germs, hence the need to be cleaned. When shopping for cleaning supplies, buy a disinfectant for these surfaces.
- Trash cans
Even when using trash bags, trash cans can also harbor bacteria and odor. Every time you empty it, wash it with soap and water, then completely dry it before using it again.
Spray the can with a disinfectant: Using a disinfectant cleaner of your choice, liberally spray down the inside and outside of the trash can. Don’t forget the top and bottom of the can. Scrub the can: Take a clean toilet brush or other long-handled nylon bristle brush and scrub the can thoroughly.
- Shower curtains
People will remember to thoroughly scrub the shower but forget about the shower curtains. Unfortunately, it can carry bacteria when ignored. Here is a guide for washing a cloth shower curtain.
- Fill the washing machine with warm water and choose the largest load setting
- Add your detergent and a cup of vinegar.
- Toss the shower curtain and choose the delicate wash cycle
- Once the cycle is done, hang back the curtain to dry.
💡 You can also clean a plastic curtain in the washer as long as you do it the right way.
- Under toilet bowls
While hardly anyone will forget to clean the inside of a toilet, one of the most overlooked places is under the bowl. Make sure you scrub that area too, as it tends to stain.
- Kitchen sink
How often do you finish using the kitchen sink and simply rinse it? Dirt and germs can accumulate, so make sure you use a mesh dishcloth and soap to eliminate dirt.
A mixture of mild dish soap and water is the best way to clean most sinks, particularly those with more delicate surfaces like copper or enameled cast iron.
- Showerheads
A shower head is also among the most overlooked areas to clean. Clean it regularly for it to remain functional and look great.
- Bathtub sink
As you wash the bathroom, remember to clean the bathtub sink because that is where a lot of dirt is passing. In the case of blockage, use vinegar and bicarbonate soda, which work like magic.
- Toothbrush holder
When was the last time you wiped your toothbrush holder? After a guest checks out, remember to wipe the toothbrush holder, removing dirt.
When you stow your toothbrush in the holder after brushing, the head is usually still wet. That liquid drips down the handle — collecting germs as it goes — and slowly pools in the bottom of the cup where your toothbrush hangs out.
- Fireplace
A fireplace is a great amenity, giving your vacation rental a luxurious look. Keep it clean to ensure ash, soot, and other debris do not invade your living spaces.
- Refrigerator drawers
Remove the drawers from the fridge and wash them with dish soap and a scrubby sponge. Do not forget to wipe parts of the fridge wall often covered by the drawers and the tracks where the drawers slide in.
Lay out a large towel and let the drawers air dry. Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water in a spray bottle or grab a bottle of natural kitchen spray. Spritz the floor and walls of the fridge that are typically covered by the drawers, scrub well with a sponge, then dry well.
- Door frames
Cleaning your door frames can give your home a fresh look. Before you start cleaning, remove all the dust and debris to make the cleaning easier and less messy. You can use a clean paintbrush to get to cracks and molding grooves. Avoid cleaning solvents as they could damage the paint or finish. Instead, water and mild dish soap will do. For tougher stains, use a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water.
- Underneath appliances
While you may be vigilant in cleaning appliances, many people forget to clean the area underneath, allowing dirt, food particles, and other debris to accumulate. Once in a while, move your appliances and clean those areas.
To clean this hard-to-reach spot, invest in a thin microfiber duster that can slide underneath appliances.
- Ceiling fans
Here is an easy step by step guide on how to clean the ceiling fans:
- Turn it off and get on a stool or ladder.
- Spray an old pillowcase with an all-purpose cleaner
- Slip the pillowcase over one blade at a time, gently pulling as you wipe
- You can also use a microfiber cloth for the edges to remove any remaining dirt.
- Bathroom décor
As you clean the bathroom, do not forget to wipe or clean any bathroom décor, including tissue paper holder and towel rack.
- Throw pillows
When washing your Airbnb’s linens, remove throw pillowcases and wash them as well. A lot of people tend to hold them, and they get dirty easily.
If you find yourself forgetting to clean some of these areas, ensure they are on your cleaning checklist from now on. They also go a long way in keeping your vacation rentals clean,