The Airbnb cleaning fee covers the costs of cleaning a vacation rental between guests. It’s a one-time charge that’s separate from the nightly rate, taxes, and service fee. When the cleaning fee is high, it’s usually because the owner is spending time or money to keep the property in top condition.

If you own an Airbnb, you know that setting the fee is a balancing act — you need to charge enough to cover cleaning costs but not so much that it deters potential guests. Add in Airbnb’s new enhanced cleaning protocols, and things become even more complicated. Whether you turn over properties personally or contract out to an Airbnb cleaning service, this guide can help you choose an appropriate fee.

💡 On average, the cleaning fee is 25% of the listing rate. This conclusion was reached by analyzing BnBfact’s study on cleanliness and value ratings put together with their findings about how many hours it takes to complete a job per day.

What is the average cleaning fee on Airbnb

💡 The cost of the cleaning service offered by Airbnb is set according to your property or cleanup needs. It costs more for a larger home or when hiring people.

Cleaning fees vary dramatically based on the location of the property. In the United States, the average Airbnb cleaning fee usually ranges from $50-$85. Fees may be higher in major cities, large homes, or luxury properties. Check listings in your area to get an idea of what other local hosts are charging. Keep in mind that some owners roll part of the cleaning costs into the nightly rate. That way, they don’t scare off guests with a high fee, particularly for short stays.

 Know more about our Airbnb cleaning services and packages

 

How much does it cost to clean an Airbnb

The cost of cleaning an Airbnb depends on the method you use. The cheapest option is to clean it yourself — you’ll only pay for supplies. Depending on your experience and the size of the property, you can expect to spend 2-6 hours cleaning between each guest.

A professional Airbnb cleaning service usually costs between $100 and $150. Cleaning teams complete the turnover process in less time, so you can offer more flexibility in terms of check-in and check-out. More importantly, you can relax knowing that your property is cleaned to a high standard. Exact prices will vary by location, property size, and extra turnover tasks. A studio apartment will probably cost less, while a five-bedroom home is likely to cost more.

What factors affect an Airbnb cleaning fee

If you’re wondering why Airbnb cleaning fees are so high, it’s helpful to understand what goes into the process. When you hire a company, like Express Maids, a standard turnover package usually includes tasks, such as:

• Whole-house dusting
  
• Dishwashing
  
• Scrubbing fixtures, cabinets, counters, and appliances in the kitchen and bathroom
  
• Polishing fixtures and appliances
  
• Mopping and vacuuming floors
  
• Vacuuming under furniture cushions
  
• Cleaning and shining mirrors and glass doors
  
• Cleaning vents, blinds, ceiling fans, and baseboards
  
• Making beds

💡 Most cleaning companies can also provide additional services for an extra fee, including restocking toilet paper, reporting damage, and laundering linens. If you run multiple Airbnbs, full-service turnovers free you up to deal with guest communication, marketing, and other revenue-boosting tasks.

As you’re choosing a cleaning fee, some other factors to consider are:

• Nightly rate – Lower rates usually demand a lower cleaning fee. Guests might balk at paying a fee that’s considerably higher than the cost per night.
  
• Property type – Luxury properties usually require additional turnover services and a higher cleaning fee.
  
• Typical stay length – Take a look at past bookings. If your average stay is just one or two nights, your guests probably won’t be happy to pay $100 for cleaning. However, if you specialize in weekly stays, a higher fee is easier to justify.
  
• Average local cleaning fees – Choose a fee that’s close to the local average to manage guests’ expectations.

Airbnb enhanced cleaning protocol

In mid-2020, Airbnb introduced an enhanced cleaning protocol. These new procedures were designed to increase safety and boost guest confidence.

The enhanced cleaning protocol includes extra tasks, such as:

• Ventilating the space
  
• Disinfecting with approved antiviral cleaners
  
• High heat settings for laundry and dish-washing
  
• Sanitizing high-touch surfaces
  
• Following sanitization best practices
  
• Preventing cross-contamination

At first, Airbnb made this process optional. Owners who agreed to it received a special call-out badge on each listing. As of November 20, 2021, Airbnb requires every owner and property manager to commit to enhanced cleaning methods.

As you’re setting cleaning fees, it’s important to take these procedures into consideration. Some parts of the new cleaning protocol may affect your turnover process — for example, cleaners should not go back into a room after it’s been sanitized. You can expect reputable Airbnb cleaning companies to be prepared for these changes.

Cleaning and restocking a vacation rental takes time and money. The right Airbnb cleaning fee can help you defray the costs and encourage future bookings. If you need to save time during turnover, our team at Express Maids is here to help. Contact us for a free cleaning consultation.

💡Learn more about our  Enhanced COVID19 Cleaning Procedures