How to get 5-star cleanliness reviews on Airbnb

To earn five-star cleanliness reviews, treat every changeover like a hotel reset: a spotless property, fresh linen and towels, a sanitised bathroom, and zero traces of the previous guest. Cleanliness is rated directly by guests and is one of the most mentioned themes in reviews, so consistency between stays matters more than an occasional deep clean. The hosts who win on cleanliness are the ones who never have an off day.

The details guests actually notice

Guests forgive a lot, but rarely poor cleanliness. The recurring culprits in mediocre reviews are small and avoidable:

• A single hair on a pillow, towel or in the shower.
• Limescale on taps, screens and the kettle.
• Dust on shelves, skirting and behind the headboard.
• Smells, especially bins, drains or stale air.
• Smudged glass, mirrors and surfaces.

The standards that win five stars

Aim for a finish a hotel would be happy with:

• Fresh, pressed linen and folded towels for every guest.
• A streak-free, limescale-free bathroom.
• A reset kitchen with clean crockery and restocked basics.
• Aired rooms and emptied, deodorised bins.
• The property matching your listing photos exactly.

Consistency is the secret

One brilliant clean does not build a reputation; a hundred consistent ones do. Use a fixed checklist for every turnaround so nothing slips under time pressure, especially on busy weekends, see our changeover cleaning checklist. The goal is that every guest walks into the same flawless property.

Make it reliable

The simplest way to guarantee consistency is a dedicated cleaner who knows your property and works to your checklist and calendar. Our Airbnb and short-let cleaning service includes photo reports after every clean, so you have proof of the standard and peace of mind. We support hosts across Derby and Nottingham.