How To Choose An Airbnb Cleaning Service – 8 Simple Steps

Are you worried about how clean your Airbnb listing is? It is a problem that plagues many hosts. Anything less than immaculate when it comes to cleaning can get you negative reviews. That is where; a proper Airbnb cleaning service can help.

While some Airbnb hosts might think it is a tad harsh, would you as a guest rate a place nicely if it was not clean? You know the answer to that. That is why it is necessary to offer the same level of cleaning to your guests.

The solution to this problem is to set aside profits for a scheduled Airbnb cleaning service after each guest checkout or thoroughly clean a few times a week/month. Today, we will help you screen for a great Airbnb cleaning company, but before that, we will help you understand if it’s necessary.

3 Reasons To Hire An Airbnb Cleaning Service:

1. Airbnb Policies

Did you know that Airbnb has specific policies about cleanliness in your listing? If you consistently receive negative reviews due to cleanliness, Airbnb can charge you a penalty or even take your listing down completely.

2. Avoiding Those Negative Airbnb Reviews

If you have searched for an Airbnb listing before, you will realize that most of the negative reviews arise from lack of cleaning. Once you tackle it, you can eliminate the major source of negative reviews. Furthermore, it will help you increase the search ranking of your listing and also the occupancy rate.

3. Stress-Free Turnaround Experience

Turnaround time, especially the tighter ones (same-day), can be a nail-biting experience. Especially if you clean your own Airbnb. However, with a professional Airbnb cleaning service, you can delegate all the tasks and automate the majority of the cleaning beforehand.

All these reasons make it necessary that you hire an Airbnb cleaning service even if it’s every other booking. Now that you are aware of how it’s necessary, we will go into the details of how to choose a company.

8 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Any Airbnb Cleaning Service

1. Experience With Cleaning

Whether you’re selecting the financial consultant or a cleaning company, the experience is essential. We’re not just talking about any cleaning experience but experience in the short term rental markets.

One thing which you should understand is that conventional property management is different from Airbnb management. Any Airbnb cleaning service will understand that last-minute booking and a thorough job will need to be consistent. Do not shortlist short term rental experience.

By experience, we are also talking about at least a couple of years. Only once the Airbnb cleaning service has that experience, you can think about going with them. It is the first parameter which you should judge them on.

2. Services Offered

When it comes to cleaning an Airbnb listing, you will need specific services compared to your personal home. You should always ask any Airbnb cleaning company if they offer the services right away. These can include:

Once you ask a few of these questions, it is easy to understand what company you should choose. It’s always better to choose a cleaning company that can provide you with all of these services. It will ensure that you can deal with a single provider rather than juggling between various companies.

3. Attention To Detail

Most short term rental cleaning companies understand attention to detail is needed. Cleaning a rental unit is not like cleaning any other property. The company also needs to perform additional duties like:

4. Turnaround Times

How would you like your guest check-in process to be?

Smooth and quick, of course.

Well, in that case, you have to speak with the Airbnb cleaning service about the turnaround times in advance. In most cases, the cleaning company will not take more than 90 minutes to turnaround the listing. It means that they need to be fully dedicated to the job to get things done on time.

5. Schedule Flexibility

Early check-ins, late checkouts, and last-minute bookings are a reality in this business. It means that the cleaning company should always be on their toes to get things done.

A flexible schedule is very important, you want to be prepared for a last-minute Airbnb turnaround. You have to discuss this with your cleaning company in advance so that you can cater to all types of bookings.

6. Staff On Payroll

You might be thinking, why does staff on their payroll matter?

Well, chances are if they provide cleaning services to other short term rentals, they might be busy during the first half of the day. If they are thin on staff, cleaning some other unit might take precedence over yours. That is not a good situation. In that case, the circumstances will be ripe for receiving complaints as well as negative reviews from guests.

All of this is, however, avoidable. If the company has a large pool of experienced staff on their payroll, they can prioritize all units uniformly. It means that you will never get discriminatory treatment.

You can pose this question to the prospective Airbnb cleaning companies before choosing them. It will give you an idea regarding the one which can handle a higher workload.

7. Insurance

Short turnaround times, high occupancy rate, extensive workload, these attributes are common for short-term rental cleaning companies. The problem is that they can create circumstances that result in accidents or damage to your property. Even though this happens only once in a blue moon, it happens.

In such a case, if the Airbnb cleaning service does not have insurance, the liability can fall on your shoulders as well. On the other hand, when you choose a cleaning company having proper insurance, including the worker’s compensation, you don’t need to worry about yourself or Airbnb coverage.

8. Communication

It is not always possible for the hosts to be on-site during the turnaround.

How can you then keep track of things?

Undoubtedly, you cannot pester your guests again and again regarding updates. The only other way is to contact your Airbnb cleaning company. That is why communication from the cleaning company is critical. We suggest trying to get ahold of the cleaner themselves and have the company as a backup.

Checking the communication skills of any cleaning company is quite easy. You can contact them through different mediums to test their response times. It will automatically help you gauge the effectiveness of the communication.

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Final Thoughts

So, choosing a cleaning company is not a luxury but a necessity.

Up until now, if you were confused regarding how to choose one? We have it sorted for you.

You can use our 8 step checklist above to shortlist the best Airbnb cleaning service. It will help you choose the right cleaning company between hundreds of options and make the task of managing your short-term rental unit easier.

9 Tips On Taking Great Airbnb Photos

Amazing photography tips are the thing that will attract a prospect to a listing while searching for properties for rent. When the photography is done flawlessly, each Airbnb photo will be a powerful compelling tool that will gather the attention of the guests to your listing.

Listings that have better photos will enhance the potential to book more entries and appear top in search results. The photos will highlight your listings and you need them picture-perfect. That is the reason Airbnb photography is essential.

If you take a closer look at the Airbnb listings you will see damaging photographs that will not get a booking. Don’t be one of them. Here are some effective photo tips that will engage more guests and fetch you more bookings.

1. Try To Highlight The Best Features

When you take photos of a vacation rental, you must showcase the room’s features. For example, make a fire before shooting if there is a fireplace. If you have a hot tub, turn on the jets and take off the cover. Be very precise to show the biggest benefits of staying in that place. Highlight the property whether there is a closet stuffed with books or a spectacular view of the lake. It is very important to take photos of the sleeping area to avoid queries regarding the same. Take photographs highlighting every perk of staying there.

2. For Better Photography Use Tripod

If you need more details in the photos, you need a tripod. Using a tripod will yield sharper images with more details. You can use a self-timer to avoid pressing the shutter button manually which can shake the camera. Mount the camera on the tripod and use a low exposure for better quality and a lean aperture for a sharp image. An ideal combination will be to set the camera on aperture mode at f/8 and the lowest exposure setting that your camera has.

3. Raise The Curtains And Turn All The Lights

Having more lighting will make your photo look professional. Remember when shooting for Airbnb listing, open all the blinds to allow natural sunlight in the room. Do not hesitate to turn the lights on even if it’s daytime. The lights will eliminate the dark corners and the guests will have a clear picture of what the place has to offer.

This is particularly necessary while taking images of the kitchen or the bathroom as there will be an absence of natural light. It will help the guests to see the tidiness of the property as well. Showcasing a dark interior is not a good strategy unless there is a demand for the Bat Cave!

4. Avoid Ultra-Wide Lens or a Camera With Low Resolution

If you possess a DSLR camera than its fine or else you can rent or consider buying one. Smartphone cameras can be handy but Airbnb recommends to use photos with a resolution of 1024 pixels wide or more.

It is suggested not to use a wide-angle lens because they will capture the whole room and make some straight lines appear to curve giving a false indication that the walls are bowing in. Using a high-end precision wide-angle lens will be the solution to your problem.

5. Use at Least 25 Pictures in The Listings

By publishing more pictures the visitors will get a clear idea of the place that they will rent. Properties with more photographs show up high in the search engines. It is suggested to use 25 photos of the property.

The first 5 images must highlight the best features of the house. Then you may use 2 to 3 photos of each room. Be sure to keep the toilet seats down and hang some fresh towels. Make the bed nicely. Clean up every room and remove anything that might be a hindrance before photographing.

Your listing should contain an image of the outside which will help the guests to locate the property.

6. Make Use of Props

Small props can highlight the experience of staying in a place. Staging the place with few props will help the guests to imagine what a nice place that would be for staying. This will give them an idea about things they can do in this space.

For example, you can show an opened laptop with a mouse beside a desk or at a table to let the visitors know that this place is suitable for working also. Or take a photograph of a chair and a cup of tea placed next to a table with a bookshelf around. This will give the impression of how the place might be comfortable for reading books and to relax peacefully. You can set the dining table with dishware to make the guests feel like the place is family-oriented.

7. Shooting From Corner

Take photographs from the corner of a room instead of taking them against the wall. This will give the guests a different view of the place and help them to get an idea of the size of the room.

Take a landscape image of the room at a waist level so that the room might appear to be spacious. Capturing all the corners will give the guests a 360-degree view of the room. To get more details if the room in a single shot, you must set the camera to landscape mode. Portrait mode won’t help.

8. Take Photographs of Extra Facilities Available

You can include images of extra amenities if you offer them in your listings. For example, a ping pong table, or a crib, or a closet filled with board games. While you list those things make sure to quote the extra charges incurred for using them for a smooth transaction between you and the guests.

9. Take Outdoor Photos

It’s worth taking photos of your property from outside. People love to see their neighbors and get excited about the place they are staying in. Be sure to take some shots of the nearby restaurant or the lake that is only a few steps away from the backyard.

The first hour of the sunlight and the last hour is probably the best time to capture outdoor images.

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Conclusion

So it can be concluded that beautiful pictures can stand out from the crowd and help your listings get more bookings. Your photos can further be verified from Airbnb and that will make you favorable among the potential guests.

Top 5 Best Airbnb First Aid Kits That Every Listing Should Include

Most of the hosts think about the comfort of the guests. What about their safety? The comfort is essential, but it is necessary to keep your unit safe as well. The preliminary way to do so is to equip your Airbnb home with a first-aid kit.

Any guest that travels from a different country will want to explore and try new things. This could result in an accident from the unknown territory or allergic reaction from trying new foods. Having an Airbnb first-aid kit can resolve some of these situations fast.

The question is, which first-aid kit should you use?

We will not only solve this problem for you but also help you understand why you should equip your unit with a first aid kit and what are the factors to consider while buying one.

Why Would You Need A First Aid Kit In Your Airbnb?

There are many advantages of equipping your Airbnb unit with a first-aid kit. These include:

Furthermore, when you add a first aid kit to your Airbnb, you are able to check off “first-aid kit” under home safety which adds an additional search filter to your listing.

How Do You Decide On A First Aid Kit?

There are a few factors to keep in mind while comparing different first-aid kits. These include:

Once you look at these factors, it becomes easy to choose the kit. We will now go into the details of the five best first-aid kits which you can use.

Our Top 5 Recommendations For Airbnb First Aid Kits

1. DeftGet First Aid Kit

What makes this first-aid kit suitable for your Airbnb unit?

The answer is, it is one of the most comprehensive first aid kits that you can choose. It consists of 163 different pieces. Furthermore, it comes with a carrying case that makes it store in your Airbnb unit easily. It is FDA approved which ensures that you can buy this first-aid kit with complete confidence.

It consists of all the essentials like bandages, emergency blankets, essential medicines, cotton sticks, and even emergency equipment. So, nothing is left to chance when opting for this first-aid kit.

Features:

2. Mini First Aid Kit,92 Pieces Small First Aid Kit

Are you looking for an even more compact Airbnb first aid kit?

If yes, this 92 pieces first-aid kit will serve your needs. In addition to the essentials, it consists of things like emergency foil blanket, scissors, CPR facemask. So; it is suitable for use in any situation as well.

The USP of this first-aid kit is very lightweight at 0.35 lbs. That is why; storing and handling it is easy. Furthermore, it comes with a guide for making navigation simple. The best selling point is its compact size and lightweight.

Features:

3. M2 BASICS 150 Piece First Aid Kit w/Compact Bag

One thing which you will instantly notice when you look at this first-aid kit is its compact size. Would you believe if I told you it consists of 150 different pieces?

Yes, that is the main USP of this first-aid kit. In spite of the compact size, it consists of 150 pieces. It is suitable not just for minor wounds and injuries but also for medical emergencies.

Apart from the usual essentials, it consists of carabiners, sponges, medical tape roll, emergency blankets, and other such gear. It is suitable for not just your guests but also for first responders. That is why, in case of an emergency, it can come in pretty handy for your guests.

Features:

4. Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit

What are the chances of a first-aid kit being used in an Airbnb unit?

Yes, they are pretty slim. That is why; it is better to buy a first-aid kit that can stand the test of time. We are speaking about a first-aid kit that comes in a sturdy case. It is not just a pouch but a solid case.

When it comes to the contents inside, it consists of 140 different pieces. Some of the specialized equipment presented in this Airbnb first-aid kit includes antibiotic cream, gauze pads, rolled gauze, bandages, cleansing wipes.

The composition of this first-aid kit is great in emergencies but also includes everyday personal hygiene items. Due to this very reason, it will be beneficial for your guests in the Airbnb unit.

Features:

5. Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit

Looking for a lightweight kit?

If yes, this one at 0.71 lbs is a perfect option. It measures 7.5” x 2.5” x 6.8”. For smaller Airbnb units this first-aid kit is ideal.

It consists of 100 different pieces which means that it is as versatile as a first-aid kit can get. It meets the FDA regulatory standards which ensure a quality product.

With the help of high-density plastic case, the first-aid kit can stand the test of time. Thus; there is no need to replace it anytime soon. It consists of additional items such as a cold compress, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment. Since it consists of antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointments, it can come in pretty handy for guests who are traveling from a different country and prone to accidents.

It comes with a guide which makes it easy for your guests to use it. The sturdy case, along with a guide makes it a good option.

Features:

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Final Thoughts

Your search for the best Airbnb first-aid kit ends here. With our list above, it will be easy to pick the right first-aid kit. You should not overlook the comfort or safety of your Airbnb guests.

With an Airbnb first aid kit, the guests will feel more secure knowing that help is within reach in case of any emergency. That is why these first aid kits above are imperative for your unit.