Any tips for doing own cleaning?

[Pippa64]

Hi hosts! 
I’m considering running an air bnb close to where I live in North Carolina. Currently for other homes I have not cleaned the home myself. 
considering trying to do the clean as I’m local to this particular property . 
Any advice? Any tips? 
it’s only a small home of 1000 sq foot with one bathroom ….. also if anyone has any idea on cleaning and laundry costs for a home this size I’m all ears as I will need back up cleaners anyway 🙂 

thank you 

[Helen3]

This is an international Community so we are unlikely to know cleaning costs in your area I'm afraid but I'm sure some local cleaning companies can provide a quote @Pippa64 

Personally as I work full time alongside other commitments I don't have either the time or inclination to clean my listing. Quite frankly cleaners do a much better job and are much quicker than I would be 

if you want to clean yourself have a checklist of tasks for each room that you do every clean and others you might say so every few weeks or every month 

[Pippa64]

Thanks Helen . Yes I’ve not cleaned my own places before but just trying to keep my outgoings down a bit 🙂 thank you 

[Ana2038]

@Pippa64 , I clean our own unit. It’s small and we only have one. But when it comes to cleaning, I clean it as if I’m the paying guest. Clutter free, nice white crisp bedding (sheets, pillowcases pressed) but most importantly…Clean Overall. Cleanliness goes a long way. I don’t do back to back bookings so I’m in no rush to get the unit turned over for the next guest(s). 

Best—

[Pippa64]

Thanks - good points raised! 

[Rachel2990 · Accepted solution]

So @Pippa64 if you're not a cleaner "type" person-- you don't currently clean your home or you only hire cleaners in your other Airbnb, please don't add a task to your life that isn't a specialty or particularly easy for you.

Businesses and individuals who clean regularly (hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) inherently, and through experience, know what's acceptable in a good thorough clean and what's not. 

Always delegate, what you can, to others. Do you want to be self employed or do you want a business that can run without you?

Once you answer those questions, for yourself, you'll know what to do. Best of luck from a 10+year Super Host, @GetRachelRay 

[Pippa64]

Thanks so much! Some thinking to do lol 🙂 

[Rose2561]

I have a small place at the beach that I don’t charge much for. It’s a 40x20ft container home. I have opted to clean myself since I don’t charge a lot and don’t want to give all my money to cleaning. I make sure I keep an open day after someone leaves. This is crucial for your sanity. 😂 Make sure you check places you wouldn’t think to look. I found a dirty spoon in the silverware drawer under other spoons and things left under the couch, bed etc. definitely do a check list. If you are systematic and quick, you can save money. 

[Pippa64]

Thanks rose - yes having a system is key I think ! I love lists so I could make a check lists until I get used to it all! 

[Sharon1949]

clean it away and charge for cleaning so they do not make a mess

be ready asap for next guest

[Russell385]

Hi

Purchase 2-3 sets of linen, towels, ect to help with changeovers. 

[Heidi859]

I am not far from Cary, in Greenville. My cleaner charges $65 for a 2 bed 3 bath and $90 for a 5 bed 2 bath. I’ve had others request more. I’ve also done the turns myself. What takes me 4 hours she does in under 2. I also pay my step daughter to do the cleans, and gave her a check list which she follows. It’s a business, the cleans are tax deductible, and it runs smoother with a cleaner. I can scale bigger with a cleaner, whereas if I was doing everything I could not grow the business. 

[Pippa64]

All great points thank you . I may try it myself to start with and see if I lose my mind quickly lol . Those aren’t bad prices to be fair . Mine is only 2 bed one bath so maybe wouldn’t cost too much through a cleaner