The heart of hospitality starts with cleaning

[Sarah5000]

Last weekend, I watched a Japanese TV show about cleaning—and to my surprise, it moved me deeply.

One line from the show especially stayed with me:

“Cleaning is integral for maintaining and enhancing the appeal of Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere.” Another was: “Cleaning every nook and cranny is a fundamental part of hospitality. Without that, we cannot offer guests the next level of hospitality.”

It reminded me so much of my own journey as a host. I started hosting back in 2015 and, like many of us in the early days, I did everything myself—including the cleaning. Every detail mattered. I still remember the moment a guest once told me, “I own a cleaning company, and I couldn’t fault the cleanliness of your apartment.” That was one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. It wasn’t just about being clean—it was about the care, the pride, and the intention behind it.

In the same show, they talked about how in Kyoto, thoughtful cleaning isn’t just about making a space look good—it’s a quiet gesture of respect. It nurtures good relationships with neighbors and strengthens the sense of community. Zen Buddhists even consider cleaning to be on the same level as zazen—meditative sitting. It’s seen as part of a monk’s daily training.

That really resonated with me. Over the years, I’ve also come to realize that “clean” can mean different things to different people. What feels sparkling to one person may not meet the standards of another. I once learned a great tip from a fellow host at a meetup: create a cleaning and preparation checklist. It wasn’t about micro-managing cleaners—it was about setting a shared standard and showing guests that every detail has been considered with care.

Now, whether I clean myself or have a trusted team help me, that checklist serves as our quiet promise to the next guest: “We prepared this space with love and intention.”

I hope you get the chance to watch that show, and that it reminds you—like it reminded me—that the smallest actions, like wiping down a surface or straightening a cushion, can be acts of deep hospitality.

I'd love to hear your own cleaning rituals or tips. What’s something you do that makes your space feel extra special?

Reference : The Power of Cleaning: Daily Habits for the Heart and Soul - Core Kyoto | NHK WORLD-JAPAN

[Marie10985 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Sarah5000 

I grew up in an home where we had to clean, every morning , afternoon and before bed time the kitchen had to be swept.  

I really appreciate those time now. 

I wont like to put my head on a stranger's pillowcase. It is so imprtant to change the linen after every guest.

My best advise is let them walk into a friendly clean environment.

Mari

[Sarah5000]

Hi @Marie10985 ,

Thanks for sharing, I am wondering that what do you appreciate those time when you cleaned the place every morning, afternoon and before bed time. I thought people won't like it? 

[Marie10985]

Hi @Sarah5000.

Years back it was a matter of dissipline, it was our duty in the house where I grew up. I did not enjoy it because i was still very young. The end of the day it was a good thing. I have a ten bedroom guesthouse and still do the washing myself because I know it is done properly.  I  enjoy the clean smell and feel good when guests notice the place is tip top!

[Sarah5000]

I enjoy doing clean too because it is also a chance for me to rest my mind and head and yes feel good to know the  guest will feel good too. 

[Jue0]

@Marie10985  I really resonate with your sharing. I grew up in pretty much the same environment where cleaning and order was the norm. Went to boarding school right to university and this followed through. This has served me totally well and I appreciate what may have began as a ritual that needed to be maintained but has now ended up as a way of life and something that we give back to our guests with joy and love. Thank you @Sarah5000 for bringing this out so well with the Kyoto experience! Looking forward to watch the movie soon 🩵

[Sarah5000]

It would be interesting to know what a life look like in boarding school. I never have this sort of experience. I grew up with my grandparent who always looked after us. 

[Lorina14]

@Sarah5000 

Thanks for the informative post - I loved the statement about zazu - oh meditative sitting. Being mindful when we are doing tasks affects the task and the environment we are in. Like food prep, I was advised a long time ago to not be angry or very sad when preparing food as that can negatively impact the food. A friend said she ate a meal at a restaurant and then had amorous feelings and as a medical intuitive she felt that the person who prepped the food was thinking of their spouse. 

I like to not just physically clean a space, but energetically clean a space as people can leave energy imprints wherever you go. I also have some Zibu angel symbols for peace, health, prosperity, love, gratitude, abundance under the entry floor mat to bless each guest who steps in our space with those qualities. 

[Sarah5000]

Certainly the meal always tastes delicious when people makes it with love. I have a question what is Zibu angel symbols looks like ?

[Lorina14]

They look elegant, flowing, relaxing, lots of swirls and curves. There are many different meanings too. I tried to put a pic of world peace, trust, unlimited abundance, prosperity, heart song but it was too big to post here. 

She has a store on Etsy.

ZibuAngelicSymbols

By Debbie Almstedt 

She has decals, jewelry, cards, a book, resins, she also does custom pieces - I had one made for my son when he couldn’t sleep well when he was younger and he touched it every night and it helped him. I’ve had a pendant made and it was delightful.

[John5097]

@Sarah5000 

This is how I've managed to maintain all 5 star reviews. To me cleaning is a trust issue and guest are going to know how clean it is. 

This all works out perfectly with a review based system.  

Unfortunately I had two guest who left a 4 star for cleaning. This is out of 480 reviews. One was for a bathroom mirror that was just older that I repurposed and have replaced with a new one. But that cost me being recognized as having the listing with highest reviews in my state. I actually have the highest reviews but cleaning score needed to be perfect so host with much less reviews and lower reviews were recognized. Meanwhile I just keep having the listing with the highest reviews and don't care about promoting myself as I don't need to. My reviews speak for themselves, it's the only thing guest trust is what other guest review. They all comment that it's super clean. 

[Sarah5000]

yes I always say the same too ! The reviews speak for themselves!

[Elena487]

Thank you so much for sharing this @Sarah5000 !

I couldn't agree more, cleanliness is a true act of respect. it shows that every guest matters, that each stay is special, and that we take the time to care for every little detail with intention

[Maria21081]

Hi @Sarah5000 
Wow, this really resonated with me. I started hosting back in 2015 and used to do everything myself—including the cleaning. I learned early on that cleaning isn’t just part of the job, it’s a real expression of hospitality. Today, with Vacation Property Maids, we still clean with intention and respect. Every space is prepared with the same care I had when I cleaned my very first Airbnb. Thank you for sharing this—it reminded me why I love what I do. 🧡

[Sarah5000]

Certainly @Maria21081 thanks for sharing your thought too,  I always believe that doing things with our hearts so we always enjoy what we do.