What's the Biggest Challenge for Airbnb Hosts? Cleaning or Something Else?

[Alex12990]

Hello everybody,

I'm Alex, a relatively new Airbnb host with 2 Units. 

Setting up my properties for the past 5 months has been a very interesting journey with lots of problems I didn't even consider were issues before getting started. 

However, one of the biggest challenges we've faced seems to go back to cleaning. It's always on my mind as it's something that is critical to the success of my properties. It needs to be done right, it needs to be done on time and it's always an expense. 

My wife and I have gone through a journey on cleaning. We started out doing it ourselves, then we found cleaning services to help out and actually had to switch a few times. 

I'm curious to know if others have found cleaning to be their primary headache, or if there are other challenges that you consider even more daunting in the hosting game. Here are some thoughts I have:

• Supply Management: Keeping up with linens, toiletries, and other essentials.
• Guest Communication: Managing expectations and handling last-minute changes.
• Pricing and Occupancy: Finding the right balance to maximize revenue.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating local laws and regulations for short-term rentals.

What do you think? Is there something else that trumps cleaning in the list of hosting woes? I'd love to hear your experiences and insights.

Thank you! 
Alex

[Michelle3890]

Hi @Alex12990,

Yes, cleaning can be a bit of a system that you will need to perfect. It does get easier and easier and I have a couple of recommendations for you:

Maybe you are already utilizing some of these hacks but if not here or a few:

1. Have a stash of Linens already ready to go between bookings.

2. Keep your place minimal and don't have a lot of items that require dusting and wiping and items that people move and put in different locations.

3. Keep an area in the Airbnb where you have all of your cleaning supplies locked away so that when it is time to clean you can easily access them.

Let me know if any of this helps and stick with it. You will get better and better and you will develop systems that work better and better each time.

[Alex12990]

Hi Michelle! 

This is some great feedback! I do have a couple of set of linens prepped as backup for emergencies, as well as a storage closet for consumables. 

I really hadn't considered the minimal approach, that's actually a great point! 

I'm not sure if it's my Washer / Drier, but I think the washing of the linens takes a long time...

Do you generally block out nights for cleaning? There is an option to block out the night before and after a guest. I kind of don't want to use it, but I've had to do it a number of times. Wondering if it's common practice. 

[Rebecca]

Hello @Alex12990, 

I am tagging @Michelle3890 here for you, so they will receive a notification of your message and can hopefully come back to share more insights on the points you've raised!

Congratulations on starting out your journey as a host as well, I hope our community will help you feel supported and inspired! I found a couple more conversations that you might find interesting, while others chime in here with more advice:

• Advice for a new Host and hosting challenges
  
• Just starting out
• Any advice on cleaning techniques and strategy?

Quick tip: To tag someone, tap "@" and select the host's username from the dropdown menu 😊 

[Mohamed-Fazal-Abid0]

AGREED 

[Mohamed-Fazal-Abid0]

My husband and I do the cleaning. This way nothing is missed. We are happy with the way we do it. I used a book shelf and placed it in my bigger closet and we placed all  of our linens in these ..queens and kings on different levels, lots of towels and wash cloths, and def cleaning supplies in a different place.  We have been hosting just under two months and it's going very well!

Best Wishes,

FaShan

[Alex12990]

How do you decide what to charge for cleaning? Depending on the size of your place, that can be a lot of work... 

My wife and I started off by doing it ourselves, but this became unsustainable since we could only do it part time. We had to find help from others, and now we have to charge a cleaning fee... 

I'm not sure how much this turns people off, even though it seems common practice.

[Earl251]

Hello @Alex12990 

Good luck with your vacation rental properties.

I find the most important aspect of the business is the sales. In this regard quality of pictures is crucial as well as showing all aspects of the property. The detail in the description associated with the listing is also crucial.

Response times and flexibility in dealing with customers also helps close deals.

Cleaning is always important but is a controlable variable.

Best Regards

Earl

[Alex12990]

This is some solid advice! Thank you, @Earl251 

I think I've gotten some solid pictures, but sometimes I look at the analytics and it's all over the place. The same pictures can do well one month and not so well the next month. Unsure if I should always update them somehow... the property is still the same haha.... 

Random thought, but have you considered advertising the place outside of Airbnb? Is that worthwhile? 

Thanks, 

Alex

[Emma-Jane-And-Matt0]

Cleaning seems to be big issue for Airbnb hosts. I think if you can’t clean your Airbnb yourself (the number one choice because you can guarantee it will be done perfectly and no expense) then you need to spend time sourcing either a company or a private contractor and this can take time to find the perfect  fit.

[Alex12990]

Yes! I totally agree @Emma-Jane-And-Matt0 ! 

We started out by doing it ourselves, but had to seek assistance. This was not very easy to do and it meant we started making less money. In general I think it's definitely worth it, but I guess it depends on the price the cleaners ask for. 

Do you use cleaners yourself? Have you had trouble finding cleaners in your area? 

[Gina2538]

Hi there @Alex12990,

We clean our unit ourselves - I am meticulous because I have been a guest where the cleaning is average at best. Our unit is a studio and is relatively small without a full kitchen (450 sq feet), so it's pretty easy if my husband and I do it together. I also have the "hacks" of all the extra linens, sheets, duvet/cover, and shams, but it's still three loads of laundry to get everything washed. I started blocking a day in between reservations so I could give myself a little more time - time is the biggest issue when it comes to cleaning.

I think the thing I worry about the most is the "first impression" of getting into our unit. Access is through our garage. We painted the garage, added keyless entry and new lights, and put in nice cabinetry so it doesn't look like a messy garage when they enter, but I do worry about it. The unit itself is super cute, but first impressions are important

I also used to worry about someone leaving the garage door open (we're in an urban area of Portland), but I solved that with technology - the MyQ  "smart garage" video keypad allows me to set up temporary codes and see who's coming and going. The "smart garage controller" tells me if the garage door was left open and/or when it closes. I highly recommend this if your guests access your garage! The app is a little wonky sometimes, but overall, it works great.

Since we are urban, I charge extra for parking, $20/night. It's a lot cheaper than what hotels charge here in Portland and often safer since we have a private, 2-car garage and a lot of hotels are surface lots or public garages. I'm curious if other urban hosts charge for parking...

[Alex12990 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Gina2538 , 

That's a very good point! I hadn't considered the fact that you can charge for parking. I'm in located in Seattle so there is definitely always an issue with parking, especially cheap parking. But I would guess this mostly applies to the downtown areas. I'm not sure this would work in my neighborhood, but it's still interesting. 

As for the cleaning part, I'm also doing some similar hacks. Got spares for most of the linens and bedsheets, etc. It seems most people have figured out their own way to do it, but I had wondered if this was an issue for everybody or just me.

Any thoughts on pricing for cleaning? I'm finding there are many little things that I had to purchase alongside the regular cleaning work, like soap, tissues, trashbags, etc. These feel like a minor thing for any one guest, but in the long run, they ad up! 

[Gina2538]

Hi @Alex12990 

I price cleaning my studio at $50, but we don't have a full kitchen, so it's similar to a large hotel room - there is a refrigerator, Nespresso machine, and microwave 🙂  When my husband and I do it together, we can clean it in about 1.5 hours (not including the time to wash the laundry!).

I keep a detailed expense log of everything I buy for tax purposes. Everything you mention above (and gloves!), plus I include "hotel-sized" soaps and lotion for each guest.

[Dale1192]

@Alex12990 Cleaning is an issue if you don't have the right cleaners. Early on I was thinking maybe having an occasional complaint or cleaning misses were the normal course of business. I then hired the right cleaners and no issues. No one is perfect so soon or later something will come up, but that should be the rare exception. I learned early on to move on if there are repeat issues with the cleaners. In my area there is a Facebook page about the local area where folks ask all kinds of questions and post events.  It has been a great source of cleaning referrals. I went from struggling to locate any cleaners to this last time having over 20 leads for cleaners.

My biggest concern is guest following house rules. I consistently have more guests than booked and guests not following other rules. I try to keep the rules to a minimum and concentrate on protection of the property and meeting neighborhood guidelines.  I list them on the listing, in the contract, reiterate them in the check-in email, but still a reoccurring issue.