Cleaning Fee Advice needed

[Marcia726]

I am struggling with cleaning fees. I was charging $15, because I wanted the price to be reasonable, but some people leave the apartment so filthy that it takes me hours to clean.

Other people leave it immaculate. I don’t think I can charge a fee after the fact, (a you are filthy fee) but is there someway that I can reimburse people if they leave the apartment really clean?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Marcia726 you can always send a guest money if you want to (and explain it in your text somewhere). BUT it isn't necessarily the best thing to do. Just set an average cleaning fee and accept some days it will be easy, other days harder. Then leave appropriate reviews to reward the clean guests.

[John7474]

Hello @Marcia726  

I would charge a flat $100 fee. 

They are paying you for your time (hours of it), cleaning supplies, and other expenses. 

Ask yourself, if you would hire a housekeeper to do what you do, what would that cost? 

Best,

John 

[Paula]

Hello @Marcia726, Welcome to our Community 😊

I've seen that John and Mike have offered their valuable advice. Have you had the opportunity to read it? I am tagging some more hosts here to see if they would like to share their opinions on this topic @Bandu6 @Leigh625 @Sandra5919 @Jennifer1897 

Good luck,

[Leigh625]

Hi @Marcia726 ,

Don't undervalue your time and effort to keep your Airbnb clean and in good condition for the next guest.  Consider the cost of your supplies; the time it takes to clean and the effort. Your time is valuable. Research online the cost for cleaning services/housekeepers. It looks like the average hourly rate for a housekeeper is around $18 in the states.

Also, if you haven't already, set standard instructions for the guests to follow before they leave (gather bed linens, take out trash, load dishwasher, etc.). Communication is key.   : )

Best regards,

—Leigh

[Joan2709]

Hi @Marcia726 

I would take some time and look at what other similar listings in your area are charging for a cleaning fee. I will say that $15 seems a bit low to me.