Hi Jill,
It really is is a difficult one, as cleanliness really is very subjective.
I charge a £30 cleaning fee, but as I get the flat blitzed between guests, I always spend more, or double up with the cleaner to break even on the cost. I'd hate to just assume that all guests have the same standards as me only to the find out that they'd left greasy plates, food stuck to cutlery and kebab meat under the sofa - all charming traits of a previous lodger who thankfully is no longer with me.
I think it's reasonable to assume that one person could clean the flat in the period between check-out and check-in, which for me is 4 hours. If you find that increasingly this isn't the case, then maybe adjust your house rules, and also the time between guests?
When it comes down to it, guests are paying for a service, but Airbnb's ethos primarily advocates home sharing. Which to me means that you'd treat it less like a hotel. That said, I personally hate to live in squalor and usually end up leaving hotels rooms tidy. Also, I've noticed that Airbnb appears to be moving away from the original business model and not only encourages letting agents, many of its policies actively support accommodation professionals, not just those who open their homes. This means that there are plenty of unoccupied party flat Gur the people to wallow in. Horses for courses!
A close friend of mine who has a number of homes she rents out advised me keep personal touches such as the odd photo hear and there, as it encourages people to treat your place like a home. Nothing like you and granny looking down on their ad behaviour lol! But then again, as many have added, some people live in filth, so this may have no effect.
I must admit, I've only hosted 6 or 7 times, and all guests have been fine. Some have left my flat immaculate, and others not quite as much so. Some obviously haven't opened a window for the duration of their stay, others forgot to take the rubbish down. But I guess as a host you have to suck it up, as long as theirs no damage and rules have not been broken. I think sticking house rules everywhere just dilutes the important stuff. You want guests to relax and enjoy your space, and not feel on edge. If not, then perhaps hosting isn't for you?
I'd also say vet your guests if you can afford to. I know Airbnb won't allow you to discriminate, but you know what? It's my pristine flat, and I'm not going to let a group of teenagers hire it for New Years even for obvious reasons. I'd be sick with worry, and wouldn't want to have to deal with the fall out, call me judgemental, I don't care. There are a million reasons I can think of the turn down bookings. I know Airbnb penalises you. But better to not be at the top of every search, and have peace of mind!
Good luck and I hope that this was a one off.
Des