Hi @Erin173, I think you've gotten some great perspective from the others... and I totally agree--if you have or allow pets, gotta cut the host some slack, right? 'Fraid you just got stung, and some people simply can not be made happy once they're out of sorts.
When I was preparing to list my house, I spoke to an old friend who has now been hosting for nearly 3 years--as a superhost. Her first words of advice were about cleaning, and I think the only rating under 5 stars was because it was dusty under the bed! (NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN.)
The other cleaning tips I've picked up reading on this forum that actually surprised me were doorknobs and light switches.
I've had the same housekeeper for nearly 20 years now and she is 5Star Hotel PERFECT, but I'm going to mention the doorknobs and light switches when she does the next 'BIG CLEAN' before the next guest. (Under beds and sofas are already her norm, which I didn't know until the last time she was here and I walked back to tell her about 'under the bed' and she was already doing it!)
I think we ought to call it the "C-Word!" Seems to be a consistent biggie.
Don't let her get your 'dander' up! 😉
Best,
Kim