There are many people who see the purpose of a cleaning fee differently than I do. To me, a cleaning fee is for the preparation of the space for the guests arrival. My point is supported by the fact that a cleaning fee can be refunded if the rental isn't satisfactorily clean and stocked at the time of check-in, but a departing guest cannot request a refund if the host doesn't clean up after them. Generally, even in hotels it's housekeeping that clean up after guests.
Additionally, we pay our cleaner $20US per hour to clean our Atlanta spaces, in St. Lucia, we pay $15EC per hour. I know from our own experience that it takes between 4-5 hours for the guest suites and 6-8+ hours to clean and prepare the apartments We require that our spaces are thoroughly cleaned and turned over regardless of the length of stay, because it's the right thing to do and what guests expect. Also, a short stay isn't an automatic indication of what the guests did or used. I am sure that most guests don't think that it would be appropriate if a host said that a place wasn't thoroughly cleaned after the prior guest because they stayed for only 1-2 days.
In addition to the wages, there are costs for the cleaning supplies to clean all linens, towels, dishes, pot and pans, utensils, bakeware, cutlery, refrigerator, small kitchen appliances, stove, sinks, toilets, knobs and switches, windows and glass doors, remotes, mopping and vacuuming floors, bathtub/shower, mirrors, dusting all furniture and ceiling fans. clean decks/balconies and outdoor furniture. We also provide our guests all necessary cleaning supplies to use during their stay: dishwashing detergent, multipurpose cleaner, laundry detergent, stain remover, bleach, stovetop degreaser.
When searching for a place, guests should review the hosts checkout list to determine if it will be a good fit, and ask about it before booking if there isn't one listed.