Quick Answer
Successful vacation rental turnovers require a systematic approach: strip linens immediately, sanitize high-touch surfaces, deep clean bathrooms and kitchen, stage consistently, and document with photos. Allow at least 4 hours between guests for thorough cleaning.
In San Diego's competitive vacation rental market, cleanliness can make or break your hosting success. With thousands of Airbnb and VRBO listings competing for guests in Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Mission Bay, and Downtown, your cleanliness rating directly impacts your bookings and income.
This guide covers everything you need to know about turnover cleaning—from creating a bulletproof checklist to achieving the consistent 5-star cleanliness that turns first-time guests into repeat customers.
Turnover Cleaning Process
Create a Cleaning Checklist
Document every task room by room. Include often-missed areas like remote controls, light switches, and door handles. Share this checklist with any cleaners you hire.
Strip and Replace Linens
Remove all used linens immediately. Use mattress protectors for easy bed changes. Keep 3 sets of linens per bed to ensure fresh sets are always available during back-to-back turnovers.
Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
Disinfect door handles, light switches, remotes, thermostats, and cabinet pulls. These are the areas guests will touch most and notice if neglected.
Deep Clean Bathrooms
Scrub toilet, shower, and sink. Replace or wash towels. Refill soap and toiletries. Check for hair in drains—a top guest complaint.
Reset the Kitchen
Empty and wipe refrigerator. Run dishwasher and put away dishes. Wipe counters, stovetop, and microwave inside. Restock coffee, tea, and paper goods.
Vacuum and Mop All Floors
Check under furniture and in corners for debris. San Diego beach rentals often need extra attention for tracked-in sand.
Stage for Photography
Fluff pillows, arrange throws, and ensure consistent staging. Your space should look like the listing photos every time a guest arrives.
Document with Photos
Take photos after each turnover. This protects you against damage claims and ensures consistent quality across different cleaners.
San Diego-Specific Tips
Beach Rentals
Sand gets everywhere. Provide an outdoor shower or foot rinse station. Keep a dedicated vacuum for sandy floors and shake out all bedding.
Salt Air Effects
Coastal properties accumulate salt residue on windows and outdoor furniture. Include exterior wipe-downs in your regular deep cleaning schedule.
High Season Prep
Summer (June-August) means more turnovers. Book professional deep cleans at the start and end of summer to maintain quality during heavy use.
Quick Turnover Checklist
Every Turnover
- Strip and remake all beds
- Replace all towels
- Sanitize bathrooms
- Wipe kitchen surfaces
- Empty refrigerator
- Vacuum/mop floors
- Disinfect high-touch points
- Restock essentials
Monthly Deep Clean
- Inside oven and fridge
- Window tracks and blinds
- Under furniture
- Baseboards throughout
- Light fixtures
- Outdoor furniture
- Mattress rotation
- Grout scrubbing
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I allow between guests for cleaning?
Most professional turnovers take 2-4 hours depending on property size. For San Diego vacation rentals, we recommend scheduling at least a 4-hour window between check-out (typically 11am) and check-in (3pm or later) to allow for thorough cleaning and any unexpected issues.
What's the difference between turnover cleaning and deep cleaning?
Turnover cleaning focuses on guest-ready presentation: fresh linens, sanitized surfaces, restocked supplies. Deep cleaning addresses buildup over time—inside appliances, grout scrubbing, window tracks. Most hosts schedule deep cleans every 4-6 turnovers or monthly during high season.
How can I improve my Airbnb cleanliness rating?
Focus on high-impact areas guests notice first: bathroom fixtures, bed linens, kitchen surfaces, and floors. Address common complaints like hair in drains, dusty blinds, and smudged mirrors. Consider a professional cleaning checklist and take photos after each turnover.
Should I hire professional cleaners for my vacation rental?
Professional cleaning typically pays for itself through higher ratings and fewer complaints. In San Diego's competitive market, consistent 5-star cleanliness often determines booking success. Professional cleaners also provide damage documentation and can alert you to maintenance issues.
Professional Vacation Rental Cleaning
Let us handle your turnovers while you focus on growing your hosting business. Reliable, consistent quality every time.
Book a CleaningLearn About Our Vacation Rental ServiceArt Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.