Airbnb Tips
How to Get Five-Star Cleanliness Reviews Every Time
June 4, 2026 · 6 min read
Cleanliness is the #1 driver of Airbnb ratings. Here are the seven details guests notice first — and how to nail them.
Cleanliness is the single most-mentioned factor in Airbnb reviews, and it's the one part of the guest experience you control completely. This guide walks through the systems professional turnover teams use — the same checklists, timing math, and staging details behind thousands of five-star stays.
Start with a repeatable system
Guests don't judge effort; they judge consistency. A written, room-by-room checklist beats memory every time, especially when a backup cleaner covers a shift. Photograph your ideal staging once and make it the standard for every turnover.
The details guests notice first
Bathroom glass, under-bed floors, kitchen appliance fronts, and linen freshness account for the majority of cleanliness complaints. Build these into your inspection step and verify with photos before every check-in.
Want the full professional checklist as a printable PDF? Grab it free on our resources page.
StaySpark Team
Professional turnover cleaners serving 500+ short-term rental hosts. We publish what actually works from the field.