The Cleaning Checklist That Saves Your 4.9 Rating

A 4.9 average is the Guest Favorite threshold. Once you slip below, the badge drops, search visibility drops, and bookings drop. The cleanliness sub-score is the one most hosts can actually control - here's the room-by-room checklist that protects it.

Bathroom (the highest-leverage room)

Strip and replace bath mat - never reuse
Spray and dwell on shower glass, tile, toilet, sink
Scrub shower walls, glass, grout corners
Toilet inside, outside, base, behind
Faucet base and chrome - check for limescale
Hair check: drain, floor corners, bath mat replacement spot
Mirror, light switch, door back, towel hooks
Floor: vacuum first, then mop

Bedroom

Strip and remake with fresh linens (cotton, not polyester)
Pillow inspection: covers off, hair check, replace if stained
Mattress edge inspection - rare, but bedbug evidence shows up here first
Nightstand surfaces: sanitize, check drawers
Closet: hangers straight, no leftover guest items
Floor: vacuum carpet edges and under bed
Light switches, door handles, lamp pulls

Kitchen

Empty dishwasher, run if needed, dry dishes
Wipe all counters and backsplash
Stove top: grease check, drip pan check
Microwave inside
Fridge inside: previous-guest items removed, surfaces wiped
Sink: faucet base, drain, garbage disposal smell check
Cabinet fronts and handles
Floor: vacuum then mop, including under the kitchen mat

Living Area

Couch: cushions up, vacuum crevices, check for stains
Coffee table: surface and underneath
Remote controls and game controllers - sanitize
Surfaces: TV, side tables, lamps
Floor: vacuum thoroughly, including baseboards
Smell check: vents, candles, any pet residue

Final Walkthrough

Trash: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom - all liners replaced
Restock: coffee, paper towels, toilet paper, hand soap, dish soap
Welcome stage: towels folded, bed pillow arrangement
Door handles, light switches, thermostat sanitized
Photo documentation: bathroom, bed, kitchen, living area - timestamped

Sensational Cleaning runs this exact checklist on every Seattle Airbnb turnover, with photo verification at the end. See our full Airbnb cleaning process.