Airbnbs are usually expected to look exactly as advertised, if not even better. The question is: are you able to match your guests’ expectations? Airbnb maintenance is the key strategy to master. A 2022 study shows that customer satisfaction is impacted by room cleanliness and the availability of amenities and facilities. It’s more than just sweeping your floors and dusting off the tops of closets. This encompasses routine preservation of aesthetics, cleanliness, and functionality of everything inside and out.

Every new or experienced Airbnb host should keep their properties in top shape. New owners, in particular, might be overwhelmed with the number of things they need to take note of. Read through this detailed guide to know the best practices for Airbnb maintenance.

How can property maintenance affect your Airbnb business?

Regular upkeep contributes to the overall health and cleanliness of your property. This is also part of Airbnb’s parameters for responsible hosting. As a business owner, you can benefit from property maintenance in the following ways:

• Boosts reviews: Guests are likely to praise a property first on its cleanliness. After all, no one wants to spend their getaway among clutter and discomfort. This is a baseline for customer satisfaction.
• Increases visibility and occupancy rates: More positive reviews equal enhanced visibility and potential to attract more guests. This also strengthens your reputation in the industry.
• Creates room for competitive pricing: Once your property’s value increases as a result of positive guest experience, you can gradually tailor a more authoritative pricing strategy.
• Reduces maintenance costs: Preventive practices decrease the need for frequent repairs, replacements, and overall maintenance requirements. This saves money and increases revenue from higher occupancy rates. 
• Enhances guest comfort, safety, and satisfaction: By eliminating health and safety concerns, guests can expect a more satisfying stay. Be a responsible host by ensuring their safety from potential accidents and malfunctions.

The Ultimate Host’s Handbook for Airbnb Property Maintenance

Identification

It is important to identify the tasks that need to be done, things to be repaired, and spots that require extra attention.

• Inspect the indoor amenities – check everything from top to bottom, inside and out for damages, stains, wear and tear. Do not forget the plumbing and electricity outlets.
• Inspect outdoor furniture, landscaping, and amenities for any defects or cleaning requirements.
• Test out appliances to ensure working conditions.
• List down tasks based on your initial inspection.
• Create a calendar or time-table for your Airbnb property maintenance.

Preparation

Prepare yourself, your cleaning team, and the property for a smooth process.

• Open windows and doors to properly circulate air while cleaning
• Use face masks and cleaning gloves where necessary. This helps prevent allergic reactions to dust and contamination.
• Use appropriate, safe cleaning supplies.
• Disinfect your hands.

Cleaning

Cleaning methods can vary depending on the type of room and furnishing. Follow your to-do list for priority areas, and check the following tasks off as well:

Bedroom and living room

• Regularly change bed linens, mattress, and pillows.
• Wash and properly dry linens to prevent discoloration, tears, and dust.
• Clean under beds, large furniture, and mats.
• Dust and wipe off closet, desk, and appliance surfaces.

Bathroom

• Sanitize and clean toilets inside and out.
• Clean drain catchers and strainers.
• Replace towels and other dry amenities.
• Refill wet amenities.
• Eliminate marks and stains on the mirrors, glass, shower tiles, and walls.

Kitchen

• Clean and sanitize utensils and kitchenware. 
• Replace any expired items or complimentary snacks in drawers, cupboards, and refrigerator.
• Wipe down any stains or spots on the tabletop and stoves.
• Clean the sink drain catchers.

Sanitizing

Surfaces that frequently come in contact with guests, like TV remotes, doorknobs, and handles need to be sanitized with alcohol or other disinfectants.

• Carefully read and follow instructions on product labels of disinfectants. Materials such as wood, rubber, metal, or painted surfaces may be sensitive to certain chemicals.
• Sanitize surfaces in each room with appropriate disinfectant.
• Allow surfaces to air-dry.

Inspection

Airbnb property maintenance does not stop at sanitizing. Make your rounds again to make sure you did not miss anything.

• Review your checklist for items you might have missed.
• Check each room and furnishings around the property.
• For repairs or objects that you need to attend to for more than one day, take note of these as urgent tasks and create a timeline.

Reset and Replenish

Finally, resetting involves replacement of Airbnb amenities, protective covers, linens, and other complementary goods in your property.

• Sanitize your hands before replacing amenities for your next guests to prevent cross-contamination.

• Replace beddings and linens.
• Replace dry and in-room amenities.
• Clean equipment.

Areas that may require special maintenance

Outdoor

Furnishings and amenities located outside such as pools, barbecue grills, sun chairs, and gardens may need special attention.

• Regularly trim greenery.
• Clean the pool and balance the chemicals.
• Inspect locks and bolts to ensure functionality.
• Check window conditions and replace damaged glass.
• Inspect roof for any leaks and potential long-term water damage.

Electricity and Wi-Fi

Having a working internet and electricity connection makes your guests’ stay more convenient.

• Ensure that all lines and connections are tidy and undamaged.
• Manage cables for a presentable look.
• Ensure outlets are functional.
• Check internet connection for speed and connectivity.

Amenities

Amenities give guests a good first impression of a property, as well as the host. Invest in sustainable Airbnb supplies to create an eco-friendly environment.

• Provide high-quality linens and bed sheets.
• Stock up on luxury hotel amenities.
• Choose to go green and use amenities in naturally-sourced packaging.

Who can perform Airbnb property maintenance tasks?

Do-It-Yourself

Hosts, especially those who have a hands-on approach to hosting, can D.I.Y. their Airbnb maintenance. Not only is it cost-efficient, but the host has more control on managing cleaning and repairs. Some amenities may require special care that hosts are typically more knowledgeable about.

This is recommended for hosts who live nearby and have ample experience in handling maintenance problems or repairs. However, this poses a challenge to those who manage multiple properties and is best for one or two Airbnbs only. Another challenge is that sourcing materials for larger repairs may require extra time or assistance.

Professional services

Larger or multiple properties may benefit better from professional cleaning and Airbnb maintenance services. This allows the host to tackle more than one area (rooms, kitchen, bathroom, outdoor, large appliances and venues). 

This could lead to potentially increased costs, but usually results in better quality. More often than not, maintenance and housekeeping companies possess industry-grade products and tools for their services. This approach is time-efficient for hosts, particularly during peak season and for those who have to maintain several properties.

Be a responsible Airbnb host

Communicate with your guests regarding maintenance and repairs.

Regularly announce any updates and maintenance works through your property listing. This builds their confidence that the host is attentive and knowledgeable about the Airbnb property. Don’t forget to manage and respond to complaints swiftly to enhance the guest experience.

Do preventive maintenance on all appliances.

Take these appliances for regular checks and servicing. Note down which ones are frequently used by guests as they might be subject to mishandling or need replacements.

Consider automation.

Smart devices now integrate simple features into their system, such as auto-cleaning. Consider investing in devices that can easily automate cleaning tasks to lessen manual labor.

Partner with a dependable Airbnb amenities supplier.

You don’t have to replace amenities with the same ones each time. Level up your property with a trusted Airbnb and hotel supplier. Partner with one that carries top-notch luxury hotel amenities and quality brands. Regularly updating the quality of your amenities, linens, and equipment will impress your guests and excite them to book another stay.

Keeping your property clean and functional is essential to Airbnb hosts. This also ensures your business continuity, because when guests experience a brand-new feeling each time they enter your property, they will be encouraged to come back again.

ALSO READ: Airbnb Success Strategies That Every Host Should Master

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