How much does Airbnb cleaning cost?
How much does Airbnb cleaning cost?
$75 – $250 per turnover cleaning
$25 – $65 per hour
$250 – $400 per clean (large homes)
Average Airbnb Cleaning Service Cost
Most Airbnb hosts pay $75 to $250 per turnover cleaning, with the national average sitting around $150. The actual cost depends on property size, location, the scope of cleaning required, and how quickly the cleaner needs to turn the unit around between guests. Smaller studios and one-bedroom units cost significantly less, while large vacation homes with four or more bedrooms can run $250 to $400+ per clean.
Unlike standard residential cleaning, Airbnb turnover cleaning involves hotel-style preparation: restocking supplies, staging the property, laundering linens, and following a detailed checklist. This additional work typically makes short-term rental cleaning 20% to 40% more expensive than a comparable residential cleaning service.
| Property Type | Average Cost per Clean |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $50 – $100 |
| 2 bedrooms | $100 – $150 |
| 3 bedrooms | $135 – $200 |
| 4 bedrooms | $175 – $275 |
| 5+ bedrooms / large home | $250 – $400+ |
| National average | $150 |
Cost by Property Size
Property size is the single biggest driver of Airbnb cleaning costs. More bedrooms mean more beds to strip and remake, more bathrooms to scrub, and more square footage to vacuum and mop. Cleaners typically estimate pricing by the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, or total square footage.
| Square Footage | Bedrooms / Bathrooms | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 sq ft | Studio / 1 bath | $50 – $85 |
| 500 – 1,000 sq ft | 1 – 2 bed / 1 bath | $75 – $130 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 sq ft | 2 – 3 bed / 2 bath | $120 – $185 |
| 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft | 3 – 4 bed / 2 – 3 bath | $170 – $275 |
| 2,500 – 3,500 sq ft | 4 – 5 bed / 3 – 4 bath | $250 – $350 |
| 3,500+ sq ft | 5+ bed / 4+ bath | $325 – $450+ |
Each additional bathroom typically adds $20 to $40 to the total. Extra sleeping areas like pullout sofas or bunk rooms add $15 to $30 each because of the linen changes involved.
Common Pricing Models
Airbnb cleaners use several pricing structures, and the model you choose can significantly affect your bottom line. Most professional turnover services charge a flat rate per clean, but hourly and per-room pricing are also common. Here is how the main options compare.
| Pricing Model | Typical Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate per turnover | $75 – $300 | Predictable budgeting, most hosts |
| Hourly rate | $25 – $65 per hour | Varying levels of guest mess |
| Per room | $25 – $50 per room | Hosts with flexible room configurations |
| Per square foot | $0.08 – $0.20 per sq ft | Large or unique properties |
Flat Rate per Turnover
The flat rate model is the most popular choice among Airbnb hosts. The cleaner quotes a fixed price for each turnover regardless of how long the cleaning takes, making it easy to calculate your cleaning fee and predict expenses. The downside is that if a guest leaves the property in terrible condition, the cleaner may push for a higher rate or charge an additional fee.
Hourly Rate
Some cleaners charge $25 to $65 per hour, depending on experience and location. Hourly pricing can work in your favor when guests leave the unit relatively clean, but it introduces unpredictability. A standard two-bedroom turnover takes about 1.5 to 3 hours; however, a messy checkout could stretch that to 4 or 5 hours.
Per-Room Pricing
Per-room pricing charges $25 to $50 per room, including bathrooms. This works well for hosts who occasionally block off certain rooms, since you only pay for the spaces that were used.
Factors That Affect Cost
Several variables beyond property size influence what you'll pay for Airbnb cleaning. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and negotiate fair rates with cleaners.
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Location / market | Urban and resort areas cost 20% – 50% more |
| Turnaround time | Same-day turnovers add $20 – $50 |
| Amenities (hot tub, pool, grill) | Add $15 – $50 per amenity |
| Laundry (on-site vs. off-site) | On-site linens add $15 – $40; linen service $30 – $75 |
| Pet-friendly property | Adds $15 – $40 |
| Deep cleaning needs | Adds $50 – $200+ |
| Supplies provided by host vs. cleaner | Cleaner-supplied adds $10 – $25 |
| Weekend / holiday cleaning | Adds 10% – 25% |
Location and Market
Cleaning rates vary widely by region. In major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, expect to pay $150 to $300+ for a standard two-bedroom turnover. In smaller cities and rural areas, the same service might cost $75 to $125. Popular vacation markets like beach towns and ski resorts also command premium rates, especially during peak season.
Turnaround Time
Same-day turnovers, where one guest checks out and another checks in within hours, add urgency and stress. Many cleaners charge a $20 to $50 rush fee for tight windows. Some experienced Airbnb cleaners specialize in quick turnovers but charge accordingly.
Amenities and Extras
Hot tubs, pools, outdoor grills, fire pits, and large patios all require additional cleaning time. A hot tub alone can add $25 to $50 per turnover. Outdoor entertaining areas with furniture that needs wiping down, sweeping, and staging add $15 to $30.
Laundry and Linens
Linen management is one of the most time-consuming parts of Airbnb turnover cleaning. If your cleaner washes, dries, and folds linens on-site, expect it to add $15 to $40 and significant time to the job. Alternatively, some hosts use a professional linen service that delivers fresh sets, which typically costs $30 to $75 per turnover but speeds up the cleaning process considerably.
Pet-Friendly Properties
Properties that allow pets require extra vacuuming, lint-rolling furniture, and checking for stains or odors. This adds $15 to $40 per cleaning. Some cleaners charge more if they need to use specialized pet hair removal tools or deodorizing treatments.
Consider charging a separate pet fee to guests rather than absorbing the extra cleaning cost. This covers the additional work your cleaner performs and protects your furnishings.
What's Included in Airbnb Turnover Cleaning
Airbnb turnover cleaning goes well beyond a standard house cleaning. Professional short-term rental cleaners follow detailed checklists to ensure the property meets guest expectations and maintains high review scores. The table below outlines what a typical turnover covers.
| Task Category | Typical Tasks Included |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | Wash dishes, wipe counters, clean appliances inside/out, restock supplies |
| Bathrooms | Scrub toilet, shower, tub, sink; replace towels; restock toiletries |
| Bedrooms | Strip and remake beds with fresh linens, dust surfaces, empty trash |
| Living areas | Vacuum, mop, dust, arrange pillows and decor, wipe remotes and switches |
| General | Take out trash, lock windows, adjust thermostat, report damages |
| Restocking | Toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, coffee, snacks |
| Staging | Arrange welcome items, fold towels decoratively, set out guidebook |
A thorough turnover checklist is essential. Many experienced cleaners also photograph the property after cleaning to document its condition before the next guest arrives. This protects both the host and cleaner in case of damage disputes.
Deep Cleaning vs. Standard Turnover
Standard turnover cleaning happens between every guest. Deep cleaning is a more intensive process typically performed every 3 to 6 months. Deep cleans include cleaning behind and under furniture, washing windows inside and out, shampooing carpets, cleaning air vents, and scrubbing grout.
A deep clean costs $200 to $500+ depending on property size. While this isn't a per-guest expense, budgeting for quarterly deep cleans is important for maintaining your property and preventing negative reviews about cleanliness over time.
| Cleaning Type | Frequency | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard turnover | Between every guest | $75 – $250 |
| Deep clean | Every 3 – 6 months | $200 – $500+ |
Setting Your Airbnb Cleaning Fee
The cleaning fee you charge guests should cover your actual cleaning costs. Most hosts set their cleaning fee at or slightly above what they pay their cleaner. The average Airbnb cleaning fee in the U.S. is $75 to $150, though fees vary widely by property size and market.
| Strategy | Cleaning Fee | Nightly Rate Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full cost pass-through | $100 – $250+ | Lower nightly rate |
| Partial absorption | $50 – $100 | Slightly higher nightly rate |
| No cleaning fee | $0 | Higher nightly rate |
Choosing the Right Strategy
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Each approach has trade-offs that affect your booking rate and bottom line.
- Full cost pass-through: You charge the guest exactly what you pay the cleaner. This keeps your nightly rate low and competitive in search results but can deter guests when they see a high fee added at checkout. High cleaning fees (over $150) sometimes motivate guests to scrutinize cleanliness and request refunds.
- Partial absorption: You charge a moderate cleaning fee and build the remaining cost into your nightly rate. This balances visibility in search results with transparent pricing.
- No cleaning fee ($0): You roll everything into the nightly rate, similar to how hotels operate. This eliminates sticker shock and can increase conversion rates, but your nightly rate appears higher in search results.
Hosts who charge cleaning fees above $200 report more frequent complaints about cleanliness, even when the property is spotless. Guests associate a high fee with a high standard and inspect accordingly. Many experienced hosts recommend keeping the cleaning fee at or below the area average and adjusting your nightly rate to compensate.
Encouraging Longer Stays
A flat cleaning fee naturally incentivizes longer stays because the per-night cost decreases the longer a guest books. For a $150 cleaning fee, a one-night stay adds $150 per night, while a seven-night stay adds only about $21 per night. Pairing a reasonable cleaning fee with weekly and monthly discounts is an effective strategy to attract longer bookings and reduce turnover frequency.
You can also set a minimum stay of 2 or 3 nights to avoid the high effort of single-night turnovers, which rarely justify the cleaning cost.
DIY Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
Many new hosts clean their own properties to save money, but this approach has significant limitations as your business grows. Professional cleaners offer reliability, consistency, and time savings that usually justify the cost.
| Approach | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY cleaning | $10 – $30 (supplies only) | Lowest cost, full quality control | Time-intensive, not scalable, burnout risk |
| Independent cleaner | $60 – $200 | Affordable, flexible, personal relationship | Backup coverage issues, less reliability |
| Professional cleaning company | $100 – $300+ | Reliable, insured, backup staff available | Higher cost, less personal attention |
| Airbnb-specialized service | $100 – $350+ | Turnover expertise, checklists, photo documentation | Highest cost, limited availability in some areas |
DIY cleaning makes sense when you live near your property, host infrequently, and have a small unit. Once you're managing back-to-back bookings or multiple properties, professional help becomes essential. The time you spend cleaning is time you can't spend optimizing your listing, communicating with guests, or managing your business.
How to Save on Airbnb Cleaning Costs
Cleaning is often the largest recurring expense for Airbnb hosts. The following strategies help reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
| Strategy | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Set a minimum 2- to 3-night stay | 30% – 50% fewer turnovers |
| Provide a detailed checklist | Reduces missed tasks and re-cleans |
| Supply your own cleaning products | $10 – $25 per clean |
| Use a linen service | Reduces cleaning time by 30 – 60 minutes |
| Negotiate volume discounts | 10% – 20% off per clean |
| Simplify staging and decor | Reduces cleaning time and breakage |
| Ask guests to start laundry / take out trash | Reduces cleaning time by 15 – 30 minutes |
Set Minimum Stay Requirements
Single-night bookings generate the highest cleaning costs relative to revenue. A minimum two-night stay cuts your turnover frequency significantly. Many hosts find three-night minimums even more profitable because they reduce wear and tear while still attracting strong booking volume.
Negotiate Volume Pricing
If you have consistent bookings, negotiate a monthly or per-clean discount with your cleaner. Offering guaranteed volume, prompt payment, and a streamlined process makes you an attractive client. Many cleaners will discount 10% to 20% for hosts who provide steady work.
Simplify Your Property Setup
Fewer decorative items, pillows, and knickknacks means less cleaning time. Choose durable, easy-to-clean materials for furnishings. Dark-colored bed linens hide stains but show hair and lint, while white linens look hotel-quality and bleach easily. Find the balance that works for your property and cleaning team.
Tips for Hiring an Airbnb Cleaner
Finding the right cleaner is one of the most important decisions you'll make as an Airbnb host. A reliable, detail-oriented cleaner directly affects your guest reviews and earning potential.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | Look for short-term rental or hospitality experience |
| Insurance | Verify liability insurance and bonding |
| Availability | Confirm they can handle same-day and weekend turnovers |
| Backup plan | Ask about coverage when they're sick or unavailable |
| Communication | Ensure they're responsive via text or an app |
| References | Request references from other Airbnb hosts |
- Prioritize short-term rental experience. Cleaners who understand turnover workflows, checklist-based cleaning, and the pace of Airbnb hosting are far more valuable than general house cleaners.
- Create a detailed checklist. Provide a room-by-room checklist with photos of how each space should look when finished. This eliminates guesswork and ensures consistency.
- Establish a communication system. Use a shared app or messaging system where your cleaner can confirm completions, flag issues, and report damages with photos.
- Always have a backup. Your primary cleaner will eventually get sick, go on vacation, or have an emergency. Having a secondary cleaner familiar with your property prevents last-minute scrambles.
- Pay fairly and promptly. Good Airbnb cleaners are in high demand. Paying competitive rates and processing payments quickly builds loyalty and ensures your property stays at the top of their priority list.
- Use a cleaning service agreement to formalize expectations, payment terms, and responsibilities between you and your cleaner.
Popular platforms include Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB), Properly, Airtasker, Thumbtack, and local Facebook groups for Airbnb hosts. Asking other hosts in your area for referrals is often the most reliable method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Airbnb cleaning fee?
The average Airbnb cleaning fee in the U.S. is $75 to $150. This fee is what hosts charge guests and should generally reflect the actual cost of turnover cleaning. Fees vary by property size and location, with some large homes charging $200 to $300+.
How much do Airbnb cleaners charge per hour?
Airbnb cleaners charge $25 to $65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the scope of work. Most turnovers take 1.5 to 4 hours, making hourly rates roughly comparable to flat-rate pricing for standard properties.
How often should an Airbnb be cleaned?
A full turnover cleaning should happen between every guest, no exceptions. In addition, schedule a deep clean every 3 to 6 months to maintain the property's condition. For longer stays of 30+ days, consider offering optional mid-stay cleanings.
Should hosts or guests pay for cleaning?
Both approaches work. Most hosts pass the cleaning cost to guests through a cleaning fee, but some roll it into a higher nightly rate. The best approach depends on your market, competitors, and pricing strategy. Test different configurations and monitor your booking rate.
Is a $300 cleaning fee too high?
For most standard properties, $300 is above average and may discourage bookings. High cleaning fees can also motivate guests to scrutinize cleanliness more aggressively and request refunds. However, for large luxury homes with 5+ bedrooms, hot tubs, and extensive amenities, $300 may be entirely reasonable. Check what comparable properties in your area are charging to calibrate your fee.
Can I charge a $0 cleaning fee?
Yes. Setting a $0 cleaning fee and increasing your nightly rate is a valid strategy many successful hosts use. It eliminates sticker shock at checkout, can improve conversion rates, and mirrors the hotel pricing model. The trade-off is a higher visible nightly rate in search results.
Should I tip my Airbnb cleaner?
Tipping isn't required, but it's a meaningful gesture, especially during busy seasons or after particularly messy turnovers. Many hosts tip $10 to $25 per clean or provide holiday bonuses. Fair base pay is more important than tips; make sure your cleaner's rate reflects the skill and effort required. Learn more about tipping house cleaners.