First impressions lead to great reviews and can drive more business.  Along with general cleaning of the property between stays it is worth doing some in-depth checks to ensure that your guests can not only enjoy the space, but also feel safe and ready to start their holiday.

• Check if the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are beeping
• Check for personal belongings left in rooms
• Check locks and close entry doors 
• Dust A/C vents, grids and fans; test A/C and fans
• Check all batteries in remotes

• Set thermostats to the agreed on temperature for an empty house or an upcoming arrival
• Check and clean all windows (interior) AND close and lock all windows before leaving
• Check whether pest-control services are required
• Check for stains on carpets, rugs, furniture or curtains

• Discard magazines that are older than six months
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as handles, doorknobs and counters
• Discard paper plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery and paper/plastic bags
• Walk through and check that the home is not only clean but staged attractively

• Load, run and empty dishwasher; clean any dirty dishes and dishwasher rim
• Discard any leftover food; donate if seal unbroken
• Remove rubbish and recyclables; clean and sanitise rubbish bin and replace bin bags
• Clean and disinfect counters, cupboards, tables and chairs

• Clean range top and wipe inside of oven
• Clean, scrub and sanitise sinks and splash backs
• Clean and disinfect appliances (interiors and exteriors), including the inside of any mini ovens, microwaves, coffee makers and phones
• Empty and clean inside and outside of refrigerator and freezer (check ice quantity and quality)

• Wash floor (sweep or mop)
• Wipe down windows and windowsills
• Refill soap dispenser
• Put out clean dish towels, linen napkins and a new sponge
• Ensure that all dishes, utensils, pots and pans are clean and arranged in a visually appealing way
• Clean and disinfect flatware, tableware, glasses and mugs

• Change sheets and pillowcases — use ‘hotel-standard’ bed making
• Check for wear and tear and clean/replace mattress pad, pillows, pillow protectors, sheets and blankets
• Vacuum floor and under beds
• Remove rubbish and clean bins

• Check for personal belongings or rubbish left in drawers, wardrobes, under the bed, behind the headboards and behind nightstands
• Dust windowsills and ledges
• Dust furniture, knick-knacks, ceiling fans, blinds and windowsills, and clean mirrors
• Ensure that clocks are on correct time and sockets are available for phone charging

• Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes
• Ensure that wardrobes are stocked with appropriate number of hangers, floor fans, humidifiers (if applicable), extra-clean blankets and pillows in a plastic storage bag/bin

• Clean and disinfect stereos, game systems, TVs and remotes
• Ensure that the welcome sheet/book is in a visible place and in good condition
• Sweep, vacuum and mop floors/carpets as applicable

• Check under cushions and couches for debris and other items
• Clean and straighten decor like pillows, blankets, etc.
• Dust windowsills and ledges
• Dust and clean furniture, blinds, picture frames, knick-knacks, ceiling fans and lamps

• Make sure that all board games, films and books are in good condition and neatly organised
• Wash windows (interior) and sliding glass doors
• Sweep
• If applicable, check that the fireplace has no ashes and that the firewood is neatly stacked

• Dispose of all rubbish and recycling
• Sweep
• Ensure that all owner items stored in the garage are secure

Outdoor spaces

• Sweep porch and dust off entry door

• Wipe off patio set and straighten; ensure that cushions are in a good condition and are out for upcoming guests
• Wipe down BBQ, ensure that BBQ tools are clean and that there’s enough gas (if applicable) for upcoming guests

• Ensure that all outdoor lights are functioning
• Walk around the property to make sure that all cigarette butts and pet droppings have been removed

• Clean, scrub, disinfect and sanitise showers, bathtubs, dressing tables, sinks and splash backs
• Clean mirrors
• Clean and sanitise toilets (inside, outside, under the front, around the base and behind)
• Sweep and mop floors
• Remove rubbish and clean bins

• Wash wall tiles.
• Replenish soap, bathroom liquids
• Replenish toilet paper (two extra rolls under the sink)
• Set clean towels and shower mat — use ‘hotel-standard’ staging
• Check for wear and tear or stains on towels

• Ensure that shower curtains or doors are free of mould and water spots
• Wipe down windows and windowsills
• Clean dust and debris on vents and fans
• Clean and place hairdryer neatly under sink or in a drawer
• Ensure that the tissue box is sufficiently full
• Clean out drawers and cabinets

• Make sure that washer and dryer are empty; clean out lint trap
• Wipe down machines (including seal areas) and leave open

• Wash floor (sweep or mop)
• Remove rubbish and clean bins

• Ensure that laundry provisions are stocked (i.e., laundry detergent, dryer sheets or fabric softener)
• Ensure that the iron, ironing board are in place