The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for 5-Star Reviews in Manchester

The Ultimate Airbnb Cleaning Checklist for 5-Star Reviews in Manchester

June 5, 2025

Cleanliness is the most-reviewed category on Airbnb — and the most punishing when it falls short. A single 3-star cleanliness rating pulls your overall score below 4.8, which is where Airbnb's algorithm starts to suppress your listing in search results. For Manchester hosts running back-to-back bookings, a reliable turnover checklist is the difference between consistent 5-star reviews and a listing stuck at 4.6.

This checklist is built around what Airbnb guests in Manchester actually complain about. Use it every turnover — whether you clean yourself or hand it to a professional team.

Bedroom Checklist

  • Strip all bedding — duvet cover, pillowcases, fitted sheet
  • Replace with fresh, clean sets (hotel-pressed if possible)
  • Check under pillows and under the bed for previous guest items
  • Dust bedside tables, headboard, chest of drawers
  • Wipe mirror and wardrobe doors
  • Check wardrobe — remove any left items
  • Empty and reline bedroom bin
  • Vacuum floor including under bed and in corners
  • Check curtains or blinds are functioning correctly

Bathroom Checklist

  • Disinfect toilet — inside bowl, under rim, seat, lid, and base
  • Scrub shower tray or bath — remove any hair from the drain
  • Clean shower screen or curtain — remove limescale and soap scum
  • Wipe taps, sink bowl, and surround
  • Polish mirror — no smears or toothpaste marks
  • Replace bath mat with fresh one
  • Replace towels — bath sheet, hand towel, face cloth per guest
  • Restock: hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, toilet paper (spare roll visible)
  • Empty and reline bin
  • Check for mould on grout, sealant, or ceiling — report if found

Kitchen Checklist

  • Wipe all countertops and splashbacks
  • Clean hob — remove and wipe pan supports if gas
  • Wipe exterior and interior of microwave
  • Check inside oven — wipe if needed, report if requires deep clean
  • Run dishwasher and empty it, or hand-wash and dry all items
  • Check fridge — remove any food left by previous guests, wipe shelves
  • Wipe kettle and toaster exterior
  • Restock: tea bags, coffee, sugar, milk (UHT), washing-up liquid, sponge
  • Empty and reline bin — leave a spare liner visible
  • Wipe sink and taps to a shine

Living Room / Reception Checklist

  • Plump and arrange cushions and sofa throws
  • Dust all surfaces, shelves, and picture frames
  • Wipe fingerprints from TV screen, remote, and any glass surfaces
  • Check TV remote has working batteries
  • Vacuum sofa if fabric, or wipe if leather
  • Vacuum floor or mop hard floors
  • Check windows are clean on the inside
  • Remove any guest items left behind

Hallway, Entrance & General

  • Wipe front door interior and door handle
  • Vacuum or mop hallway
  • Check coat hooks and shoe storage for left items
  • Ensure keys, key safe code, or fob are ready for check-in
  • Check WiFi router is on and note the password is clearly displayed
  • Confirm heating/thermostat is set to a welcoming temperature

Final Walk-Through

  • Walk through every room from a guest's perspective
  • Check for any smells — cooking, mildew, or previous guest odours
  • Look for any damage — scuffs, broken items, stains — and photograph immediately
  • Take a photo of each room for your records and to show the property is guest-ready
  • Lock up and confirm check-in access is working correctly

Use a Professional Team for Reliability

Cleaning to this standard consistently is time-consuming, especially when running back-to-back bookings. Most successful Manchester Airbnb hosts use a professional turnover service so they don't have to be physically present between every checkout and check-in.

BritsMaid cleans to this checklist standard for every Manchester turnover — with photo confirmation sent when done. Book a free consultation to get started.