Whether you’re renting your home through Airbnb or planning a family reunion at your vacation property, a cleanup plan is key. Before you pack a suitcase or post a listing, your residence should be clean, organized, and ready to enjoy. The following is a checklist of must-have cleaning solutions.

Cleaning checklist for your Airbnb or vacation home

1. The bathroom

Tub, shower, sink and floor tiles have been scrubbed, sanitized and shined between rental check-ins or vacation stays. The inside and outside of the toilet, under the rim and around the tiles should also be cleaned and disinfected. Don’t forget the mirrors. They’ll need that glass cleaner shine to make sure you or your guests’ reflections are sharp. Instead of a candle, use a complementary fragrance. Citrus or floral are the best options for the bathroom. Oh, and don’t forget to replenish the toilet paper.

2. The kitchen

Start with the sink and scrub with a bleach product. Next, clean and polish the faucets and knobs. Also, with garbage disposals, run it through baking soda and white vinegar. Now the fridge. Even if it’s empty, clean and sanitize it. One tip is to keep a box of baking soda with the lid ajar in the fridge between stays. Clean and disinfect countertops, including window frames and counter edges. You may need to take a toothbrush with baking soda or grout cleaner to the tile grout. The stove also needs attention. Clean the hood with a degreasing agent, as well as the inside of the range and the top of the range. If the range has a self-clean function, run it as well. A thorough sweep of the floor is necessary, especially in corners, before mopping with a sanitizing floor mop. Adding an additional fragrance will eliminate the cleaner smell.

3. The bedroom

Clean sheets and down are everything. He vacuums every part of the room, even under the bed. Dryer sheets in the drawers will also give off a fresh, clean scent. Make sure the drawer liners are clean and replace them if they are torn or damaged. You can also add a fragrance plugin here. Clean clothes are the best option. Don’t forget about the closet – you’ll need to vacuum and air it out. A partially opened box of baking soda or some dryer sheets in the closet between visits are also key to fresh, moisture-free closets.

4. Living rooms/common spaces

Living rooms, family rooms and dining rooms need a good vacuuming and/or sweeping and damp mopping between visits. It is also important to dust and clean all wood surfaces with furniture cleaners. Glass cleaner on the TV screen or glass cabinet doors is key, as is a light spray of fabric refresher on all furniture cushions. Be sure to check all light fixtures to make sure the bulbs are working, and don’t forget to dust lampshades both inside and out. Also vacuum and clean all air and heater vents.

Once the cleaning checklist is complete, you’ll want to take a tour. Think of it like walking into a new house or a hotel room and see what it looks like. Careful attention to every room will ensure a happy visit to your vacation home with friends and family, as well as happy Airbnb customers who will rate your space after their visit. You’ll want top grades every time!

Your best bet for top ratings and a clean Airbnb or vacation property is to hire a maid service. They’re not just for permanent homes and offices!