Best Cleaning Supplies for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals

The most influential factor in a guest's review is cleanliness. A stray hair on the bathroom floor or sticky kitchen counter can mean the difference between a 5-star and a 3-star rating that harms your booking potential for months.

As an Airbnb host, you're juggling countless responsibilities. These include responding to inquiries, managing bookings, coordinating maintenance, and ensuring your property stands out in a competitive market. Creating a comprehensive cleaning and stocking the right supplies can feel overwhelming and expensive.

This guide will solve that problem. We'll provide a complete strategy for selecting the best cleaning supplies for your Airbnb. You'll learn what to buy, why to buy it, and how to manage it like a professional, ensuring a 5-star clean every time. A sparkling property is the key to getting 5-star reviews, and it starts here.

The Foundation of a 5-Star Clean

Cleaning approaches differ. In the Short-Term Rental (STR) world, you need to go beyond "visibly clean" to achieve "professionally clean." Understanding this distinction means recognizing the difference between three key cleaning actions that professionals use to ensure guest safety and satisfaction.

Terminology matters because it affects how you clean and which products you select:

Cleaning: Removing visible dirt, dust, and grime from a surface. This is the necessary first step, but never the last.
Sanitizing: Lowering the number of germs to a safe level by public health standards, reducing infection spread risk.
Disinfecting: Killing nearly 100% of germs on surfaces or objects. This is crucial for high-touch surfaces in a rental, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and bathroom fixtures. Always use an EPA-approved disinfectant.

When building your cleaning arsenal, remember that quality matters. Professional-grade or durable consumer products last longer, work faster, and leave a better impression than cheap alternatives. A cost-saving measure often costs more in time, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.

Airbnb Cleaning Supply Checklist: A Room-by-Room Breakdown

Here are the Airbnb cleaning essentials every host needs, broken down by area and function. We'll include product types and trusted brand examples.

General-Purpose Supplies & Concentrates (The Workhorses)

All-Purpose Cleaner: These handle 80% of your surface cleaning needs. For countertops, tables, and general surfaces. (Example: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Method All-Purpose).
Disinfectant Spray/Wipes: For high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, and remotes (e.g., Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Clorox Wipes). Follow proper dwell time; most disinfectants need to remain wet on surfaces for 5-10 minutes to be effective.
Glass Cleaner: For streak-free windows, mirrors, and glass doors. (Example: Windex or a DIY vinegar/water solution). A streaky mirror is one of the first things guests notice.
Degreaser: Essential for cutting through kitchen grease on stovetops and backsplashes. These cleaners solve problems that all-purpose cleaners cannot.
Wood Cleaner/Polish: For maintaining wood furniture and floors. (Example: Murphy Oil Soap, Pledge). This protects your investment in wood furnishings while creating a fresh, cared-for appearance.

The Kitchen: Heart of Cleanliness Review

Dish Soap: A quality brand is a must. (Example: Dawn Platinum - effective spot treatment for grease stains on fabric and surfaces).
Dishwasher Detergent Pods: Pre-portioned is key for consistency and preventing overuse by guests (e.g., Cascade Platinum Pods). The pre-measured pods eliminate guesswork for cleaners and guests.
Stainless Steel Cleaner: To eliminate fingerprints from appliances. (Example: Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish). This product creates a showroom-perfect shine that photographers and guests love.
Oven Cleaner: For deep cleans between longer stays. (Example: Easy-Off Fume Free). Schedule deeper oven cleaning every 5-10 stays, depending on guest cooking habits.
Sponges/Scrub Brushes: Use non-scratch sponges for cookware and durable brushes for sinks. Replace sponges between every guest for hygiene.
Microfiber Cloths: The most important cleaning tool. Assign colors to different rooms (e.g., blue for glass, green for general, yellow for kitchen, red for bathroom) to prevent cross-contamination.

The Bathroom: Where Cleanliness is Non-Negotiable

Toilet Bowl Cleaner: One with an angled neck for easy application. (Example: Clorox ToiletWand System, Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner). The toilet must be immaculate; guests are hyper-aware of bathroom cleanliness.
Tub & Tile Cleaner: To tackle soap scum and mildew. (Example: Scrubbing Bubbles, CLR Brilliant Bath). Preventing pink mold and soap scum buildup requires consistent attention.
Grout Cleaner/Brush: To keep tile looking new. (Example: Grout-Eez, or a stiff-bristled brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide). Discolored grout makes a clean bathroom look dirty.
Drain Cleaner: Keep a preventative cleaner on hand (e.g., Drano Max Gel). A slow drain can ruin a guest's shower experience and lead to negative reviews.
Squeegee: Teach your cleaning team to use this after each turnover for a crystal-clear appearance on glass shower doors to prevent water spots.

Bedrooms & Living Areas: Focus on Dust and Freshness

Fabric Refresher/Odor Eliminator: For upholstery, curtains, and a fresh scent. (Example: Febreze Fabric, Zero Odor). This step is crucial between guests because fabric holds odors.
Lint Roller: Essential for removing hair from bedding and furniture. This inexpensive tool catches what vacuums miss on fabrics and lampshades.
Upholstery & Carpet Spot Cleaner: For tackling small spills immediately. (Example: Folex, Bissell SpotClean Pro). Quick action prevents permanent stains.

The Big Guns: Essential Cleaning Tools & Equipment

A Quality Vacuum: This is an investment, not an expense. Consider a cordless stick vacuum for quick use (e.g., Dyson V-series, Shark Cordless) and a durable upright/canister model for deep cleans.
Mop and Bucket: Recommend a wringer system for efficiency (e.g., O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop). The spin feature speeds drying and improves efficiency.
Broom and Dustpan: A necessity for quick cleanups of visible debris before mopping.
Extendable Duster: For reaching ceiling fans, high shelves, and cobwebs. These overlooked areas are noticeable to guests looking up from beds or sofas.
Reusable Cleaning Caddy: To carry all necessary supplies from room to room, speeding up the cleaning process by eliminating return trips to storage.
Protective Gloves: Essential for anyone performing the clean, for safety and to prevent skin damage from cleaning chemicals.

Smart Shopping: Stock Your Airbnb and Save Money

Knowing what cleaning products Airbnb hosts use is half the battle. The other half is buying them intelligently. Focus on a strategy that blends bulk buying for consumables with quality spending on durables to maximize your cleaning budget.

What to Buy in Bulk (Consumables)

Finding the best bulk cleaning supplies for rentals can reduce your per-clean costs:

Paper Towels: Professional cleaners use these during turnovers.
Toilet Paper: Choose a 2-ply, well-regarded brand. This small touch impresses guests.
Trash Bags: Stock kitchen and small bathroom sizes.
Laundry Detergent: If you do laundry on-site, buying in bulk saves per load.
All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrates: These are cheaper than buying pre-mixed spray bottles. A gallon of concentrate can make dozens of spray bottles at a fraction of the cost.
Soap Refills: Buy large refill containers instead of individual bottles for hand soap and body wash dispensers.

What to Buy for Quality (The Durables)

Vacuum Cleaner: This is the most important cleaning tool investment you'll make. A cheap vacuum will fail quickly under commercial use.
Mop System: A high-quality mop with replaceable heads provides better cleaning results and lasts longer.
High-Quality Microfiber Cloths: Premium microfiber cloths (at least 300 GSM) last through hundreds of washes with proper care.
Bedding & Towels: While not a "cleaning supply," investing in durable, easy-to-launder white linens (which can be bleached) is part of the same strategic approach to turnover efficiency.

Where to Shop: Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Warehouse Clubs: Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's offer savings on bulk items with a membership.
Business Supply Retailers: Amazon Business, Home Depot Pro, and Staples offer business pricing and quantity discounts.
Janitorial Supply Stores: These stores offer true commercial-grade products and concentrates unavailable in consumer retail. They offer better pricing on cleaning chemicals than big-box retailers.

Eco-Friendly & Sensitive Skin Options

Today's travelers seek properties that use sustainable and non-toxic products. This preference isn't just an environmental statement; it's becoming a market differentiator that can help your listing stand out and appeal to health-conscious guests.

Using eco-friendly Airbnb supplies broadens your property's appeal to travelers with chemical sensitivities, families with young children, and pet owners. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.

Popular "green" brands that deliver professional results include:

Blueland: Offers tablet-based cleaning systems that reduce plastic waste.
Branch Basics: A concentrated, plant-based cleaner for multiple purposes.
Ecover: Pioneer in plant-based cleaning formulas
Seventh Generation: Eco-friendly cleaning products
Mrs. Meyer's: Natural cleaning products with appealing essential oil scents

For DIY-inclined hosts, these pantry staples make effective cleaning solutions:

Distilled White Vinegar: Great for glass, descaling, and general cleaning
Baking Soda: Ideal for scrubbing and deodorizing
Hydrogen Peroxide: Natural disinfectant alternative
Castile Soap: Versatile base for cleaning solutions

Mention your use of eco-friendly products in your listing description and property guidebook. This is a deciding factor for environmentally conscious travelers choosing between similar properties.

Organizing a Turnover Caddy & Managing Inventory

During a turnover, speed is critical, especially with same-day bookings or limited time between guests. A well-organized system is the difference between a stressful scramble and a methodical, thorough clean.

The cornerstone of professional efficiency is the turnover caddy. This portable organizer should contain 90% of what's needed for a standard clean: microfiber cloths (in your color-coded system), all-purpose spray, disinfectant, glass cleaner, gloves, grout brush, and other frequently used items. This "grab-and-go" system eliminates wasted time hunting for supplies and ensures nothing gets forgotten. This system is a core part of how professionals streamline your turnover process.

Inventory management is crucial. Use a checklist or spreadsheet to track bulk item stock levels. Set reorder points (e.g., "reorder when down to 3 backup bottles") to avoid last-minute emergency store runs, which are more expensive and time-consuming. This is especially important if you manage multiple properties or don't live near your rental.

Consider designating a locked cabinet or closet for storing your cleaning supplies. This keeps products away from curious guests while creating a centralized inventory station for quick stock-taking.

Essential Supplies for Your Guests

Distinguish between your professional cleaning supplies (which should be stored away) and the guest supplies you should provide. Leaving appropriate cleaning tools for guests shows thoughtfulness and helps maintain your property's cleanliness during their stay.

Kitchen: A small bottle of dish soap, a new sponge, a few dishwasher pods, and paper towels. Guests appreciate the means to clean up after themselves.
Laundry: If you provide a washer/dryer, include a few pods. Pre-measured pods prevent overuse and spills.
Bathroom: Hand soap (liquid in a dispenser is most hygienic) and a "starter pack" of 2-3 rolls of toilet paper. Include a small bottle of bathroom cleaner under the sink.
General: A designated "spill kit" with an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth is a thoughtful touch to prevent stains and damage. Include a note encouraging guests to use it for quick cleanups.

You should separate guest supplies from your cleaning arsenal and present them neatly. A small basket of cleaning essentials with a welcoming note can turn maintenance into a hospitality feature.

Conclusion

Maintaining a 5-star cleanliness level is a significant operational task. It involves more than just wiping down counters; it requires strategic sourcing, inventory management, and rigorous quality control for every turnover. As your business grows, what begins as a simple cleaning routine evolves into a complex system.

For many successful hosts, managing cleaning, stocking supplies, and coordinating turnovers across one or multiple properties becomes a full-time job. A dedicated partner can transform your business from a hobby into a hands-off, profitable asset. Checkmate Rentals offers a full-service co-hosting solution, handling everything from cleaning and supply management to guest communication and booking optimization. Our nationwide network of local teams ensures your property is impeccably maintained, while our unique model lets you retain ownership of your listing and reviews.