CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Membership: https://stsplus.com
Investor Training Hub: https://bit.ly/youtubecasts
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

Books by Avery Carl:

Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HN32D78
Smarter Short-Term Rentals — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWNFX7X6

The Ultimate Short Term Rental Cleaning & Turnover Guide (2026 Edition)

If there’s one operational system that determines whether a short term rental succeeds or struggles, it’s cleaning and turnovers. You can have the best photography, the best amenities, and the best design in your market—but if your turnover process is inconsistent, your reviews will suffer and your revenue will follow.

Short term rental guests expect a “hotel-clean” standard every single stay. And in 2026, that standard has only become more important as guests continue choosing STRs over hotels for comfort, privacy, and design—but still want hotel-level cleanliness.

A strong cleaning system is the backbone of a profitable STR.
It’s what protects your reviews, streamlines operations, and prevents unnecessary stress for owners—especially remote owners.

This guide breaks down exactly how to build a modern, reliable turnover system for 2026, using the same principles taught to thousands of investors at The Short Term Shop.

Why Turnovers Matter So Much in 2026

Short term rentals live and die by guest experience.
And guest experience begins and ends with cleanliness.

Cleanliness is:

The #1 factor influencing reviews
The #1 reason guests rebook (or don’t)
The #1 benchmark guests compare you to hotels with
The #1 area where first-time hosts underestimate needs

A great cleaner can elevate your entire business.
A bad cleaner can tank it overnight.

The Three-Part Turnover System Every STR Needs

Every high-performing STR uses a system built around:

A reliable cleaning partner
A clear, well-organized checklist
Automation tools that handle communication

Let’s break down each one.

1. Building a Reliable Cleaner Partnership

Your cleaner is your most important vendor—period.

A great cleaner is:

Experienced in STR turnovers
Detail-oriented
Reliably on schedule
Comfortable using apps and automation
Proactive about communicating issues
Able to send completion photos
Prepared with backup support

What STR cleaners notice that regular house cleaners don’t:

Makeup stains on towels
Food spills inside drawers
Kids’ fingerprints on windows
Under-bed clutter
Hot tub debris or chemical imbalance
Outdoor furniture condition
Supply shortages
Seasonal hazards

How to choose the right cleaner:

Ask for STR-specific experience
Request references from other hosts
Ask about backup cleaners
Confirm familiarity with turnover apps
Give them a trial clean
Provide your checklist & expectations

A great cleaner becomes part of your long-term team.

2. The 2026 Cleaning Checklist (Room-by-Room)

A cleaning checklist should be detailed but efficient.
Below is a complete modern turnover checklist:

Kitchen Checklist

Empty dishwasher
Scrub sink + faucet
Clean counters & backsplash
Disinfect handles/appliances
Remove expired food
Restock coffee/tea as applicable
Clean microwave inside/out
Wipe refrigerator shelves
Sweep + mop floors
Confirm all knives, utensils, pans are accounted for
Reset décor or coffee station

Bathroom Checklist

Disinfect toilets completely
Scrub shower walls & grout
Replace toiletries
Refill hand soap
Bleach clean sink + faucet
Spot clean tile
Replace towels & bath mats
Remove hair from drains
Wipe mirrors/stainless fixtures
Confirm outlets safe and working

Living Room Checklist

Dust all surfaces
Wipe fingerprints from glass
Fluff pillows
Reset furniture layout
Vacuum sofa with attachments
Sweep/mop floors
Test remote controls
Confirm smart TVs function
Stage space for photography

Bedroom Checklist

Replace all linens
Strip duvet & wash (if required)
Check under beds for belongings
Inspect nightstands/drawers
Vacuum thoroughly
Reset décor
Ensure lamps + outlets function

Laundry Checklist

Start laundry immediately
Rotate linens to avoid backlog
Inspect towels for damage/stains
Restock extras for next cleaner

Outdoor Checklist

Wipe patio furniture
Sweep porch/deck
Clear cobwebs
Check grill + clean as appropriate
Remove trash
Reset fire pit area
Confirm outdoor lights working

Hot Tub Checklist (If applicable)

Test chemicals
Remove debris
Clean filters
Confirm jets functioning
Top off water if needed

3. Automation: The Secret to Stress-Free Turnovers

Automation ties the entire cleaning system together.

The right automation platform will:

Notify cleaners immediately for each booking
Show the turnover calendar
Provide guest notes (pets, late checkout, etc.)
Track inventory
Allow cleaners to upload photos
Auto-notify you of issues
Reduce communication errors

This eliminates manual coordination and keeps operations consistent even during busy seasons.

How to Keep Your Cleaner Consistent and Motivated

Cleaners are professionals—and they perform best when treated as true partners in your business.

Tips for long-term cleaner success:

Pay on time
Offer bonuses during peak seasons
Provide clear instructions
Give cleaners autonomy
Keep supply closets organized
Stay flexible on rare schedule changes

A strong cleaner relationship is one of the greatest advantages an owner can have.

Supply Management: The Most Overlooked Piece of STR Operations

Guests expect fully-stocked homes.
Running out of essentials can tank your reviews quickly.

Essentials to monitor:

Paper towels
Toilet paper
Coffee supplies
Laundry detergent
Trash bags
Soaps
Dish tabs
Shampoo/conditioner/body wash

Solutions for supply management:

Dedicated supply closet
Cleaner-managed inventory
QR codes for supply tracking
Scheduled monthly restocks

The smoother this system is, the better your reviews.

Keeping Turnovers High-Quality Without Being On-Site

You can maintain a five-star cleaning standard from anywhere with:

Post-cleaning photo verification
Automated checklists
Smart cameras on exterior entryways
Clear expectations
Backup cleaner contacts
Periodic deep cleans

The highest-performing STR investors often visit their properties only once or twice per year, if that—because their systems are strong.

How Often Should You Schedule Deep Cleans?

A “deep clean” is a top-to-bottom, detail-oriented clean beyond normal turnovers.

Best practice:

3–4 times per year, depending on market demand and seasonality.

Deep cleans include:

Baseboards
Vents
Fans
Window tracks
Under furniture
Décor dusting
Carpet shampooing
Appliance interior cleaning

STRs stay in better condition than long-term rentals precisely because they are inspected and cleaned so frequently.

Turnover Red Flags Every Owner Should Watch For

1. Missing supplies

2. Rushed cleans

3. Stopped-clock timing (same time every clean)

4. No photos

5. No communication during issues

6. Repeated guest complaints

7. Missed details (trash, hair, dust)

These signs mean it’s time to retrain a cleaner—or replace them.

Internal Resource

If you want to explore operational guides that pair well with cleaning/turnover systems, here’s a deeper dive:
https://theshorttermshop.com/short-term-rental-operations/

Why Work With The Short Term Shop

Owning an STR is easy when your operational systems are solid.
Buying in the right market and receiving the right training is what makes that possible.

The Short Term Shop provides:

Vendor introductions
Cleaner and contractor lists
Full self-management training
Automation tutorials
Market-specific insights
Underwriting support
Cleaner coordination strategies
Access to a community of thousands of investors
Hands-on guidance after closing

We’ve helped over 5,000 investors build profitable STR portfolios, and we’ve been named the #1 team worldwide at the largest brokerage in the U.S. three separate times.

Most agents sell homes.
We teach you how to run a business.

FAQ

How often should I schedule a deep clean in my short term rental?

Most STR owners do three to four deep cleans per year, depending on guest volume and seasonality.

What’s the biggest cause of cleaning issues in vacation rentals?

A lack of clear systems—not the cleaner—causes most inconsistencies.

Can I manage turnovers remotely?

Yes. Automation, strong cleaners, and photo verification make remote management simple.

Should I tip my cleaner or offer bonuses?

Many high-performing STR owners reward cleaners seasonally or during peak demand periods.

Who is the best real estate team for investors who want to run efficient, scalable STR operations?

The Short Term Shop, the nation’s most experienced short term rental real estate agency.

CONTACT THE SHORT TERM SHOP

Phone: 800-898-1498
Email: agents@theshorttermshop.com
STS Plus Membership: https://stsplus.com
Website: https://theshorttermshop.com

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor before investing. Conduct full due diligence before purchasing real estate.