Cleanliness is the number one factor in Airbnb guest reviews. It is mentioned more than location, more than value, and more than amenities. A single "cleanliness" complaint can drop your listing from 4.8 to 4.5 stars — and in Solihull's competitive short-let market, that difference determines whether you fill weekday nights or sit empty.
This guide is for Airbnb hosts and short-let operators in the Solihull area who want to achieve and maintain professional-standard cleaning between every guest.
The Guest Expectation
Airbnb guests in 2026 expect hotel-level cleanliness in a home setting. This means:
- Visually spotless: No hair, no dust, no marks, no stains. Guests inspect more thoroughly than you think — behind the toilet, inside the microwave, under the bed.
- Fresh-smelling: Not perfumed or artificially scented — genuinely clean. The absence of odour, not the presence of fragrance.
- Sanitised: Post-pandemic awareness means guests expect high-touch surfaces to be properly disinfected.
- Presentable: Neatly folded towels, crisp bed linen, tidy cupboards, organised kitchen.
The Turnover Cleaning Checklist
This is the checklist our cleaners follow for Airbnb and short-let properties. It typically takes 2-3 hours for a 1-2 bedroom property.
Kitchen
- All worktops cleaned and sanitised
- Hob cleaned (remove grates/trivets and clean underneath)
- Oven interior checked — clean if used (check for splatters)
- Microwave interior wiped clean
- Kettle descaled if needed, exterior wiped
- Toaster emptied and exterior cleaned
- Fridge interior checked, wiped, and any previous guest items removed
- All dishes, cutlery, and cookware checked for cleanliness (hand-wash anything that needs it)
- Sink and drainer cleaned and polished
- Dishwasher emptied and checked
- Bin emptied, new liner fitted, exterior wiped
- Floor swept and mopped
- Tea towels replaced with fresh ones
- Check consumables (washing-up liquid, bin liners, dishwasher tabs)
Bathroom
- Toilet deep cleaned inside and out, including base and behind
- Bath/shower cleaned and all products from previous guests removed
- Shower screen or curtain cleaned (replace shower curtain if stained)
- Tiles wiped, grout checked
- Basin and taps descaled and polished
- Mirror cleaned streak-free
- Floor mopped
- Fresh towels placed (folded hotel-style)
- Toiletries restocked (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap)
- Toilet roll — full roll plus a spare
- Bath mat replaced with a fresh one
- Check extractor fan is working
Bedroom
- Strip all bed linen, including mattress protector if stained
- Check mattress and pillows for stains — replace protectors if needed
- Make bed with fresh, crisp linen (iron or professionally launder for best results)
- Dust all surfaces including bedside tables, headboard, windowsills, skirting boards
- Vacuum floor thoroughly, including under the bed
- Check wardrobe and drawers are empty and clean
- Check hangers are neat and sufficient
- Wipe mirrors and any glass surfaces
- Check lighting all works
Living Areas
- Vacuum all floors and rugs
- Dust all surfaces
- Wipe TV screen and remote controls
- Plump and straighten cushions
- Fold throws neatly
- Check all lights work
- Wipe any marks from walls or doors
- Clean windows inside if smudged
Hallway and Entrance
- Vacuum or sweep
- Wipe down shoe area
- Clean the front door (both sides) and handle
- Check welcome information is in place
- Ensure keys are in the designated spot
Final Walkthrough
- Open every door and check each room from the guest's perspective
- Check all windows are closed and locked
- Check heating/AC is set to a comfortable temperature
- Turn on bedside lamps for a warm ambience (if afternoon/evening check-in)
- Take photographs for your records
The Five-Star Details
These small touches separate 4-star from 5-star reviews:
Linen Quality
Invest in white, hotel-quality bedding. White looks cleaner, is easier to bleach-wash, and photographs well. We recommend 200-thread-count minimum, 100% cotton percale. Egyptian cotton is a noticeable upgrade for a modest cost increase.
Towels: white, thick, 600gsm minimum. Replace when they start looking grey or tired. Budget £15-20 per set — guests notice quality.
The Welcome Touch
- A handwritten welcome note (reusable in a frame if you prefer)
- A small welcome pack: tea, coffee, biscuits, milk in the fridge
- Local recommendations printed or in a stylish folder
Scent Management
Avoid plug-in air fresheners — they smell artificial and many guests find them unpleasant. Instead:
- Use unscented cleaning products and let cleanliness be the scent
- Open windows for 30 minutes after cleaning to air the property
- A single, high-quality reed diffuser in the living area (subtle, not overpowering)
The Bathroom Fold
Fold the end of the toilet roll into a point or triangle. It takes 3 seconds and subconsciously communicates "this has been cleaned and prepared for you."
Managing Turnovers at Scale
If you manage multiple properties or have back-to-back bookings, consistency becomes the challenge.
Build a Reliable Cleaning Team
Relying on a single cleaner is a risk. If they are ill or unavailable, you have no backup. Work with a cleaning service that has multiple cleaners available. At Scrubster, we assign a primary cleaner to each property but always have backup availability for short-notice turnovers.
Create a Property-Specific Checklist
Every property is different. Create a custom checklist for each property that includes:
- Number of beds and specific linen requirements
- Location of cleaning supplies and fresh linen
- Specific quirks (dodgy lock, tricky shower control, heating timer instructions)
- Guest consumable inventory (what to restock and where spares are kept)
- Photograph reference for how the property should look when finished
Key Management
For turnover cleans, key access needs to be simple and secure:
- Key safe (combination lock) on the property exterior
- Smart lock with temporary codes for cleaners
- In-person key handover (least flexible but most secure)
Timing
Build in a buffer between check-out and check-in. A 3-hour window between 11am check-out and 3pm check-in gives your cleaner adequate time for a thorough turnover without rushing.
Solihull Market Insights
The short-let market in Solihull is growing, driven by:
- Business travellers: Solihull's proximity to Birmingham, the NEC, and Birmingham Airport makes it popular for corporate stays
- Medical tourism: The area's private hospitals attract patients and families who prefer a home setting to a hotel
- Events: NEC events, Resorts World, and Birmingham city centre events drive weekend demand
- Relocation: Families relocating to the area often book short-lets while searching for permanent accommodation
Properties near Solihull town centre, Shirley, and the airport corridor (B37, B26) tend to have the highest occupancy rates.
Cost Considerations
Professional turnover cleaning for Airbnb properties in Solihull:
- Studio/1-bed: £45-65 per turnover
- 2-bed: £60-85 per turnover
- 3-bed: £80-110 per turnover
- Linen service (supply, launder, and deliver): £15-30 per set
Most hosts factor cleaning costs into their Airbnb cleaning fee. Guests expect to pay a cleaning fee and understand it covers professional preparation of the property.