Cleaning Tips

Ultimate Fall Cleaning Checklist For Your Airbnb Cleaning Service

Prepare your Airbnb cleaning service for autumn with our ultimate Airbnb fall cleaning checklist. Learn more about what fall cleaning entails and how you can best tackle fall cleaning tasks this autumn.

By Angela Rush

Last updated: March 05, 2024

What Are Fall Airbnb Cleaning Services? 

Fall cleaning for an Airbnb cleaning service is a comprehensive and meticulous process to prepare the property for the autumn season. It goes beyond routine cleaning to address specific seasonal needs. 

Cleaning for the upcoming fall season means deep cleaning carpets and upholstery to remove accumulated summer dust, cleaning and storing outdoor furniture, and ensuring that heating systems and fireplaces are in optimal condition. Window cleaning is emphasized to maximize natural light as days grow shorter. 

Moreover, fall cleaning involves inspecting for any potential weather-related issues, such as drafts, leaks, or gutter blockages. By providing a thorough and seasonally tailored cleaning, Airbnb hosts can offer a welcoming and comfortable environment that aligns with the changing needs of their guests during the fall months. 

Working with your host is a key aspect of running a vacation rental cleaning service. The more detail you work into your autumn cleaning, the higher your host’s cleanliness ratings will be. In turn, this can lead to your services being hired again and/or recommended. 

Looking for More Vacation Rental Cleaning Customers?

Benefits of Preparing For Seasonality as a Vacation Rental Cleaning Service 

Preparing for seasonality as a vacation rental cleaning service offers a range of advantages that elevate the quality of your service and contribute to guest satisfaction. 

Firstly, Airbnb fall cleaning ensures that the property is at its best and most appealing, accommodating the specific needs and preferences of guests during this time of the year. This attention to detail demonstrates a commitment to guest comfort and well-being, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings for the Airbnb property owner. 

Furthermore, adapting your cleaning routine to the season helps maintain the property’s condition and longevity. For instance, addressing weather-related concerns, such as rain, snow, drafts, or pests prevents potential issues from escalating and preserves the property’s integrity. Additionally, seasonal cleaning can extend the life of furnishings, appliances, and fixtures by targeting specific maintenance tasks, like cleaning HVAC systems or checking for leaks.

By being proactive in your approach, you minimize the risk of problems arising during guests’ stays, enhancing their overall experience. An efficiently managed cleaning service aligned with seasonality sets you apart from competitors and positions you as a reliable partner for Airbnb property owners seeking to maintain their investments. 

Airbnb Fall Cleaning Checklist 

Addressing seasonal concerns and offering specialized services gives you an opportunity to enhance guest satisfaction and position your cleaning service as a valuable partner for property owners seeking year-round excellence. 

Download our free Airbnb fall cleaning checklist

Fall Cleaning Supplies  

Before you tackle any autumn-related cleaning tasks, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment:

Now you’re ready to build your fall cleaning checklist with the following five aspects in mind: 

Clean and Store Outdoor Furniture 

During spring and summer months, hosts may have outdoor furniture for guests to use and enjoy the warmer environment. As weather conditions begin to shift, outdoor furniture may not be as appealing to guests. The patio furniture being left outside to face harsher weather conditions can cause wear and tear and decrease its overall value. 

As a way to prepare the host’s Airbnb patio furniture for the upcoming season, clean and store any pieces that may not do well in colder weather, like iron, steel, or wicker. These types of furniture pieces can rust, rot, or crack under harsher weather conditions so they will need to be stored or placed somewhere where the elements won’t affect them as much. 

When caring for outdoor furniture, make sure to

  • Wipe down the arms and legs of chairs 
  • Vacuum cushions
  • Dust and wipe down the table, if applicable
  • Launder cushion covers, if applicable 
  • Fluff all cushions or decorative pillows 

Work with your Airbnb host to ensure that guests are still provided with quality furniture by informing them of which types of patio furniture they should invest in. Ask which pieces the host would like to be placed either inside the house, in a storage unit, or in an on-property storage space. 

Clean Gutters and Downspouts 

Cleaning gutters and downspouts is an essential maintenance task that helps prevent water damage to your host’s property. Making sure their gutters and downspouts are cleaned and decluttered will help prepare their home for autumn. 

Follow these steps to clean your gutters and downspouts effectively:

  • Remove any debris from the roof, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt 
  • For the downspout, remove larger debris by hand, a gutter scoop or trowel 
  • Clean along the gutter, removing leaves, twigs, and dirt 
  • Place debris in a bucket or trash bag
  • Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to flush out remaining debris from the gutter and downspout
  • If a downspout is clogged, use a plumber’s snake or a pressure nozzle on your hose to dislodge the blockage
  • Dispose of debris properly and clean up any mess around the gutters
  • Suggest installing gutter guards or screens to minimize debris buildup for the upcoming fall and winter season

Regular gutter and downspout cleaning, especially during the fall when leaves are abundant, helps maintain proper drainage and prevents potential water damage to a property’s foundation, walls, and landscaping. Remember to follow safety precautions when taking on this task. Heavy-duty gardening gloves, protective eyewear, non-slip shoes, and more are recommended. 

Fall leaves trapped in an Airbnb property's gutters

Replace HVAC Filters 

Replacing HVAC filters is a straightforward task that helps maintain indoor air quality and HVAC system efficiency.

Follow these steps to replace your hosts’ HVAC filters

  • Before starting, turn off the HVAC system to ensure safety
  • Locate the air filter compartment, typically found in the return air duct near the furnace or air handler
  • Fill with a filter that matches the size and filtration level needed for your system; Common filter types include fiberglass, pleated, and HEPA
  • Take note of the airflow direction indicated by arrows on the filter frame when removing the old filter
  • Dispose of the old filter according to local waste disposal guidelines
  • Slide the new filter into the slot, ensuring it follows the proper airflow direction indicated by the arrows
  • Ensure the new filter is securely in place and doesn’t allow air to bypass it 
  • Turn the HVAC system back on once the compartment is secured 

It is important to note the replacement date on the filter frame or set a reminder to replace the filter every 1 to 3 months for the Airbnb host. Regularly replacing HVAC filters helps maintain efficient airflow. Fall often brings increased allergens and indoor air pollutants. A new filter ensures clean air circulation for guests. 

Furthermore, as temperatures drop, guests are more likely to use heating systems. A clean filter promotes efficient heating and maintains consistent indoor temperatures while enhancing guest comfort. 

Sweep and Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces 

With temperatures dropping outside, guests will feel inclined to fire up the fireplace. Reduce the risk of a house fire started by an unclean and clogged chimney by cleaning the entire area before autumn starts. However, you’ll want to be equipped with the right cleaning supplies first. 

Make sure you use the following when cleaning your hosts’ chimney

  • Chimney brush (appropriate size for your hosts’ chimney)
  • Drop cloths or tarps to seal the fireplace and protect the surrounding area
  • Cleaning rods or extension poles
  • Ladder to reach the roof 
  • Bucket(s) for debris
  • Safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask
airbnb fireplace

Steps to cleaning an Airbnb chimney and fireplace

  • Cover and seal the area around the fireplace with drop cloths or a tarp to catch falling debris.
  • Lay down a tarp in front of the fireplace to prevent floors from being covered with soot or debris once the chimney is cleaned
  • Inspect the chimney for any obstructions, cracks, or signs of damage once safely on the roof
  • Attach and secure the chimney brush to the cleaning rods or extension poles
  • Insert the brush into the chimney and use an up-and-down or clockwise-to-counterclockwise motion to scrub the sides of the chimney flue to dislodge creosote and soot buildup
  • Once the chimney is scrubbed, remove drop cloths or tarp from the fireplace opening
  • Use a bucket to collect the fallen debris and dispose of it properly
  • Sweep and mop the fireplace 
  • Wipe down the fire poker and its holder
  • Make sure the provided firewood is stacked neatly and easily accessible to guests 

If your host has a gas-lit fireplace

  • Ensure the fireplace is truly turned off before starting
  • Sweep or Swiffer the surrounding area of the fireplace 
  • Use a bristle brush to clean the faux firewood; either ceramic logs or fire rocks
  • Use a hand-held vacuum cleaner to remove debris from fireplace interior 
  • Use a fireplace-specific glass cleaner to clean the interior glass doors or panels
  • Gently vacuum or brush the burner to remove dust and debris
  • Inspect the interior and components for rust or corrosion
  • Once everything is clean and dry, carefully place the ceramic logs or fire rocks back into the fireplace in their proper arrangement

Cleaning the chimney and fireplace is important for Airbnb’s operations during the fall and winter seasons. During the autumn months, you will be cleaning the host’s fireplace regularly. Work cleaning the fireplace into your vacation rental cleaning checklist. 

a rake in a pile of leaves

Prepare the Yard for Weather Conditions 

As autumn approaches, the Airbnb host’s yard will be hit with rain, fallen leaves, and other debris. An unkempt yard can set a bad first impression of your hosts’ property for guests and impact their overall stay. However, as an Airbnb cleaning service, you are not to be expected to control the weather.  

Keep your hosts’ yard ready for guests during fall by

  • Double-checking that lawn care services have performed duties; notify your host if this is not the case 
  • Dust and wipe down all lighting fixtures
  • Dust and wipe down all outside railings and gate doorway, if applicable
  • Sweep the porch and patio to free the space of fallen leaves, dirt, or debris 
  • Vacuum welcome mat 
  • Rake leaves and sticks from the front and back yard; dispose of the debris properly  

If the host has any garden knick-knacks like gnomes, plotted plants, or seasonal decorations, make sure to also dust and wipe down these elements. 

How to Get Your Airbnb Cleaning Service Ready for the Fall 

As autumn approaches, your Airbnb cleaning service can ready your business by adapting your cleaning routines to fit seasonal requirements. Add fall cleaning tasks to your checklists to ensure that each property is ready to consistently host travelers during the autumn months. 

Additional ways of preparing your Airbnb cleaning service for the fall season

  • Communicate with hosts on any cleaning task or routine updates
  • Acquire fall-specific cleaning tools in advance like chimney brushes, rakes, and more 
  • Clean or repair cleaning tools and equipment 
  • Stock up on cleaning solutions and supplies 
  • Reorganize and prep your vehicles to accommodate fall-cleaning supplies, tools, and equipment 
  • Stock up on disposable shoe covers to prevent tracking in mud or dirt after cleaning the outside of the property 
  • Offer hosts seasonal reed diffusers or other plug-in odor neutralizers 

With the change in seasons, new holidays and festivities approach, as well. Always have stain remover on hand to help clean up wine or food stains. Keep your vacuums in good condition to pick up holiday messes easier and quicker, as well. 

front porch of an airbnb

Ready to find Vacation Rental Hosts to clean for?

Fall Cleaning Simplified For Your Turnover Service 

Tailoring your Airbnb cleaning services to the season adds more value to your cleaning business. It shows hosts that you’re willing to go the extra mile to provide their guests with a quality experience.

Join Turno’s Cleaner Marketplace to connect with hosts in need of your services. Optimize your cleaner profile by letting potential hosts know you can provide them with fall cleaning tasks. Make sure to highlight any specialty services you offer, like window cleaning, chimney cleaning, and more. This will give hosts an idea of what they’ll be paying for. Also, tailor your fall cleaning checklist right in the app! Collaborate with your host to build a comprehensive checklist that is guaranteed to provide high-quality services for the autumn season.

As an Amazon Associate, Turno earns from qualifying purchases.

Angela Rush Avatar
Angela Rush , Angela Rush is a Content Marketing Associate at Turno. Her expert knowledge in content research and writing has allowed her to create articles geared toward the vacation rental industry. Her skill set has helped property managers and owners and Airbnb cleaning professionals scale their businesses.