10/22/2026
🏡 Airbnb Checkout Changes — A Cleaner’s Perspective 🧹
With the recent changes and conversations surrounding Airbnb checkout expectations, I wanted to share a little perspective from someone who works hands-on in the vacation rental cleaning industry.
First, let me say this: I completely agree that guests shouldn't be expected to strip beds, wash linens, or start loads of laundry before checking out. That's our job! It's what professional cleaners are there for, and those responsibilities should absolutely be included in the cleaning process.
However, there's one area that concerns me: the dishes. 🍽️
Now, I'm not talking about a few coffee cups in the sink, a couple of breakfast plates, or a pot left on the stove. Those things happen, and they're generally easy to accommodate.
I'm talking about the possibility of walking into a vacation rental where nearly every plate, bowl, cup, piece of silverware, pot, and pan has been used and left dirty.
Here's what many people don't realize:
Vacation rental cleaners often have an extremely limited window between checkout and the next guest's arrival. In that time, we're responsible for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living spaces, sanitizing surfaces, making beds, handling linens, and ensuring the entire property is ready for the next family.
Now imagine adding an entire kitchen's worth of dirty dishes to that already tight schedule.
For larger vacation rentals that accommodate 10, 15, or even 20 guests, this could become a serious challenge.
And unfortunately, I believe this could lead to a few unintended consequences:
🏡 Cleaning companies may need to increase their turnover rates to account for additional labor and time.
🏡 Hosts may need to increase their cleaning fees or absorb those additional expenses.
🏡 Some hosts may decide to reduce the number of dishes, pots, pans, and kitchen supplies available to guests.
🏡 Same-day turnovers could become increasingly difficult, especially during peak vacation seasons.
And ultimately, who does that affect? The guests themselves.
I absolutely believe that when someone pays to stay at a vacation rental, they deserve to enjoy their vacation without feeling like they're responsible for cleaning the property before leaving.
But I also believe there's a reasonable difference between leaving a home lived-in and leaving behind hours of additional work.
Professional cleaners aren't asking guests to clean the house. We're simply hoping for a little consideration that allows us to do our jobs efficiently and maintain the standards everyone expects.
I would genuinely love to hear everyone's thoughts!
Guests: Do you think washing your dishes before checkout is a reasonable expectation?
Hosts: How do you think these changes will affect your properties?
Fellow cleaners: How do you see this affecting your turnover schedules and pricing?
