The Ultimate Vacation Rental Cleaning Checklist to Protect Your 5-Star VRBO Rating

If you manage a VRBO or vacation rental property, you already know one truth: cleanliness drives reviews. Guests may forgive a dated sofa or a small floor plan, but they won’t overlook crumbs, hair, odors, or a sticky countertop. In fact, cleanliness is one of the most common reasons for 3- and 4-star reviews on VRBO and other vacation rental platforms.

This vacation rental cleaning checklist is designed to protect your 5-star rating by focusing on what guests notice most, what reviewers mention first, and what platforms reward over time. Whether you clean the property yourself or work with a professional vacation rental cleaning company, use this list as your gold standard for every turnover cleaning.

Why a VRBO Cleaning Checklist Matters for Reviews

A detailed VRBO cleaning checklist ensures consistency. That means every guest walks into the same level of sparkle, freshness, and readiness — no matter who did the cleaning or how fast the turnaround was.

Cleanliness affects:

• First impressions: Guests decide how they feel about your rental in the first 60 seconds.

• Review language: “Spotless,” “fresh,” and “immaculate” show up when you nail the basics.

• Repeat bookings: Guests rebook the places that feel cared for.

• Platform ranking: Better reviews can raise your visibility on vacation rental sites.

Bottom line: a standardized short-term rental cleaning checklist is not a nice-to-have. It’s the engine behind your ratings.

The 5-Star Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning Checklist

Use this checklist between every guest. It’s organized in the exact order a guest experiences the property: entry, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and final touches.

1. Entryway and First-Impression Zone

Guests drop bags, scan the floor, and look around immediately. Make this area feel crisp and welcoming.

• Sweep/vacuum entry floor and mat

• Remove sand, dirt, leaves, or salt (seasonal)

• Wipe door handles, lockbox, keypad, and light switches

• Clean glass on front door and sidelights

• Check for odors before guests walk deeper inside

• Straighten any decor and ensure lighting works

Pro tip: If the front door or entry floor feels dirty, the guest assumes the rest of the house is too.

2. Living Room and Common Areas

Guests spend time here, so it needs to look and feel clean, not just “picked up.”

• Dust all visible surfaces: shelves, tables, frames, baseboards

• Vacuum sofa and chairs (including under cushions)

• Spot-clean any stains on upholstery

• Wipe remotes, light switches, and high-touch items

• Vacuum or mop floors, including corners and under furniture

• Clean windows and smudges at eye level

• Tidy throw blankets and pillows (ensure they are fresh/odor-free)

Don’t skip: under couch cushions and coffee tables. Guests check these subconsciously.

3. Kitchen: The Review Maker or Breaker

Kitchen cleanliness is the #1 place guests “test” whether a property is truly clean.

• Empty fridge of leftovers and wipe shelves/drawers

• Clean inside microwave, toaster, and oven if used

• Sanitize countertops and backsplash

• Scrub sink and faucet until shine returns

• Check and clean garbage disposal area

• Wipe cabinet fronts and handles

• Run dishwasher if needed and put away clean items

• Rewash any questionable dishes (guest-washed items are often not actually clean)

• Sweep/vacuum kitchen floor and mop thoroughly

• Empty trash and replace liner

• Restock essentials: dish soap, sponge, paper towels, coffee supplies

Pro tip: Open the dishwasher and smell it. A sour odor can undo all your work.

4. Bathrooms: The “Proof” Zone

Guests treat bathrooms like a cleanliness audit. Hair, streaks, or mildew will show up in reviews.

• Remove all trash and used toiletries

• Scrub toilet bowl, rim, base, and behind the seat

• Clean and disinfect sink, faucet, and counter

• Polish mirror to streak-free

• Clean shower/tub: walls, floor, grout lines, and fixtures

• Remove hair from drains and corners

• Replace towels with fresh sets

• Refill toiletries or soaps if provided

• Mop floor and wipe baseboards

• Check ventilation fan for dust and odor control

Don’t skip: the underside of toilet lids and the shower door tracks.

5. Bedrooms: Clean, Crisp, and Hotel-Level

Bedrooms should feel like a reset, not like someone else just left.

• Strip all beds completely

• Wash bedding, including duvet covers when required

• Check mattress protectors and pillow covers

• Make beds tightly with wrinkle-free presentation

• Dust nightstands, lamps, headboards, and decor

• Wipe high-touch areas: switches, handles, remotes

• Vacuum floors, including under beds

• Check closets for left items and dust shelves

• Ensure no hair is on pillows, sheets, or blankets

Pro tip: Use bright lighting to do a final lint/hair check on bedding.

6. Laundry and Utility Areas

Even if guests don’t spend time here, they notice if it’s neglected.

• Clean lint trap and wipe machine tops

• Sweep/vacuum floors

• Restock laundry supplies if offered

• Confirm extra linens are clean and neatly stored

7. Outdoor Spaces (Patio, Balcony, Hot Tub)

Vacation rentals are judged on the whole experience.

• Sweep outdoor areas and remove debris

• Wipe outdoor furniture and tables

• Clean grill if available

• Spot-clean glass doors from inside and out

• Check hot tub/pool cleanliness and chemical levels (if applicable)

Final Walkthrough: The 5-Star Quality Check

Before locking up, do a slow walk as if you’re the guest.

• Stand at the entry and sniff the air

• Turn on lights to check for dust streaks or missed spots

• Look for hair in corners and on floors

• Check windows for smudges at eye height

• Confirm thermostat is set to guest-ready temperature

• Ensure welcome items are present and tidy

• Take 5 photos for documentation (especially after deep cleans)

This 3-minute walkthrough prevents 3-star mistakes.

Want Consistent 5-Star Cleanings Every Turn?

A checklist is only as good as the consistency behind it. If you’re managing tight turnovers, multiple properties, or remote hosting, a professional vacation rental cleaning service like A&A Pristine Clean can keep standards high while saving you hours each week.

Whether you DIY or outsource, use this VRBO cleaning checklist every time. Cleanliness isn’t just maintenance — it’s your review strategy.