Holiday Let Cleaning Checklist for Turnover Days
A room-by-room turnover checklist for holiday lets and short-let hosts in the UK, with guest-ready standards, restocking and reporting steps.
Guests judge a holiday let in the first thirty seconds: the smell on opening the door, the state of the bathroom and whether the bed looks fresh. A written turnover checklist makes sure nothing is missed, helps new cleaners get up to speed and gives you a record if something goes wrong. Adapt this list to your property.
Before cleaning starts
- Check for guest belongings. Photograph and store anything left behind according to your policy.
- Check for damage. Note broken items, stains and missing items, with photos, before cleaning hides them.
- Open windows. Air the property while you work.
- Start laundry. Strip beds, collect towels and begin a wash while cleaning.
Bedrooms
- Strip and remake beds with fresh linen, with mattress protectors checked for stains.
- Plump pillows and arrange cushions consistently.
- Dust surfaces, headboards and lamps.
- Check under beds and in drawers for left items.
- Wipe wardrobe doors and mirrors.
- Vacuum floors including edges.
- Check lights and sockets work.
Bathrooms
- Disinfect toilet, seat, hinges and base.
- Scrub bath or shower, glass and tiles; remove limescale from taps.
- Clean plugholes of hair.
- Polish mirrors and chrome.
- Replace towels and bath mats.
- Restock toilet roll, hand soap and bin liners.
- Empty bins and check extractor.
- Mop floors.
Kitchen
- Empty and wipe fridge, freezer and shelves; remove all leftover food.
- Clean oven, hob, microwave and toaster as needed.
- Wash or check crockery, cutlery and pans; load dishwasher and run if needed.
- Wipe worktops, cupboard fronts and sink; descale taps.
- Empty bins and recycling, replace liners.
- Check basics are stocked: washing-up liquid, sponge, tea towel, bin bags, dishwasher tablets, if provided.
- Mop floor.
Living and shared areas
- Dust surfaces, TV, shelves and ornaments.
- Vacuum sofas and floors; plump cushions.
- Wipe door handles, switches and remote controls.
- Clean windows and mirrors as needed.
- Check guest books, information folders and Wi-Fi details are in place.
- Clean hallway, entrance and stairs.
Outdoor areas
- Sweep patio and entrance.
- Wipe garden furniture and BBQ surfaces.
- Empty outdoor bins.
- Check hot tub chemicals and cover, following the supplier's instructions or using a specialist.
- Check keys, key safe and gates.
Final walkthrough
- Stand in the doorway of each room as a guest would.
- Look for hairs, smudges, dust, smells and clutter.
- Check lights are working and heating set appropriately.
- Take photos, if you use before and after records.
- Lock up, and report back with any issues or low supplies.
Periodic extras
Turnovers do not replace deeper cleans. Every few months, or between seasons, schedule oven, appliance, carpet and upholstery cleans. See holiday let turnover cleaning costs to budget.
Working with a cleaner
Share the checklist as a written document, and agree how they report issues. On Compito, you can message a provider before booking to confirm your turnover times, and read reviews from completed bookings.
Setting up a system
A checklist only works if it is used the same way every time. Keep it where the cleaner will see it, such as a laminated sheet in a utility cupboard or a shared note on their phone. Number rooms in the order the cleaner will work through them. Add a short list of "never skip" items, such as toilet and fridge, at the top.
Photos that help
Ask for a handful of photos after each turnover: each bedroom, bathrooms, kitchen and living area. These are your evidence if a guest complains about cleanliness, and they let you spot trends such as stained mattress protectors before they become a review problem.
Handling problems on the day
| Situation | Sensible response |
|---|---|
| Guest left late | Agree whether the cleaner waits, starts elsewhere or returns later |
| Heavy mess or damage | Photograph, report to you straight away, do not attempt to fix |
| Missing supplies | Use your stock list, and tell you what to order |
| Strong smell | Ventilate, check bins, fridge, drains and soft furnishings |
| Lost property | Photograph and store, then contact the guest |
Linen and laundry routine
Keep at least two full sets of linen per bed plus a spare, so one set is always ready while another is being washed. Store clean linen in labelled boxes or bags per bedroom, and note any stained or worn items to replace. Check mattress protectors and pillow protectors at every turnover, since these hide problems from guests but are the first thing a cleaner should inspect.
Seasonal tweaks
In winter, check heating, damp spots and boot storage. In summer, check for insects, patio furniture and cold drinks storage. Around peak weeks, plan extra linen sets, since a single wash cycle can bottleneck turnover.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a turnover take?
For a small flat, one to two hours. Larger properties or those with hot tubs take longer.
Should the checklist be shared with guests?
Some hosts share check-out instructions, such as stripping beds or putting rubbish out. Keep it brief and reasonable.
How do I handle same-day turnarounds?
Plan staffing, linen stock and a tight order of work. Having spare linen sets avoids waiting for laundry.
Should I stock cleaning supplies at the property?
Usually yes, in a locked cupboard. Keep a simple inventory so the cleaner can report what is low.