At a glance

  • Confirm access, linen and the next arrival before the cleaner starts.
  • Separate cleaning tasks from maintenance exceptions.
  • Finish with a documented handover, not just a completion message.

Before the cleaner arrives

A reliable turnover starts with the correct departure and arrival information. Confirm the available window, access instructions and any changes reported during the stay. Check that replacement linen and the agreed supplies are available.

Assign someone to resolve exceptions. A cleaner finding a broken appliance needs a clear contact and a way to flag that the property may not be ready, rather than being left to improvise a repair.

Bedrooms: prepare for the next guest

Replace used linen and check the condition of the bed, pillows and protectors. Dust accessible surfaces, clean the floor and inspect the space for belongings left behind. Match the setup to the next booking.

Separate stained or damaged linen so it does not return to the clean stock. Follow care instructions and the agreed laundry process; a turnover checklist should not substitute for product or equipment instructions.

  • Fresh linen and the correct bed setup.
  • Clean surfaces and floors.
  • Lights, visible damage and forgotten belongings checked.

Kitchen and bathrooms: use a defined standard

For the kitchen, cover benches, sink, cooking surfaces and the agreed appliance checks. Deal with rubbish and dishes, and verify the supplies included in the property’s guest setup.

For bathrooms, clean the shower, toilet, basin, mirrors and floor, then replace towels and restock agreed consumables. Use suitable products according to their labels, including any required contact time; do not mix cleaning chemicals.

  • Remove previous-guest food according to the property policy.
  • Check consumables against a stock list.
  • Report leaks, drainage issues and damaged fittings.

Living spaces and the arrival experience

Clean floors and frequently handled surfaces, reset furniture and inspect outdoor areas included in the service. Check that arrival instructions still match the property and that access equipment is ready for the next guest.

A final walkthrough should identify visible problems before arrival. Photographs can help document the setup, but they do not establish that every cleaning task or hidden surface was checked.

Close the turnover with a clear handover

Record completion and note outstanding maintenance, missing stock or damage. Where supporting photographs are agreed, label them by room or issue so the next person can understand what needs attention.

Agree the treatment of extra work before it happens: unusually heavy cleaning, additional laundry and short-notice changes can alter the cost or available window. Ask for a quote that makes these boundaries clear.

Useful sources

Use the original source for current platform information. Property-specific arrangements need their own checks.