The Ultimate Guide to Apartment & Holiday Letting Cleaning:
How to Maximise Your 5-Star Reviews
In the world of short-term rentals—whether you’re an Airbnb host on the Gold Coast or managing a luxury apartment in Melbourne—there is one metric that determines your success above all others: The Review.
A guest can overlook a slightly dated kitchen or a lack of parking, but they will never forgive a dirty bathroom, a hair on the bedsheets, or a sticky remote control. In a 2026 travel market that is more competitive than ever, cleanliness isn’t just a service; it is your primary marketing tool.
A single “3-star” review due to cleanliness can tank your listing’s visibility for weeks. Conversely, consistent “5-star” cleanliness ratings allow you to charge a premium and keep your calendar fully booked.
But managing a high-turnover property is exhausting. How do you maintain hotel-standard hygiene with back-to-back bookings? This is where holiday letting cleaning becomes the backbone of your business.
This guide explores the “pro secrets” to guest-ready cleaning and why professional management is the key to scaling your property’s success.
The “Hotel Standard” vs. Normal Cleaning
When a guest pays for a holiday letting, they aren’t just renting a house; they are buying an experience. They expect the “Hotel Standard”—that crisp, untouched, and clinically clean feeling.
A normal house clean focuses on maintenance. A holiday letting clean focuses on presentation and reset.
The “White Glove” Areas:
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The Bed Reset: This is the centrepiece of the stay. Sheets must be hospital-grade clean, perfectly tucked, and free of any lint or stray hairs.
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The “First Touch” Sanitisation: Guests immediately touch the door handle, the light switches, and the remote. If these feel “greasy,” the stay is ruined before it begins.
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Zero Hair Policy: In a holiday let, there is zero tolerance for hair in showers, on floors, or on furniture. It is the #1 complaint in modern travel reviews.
The Turnover Challenge: Precision Under Pressure
The biggest hurdle for holiday hosts is the “Turnover Window”—that frantic period between 10:00 AM checkout and 2:00 PM check-in.
Doing this yourself is a recipe for burnout. A professional holiday letting cleaning service operates like a pit crew. At AustClean, our local operators have a systematic workflow designed to hit every point on the checklist without missing a beat, even with same-day turnarounds.
What the Professional Turnover Includes:
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Rapid Stripping & Laundering: Removing all linen and towels.
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Full Kitchen Reset: Ensuring the dishwasher is empty, the toaster is crumb-free, and the fridge is spotless (no half-used milk from previous guests!).
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Welcome Presentation: Straightening cushions, restocking essentials (toilet paper, tea/coffee), and ensuring the “welcome book” is front and centre.
The Hygiene Guarantee: Protecting Your Guests (and Your Business)
In a post-pandemic world, guests are more aware of hygiene than ever. They want to know that the property hasn’t just been “tidied,” but sanitised.
According to Safe Work Australia’s guidelines on cleaning for hospitality, using commercial-grade disinfectants on high-touch surfaces is essential for public health.
AustClean uses environmentally friendly, hospital-grade cleaning solutions that kill 99.9% of germs while remaining safe for families and pets. This isn’t just about looking clean; it’s about providing a safe environment that allows your guests to truly relax.
Presentation: Cleaning for the Camera
In 2026, guests are savvy. They take photos the moment they walk in. If the property doesn’t look exactly like the listing photos, they feel cheated.
Professional cleaners understand the “art of the fold.”
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Towel Art: Neatly folded or rolled towels on the bed.
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Toilet Paper “Points”: That classic hotel fold that signals the bathroom has been untouched since it was cleaned.
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Aligned Furniture: Ensuring everything is symmetrical and exactly where it belongs.
This attention to detail is what turns a one-time guest into a repeat visitor.
Q&A: Holiday Letting Cleaning
Q: “What is included in an Airbnb or holiday let clean?” A: It includes a full interior clean (kitchen, bathrooms, living, bedrooms), laundering of all linens, restocking of guest consumables, and a final “presentation” check to ensure the property matches its listing photos.
Q: “How much does holiday letting cleaning cost on the Sunshine Coast?” A: Prices are usually based on the size of the unit or house and the frequency of turnarounds. AustClean offers customised flat-rate pricing for hosts, allowing you to build the cleaning fee directly into your booking price.
Q: “Can my cleaner also report on damage?” A: Yes! This is a major benefit of using a pro. Our AustClean operators act as your “eyes and ears.” If we find a broken chair or a stained carpet after a guest checks out, we alert you immediately so you can resolve the issue before the next guest arrives.
Why AustClean is the #1 Choice for Hosts
We know that as a property owner, you are entrusting us with your reputation. That’s why we offer a service built on reliability and local expertise.
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Police Checked & Fully Insured: Total peace of mind for you and your guests.
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Reliable Turnarounds: We work with your booking calendar to ensure the house is always ready.
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Consistent Standards: Our operators follow a strict multi-point checklist for every single stay.
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No Lock-in Contracts: We earn your business with every clean.
Scale Your Short-Term Rental Today
Stop spending your weekends doing laundry and scrubbing showers. Let the professionals handle the grime so you can focus on growing your property portfolio and providing an amazing experience for your guests.
Are you ready to secure your next 5-star review? Would you like a free, no-obligation quote for your apartment or holiday home today?
