One of the biggest things to consider when setting up a holiday let business is how to clean and prepare the property for guests. With laundry, housekeeping and full cleaning required in between bookings it can be a huge task to undertake.
If you're just getting started and need to know about cleaning times, changeover cleaning prices and available services then you're in the right place.
We've compiled our 30 years' experience in the holiday letting industry to bring our ultimate guide to holiday let cleaning.
How do you clean a holiday let property?
If you're new to holiday letting you may not realise how much work is required to clean and prepare a property in between bookings.
There is a long list of things that you need to do to prepare your property for guests. It's not just about cleaning the kitchen and making the beds. Those bed sheets will need to be laundered and each individual item of cutlery needs to be cleaned, not to mention hoovering, dusting and cleaning the toilets.
With so much to think about, many owners opt for managed services, which allows owners to put the task of turning around a property into the hands of professional cleaners.
How much do holiday let cleaners charge for changeovers?
Charges for holiday let agency cleaning fees vary based on the size of the property and the specific services requested. For a complete cleaning of a two-bedroom property, costs typically range from £50 to £85. For a five-bedroom property, the fee can be between £80 and £150.
Additionally, many holiday let cleaners offer a refresh service before each guest's arrival, usually priced at around £15 to £20.
Others, however choose to take a more personal and money saving approach by cleaning the property themselves. If you're thinking of cleaning the property yourself, then take a look at our holiday let cleaning checklist to get an idea of what's involved.
If you're unsure about which option you should choose, we'll be taking a closer look at what's involved in holiday let cleaning in this post. You can also take a look at the benefits and downsides of cleaning a property yourself or using a cleaning service in our Pros and Cons of a Holiday Let Management Company guide.
How much does it cost do the laundry for a holiday let property?
The answer is that it will vary quite a lot. The cost of cleaning your property will depend on the size of the property. A shepherds hut with 1 bed will not cost as much to launder as a 5-6-bedroom home.
But if you are taking many short break bookings, then you could find that you are doing more than one turnover of sheets and towels a week. In some cases you may find yourself doing this 2-3 times a week.
It's best to get some expert advice on your specific circumstances, which you get by speaking to one of our dedicated property consultants, who will visit your property and advise you.
How long does it take to clean a holiday let property?
Similar to the costs of cleaning the property, the length of time it will take to clean the property will also differ depending on size and requirements.
All properties require things such as bed changes, kitchen cleaning, polishing, vacuuming, changing bins and cleaning the bathrooms. When combined, these tasks will take hours to complete and you need to make sure they are all complete between your check out and check in times.
It's a good idea to set your check in and check out times inline with the length of time it will take you to complete a full clean. Accommodating late checkouts and early check ins can lead to cutting corners when it comes to cleaning.
The general length of time between check ins and checkouts is around 5-6 hours, so you need to make sure that all your cleaning requirements are covered during this time frame, without cutting corners.
How much linen do I need when setting up a holiday let?
When setting up a holiday let, it's important to consider how much linen is required, especially when planning your property changeovers. The general rule of thumb is three sets of linen so that when one is in use, you'll have one handy for laundering and the other ready for changeovers.
If you opt for our Managed Services, cleaning and maintenance between each changeover once the clean is completed and the linen is changed.
Tips for cleaning a hot tub, pool or spa area
Including features such as hot tubs, pools and a spa can be a big draw for guests but making sure that you keep them up to standard can take a great deal of time and money.
Hot tubs, for example will need to be cleaned in between every use and this can take significant time. Make sure that you are aware of how long each task takes to complete and factor this in to your check-in times when cleaning your holiday let.
Tip: Ask your guests if they plan on using the hot tub or facilities. If they are not used during a stay, then they will be ready for the next guests.
You can find out more about cleaning times by speaking to one of our experts or for more information on cleaning hot tubs, read our full guide to Hot Tubs for Holiday Lets.
What about waste collection and recycling?
Your guests will no doubt create a certain amount of rubbish that will need to be cleared before your next guests arrive.
To make the clearance of waste and recycling as efficient as possible, you should make it easy for your guests to dispose of it in the correct way.
Give clear directions to your guests on where the recycling bins are kept and what goes in which box. You should also try and make sure that the bins are easily accessible, so that it's easy for your guests to clear up after themselves.
You can even ask that guests empty the bins before they vacate the property, reducing the amount of time your cleaners will need to spend disposing of rubbish.
Tip: It's not just the bins in the kitchen that need changing, don't forget the bins in the bedroom and bathrooms too! Try to go around the property and collect them all at once, room-by-room so that you don't miss one.
Forgetting to change a bin may seem like a minor mistake but it will have a big impact on first impressions for your next guests and could leave to negative reviews.
The benefits of using managed services to clean your holiday let
For owners who need a little help along the way, our managed services can offer support with our professional and flexible services. The key benefits of using managed services are:
Professional services are provided for things such as cleansing and maintenance, meaning that your property is always in the best hands.
Flexibility, so you control which aspects of your property you want to mange for yourself, and what you need help with. For example if you want to clean the property yourself and greet your guests but you need help with maintenance and gardening then we can tailor your package to cater for that.
Fully managed services are available, meaning that you can leave the complete running of your property in the capable hands of professionals every step of the way. This is a great option for owners who don't live close to the property or who are too busy to spend time on running it.
Top tips for making it easier to clean your holiday let property
There are many factors to consider when cleaning a holiday let, from dusting the furniture and wiping down surfaces to ensuring the patio is well-cleaned and maintained. Here's our top tips that could make it a little easier for you or your cleaner to prepare the property for your guests:
Provide cleaning materials for guests to use during their stay
Use furniture that is easy to hoover under
Store your cleaning tools at the property for easy access
Ask your guests to put the bins and recycling out before they leave
Ask your guests to leave the used towels in the bathtub or shower so they are easier to collect
Have your next set of sheets and towels stored at the property if possible
Use good quality cleaning products that make the cleaning process much easier
Why clean windows are important
Many holidaymakers choose their property because of the beautiful view, having dirty windows can not only ruin the view for your guests but will also create a bad impression that could result in negative reviews of your holiday rental.
Scheduling in a regular window cleaner is recommended to make sure that your view, if you have one, creates maximum impact.
Remember: A window cleaner will only clean the outside of your windows. You need to make sure that you remove all of the dirt from the inside too. Especially if you have large windows that also serve as doors for example.
Make sure that you put interior window cleaning on your inventory checklist, and allow extra time if you have larger window areas, such as bi-fold doors.
Eco-friendly ways to clean your holiday let
Whether you manage changeovers independently or have a fully-managed service to cover maintenance tasks, effective cleaning products are essential for running a successful holiday home.
When browsing cleaning products for your holiday let, it may be tempting to choose familiar brand names. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals such as ammonia and phthalates that have a negative impact on the environment.
Choosing eco-friendly, biodegradable products for your holiday home can be a great way to do your bit for the environment while cleaning and preparing your property between bookings.
Or if you're feeling creative, using homemade cleaning products with essential oils, lemon juice or baking soda can also help in making your holiday cottage more sustainable.
The consequences of not cleaning your property correctly
Remember that your guests are paying for this experience and they expect high quality. Don't get tempted to cut corners. Guests are more likely to speak out about poor experiences than positive ones, and if your property has not been appropriately cleaned and managed then your guests will be likely to give you a negative review.
Negative reviews can have a big impact on your bookings, so the more you can do the reduce them the better. You can read more about reviews for your holiday let by reading our guide: 8 Ways to Improve Your Holiday Let Guest Reviews.
Put yourself in the position of your guests and imagine how you would feel if you arrived to a property and someone had forgotten to change the bins. It might sound like a small mistake, but it'll make a big first impression on your guests.
Summary
Cleaning your holiday let property is very important but doesn't have to be difficult. Do your research and speak to our experts to help you understand what might be best for you and your circumstances. Our flexible managed services could help you to achieve those all important positive reviews and keep your guests coming back for more.
Charlotte Beautement, Holiday Let Content Writer
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