STR Cleaning Service App: How to Pick the Best One for You

Why Use an STR Cleaning Services App?

Managing cleaning for a short-term rental can be complex. Imagine having multiple bookings across different days, guests with unique check-in and check-out times, and maybe a few same-day changeovers. Without a cleaning service app, it’s easy to lose track of cleaning tasks or have them overlap, resulting in guest complaints or bad reviews.

An STR cleaning service app helps you manage these tasks effortlessly, taking the guesswork and manual labour out of organizing changeovers. Here’s why they’re so helpful:

• Better Organization: No more chaotic spreadsheets, endless group messages, or frantic last-minute calls to your cleaner.
• Time-Saving: Instead of manually checking bookings and sending reminders, a cleaning app automates notifications and updates, saving you time and stress.
• Increased Reliability: Many cleaning service apps have notifications and progress tracking features, so you’re never left wondering if a changeover was completed.
• Guest Satisfaction: Clean properties lead to happy guests, and happy guests leave positive reviews, which ultimately boosts your bookings.

With an STR cleaning service app, you can focus on running your business rather than stressing over cleaning details.

The 3 Types of Cleaning Service Apps

Now that you understand the value of a cleaning app, let’s explore the three main types available and help you find the best fit for your needs.

1. Simple Changeover Scheduling

If you’re a rental owner with reliable cleaners already in place and you just want to make the scheduling easier, a simple cleaner scheduling app could be the perfect solution. This type of app is designed for owners who don’t need help finding cleaners but simply want to make sure they’re never scrambling to organize changeovers with their existing cleaners.

How It Works

Simple cleaner scheduling apps allow rental owners to set up cleaning tasks based on their booking calendar and assign these tasks to their existing cleaners. Cleaners receive notifications or reminders of scheduled cleanings, and the app lets you track task progress, giving you peace of mind.

These apps are particularly helpful for property owners with a consistent group of cleaners. You can skip complex spreadsheets and tracking software – everything is in one easy-to-use app. The cleaner doesn’t even need to download the app or create an account; you can send them job details by email.

Benefits

• Ease of Use: With these apps, setting up a clean for each booking takes only seconds.
• Automatic Scheduling: Automated cleaning schedules sync with your booking calendar, so tasks are always up to date.
• Cleaner Notifications: Cleaners receive reminders to ensure they’re aware of each job.
• No App Required for Cleaners: In many cases, cleaners don’t need to download anything, making it simple for everyone.
• Great Value for Money: These apps offer a streamlined solution without the high price tag of more complex platforms.

Examples

One of the leading apps in this category is Changeover. Changeover makes it incredibly easy to set up cleaning schedules, send notifications, and keep track of cleanings without requiring a separate app download for your cleaner.

2. Cleaner Marketplace

For rental owners who don’t have a cleaner in place or need to hire someone new, a cleaner marketplace app could be the way to go. These platforms connect you to a network of cleaners available for hire.

How They Work

Cleaner marketplace apps let property owners search and hire cleaners for specific jobs. These apps have pre-vetted cleaners available for booking, which is ideal if you’re just starting out or if you’re experiencing high turnover with your current cleaning team. You can browse cleaner profiles, compare rates, read reviews, and find a cleaner that meets your needs.

These apps often include scheduling and progress-tracking features as well, so once you’ve hired a cleaner, you can often manage the cleaning process within the app.

Benefits

• Find Cleaners Easily: Perfect for hosts who don’t have a dedicated cleaner yet.
• Pre-Vetted Professionals: Marketplace apps typically vet their cleaners, so you can trust their reliability and professionalism.
• Flexibility: Easily hire cleaners for individual jobs or on a recurring basis.
• Built-In Scheduling: Some apps allow you to set up recurring cleans, saving time and hassle for busy hosts.
• Costs to Consider – Can be feature-rich but it can get quite expensive especially if you don’t need or use half the features.

Examples

Here are a few popular marketplace apps for finding cleaners:

• Turno: Connects hosts with professional cleaners experienced in vacation rentals.
• Cleanzy: Offers a wide range of cleaning services, including one-time and recurring cleans.
• Turnify: Focuses on short-term rental cleaning with easy scheduling and professional cleaners.

3. PMS System Add-On

If you already use a property management system (PMS), you may be able to add cleaning services as an extra feature. These systems aren’t dedicated cleaning apps, but they do offer basic cleaning scheduling functions as part of a larger platform, often at no additional cost.

How They Work

PMS systems that offer cleaner scheduling allow you to create and assign cleaning tasks within the main dashboard. While not as advanced as dedicated cleaning service apps, these add-ons provide a convenient solution if you’re already using a PMS.

This option is ideal for rental owners who want a basic solution for scheduling cleans without investing in a separate app. However, if you need more advanced features or a dedicated cleaning team, you might find a standalone app more beneficial.

Benefits

• No Extra Cost: Cleaning features are often included within the PMS subscription, which can save money.
• Convenience: If you already use a PMS, adding cleaning tasks to your existing dashboard is simple and seamless.
• Limited, but Useful: Basic cleaning features work well for hosts with lower turnover or fewer properties.

Examples

Here are some popular PMS platforms that offer cleaning add-ons:

• Hospitable: This platform integrates cleaner scheduling and messaging to keep everyone in sync.
• Guesty: Offers task management that includes cleaning schedules.
• Uplisting: Designed specifically for short-term rentals, with features like automated cleaner reminders.
• Hostaway: A comprehensive PMS with cleaner management and task assignment features.

In Summary

Choosing the best cleaning service app for your short-term rental depends on your needs. Whether you need a simple way to organize your existing cleaners, access a cleaner marketplace, or add cleaning services to your current PMS, there’s an app out there to help streamline your process. Here’s a quick recap:

• Simple Changeover Scheduling: Ideal for owners with cleaners in place, that offers a cost-effective solution that focuses on easy-to-use scheduling without extra frills.
• Cleaner Marketplace: Best for hosts looking to hire professional cleaners with a network of options. Can be costly and have features you don’t need.
• PMS Systems Add-Ons: Suitable for hosts already using a PMS, offering limited but helpful task assignment features.

The right cleaning app can save you time, keep your rentals spotless, and ensure your guests leave glowing reviews. So, take a look at your needs, explore the options, and choose the app that best fits your short-term rental business.

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