What is the Airbnb Cleaning Fee & How Do You Set it Up?

What is an Airbnb Cleaning Fee and How Does It Work?

If you’re new to hosting on Airbnb, you’ve probably come across the term “Airbnb cleaning fee” and wondered what it means. Simply put, the cleaning fee is an additional charge added to a guest’s booking to cover the cost of cleaning the property after their stay. This fee ensures that you, as the host, are compensated for the time, effort, or expense of maintaining a clean space for every guest.

Unlike nightly rates, the cleaning fee is a one-time charge applied to the booking. It doesn’t vary based on the number of nights a guest stays, but it can have a big impact on how guests perceive the overall cost of your listing. Some hosts choose not to charge a cleaning fee at all, while others rely on it to cover professional cleaning services.

Why Does Airbnb Allow Cleaning Fees?

Airbnb’s cleaning fees exist to help hosts maintain high standards of cleanliness without absorbing all the associated costs. A well-maintained property not only attracts better reviews but also keeps guests coming back. That said, it’s up to each host to decide whether to charge a cleaning fee and, if so, how much.What Does the Cleaning Fee on Airbnb Actually Cover?

The cleaning fee is more than just a line item on your guest’s receipt. It serves a specific purpose: ensuring your property is clean and ready for every guest. But what exactly does it cover?

Cleaning Tasks the Fee Typically Covers

1. Basic Cleaning: Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors.
2. Bathroom Sanitization: Cleaning toilets, sinks, showers, and bathtubs.
3. Kitchen Cleaning: Wiping down counters, cleaning appliances, and emptying the dishwasher.
4. Laundry: Washing linens, towels, and sometimes blankets.
5. Restocking Supplies: Replenishing toiletries, paper goods, and cleaning products.
6. General Tidying: Taking out the trash, organizing furniture, and tidying up.

While this fee covers post-stay cleaning, it’s important to note that guests are generally expected to leave your property in reasonable condition. You might also set specific house rules about tasks like taking out the trash or loading the dishwasher to keep things manageable.

What’s the Average Airbnb Cleaning Fee?

When setting your cleaning fee, it’s useful to know the typical cleaning fee for Airbnb listings. While fees can vary widely depending on location, property size, and amenities, recent data suggests:

• Average Airbnb Cleaning Fee: Around $50 to $80 for a standard-sized property.
• Luxury Properties or Larger Homes: $100 to $200 or more.
• Studio Apartments or Small Spaces: $20 to $40.

Factors That Affect Cleaning Fee Averages

1. Location: Urban properties often have higher cleaning fees due to increased labor costs.
2. Property Size: A one-bedroom condo costs less to clean than a five-bedroom house.
3. Amenities: Pools, hot tubs, or outdoor spaces require additional cleaning.
4. Professional vs. DIY Cleaning: Hiring a cleaning service usually means a higher fee.

By researching cleaning fees in your area, you can determine an Airbnb average cleaning fee that aligns with guest expectations and your needs as a host.

How to Determine Your Airbnb Cleaning Fee (and Whether to Charge One)

Setting your cleaning fee isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s about balancing your costs with guest expectations.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Will I clean the property myself or hire professionals? DIY cleaning means you’ll only account for your time and supplies, while professional services require a higher fee.
2. What do similar properties charge? Check your competition to stay competitive in your market.
3. How much time does cleaning take? If your property requires extensive cleaning, set a fee that compensates you fairly.
4. Should I include a cleaning fee or build it into my nightly rate? Some hosts prefer to advertise “no cleaning fee” listings, which can appeal to budget-conscious travelers.

How Guests Perceive Cleaning Fees

Guests often evaluate the cleaning fee as part of their overall decision to book. While they expect to pay for cleanliness and convenience, an unexpectedly high cleaning fee can lead to frustration or deter bookings. This is especially true if the cleaning fee significantly inflates the total cost of a short stay.

To avoid surprising guests, it’s essential to ensure your cleaning fee feels reasonable and justified. For example, a clear explanation in your listing of what the fee covers—like professional cleaning services or extra amenities—can help guests understand its purpose.

Use the Total Price Display Toggle to Avoid Price Shocks

Airbnb’s “total price display” feature helps create transparency by showing guests the full cost of their stay upfront, including cleaning fees and other additional charges. Enabling this feature ensures guests don’t experience a sudden price jump at checkout, which can lead to disappointment or cancellations.

By using the toggle, your listing’s total cost will appear right from the start, allowing guests to make informed decisions. Not only does this build trust, but it can also increase the likelihood of bookings since guests know exactly what they’re paying for upfront.

Pros and Cons of Charging a Cleaning Fee

• Pros:
  • Compensates you for time and effort.
  • Covers professional cleaning costs.
  • Keeps your property guest-ready.
• Cons:
  • Higher fees can discourage shorter stays.
  • Guests might perceive it as an “extra” charge.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Cleaning Fee on Airbnb

Adding a cleaning fee to your Airbnb listing is simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to Your Airbnb Account: Head to your hosting dashboard.
2. Go to Your Listings: Select the property where you want to add the cleaning fee.
3. Click on Pricing Settings: This is typically under the “Pricing” or “Fees” tab.
4. Locate the Cleaning Fee Section: Enter your desired amount based on the factors we discussed earlier.
5. Save Your Changes: Double-check everything and hit save.

Your cleaning fee will now be applied to all future bookings. Keep in mind that you can adjust this fee at any time if your costs or strategy changes.

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Streamline Your Airbnb Cleaning Process with Changeover

Managing your Airbnb cleaning doesn’t have to be stressful. With tools like Changeover, you can automate cleaning schedules, communicate seamlessly with your cleaners, and ensure your property is always guest-ready.

Why Use Changeover for Your Airbnb Cleaning?

1. Automated Scheduling: Sync bookings with cleaning schedules automatically.
2. Clear Communication: Share instructions and updates with cleaners in real time.
3. Accountability: Track completed cleans and address issues quickly.

A streamlined process not only saves you time but also helps you maintain high guest ratings.

Smart Tips for Managing Airbnb Cleaning Fees and Operations

As an Airbnb host, managing cleaning fees and operations effectively can boost your efficiency and guest satisfaction. Here are some tips:

1. Keep Your Fee Transparent

Guests appreciate honesty. Clearly outline your cleaning fee in your listing description and explain what it covers.

2. Offer Discounts for Longer Stays

Consider waiving or reducing the cleaning fee for guests staying multiple weeks or months. This can encourage bookings and offset the impact of higher fees.

3. Use Checklists for Consistency

Create a cleaning checklist for yourself or your cleaners to ensure nothing gets missed. This will help maintain high standards every time.

4. Respond to Guest Feedback

If guests mention your cleaning fee in reviews, take their feedback seriously. It might reveal opportunities to adjust your pricing or improve your cleaning process.

Final Thoughts

The Airbnb cleaning fee is more than just a cost—it’s an essential part of hosting that ensures your property is clean, welcoming, and ready for guests. By setting the right fee, managing operations effectively, and leveraging tools like Changeover, you can maintain high standards while simplifying your workload.