The Ultimate STR Turnover Checklist for Cleaning Teams

The difference between a three-star and a five-star cleanliness review is almost never about how hard your cleaning team works. It is about consistency. Whether the exact same things get checked and completed every single turnover, regardless of time pressure, regardless of whether the previous guests were messy, regardless of whether the cleaner is tired or in a hurry.

The tool that creates consistency is a checklist. Not a general reminder of what rooms need to be cleaned, but a specific room-by-room, surface-by-surface checklist that your cleaning team uses every single turnover without exception. This is what professional hotel housekeeping runs on. It is what the best STR properties run on. And it is what makes the difference between reviews that say "spotless" and reviews that say "mostly clean."

Here is the complete checklist. Print it, share it with your cleaning team, and build a culture where completing every item on the list is the standard, not the exception.

Before Starting Any Room

• Open windows and run fans for ventilation for a minimum of 5 minutes

• Check all rooms for items left behind by previous guests and set aside

• Photograph any damage before cleaning begins

• Start all laundry immediately: sheets, pillowcases, towels, bath mats

• Note any low supplies and flag for restocking

Bedroom Checklist

Bedding and Linens

• Strip all bedding including mattress protector if soiled

• Check mattress and mattress protector for any damage or staining

• Make bed with fresh laundered sheets, tight hospital corners

• Replace all pillowcases with fresh laundered ones

• Fluff all pillows and check that they are in good condition

• Fold or arrange throw blankets neatly

• Place decorative pillows in proper positions

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• Wipe all flat surfaces with appropriate cleaner: nightstands, dressers, desks

• Disinfect light switches with spray and proper dwell time

• Disinfect door handles, inside and outside

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and any exposed beams or shelving

• Wipe baseboards and window sills

• Check under bed for items left behind and for dust accumulation

• Vacuum all floors including under furniture

Restocking and Staging

• Check closet: straighten hangers, remove any guest items

• Check that drawers are empty and clean

• Replace any individual toiletry packs if applicable

• Check that all lamps and bedside lights are working

• Set thermostat to property standard temperature

Bathroom Checklist

Deep Cleaning

• Spray toilet bowl inside with disinfectant and allow to dwell while cleaning other surfaces

• Wipe exterior of toilet including base, tank, and seat with disinfectant

• Scrub toilet bowl after dwell time

• Clean and disinfect sink basin and faucet handles with dwell time

• Scrub shower or tub thoroughly including walls, floor, and fixtures

• Clean and squeegee shower doors or replace shower curtain liner if needed

• Polish mirror and any glass surfaces

• Wipe down vanity and any storage surfaces

High-Touch Disinfecting

• Disinfect light switches with dwell time

• Disinfect door handle inside and outside

• Disinfect any drawer or cabinet pulls

Restocking and Staging

• Replace individual toiletry kit: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, lotion

• Check and restock toilet paper to par level

• Replace bath mat with fresh laundered one

• Replace hand towels and washcloths with fresh laundered ones

• Replace trash bag

• Check that hair dryer is present and working

Kitchen Checklist

Dishes and Appliances

• Run dishwasher with all dishes or hand-wash and dry fully

• Check that all dishes, glasses, and utensils are clean and properly stored

• Clean inside of microwave including ceiling and turntable

• Clean stovetop including burners and around knobs

• Clean inside and outside of oven if used

• Wipe down exterior of all appliances: refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave

Surfaces and Cleaning

• Wipe all countertops with disinfectant

• Clean and disinfect sink and faucet handles

• Wipe cabinet fronts

• Clean inside of refrigerator: wipe shelves, remove any guest food

• Empty and clean trash can, replace bag

Restocking and Staging

• Replace individual spice and condiment packets

• Restock paper towels to par level

• Restock dish soap, replace sponge

• Check and restock coffee supplies: filters, individual coffee packets, creamer

• Ensure all kitchen tools are present and properly stored

Living Areas Checklist

• Fluff and straighten all sofa and chair cushions

• Arrange throw pillows and blankets neatly

• Disinfect remote controls with dwell time

• Wipe all flat surfaces: coffee table, end tables, shelving

• Disinfect all light switches and door handles

• Check TV and any entertainment system is working

• Vacuum all upholstered surfaces

• Vacuum all floors

• Mop hard floors

• Place welcome gift box in appropriate spot if applicable

Final Walk-Through

• Walk through every room from the perspective of a guest checking in

• Check that all lights are working

• Verify all window coverings are functioning and properly positioned

• Confirm property is at correct temperature

• Verify WiFi is working

• Check that welcome note and any guest information is in place

• Take photos of completed rooms for the property record

A printed version of this checklist shared with your cleaning team at every turnover is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your STR operation. For a complete supply system that makes the restocking portions of this checklist automatic, visit mountaincomfortsupplyco.com/pages/host-wholesale-program