The holiday season often brings a surge of bookings for rental properties as travelers seek festive getaways. To capitalise on this opportunity and impress your guests, thorough preparation of your rental property is essential. A detailed cleaning and laundry checklist will ensure your rental is guest-ready, welcoming, and maintained to the highest standard.

This blog provides an actionable cleaning and laundry checklist tailored to preparing your rental for holiday bookings, helping you attract positive reviews and repeat guests.

Why a Holiday Cleaning and Laundry Checklist Matters

Holiday guests arrive with high expectations, wanting a cozy, spotless, and fresh environment after their travels. With increased bookings and often quick turnovers during holidays, you must:

• Provide consistently clean and hygienic spaces

• Avoid last-minute cleaning chaos and oversights

• Ensure ample supply of fresh linens and towels

• Create a warm, inviting atmosphere that invites guests to return

  
  

The Ultimate Cleaning and Laundry Checklist for Holiday Bookings

Cleaning Checklist

• Deep Clean All Rooms

  • Dust all surfaces including shelves, light fixtures, and vents

  • Vacuum and mop floors thoroughly, including under furniture

  • Clean windows and mirrors for streak-free shine

• Kitchen Sanitation

  • Wipe down countertops, sinks, and appliances inside/out

  • Clean refrigerator and discard expired items

  • Sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and handles

• Bathroom Refresh

  • Scrub toilets, showers, sinks, and tubs with disinfectant

  • Replace or wash shower curtains and mats

  • Restock toiletries (soap, toilet paper, shampoo)

• Living and Dining Areas

  • Vacuum upholstery and cushions; consider professional cleaning if needed

  • Dust and wipe down tables, chairs, and electronics

  • Arrange furniture neatly and check lighting

• Special Holiday Touches (optional)

  • Add seasonal decorations (tastefully, avoid clutter)

  • Provide festive welcome gifts or packets with local event info

  • Ensure heating/cooling systems work efficiently for guest comfort

    
    

Laundry Checklist

• Linen Inventory and Rotation

  • Count sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and towels to ensure adequate supply

  • Rotate older linens out if worn or stained; replace as necessary

• Wash and Sanitize All Bedding and Towels

  • Launder all linens with appropriate detergents, using warm water cycles

  • Use fabric softener sparingly to maintain absorbency of towels

  • Dry thoroughly to prevent mildew; consider ironing sheets for a crisp finish

• Extra Linens Ready for Quick Turnovers

  • Prepare extra sets of bedding and towels ready for back-to-back guests

  • Store linens in a clean, dry space to prevent dust accumulation

• Guest Amenities and Extras

  • Wash all reusable guest supplies like kitchen towels, reusable masks, or cushions

  • Restock fresh linens in visible, accessible locations for guests’ convenience

    
    

Actionable Next Steps

• Create your own checklist template: Customise based on your rental’s specific features and guest demographics.

• Schedule cleaning and laundry in advance: Allocate enough time to avoid rush during peak holiday bookings.

• Consider professional cleaners: If managing multiple properties, outsourcing ensures consistent quality and timeliness.

• Communicate your cleaning standards: Include your cleaning and hygiene protocols in your listing to build guest trust.

  
  

Clarifying Question

To tailor this checklist even better to your needs:

• How many units or rooms does your rental property have?

• Do you handle cleaning and laundry yourself or work with service providers?

• Are there any special amenities or areas in your property that need unique attention during holidays (e.g., fireplaces, pools, hot tubs)?

  
  

Knowing this will help provide more targeted advice.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your rental property thoroughly for the holiday season with a detailed cleaning and laundry checklist motivates positive guest experiences, reduces turnover stress, and supports strong booking performance. Focus on deep cleaning, ample fresh linens, and thoughtful touches to make your rental feel like a home away from home.

If you want a ready-to-use, customisable cleaning and laundry checklist plus schedule templates, feel free to request further support.