Pre-Guest Holiday Cleaning Checklist for Short-Term Rentals

December 8, 2025
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With the holidays in full swing, many guests are hitting the road—not just for a getaway, but to be closer to the people they love. For travelers staying near family who live far away, short-term rentals become more than a place to sleep. They’re a home base for reconnecting, resting between gatherings, and creating their own little slice of comfort during a busy season. 

As we enter December, remember that this is peak booking season. Before you welcome those holiday travelers, it’s worth giving your rental a little extra attention. A clean, cozy, and thoughtfully prepared space can make all the difference, especially for guests who’ve journeyed miles to spend time with family. With the proper prep, your rental can feel like a warm extension of home when it matters most.

Start with a Deep Clean

Even if you regularly maintain a tidy space, a deep clean is the foundation for seamless guest experiences in a rental. Taking the steps to complete this between stays helps your property feel less communal and more special, inviting, and fresh. As you begin your deep clean, make it a point to check off each of the following tasks to ensure thoroughness:

  • Dust everywhere, paying attention to the hidden spots such as ceiling fans, shelves, vents, and baseboards
  • Vacuum and mop all carpets, rugs, and floors
  • Sanitize high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, appliances, and remotes
  • Clean windows and mirrors to remove glass stains and enhance that sparkle
  • Freshen the air by replacing air filters or adding holiday scents

If a deep clean feels overwhelming among all of December’s other tasks, Quick & Clean specializes in comprehensive rental cleanings, so no area goes overlooked this season. 

Prep the Kitchen and Dining Spaces

Food is central to holiday celebrations, which means your kitchen may be the heart of the cooking and baking. Guests will pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene in this room specifically, and if it isn’t spotless, it’s sure to show. Things you can do to help this include:

  • Clean all appliances, including the oven, stove, fridge, and microwave, inside and out
  • Sanitize surfaces like countertops, sinks, and tabletops
  • Restock essential kitchen basics like paper towels, coffee, or tea, if applicable
  • Pay mind to dishes, utensils, and cookware, and ensure they are spotless and neatly arranged

Give the Bathroom Some Love

Bathrooms are high-touch areas that build up grime easily. Although they may be considered an overlooked area of your space, the impression they leave can make or break a guest's comfort level. Similarly, fresh linens can enhance an experience. Consider completing each of these tasks:

  • Scrub sinks, showers, toilets, and tubs
  • Replace towels, toilet paper, and provided toiletries
  • Wash extra sheets, blankets, and pillowcases
  • Inspect for any maintenance issues like leaks or drain buildups

Go the Extra Mile with Holiday Decorations

For an above-and-beyond touch, consider adding extra holiday cheer to your space to make it even more festive and enjoyable. Holiday decorations can make your guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in, and when done intentionally, can still look polished without disrupting your cleaning. Holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, and even throw pillows can enhance the ambiance of your rental, which leaves guests coming back for future visits. 

Save Time and Stress with Quick & Clean

Holiday checklists can build up fast between shopping, meal planning, cooking, and managing the kids out of school. Cleaning doesn’t have to feel like another chore when you enlist the help of a cleaning service. Quick & Clean offers a range of commercial and residential cleaning services, including specific rental routines! You can visit our website or give us a call today to explore one-time or recurring rental cleanings that optimize your guest experience. Give yourself the gift of time and relaxation, and let us handle the job this holiday season. 

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