So, you’ve listed your vacation rental property. The bookings are rolling in, the reviews are looking good… and then reality hits: cleaning between guests is no joke.
Whether it’s a cozy beach cottage or a chic city apartment, cleanliness is everything when it comes to guest satisfaction. But here’s the big question many hosts face:
Should you handle vacation rental cleaning yourself—or hire a property management company to do it for you?
Let’s break it all down in this friendly how-to guide to help you make the right call for your property, your budget, and your sanity.
Why Vacation Rental Cleaning Matters So Much?
Before we dive into the pros and cons, let’s talk about why cleaning matters more than you think.
First Impressions Last: Guests judge a space within seconds. If there’s dust on the shelves or hair in the bathroom—uh oh.
It Affects Your Ratings: A single 3-star review about cleanliness can tank your ranking on Airbnb or Vrbo.
It’s a Safety Issue: In today’s world, post-COVID hygiene standards are higher than ever. A sparkling clean space isn’t just nice—it’s expected.
DIY Vacation Rental Cleaning: Is It Worth It?
If you’re a hands-on host or just starting out, you might be tempted to tackle the cleaning yourself. And honestly? That can be a solid choice—if you know what you’re getting into.
Pros of DIY Cleaning
Save Money
The most obvious benefit? You cut out labor costs. Cleaning services or property managers can charge $100–$300 per turnover, depending on location and size.Full Control Over Quality
Nobody cares more about your rental than you do. You know where the crumbs gather and how to fluff those pillows just right.Faster Turnaround (Sometimes)
If you’re nearby and flexible, you can flip the property quicker without waiting for a cleaner’s schedule.
Cons of DIY Cleaning
It’s Physically Draining
Stripping beds, scrubbing floors, and folding towels might sound fine now—but try doing it after every guest.Time-Consuming
You could spend hours per turnover. Multiply that by several bookings per month, and it adds up fast.Not Scalable
Planning to grow your rental business or manage multiple properties? Doing it all yourself isn’t sustainable.
What Does a Proper DIY Cleaning Routine Involve?
If you’re going the DIY route, here’s your basic checklist for each guest turnover:
Pre-Arrival Prep
Air out the space
Check thermostat or AC settings
Inspect for damage or items left behind
Bedrooms
Strip and change linens
Dust furniture and lamps
Vacuum under beds
Bathrooms
Sanitize toilets, tubs, and sinks
Replace towels and toiletries
Check for hair and grime in corners
Kitchen
Clean all surfaces and appliances
Empty dishwasher or wash dishes
Restock basics like coffee or tea
Common Areas
Wipe all surfaces and remotes
Vacuum and mop floors
Check for stains on furniture
Final Touches
Open windows for freshness
Replace batteries in remotes and smoke detectors
Leave a welcome note or small treat
Pro Tip: Keep a printed checklist to stay consistent every time.
Hiring a Property Management Company: The Hassle-Free Option
If the idea of scrubbing toilets before check-in makes you cringe, you’re not alone. That’s why many hosts opt for professional vacation rental management companies.
These folks handle cleaning, guest communication, maintenance—and more.
Pros of Hiring a Property Management Company
Professional Cleaning Standards
Most companies use trained cleaning crews who know exactly what short-term rentals need.They Handle Everything
Check-ins, cleanings, restocking supplies, even emergency repairs. It’s like putting your rental on autopilot.More Time for You
Whether you’re working a full-time job or traveling the world, hiring help means less stress.Fewer Mistakes = Better Reviews
Automated systems and professional oversight mean fewer slip-ups that could upset guests.
Cons of Hiring a Property Manager
Higher Costs
Expect to pay anywhere from 15%–30% of your rental income—sometimes more if cleaning fees are bundled.Less Control
You won’t see the property between guests. If something’s not right, you’ll hear it from the guest.Not All Companies Are Equal
Some property managers are rockstars. Others? Not so much. Vet thoroughly before signing a contract.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Hiring
Let’s say your vacation rental earns $2,500/month from bookings.
So the decision boils down to this:
Want to maximize profit but invest your time? Go DIY.
Want to maximize freedom and reduce stress? Go pro.
Hybrid Option: Best of Both Worlds?
Some hosts choose a middle ground:
Hire a local cleaner but manage bookings yourself
Use software like Hospitable or Guesty to automate communication
Do inspections or deep cleans yourself once a month
This setup keeps costs lower than full-service management while still lightening your workload.
How to Choose a Good Property Management Company?
If you’re leaning toward hiring help, don’t just pick the first ad you see. Here’s how to find the right team:
What to Look For
Clear Fee Structure: Flat fee or percentage?
Included Services: Do they handle guest messaging, pricing, repairs?
Cleaning Standards: Do they offer checklists or quality inspections?
Local Experience: Do they understand the market and your guest demographic?
Red Flags
Vague contracts
No local staff or inconsistent communication
Overly pushy sales tactics
Ask for references, read reviews, and interview multiple companies before making a choice. You can also read this guide – What to Expect From a Property Management Company?
Final Thoughts: DIY or Hire a Property Management Company?
So, what’s the best cleaning route for your vacation rental?
If you:
Live nearby
Have time and energy
Want to save every penny
DIY cleaning can be a smart and profitable move.
But if you:
Value your time
Want a worry-free experience
Are scaling up or managing from afar
→ Hiring a property management company might be the best investment you make.
At the end of the day, the answer to “Vacation Rental Cleaning: DIY or Hire Property Management Company?” depends on your lifestyle, goals, and how much work you’re really willing to take on.
Choose what fits you best—and keep those 5-star reviews coming.
