Airbncleaning
July 12, 2018 11:54 AM Subscribe
How much do you (as a guest) clean your airbnb when you leave?
We are from the U.S. and have had a lovely time at an airbnb in Europe. The hosts were incredibly nice and attentive. When we arrived, there was something that looked like dried feces smeared on a large appliance. I didn't want to use the appliance so I ignored it and there was no way I was going to clean it. The rest of the place was quite immaculate and obviously this was just a little oversight, it's still a 5 star experience. But what else am I supposed to clean? Do you scrub the toilet? There doesn't seem to be a broom or vacuum. I am leaving the requisite cleaning fee, and I mentioned the appliance as nicely as possible so he wouldn't think it was from us. My instinct is to just throw out the trash in the designated area and leave it as tidy as possible.
We are from the U.S. and have had a lovely time at an airbnb in Europe. The hosts were incredibly nice and attentive. When we arrived, there was something that looked like dried feces smeared on a large appliance. I didn't want to use the appliance so I ignored it and there was no way I was going to clean it. The rest of the place was quite immaculate and obviously this was just a little oversight, it's still a 5 star experience. But what else am I supposed to clean? Do you scrub the toilet? There doesn't seem to be a broom or vacuum. I am leaving the requisite cleaning fee, and I mentioned the appliance as nicely as possible so he wouldn't think it was from us. My instinct is to just throw out the trash in the designated area and leave it as tidy as possible.
I strip my bed and take out the trash if it's really obvious where it goes. I leave things where I found them. I wash/run dishes and leave used towels in a pile.
I would not mention the one weird dirty thing in your review. That doesn't seem necessary.
In all Airbnb I have paid a cleaning fee as part of my Airbnb price online and I never leave cash, so check on that.
posted by sockermom at 12:02 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would not mention the one weird dirty thing in your review. That doesn't seem necessary.
In all Airbnb I have paid a cleaning fee as part of my Airbnb price online and I never leave cash, so check on that.
posted by sockermom at 12:02 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
Hi - usually I make sure I take out the trash and wash any dishes, and either clear out food or send the host a note about any food I had to abandon (i.e., "there is about one-third of a small bottle of milk I had to leave behind in the fridge because I physically couldn't carry it, please offer it to the next guest or throw it out as you prefer"). I also tidy up and try to make the bed even though it's probably going to just be stripped and cleaned anyway.
If something really funky happens - like, I break something or I burn something in the microwave - I try to take care of that as best I can and leave a note for the host before leaving, owning the situation in case it's still a problem. If I made something really elaborate in the sink or got really fancy with a bath and it looked gungy I might give it a quick scrub, but that's it.
I think that there's an option to send your host a private note when you leave the review as well; if you mention the appliance, I would do it there, even though you've already communicated with them about it ("the rest of the place was spotless, except for that bit I already told you about - weird, huh?...hope you don't get THAT happening again!").
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:05 PM on July 12, 2018
If something really funky happens - like, I break something or I burn something in the microwave - I try to take care of that as best I can and leave a note for the host before leaving, owning the situation in case it's still a problem. If I made something really elaborate in the sink or got really fancy with a bath and it looked gungy I might give it a quick scrub, but that's it.
I think that there's an option to send your host a private note when you leave the review as well; if you mention the appliance, I would do it there, even though you've already communicated with them about it ("the rest of the place was spotless, except for that bit I already told you about - weird, huh?...hope you don't get THAT happening again!").
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:05 PM on July 12, 2018
Oh, I have an idea - I have friends who are "superhosts" on AirBnB, I can ask them for the host's perspective if you like!
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:08 PM on July 12, 2018
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:08 PM on July 12, 2018
Usually AirBnBs charge a cleaning fee, so I take that to mean deep cleaning will be performed once I check out. I'll throw out my trash (or at least bag it up and knot it off to prevent any food smells permeating the place, if applicable), pile used towels/ sheets in a corner, and generally just pick up anything that might have been moved out of place - cups from a coffee table into the sink/ dishwasher, etc. I'll also, most times, wash dirty dishes unless time is really a factor. If I have personal trash, like used tampons or my son's diapers, I'll try to take that with me in a sealed bag to dispose of in a public trashcan or at least double bag it before I put it in the main trash.
This is all out of courtesy and general decorum. By no means is it obligatory, and there are times when I've stayed with a group where I'll clean up after myself but not everyone else (unless it's in my name, in which case I selfishly make sure everyone cleans up so I'm not reviewed badly.)
posted by Everydayville at 12:09 PM on July 12, 2018 [4 favorites]
This is all out of courtesy and general decorum. By no means is it obligatory, and there are times when I've stayed with a group where I'll clean up after myself but not everyone else (unless it's in my name, in which case I selfishly make sure everyone cleans up so I'm not reviewed badly.)
posted by Everydayville at 12:09 PM on July 12, 2018 [4 favorites]
did you check the "house manual" online to see if there are cleaning instructions in the check out section? I've only used Airbnb twice but both spelled out exactly what the guest should do. Both times it was just a couple simple things (put towels/sheets in a designated spot, take care of dirty dishes to some extent).
posted by mullacc at 12:13 PM on July 12, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by mullacc at 12:13 PM on July 12, 2018 [3 favorites]
I'm an AirBnB host who charges a cleaning fee (though I'm in the US, not Europe). My house manual specifies what I'd like guests to do (take out trash, return keys to lock box). I then hire cleaners to come in after they check out. So unless something is heavily stained or broken, it doesn't matter to me what guests pre-clean; the bill from my cleaning company is the same and I don't know the difference either way.
posted by craven_morhead at 12:17 PM on July 12, 2018 [9 favorites]
posted by craven_morhead at 12:17 PM on July 12, 2018 [9 favorites]
I sent a link to this thread to my superhost friends. Here's what one just said:
The only thing I would add is to not assume that cleaners will be in right away. So things like leaving stinky trash or wet towels in a heap where they can get moldy are a no-no. Otherwise the other comments are valid - checkout instructions are incumbent on the host to provide, and the guests to follow.posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:14 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm an AirBnB host who charges a cleaning fee (though I'm in the US, not Europe). My house manual specifies what I'd like guests to do (take out trash, return keys to lock box). I then hire cleaners to come in after they check out. So unless something is heavily stained or broken, it doesn't matter to me what guests pre-clean; the bill from my cleaning company is the same and I don't know the difference either way.
This is what my expectations were last time I stayed in an AirBnB. I paid a pretty hefty cleaning fee and thought we left the place very clean, but I didn't do any deep cleaning because I figured that would be done anyway by cleaners. Then later I got a note from the owner saying she wished I would have left her house cleaner. I said I was surprised and asked what she was referring too; she said the counter was sticky and a couple of other minor things. So some hosts expect a greater level of cleaning.
posted by JenMarie at 1:18 PM on July 12, 2018
This is what my expectations were last time I stayed in an AirBnB. I paid a pretty hefty cleaning fee and thought we left the place very clean, but I didn't do any deep cleaning because I figured that would be done anyway by cleaners. Then later I got a note from the owner saying she wished I would have left her house cleaner. I said I was surprised and asked what she was referring too; she said the counter was sticky and a couple of other minor things. So some hosts expect a greater level of cleaning.
posted by JenMarie at 1:18 PM on July 12, 2018
Every AirBnB I've stayed at they had set some sort of expectation for how to leave the place. I have never been asked to sweep/vacuum, I have generally washed the dishes and straightened the furniture back if I moved anything. Hosts usually say what to do with sheets/towels, trash, and often have instructions on how to leave appliances (completely empty fridge, be sure not to leave anything in the dryer, do not turn off heat, remember to dump the coffee grounds, etc) Although I am a fairly conscientious person and try to leave things very tidy (wipe crumbs off counter), I do not wash sheets or scrub the bathroom or sterilize the countertops unless the host specifically spells it out.
posted by aimedwander at 1:19 PM on July 12, 2018
posted by aimedwander at 1:19 PM on July 12, 2018
I leave it in good shape for the person who cleans to do their job. I run a VRBO and I always tell guests to leave it as clean as they wish, it's their vacation.
But regardless, you should not be exchanging money with the owner outside of the airbnb payment system. If your host has talked you into leaving a cleaning fee by hand, you should report that to airbnb. At least I would.
posted by humboldt32 at 1:43 PM on July 12, 2018 [4 favorites]
But regardless, you should not be exchanging money with the owner outside of the airbnb payment system. If your host has talked you into leaving a cleaning fee by hand, you should report that to airbnb. At least I would.
posted by humboldt32 at 1:43 PM on July 12, 2018 [4 favorites]
If I am not asked to do anything, I will at least put dishes in a dishwasher and start it or wash them by hand and leave them to dry.
If I am asked, I will strip beds, put used towels in a specific location, and take out trash.
I do not wash sheets or scrub the bathroom or sterilize the countertops unless the host specifically spells it out.
I wouldn't scrub the bathroom or sterilize countertops unless it was disclosed as a condition before booking. And even then I would think about looking for another place.
posted by grouse at 1:43 PM on July 12, 2018 [2 favorites]
If I am asked, I will strip beds, put used towels in a specific location, and take out trash.
I do not wash sheets or scrub the bathroom or sterilize the countertops unless the host specifically spells it out.
I wouldn't scrub the bathroom or sterilize countertops unless it was disclosed as a condition before booking. And even then I would think about looking for another place.
posted by grouse at 1:43 PM on July 12, 2018 [2 favorites]
Empress' point that you shouldn't assume cleaners will be in right away is a good one. It's why I make the specific request that guests take out trash. Though lately I've been scheduling cleaners to follow-on renters for that sort of reason, and to make it easier to set bookings on short notice (/aside).
As for this: Then later I got a note from the owner saying she wished I would have left her house cleaner. I said I was surprised and asked what she was referring too; she said the counter was sticky and a couple of other minor things. So some hosts expect a greater level of cleaning.
I would not be pleased with that host (I also use AirBnB for travel). I could see those as being valid gripes if I'm staying in a shared housing setup (renting a single bedroom rather than the whole house/apartment). But if I've paid an additional cleaning fee as a portion of the payment I expect that to get me something, like freeing me from the requirements of cleaning counters, vacuuming, sanitizing, etc.
posted by craven_morhead at 2:08 PM on July 12, 2018 [6 favorites]
As for this: Then later I got a note from the owner saying she wished I would have left her house cleaner. I said I was surprised and asked what she was referring too; she said the counter was sticky and a couple of other minor things. So some hosts expect a greater level of cleaning.
I would not be pleased with that host (I also use AirBnB for travel). I could see those as being valid gripes if I'm staying in a shared housing setup (renting a single bedroom rather than the whole house/apartment). But if I've paid an additional cleaning fee as a portion of the payment I expect that to get me something, like freeing me from the requirements of cleaning counters, vacuuming, sanitizing, etc.
posted by craven_morhead at 2:08 PM on July 12, 2018 [6 favorites]
I make sure to hang wet towels so they don't get mildewy in case the place isn't cleaned for a few days and strip the beds (leaving the linens on the bed unless it's clear where to put them). I wash, dry, and put away any dishes we used, take out the trash, do a quick wipe of the bathroom and kitchen counters, and sweep up any obvious dirt or floor crumbs. I also put things back where I found them if I moved them out of the way during my stay. I probably do more than I need to, now that I think about it.
posted by _Mona_ at 2:16 PM on July 12, 2018
posted by _Mona_ at 2:16 PM on July 12, 2018
I've booked AirBnBs about 30 times and there is a chasm between those that have professional cleaning and those that do not. I do more cleaning when it's clearly someone's home. Once out of all those rentals a host complained about a modest amount of sand in a "beach condo". But he clearly did his own cleaning. The rest were happy to have me. Dishes should be washed, dried, and put away, unless you have a really good reason, and I do make it a point to strip the beds. But I would never think to wipe the countertops unless it were specifically called out, in which case I would.
posted by wnissen at 2:39 PM on July 12, 2018
posted by wnissen at 2:39 PM on July 12, 2018
When we arrived, there was something that looked like dried feces smeared on a large appliance.
I'm really not sure why you assumed this was feces and not food?
I use AirBnB a decent amount and if someone is charging a cleaning fee I clean basically nothing to more than a "leave it like you found it" level. If there are instructions I try to follow them. That said I am a "clean as you go" person so there usually isn't much cleaning. I tidy the place up and I usually, but not always, wash the dishes I have used (i.e. I might leave a coffee cup, I would never leave a meal's worth of dishes). Some of it depends on what's provided. I'll sweep if there is a broom but I won't go after crumbs if there isn't one. I would never do any laundry, though I would also leave all towels hanging up etc.
posted by jessamyn at 3:09 PM on July 12, 2018
I'm really not sure why you assumed this was feces and not food?
I use AirBnB a decent amount and if someone is charging a cleaning fee I clean basically nothing to more than a "leave it like you found it" level. If there are instructions I try to follow them. That said I am a "clean as you go" person so there usually isn't much cleaning. I tidy the place up and I usually, but not always, wash the dishes I have used (i.e. I might leave a coffee cup, I would never leave a meal's worth of dishes). Some of it depends on what's provided. I'll sweep if there is a broom but I won't go after crumbs if there isn't one. I would never do any laundry, though I would also leave all towels hanging up etc.
posted by jessamyn at 3:09 PM on July 12, 2018
Response by poster: I'm really not sure why you assumed this was feces and not food?
Because its on a washing machine which is a few inches opposite a toilet in a small bathroom. It is not an insignificant amount, either. Actually it added a level of discomfort to the whole time every time we used the bathroom, it was right there. There were some other odd things (no dish rack or dish towel) but overall the place was very nice. Thanks for the answers everyone. I am going to just do our dishes, take out trash and tidy up. This was helpful, thanks all.
posted by nantucket at 3:14 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
Because its on a washing machine which is a few inches opposite a toilet in a small bathroom. It is not an insignificant amount, either. Actually it added a level of discomfort to the whole time every time we used the bathroom, it was right there. There were some other odd things (no dish rack or dish towel) but overall the place was very nice. Thanks for the answers everyone. I am going to just do our dishes, take out trash and tidy up. This was helpful, thanks all.
posted by nantucket at 3:14 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I leave it close-ish to how I found it, unless there are specific requests otherwise. ie, sweep the floors (if there's a broom - since there isn't, don't worry about that), wipe off counters, take out the trash, empty the fridge. If there's a dishwasher I'll load it and run it before I leave if there's time. I don't strip the bed unless they request it. If I made a mess that requires specialized cleaning (like if there's a wine stain on a white throw pillow), I will send the host a message about it and offer to pay.
I don't think heavier cleaning than that is necessary. I have friends who rent out their apartment on Airbnb and they expect to have to do things like vacuum and change the sheets (unless they hire a cleaner) afterwards. Many guests don't even do the basic cleaning things I listed above! Which seems kind of rude to me, but there you go.
posted by lunasol at 5:05 PM on July 12, 2018
I don't think heavier cleaning than that is necessary. I have friends who rent out their apartment on Airbnb and they expect to have to do things like vacuum and change the sheets (unless they hire a cleaner) afterwards. Many guests don't even do the basic cleaning things I listed above! Which seems kind of rude to me, but there you go.
posted by lunasol at 5:05 PM on July 12, 2018
I would wipe the countertops and tables if they were sticky. I always wipe them down when I do the dishes, so it would be weird for me not to. I'm guessing this might be from living in a country with ants and cockroaches that will take up residence in your kitchen at the slightest encouragement.
I also would have cleaned up the poop as soon as I saw it, because I wouldn't wanted to have looked at it the whole time.
posted by kjs4 at 7:03 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I also would have cleaned up the poop as soon as I saw it, because I wouldn't wanted to have looked at it the whole time.
posted by kjs4 at 7:03 PM on July 12, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm an Airbnb super host. I don't have huge expectations about guests leaving things 'as they found them' as I charge a cleaning fee.
I expect that they'll leave furniture in the same place (yeah, moving furniture around seems to be a thing at times) and make some effort not to be slobs - eg wipe wine marks, food bits off the kitchen counter, put stuff in dishwasher, clean their skid marks from the loo (gross), remove their food from the fridge, clothes from robes, don't leave their stuff behind. I expect them to wrap sanitary napkins/tampons before putting them in the bin, but this varies as a guest practice. I hate seeing leftover food left on the kitchen bench like they got up and walked out mid meal. If people are slobs, I don't have them back if they try to book.
Super guests take the sheets off the bed (some put them inside their pillowcases which is really kind, since I do cleaning myself and hornbags aren't fun to clean up after, especially if there's lube everywhere or period spots) empty all the bins they've used and wipe up crap on the stove and sink. Some guests have vacuumed but only if they've stayed for a decent length of time, like a week or more, which means they've cleaned up for themselves, not me. I don't want towels being left in piles. If they are out of the linen press and hung in the bathroom, they get washed. Piles on the floor is gross unless they are totally dry.
If there was poop on a washing machine in my house I'd be absolutely mortified, and want to know that the cleaning was sub par. Omg, gross. I would not give or expect five stars for such an experience. Nope, no way.
When I've been a guest I'm shitty when I see a bunch of micro managing, passive aggressive notes everywhere, so I don't leave any in my home. Usually a little handwritten note saying something about recycling and rubbish situation, what they can eat from the fridge (usually leave something for them, wine, cheese or lime tarts etc) and to lock up carefully when they're not home.
posted by honey-barbara at 4:42 AM on July 13, 2018
I expect that they'll leave furniture in the same place (yeah, moving furniture around seems to be a thing at times) and make some effort not to be slobs - eg wipe wine marks, food bits off the kitchen counter, put stuff in dishwasher, clean their skid marks from the loo (gross), remove their food from the fridge, clothes from robes, don't leave their stuff behind. I expect them to wrap sanitary napkins/tampons before putting them in the bin, but this varies as a guest practice. I hate seeing leftover food left on the kitchen bench like they got up and walked out mid meal. If people are slobs, I don't have them back if they try to book.
Super guests take the sheets off the bed (some put them inside their pillowcases which is really kind, since I do cleaning myself and hornbags aren't fun to clean up after, especially if there's lube everywhere or period spots) empty all the bins they've used and wipe up crap on the stove and sink. Some guests have vacuumed but only if they've stayed for a decent length of time, like a week or more, which means they've cleaned up for themselves, not me. I don't want towels being left in piles. If they are out of the linen press and hung in the bathroom, they get washed. Piles on the floor is gross unless they are totally dry.
If there was poop on a washing machine in my house I'd be absolutely mortified, and want to know that the cleaning was sub par. Omg, gross. I would not give or expect five stars for such an experience. Nope, no way.
When I've been a guest I'm shitty when I see a bunch of micro managing, passive aggressive notes everywhere, so I don't leave any in my home. Usually a little handwritten note saying something about recycling and rubbish situation, what they can eat from the fridge (usually leave something for them, wine, cheese or lime tarts etc) and to lock up carefully when they're not home.
posted by honey-barbara at 4:42 AM on July 13, 2018
I think most Airbnb hosts would have wanted to know about the gross thing you found right away so they could get it cleaned up.
posted by grouse at 4:59 AM on July 13, 2018
posted by grouse at 4:59 AM on July 13, 2018
I follow whatever guidelines the host specifies, and haven't ever encountered anything that made me feel put-upon nor have I gotten comments that I left the place messy. Mostly what is asked is to leave the sheets/bedding in a pile and to bag trash or leave it in a specific receptacle. At one AirBnB, we had to place the trash in a bear-proof container, which was a new and interesting thing. I make sure to leave any space as I found it, basically.
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:22 AM on July 13, 2018
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:22 AM on July 13, 2018
In one memorable Air BnB we stayed in, there was no garbage can. Anywhere. I had to go buy bags and take out our trash that way. Also it wasn't terribly clean to start with. So I didn't worry about cleaning up after ourselves there other than getting all our stuff. Who would know?
But most of them have been clean and tidy, so my goal was to leave them the same; wipe counters, take out trash, throw out leftovers, wash and put back dishes, sweep or vacuum if needed/those are provided, and generally just be a Good Guest.
And yes, definitely TELL your host about gross smears or other issues. I always let them know about things that are busted, or burnt out lightbulbs, etc. too as a courtesy.
posted by emjaybee at 10:12 AM on July 13, 2018
But most of them have been clean and tidy, so my goal was to leave them the same; wipe counters, take out trash, throw out leftovers, wash and put back dishes, sweep or vacuum if needed/those are provided, and generally just be a Good Guest.
And yes, definitely TELL your host about gross smears or other issues. I always let them know about things that are busted, or burnt out lightbulbs, etc. too as a courtesy.
posted by emjaybee at 10:12 AM on July 13, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
I think that mentioning that it was dirty was a good idea.
I do what you tend to do. This means to me, that I am not expected to clean. I do, however, try my best to make things easier for the person who will clean. For example, I put my towels in a pile somewhere. I MIGHT strip the bed of the sheets if I have time. I tend to wash my dishes that I used. I sometimes take out the trash/recycling if it is obvious where it is located.
I wouldn't do the review until you hear back from the host. If the host doesn't reply back, in your review, be honest, but say something like "while most of the house was immaculate, there was a tiny area that wasn't cleaned - not a big deal, but just to mention it."
posted by k8t at 12:00 PM on July 12, 2018 [4 favorites]