If your short-term rental sees a high booking volume, with frequent check-ins and check-outs, keeping it clean for the next guest on your own can be challenging. This concern multiplies if you live away from the rental property, manage multiple properties, or have a small staff.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to work with a short-term rental cleaning company. They can handle the quick turnaround times required between guests. They keep the property ready for the next arrival.
The good news is that there are many short-term rental cleaning companies to choose from, making the selection a bit complicated for you. However, always consider these factors while choosing the right short-term rental cleaning company.
Identify Your Short-Term Rental Needs
Before you start looking for short-term rental cleaning companies, make sure to think about what you really require. Keep in mind that every property has unique cleaning needs. For example, if you run a cozy rental property, you are likely to prefer quick surface cleanings and laundry services. However, more comprehensive short-term rental housekeeping that involves deep cleaning and exterior maintenance will be required for a larger vacation home with a pool or outdoor areas.
It is also important to consider the cleaning. Short-term rentals often experience turnover of guests every few days, requiring a company to address last-minute schedules. Also, consider the size of your property—how many bathrooms, bedrooms, and common areas are there?
You need to clearly define these needs upfront so that you can be better equipped to express them to your short-term rental cleaning companies.
Location
Once you identify what you need, start your search for short-term rental cleaning companies. Use online directories, search engines, or platforms like Google Reviews and Yelp to find options in your area.
Check if the STR cleaning company is close to your location. Choosing a local one can pay off when it comes to timely, efficient, and reliable service.
A local cleaning company is familiar with the area’s geography, traffic, patterns, and common issues. It enables them to address the tight turnover windows between guests more efficiently. They can show up quickly, minimizing the task of a late check-in for your next guest. Moreover, a local company is also aware of certain challenges of your property’s environment. For example, a company in the Smoky Mountain region will know how to deal with pollen and dust during spring and summer, pests, humidity, and other cleaning challenges posed by the region’s climate.
Services
Not all short-term rental cleaning companies are the same. Check what kind of services they offer. Generally, an essential package might include dusting, vacuuming, and bathroom sanitizing. However, your short-term rentals may require more. Prefer the ones that cover towel replacements, bed linens, kitchen deep cleans, and restocking essentials like coffee supplies, toiletries, and other supplies.
You can get these services customized according to your needs, such as handling fragile décor or using specific cleaning products. Maybe you want window washing, carpet shampooing, or even minor repairs.
Reviews
How to tell the company you are choosing is reliable? One way to be sure about the quality of your potential cleaning company is to check their reviews. Their clients must have dropped testimonials on the company’s social media accounts and websites. You can even check them on the first page of Google as soon as you search for them online.
Credentials
Make sure to verify the credentials of your potential short-term rental companies. Ask them if they are bonded and licensed. This will cover you in case of accidents or theft. It is equally important to check if they have insurance in place. They should have liability coverage for any damages during cleaning and workers’ compensation for their employees.
The Cost Factor
Cost can make or break your deal with the cleaning companies. Assess their pricing models—maybe they are charging per hour, or the prices are set according to every clean or based on property size.
Ask for a detailed quote breaking down costs, including any fees for travel supplies or rush jobs. However, the selection of any cleaning company shouldn’t be solely based on cost alone. Prefer value over price. A cheaper service may not necessarily give quality output, as they might be cutting corners. It may lead to guest complaints and eventually lost revenue. Choose the one with transparent pricing without hidden charges.
Communication
Communication is another key factor to consider while choosing from short-term rental cleaning companies. See how quickly they respond and how clearly they explain their processes. Good cleaning companies often have a dedicated point of contact for your account.
Sustainability
Eco-friendly practices have become more important than ever. Thanks to the ever-increasing pollution, waste, and toxic chemicals, they are taking a toll on our Mother Earth. Some of your guests are eco-minded, and for a good reason. Therefore, it makes sense to ask your potential short-term rental cleaning companies if they use non-toxic products and sustainable methods. This not only impresses the guests but also protects your property from harsh chemicals over time. Even if going green is not your top priority, it is worth considering for health benefits. Natural products lower allergens and residues, creating a safer space.
Trial
Ask the cleaning company if they can offer trial periods. A one-time or short-term trial lets you determine the quality of their work firsthand.
Contracts and Flexibility
If you find that the cleaning company lives up to your expectations, you can move ahead to enter an agreement with them. However, make sure to review contracts carefully. Avoid long lock-ins if you are not sure. Instead, opt for month-to-month agreements initially. Don’t forget to review their cancellation policies and any penalties. For short-term renal housekeeping, flexibility is important as your requirements may change with seasons or booking patterns.
Talk about scalability, too. Can they take care of multiple properties if you expand? Or adjust cleaning services during off-peak times.
Discuss scalability, too. Can they handle multiple properties if you expand? Or adjust services during off-peak times? A flexible company grows with your business, making it a valuable long-term partner.
The Bottom Line:
Choosing the right short-term rental company depends on factors like needs, services, pricing, communication, responsiveness, sustainability, and flexibility. It is an important decision that should not be made in a rush.
Of course, considering all these factors while searching for a cleaning company can make the process lengthy. But it is totally worth it. After all, you are sure to find the right company that can benefit you in the long run.
If you want to cut the hassles of searching, you can choose us at Mountain Top Cleaning and Maintenance as your short-term rental cleaning partner. From pristine cleanings to proactive maintenance, we keep your property guest-ready and cared for as if it were our own.
Contact us today and watch your property shine.
