Should you hire professional cleaners or handle Airbnb turnovers yourself? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Professional Cleaners: Cost $50–$150 per visit, save time (2-3 hours per turnover), offer consistent quality, and improve guest satisfaction. However, they can be expensive and rely on availability.
- DIY Turnovers: Save money (just $50–$100 for supplies), give you full control, and allow flexible scheduling. But they require significant time (4-6 hours) and effort, which can limit your ability to focus on other tasks.
Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Professional Cleaners | DIY Turnovers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $50–$150 per session | $50–$100 for supplies |
| Time Required | 2–3 hours (outsourced) | 4–6 hours (your time) |
| Quality | Consistent and reliable | Varies based on effort |
| Flexibility | Limited by cleaner schedules | Full control over timing |
| Impact on Guests | Higher satisfaction, better reviews | Dependent on cleaning quality |
Bottom Line: If you value time and guest satisfaction, professional cleaners may be worth the cost. If saving money and having control matter more, DIY is the way to go.
Do You Clean Your Airbnb Yourself or Hire a Cleaning Service?
Advantages of Professional Cleaners
Hiring professional cleaning services can be a game-changer for Airbnb hosts aiming to maintain top-notch standards while saving time and effort.
Time Savings for Hosts
Professional cleaners allow hosts to focus on critical tasks like guest communication, property upkeep, and marketing. During busy seasons, they can handle turnovers in just 2-3 hours, compared to the 4-6 hours it might take for DIY cleaning [5]. This efficiency gives hosts more time to grow their business and improve the guest experience.
Consistent and High-Quality Cleaning
With professional cleaners, you can count on reliable results every time. They use advanced tools, proven techniques, and pay attention to often-missed details, like thorough bathroom sanitization and perfectly made beds. This level of care not only enhances guest satisfaction but also helps improve reviews and booking rates. For hosts juggling multiple properties or tight schedules, this consistency is invaluable.
Simplified Hiring with Specialized Platforms
Platforms like Find Airbnb Cleaning Services make it easier than ever to connect with experienced local cleaners. These services offer clear pricing and customized options tailored to short-term rental needs. By using such tools, Airbnb hosts can streamline the hiring process and ensure their properties are always guest-ready without the hassle.
Benefits of DIY Turnovers
Managing turnovers yourself can save money and give you more control, though it does require extra time and effort. Some hosts prefer this hands-on approach over hiring professional cleaners.
Save Money
By skipping professional cleaning services, you avoid their fees and keep the cleaning fee charged to guests. This approach can increase your profits significantly. Depending on the size of your property, you could save hundreds of dollars each month.
Full Control Over Cleaning
Handling the cleaning yourself means you can oversee every detail. This allows you to:
- Protect your property: Especially useful if you live on-site or share the property with guests.
- Focus on problem areas: Address guest feedback or specific trouble spots directly.
- Set your own standards: Follow your preferred cleaning routine without relying on outside help.
Flexible Scheduling
DIY turnovers let you manage your schedule without needing to coordinate with a cleaning service. This is especially helpful for last-minute bookings or unexpected changes.
| Property Size | Average Professional Cleaning Fee | Potential Monthly Savings with DIY* |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $52.57 | $210.28 |
| Two-bedroom | $72.11 | $288.44 |
| Three-bedroom | $100+ | $400+ |
*Assumes weekly turnovers and excludes the cost of cleaning supplies or tools [4].
While DIY turnovers can cut costs and give you more control, they do require a time commitment. This option works best for hosts who are hands-on and have the flexibility to manage the extra workload. It’s worth considering the challenges before deciding if it's the right choice for you.
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Disadvantages of Professional Cleaners vs. DIY Turnovers
Issues with Professional Cleaners
Hiring professional cleaners can be expensive, with costs ranging from $30 to $405 per cleaning [3][4]. Additionally, relying on them introduces risks like last-minute cancellations, which can disrupt your booking schedule [1][6]. Finding dependable cleaners who consistently deliver quality results also takes time and effort.
Challenges of DIY Turnovers
While handling turnovers yourself can save money, it requires a significant time commitment - often taking up an entire day. This can limit your ability to focus on other business tasks [1]. Over time, the physical demands and maintaining consistent results can become difficult. Basic supplies start at $50-$100, and purchasing specialty equipment adds to the overall expense [2].
Comparison: Professional Cleaners vs. DIY Turnovers
| Aspect | Professional Cleaners | DIY Turnovers |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Impact | Higher cleaning costs ($30-$405) | Lower costs, $50-$100 for supplies |
| Time Management | Saves time but needs coordination | Requires significant time effort |
| Quality Control | Generally consistent | Varies with personal effort |
| Reliability | Depends on cleaner availability | Depends on host's schedule |
| Flexibility | Limited by cleaner schedules | Full control over scheduling |
| Risk Factors | Cancellations, quality issues | Physical strain, time constraints |
Each option affects guest satisfaction and profitability differently. The decision depends on factors like property size, booking frequency, and how much time you can dedicate. Professional cleaners offer convenience and consistent results but come with higher costs. DIY turnovers, on the other hand, save money but require a significant investment of your time and energy, which could limit your ability to grow your rental business.
Finding the right balance between these options depends on your priorities, and we'll dive deeper into these considerations in the next section.
Cost Comparison of Cleaning Options
Let's break down the financial side of cleaning by looking at both the direct and hidden costs involved.
Typical Costs of Professional Cleaning
Hiring professional cleaners usually costs between $50 and $150 per session, depending on the size of the property and its location [3]. In cities, prices tend to be higher. For example, cleaning a small studio might cost $50-$75, while larger properties can exceed $100 [2].
Hidden Costs of DIY Turnovers
Doing the cleaning yourself might seem cheaper, but it comes with hidden expenses that aren't always obvious.
- Time Costs: If your time is worth $30/hour and you spend 4 hours cleaning, that's an opportunity cost of $120 per turnover. This is time you could spend on tasks like managing bookings, marketing, or improving the guest experience.
- Lost Revenue: DIY cleaning often means blocking extra time between bookings. For a property earning $200 per night, this downtime could cancel out any savings from skipping professional services.
- Quality Risks: Inconsistent cleaning can lead to poor reviews, fewer bookings, and higher maintenance costs over time.
Some hosts find a middle ground by handling basic cleaning themselves but scheduling regular professional deep cleans [2]. This approach can help balance costs while keeping guests happy.
Understanding both the upfront expenses and the hidden ones can help you decide what works best for your property and goals.
Conclusion: Choosing Between Professional Cleaners and DIY Turnovers
Key Considerations
Deciding whether to handle turnovers yourself or hire professional cleaners comes down to your priorities as a host. Factors like the size of your property, how much time you can dedicate, and your budget play a big role.
Here’s what to think about:
- Property size and complexity: Larger spaces often call for professional help, while smaller units might be easier to manage yourself.
- Your time: If your schedule is packed, outsourcing cleaning can save you valuable hours.
- Budget: Professional services cost more upfront but may save you effort and improve guest satisfaction.
Many hosts start with DIY cleaning to understand the process and set their standards. As their business grows, they often switch to professional cleaners to maintain consistency and free up their time.
Connect with Local Cleaning Services
If you’re leaning toward hiring professionals, choosing the right service is key. Platforms like Find Airbnb Cleaning Services make it easy to connect with cleaners who specialize in Airbnb turnovers. They help match you with local professionals based on your property’s size, cleaning needs, and schedule - all while keeping your budget in mind.
The decision between DIY and professional cleaning doesn’t just affect your time and money - it can also influence guest satisfaction and your property’s overall success. Experienced cleaners can ensure your space is guest-ready every time, which could lead to better reviews, higher satisfaction rates, and more repeat bookings. While professional cleaning might cost more upfront, the potential for increased bookings and better guest experiences often makes it a worthwhile investment.
