Tips for Maintaining the Cleanliness of Common Spaces at Airbnb

Ensuring the cleanliness of your Airbnb’s common spaces is vital for guest satisfaction, health, and business success. Whether you host one listing or manage multiple properties in Chicago, these spaces leave lasting impressions—from bustling entryways to shared kitchens and lounges. In this guide, you’ll discover practical tips for maintaining the cleanliness of common spaces at Airbnb, including expert-approved routines, decision frameworks for cleaning methods, supply checklists, and a strategic overview of when to call in professionals like CHI Cleaning Services. By following this guide, you’ll set the foundation for sparkling-first impressions and five-star reviews.

Understanding Airbnb Common Spaces: What Counts and Why It Matters

Common spaces in Airbnb properties include entryways, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms shared between guests or rooms, and any amenities such as rec rooms, shared patios, or laundry. Unlike private guest rooms, these areas are high-traffic and subject to constant use, making effective cleaning and upkeep a daily challenge.

• Guest comfort and trust: First impressions start in common spaces. Dust, clutter or odors here often lead to negative reviews.
• Health, safety, and regulatory responsibility: These zones can be hotbeds for germs and allergens. Hygiene standards protect against illness and liability.
• Maintenance cost savings: Routine cleaning prevents long-term wear, stains, and unexpected repairs.

The Anatomy of a Pristine Airbnb Common Area

Making common areas guest-ready involves more than a tidy-up. Every surface—door handles, countertops, fabrics—acts as a landing spot for dirt and germs. Hosts must approach cleaning with a blend of aesthetics, hygiene, and operational efficiency.

• High-traffic touchpoints: Doorknobs, railings, remotes, and switches require daily attention.
• Shared utility spaces: Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms need targeted treatment for bacteria and cross-contamination prevention.
• Furnishings and soft surfaces: Upholstered chairs, rugs, and throw pillows harbor dust and skin cells—schedule regular vacuuming and deep cleans.

Establishing an Effective Cleaning Routine

Consistency is the key to maintaining spotless common spaces. Building a practical routine prevents mess build-ups and makes your job easier over time. Here’s a sample weekly breakdown:

Sample Cleaning Routine for Airbnb Common Spaces

Task	Frequency
Disinfect door handles, switches	Daily
Wipe kitchen counters & appliances	Daily
Vacuum and mop floors	Every other day
Clean shared bathrooms	Daily
Dust surfaces, shelves, baseboards	2x/week
Deep clean soft furnishings	Weekly
Declutter shared storage	Weekly

Adapt this schedule to your booking frequency and guest profile, increasing attention during peak seasons or large group stays.

Proactive Preparation: Stocking Essential Cleaning Supplies

Having the right supplies easy to access in common areas empowers both your team and guests to uphold cleanliness. Stock (but keep safely stored):

• Multi-surface disinfectant sprays and wipes
• Microfiber cloths
• Vacuum cleaner (with HEPA filter preferred)
• Mop, bucket, and eco-friendly floor cleaner
• Disposable gloves and masks
• Trash bags and recycling cans

Consider providing a small, labeled caddy for guest-accessible essentials—such as sanitizing wipes or paper towels—especially in kitchens and shared bathrooms.

Daily Habits for Spotless Shared Kitchens and Dining Spaces

The kitchen is often where guests interact most, and it’s also a hotspot for spills, stains, and bacteria.

1. Wipe surfaces and appliance handles after each meal period.
2. Check dish racks and remove stray items.
3. Monitor refrigerator and pantry for expired or personal items left behind.
4. Sanitize countertops and sinks nightly.
5. Empty trash & recycling before odors develop.

Encourage guests to do their part with gentle reminders—signage or a one-page “shared space etiquette” guide can help reinforce expectations.

Bathroom Cleanliness: High Standards for Hygiene

Clean bathrooms are non-negotiable for strong guest ratings. Shared bathrooms should be checked and serviced daily.

• Restock soap, toilet paper, and hand towels frequently.
• Wipe faucets, sinks, handles, and light switches with disinfectant.
• Clean mirrors and spot-check floors for hair or water spots.
• Sanitize toilet seats and flush handles.
• Replace bath mats and towels regularly.

For deep-dives on bathroom quality standards, review our maintaining Airbnb bathroom quality guide.

Managing Entryways, Hallways, and Communal Living Areas

First impressions start at the door. Dirt tracked in from shoes, muddy weather, and high foot traffic demand daily care:

1. Shake out floor mats and sweep entrances every morning.
2. Disinfect door handles, security panels, and elevator buttons.
3. Wipe down all seating and communal surfaces.
4. Check for clutter on shelves, under tables, and in communal bins.

Don’t overlook art frames, stair railings, or decorative pillows—these can collect dust unnoticed.

Preventing Odors and Managing Air Quality

Odor control is critical in shared spaces. Stale air, food smells, and mildew can accumulate, especially in humid Chicago months. Strategies include:

• Open windows daily where possible to promote ventilation.
• Use air purifiers or HVAC systems with updated filters.
• Dispose of trash, recycling, and compost promptly.
• Inspect soft furnishings for moisture or spills and address immediately to avoid mildew.

For advanced air quality recommendations, consult resources like the EPA’s indoor air quality guidelines.

Checklist for Guest Turnover: Ensuring Perfection with Every Stay

• Entry/stairs: Sweep, mop, and check for debris or clutter.
• Living spaces: Dust all surfaces, fluff pillows, and organize magazine racks or remotes.
• Kitchens: Empty and disinfect bins, wipe down appliances, restock cleaning essentials.
• Bathrooms: Deep clean fixtures, refill supplies, double-check for personal items left by guests.
• Outdoors (if applicable): Sweep walkways and clean seating.

Use this turnover checklist between each guest to catch overlooked spots and guarantee a consistent 5-star experience. For a deeper framework, see our efficient turnover cleaning guide.

Empowering Guests to Help Maintain Cleanliness

Fostering a “shared responsibility” culture benefits both hosts and guests. Practical ways include:

• Clear signage with friendly reminders to wipe surfaces and wash dishes after use.
• Accessible cleaning wipes and a labeled waste bin in the kitchen or lounge.
• Tap into technology: use your welcome message to outline shared space expectations.
• Offer small incentives for guests who leave the space as they found it (e.g., a thank-you note or positive mention in their review).

Reminder: Always provide supplies, but never obligate guests to clean beyond reasonable tidiness.

When to Hire Professional Cleaners for Airbnb Common Spaces

While light maintenance can be handled by hosts and respectful guests, certain scenarios call for expert support:

• High guest turnover with insufficient time between stays
• Deep stains, persistent odors, or mold risk
• Specialized cleaning needs (post-pet, medical, or after large events)
• Desire for guaranteed standards, detailed checklists, and insured services

Professional cleaning companies, such as CHI Cleaning Services, use commercial-grade equipment, trained staff, and tailored approaches for every surface and facility.

To understand the full value of outsourcing, see the benefits of professional Airbnb cleaning.

Stain and Spill Management: Fast Response in Common Areas

Spills and stains should be addressed immediately to prevent lasting damage and ensure comfort for future guests.

1. Blot, don’t rub, to absorb as much of the spill as possible.
2. Use suitable cleaners for different surfaces (check manufacturer guidance).
3. For carpets and upholstery, consult our Airbnb carpet stain removal strategies.
4. Air dry the area or use fans to prevent mildew.

Documenting before/after can help settle disputes and monitor ongoing issues.

Special Cases: High-Turnover and Large Group Properties

Properties hosting frequent guests or large groups face unique challenges. Scale your protocols by:

• Adding extra cleaning intervals during peak occupants/days.
• Choosing stain-resistant furnishings and easy-to-clean surfaces.
• Providing additional supplies such as extra bins, cleaning caddies, and signage.
• Using a structured maintenance log to track problem areas and recurring issues.

Find specific guidance for high-turnover rentals in our high-turnover cleanliness tips.

Professional Standards and Health Protocols

Elevate guest confidence by adhering to best practices from industry authorities. Align your cleaning approach with evidence-based recommendations, including disinfectant protocols and air quality management. For detailed, expert guidelines, reputable organizations such as the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and EPA offer resources for surface cleanliness, ventilation, and allergen control.

Staying informed and updating your procedures will give both guests and staff peace of mind and may help you exceed regulatory expectations.

Decision Framework: DIY, Hybrid, or Professional Cleaning?

Deciding who cleans your Airbnb’s common spaces depends on several factors. Use this framework:

• DIY cleaning: Best for low-traffic listings, budget constraints, and hosts who live onsite.
• Hybrid approach: Combine daily DIY tidying with weekly or monthly professional deep cleans.
• Outsourced cleaning: Ideal for hosts with multiple listings, strict timeframes between stays, or advanced hygiene requirements.

Consider guest expectations, personal availability, budget, and your property’s unique needs. To compare more scenarios, check our analysis on DIY vs. professional cleaning.

Guest Communication: Setting and Reinforcing Cleanliness Expectations

Clear, proactive communication is essential to maintain standards—and avoid misunderstandings. Strategies to consider:

• Share detailed cleaning routines in your Airbnb house manual or listing details.
• Send a friendly message before check-in outlining how guests can help keep common spaces clean.
• Print an easy-to-read shared space etiquette card for the kitchen or main lounge.
• Remind at check-out that leaving spaces tidy is appreciated and contributes to a positive shared experience.

Positive reinforcement, rather than policing, encourages cooperation and respect for your property.

Adapting to the Unexpected: Flexibility in Cleaning Protocols

Flexibility is just as important as routine. Be prepared to adapt cleaning protocols in response to:

• Public health advisories (e.g., COVID-19 surges, flu seasons)
• Special event weekends (sporting events, conventions)
• Unusual guest activity (longer stays, pets, or infants)

Maintain back-up cleaning supplies, and consider pre-scheduling extra professional visits during citywide busy periods.

FAQ: Maintaining Airbnb Common Spaces

How often should common areas be cleaned in a busy Airbnb?

At minimum, shared spaces should be cleaned daily—especially kitchens and bathrooms. High-turnover properties may require checking these areas multiple times per day, particularly in peak season.

What cleaning supplies are safest and most effective for common spaces?

Opt for EPA-registered disinfectants, microfiber cloths, and unscented products to accommodate allergy-prone guests. Keep cleaning chemicals safely out of reach but accessible for staff or trustworthy guests.

How can I encourage guests to keep common spaces tidy?

Use gentle signage, straightforward etiquette cards, and clear pre-arrival communication. Provide necessary supplies and thank guests for participating in cleanliness culture.

When should I call a professional cleaning company?

Invest in professional cleaning for deep cleans between guest cycles, after large groups, post-special events, or when dealing with hard-to-remove stains and persistent odors.

Are there standards or certifications for Airbnb cleaning?

While there is no universal certification, following CDC, EPA, and APIC guidelines is considered best practice. Many professional cleaning companies, like CHI Cleaning Services, train staff in accordance with these standards.

Should I give guests access to cleaning supplies?

Yes, but choose items that are safe and easy to use. Provide wipes or sprays, paper towels, and a waste bin in common areas, but store bulk or industrial chemicals only for staff use.

What if a guest leaves a common area messier than expected?

Document conditions with photos, address issues promptly, and communicate directly with the guest. For extreme cases, adjust your review and update house rules as needed. Consider scheduling a professional cleaning service for quick recovery.

How do I tackle stubborn carpet or upholstery stains?

Act fast—refer to our in-depth guide on removing stains from Airbnb carpets for specific step-by-step strategies.

How do I balance detail cleaning with fast guest turnovers?

Develop a streamlined checklist, use team-based cleaning approaches, and leverage professional support for deep cleaning when speed is crucial. See our efficient turnover cleaning guide for practical workflows.

Are professional cleaning services worth the cost for Airbnb hosts?

For many hosts, the improved guest ratings, faster turnovers, and reduced liability make professional cleaning well worth the investment, especially in a competitive market like Chicago. Evaluate your cost-benefit based on occupancy, guest expectations, and your own available time.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Maintaining the cleanliness of common spaces at Airbnb properties is both an art and a science. By combining consistent routines, quality supplies, transparent guest communication, and, when needed, professional support, you establish a welcome environment that drives positive reviews, repeat bookings, and stress-free hosting.

If you’re ready to streamline your Airbnb cleaning or want help meeting the highest standards in Chicago, Airbnb cleaning and related tailored solutions are available from trusted professionals. Take the next step toward memorable guest experiences and spotless results.

About CHI Cleaning Services

CHI Cleaning Services is dedicated to maintaining exceptional cleanliness in homes, offices, and Airbnb properties throughout Chicago, Illinois, and nearby communities. Our experienced team specializes in recurring house cleaning, deep cleans, move out cleaning, office and facility care, and tailored solutions for short-term rental environments. With rigorous checklists, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to client satisfaction, CHI Cleaning Services helps households and businesses keep their spaces clean, healthy, and guest-ready every day.

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