Introduction
London is one of the busiest Airbnb markets in the world, with thousands of short-let properties serving tourists, business travelers, and students year-round. In such a competitive and high-demand environment, 5-star cleanliness isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.
Cleanliness is consistently ranked as the number one concern among Airbnb guests. It directly affects reviews, ratings, and repeat bookings. For co-hosts—those behind the scenes managing the day-to-day operations of Airbnb properties—the pressure to meet these high standards is intense.
This blog takes you inside the world of Airbnb co-hosts in London and reveals exactly how they maintain 5-star cleanliness, stay ahead of guest expectations, and help properties consistently perform at the top of their game.
Understanding the Co-host’s Role in Cleanliness
An Airbnb co-host acts as an operational manager. Their responsibilities can include:
- Communicating with guests
- Handling check-ins and check-outs
- Restocking essentials
- Inspecting and maintaining the property
- Managing the cleaning schedule
Co-hosts are essentially quality controllers, and cleanliness is one of the most important areas they must master. Unlike hosts who may live abroad or own multiple properties, co-hosts are local, hands-on, and deeply involved in day-to-day logistics.
Let’s explore the key methods and strategies they use to ensure that every guest walks into a spotless, inviting space.
1. Building a Reliable Cleaning Team
No co-host can do it alone. Behind every 5-star listing is a dependable and well-trained cleaning team. London co-hosts often build relationships with:
- Specialized Airbnb cleaning companies
- Freelance cleaners with flexible availability
- Agencies offering short-let turnover services
What makes a cleaning team reliable?
- Punctuality for tight turnovers
- Consistency in cleaning standards
- Familiarity with Airbnb expectations
- Communication with the co-host about issues or damage
Co-hosts often maintain a backup cleaner or team to cover last-minute cancellations or peak-season demand.
2. Developing a Property-Specific Cleaning Checklist
Generic cleaning isn’t good enough. Co-hosts understand that each property has unique features and problem areas. That’s why they use property-specific checklists that go beyond basic dusting and vacuuming.
A standard Airbnb checklist may include:
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces
- Vacuum and mop all floors
- Deep clean bathroom (tiles, toilet base, grout)
- Remove hair from drains and linens
- Clean inside microwave, oven, and fridge
- Empty all trash and recycling
- Restock toiletries and kitchen supplies
- Wipe all mirrors and glass
- Check for odors and ventilation
Top co-hosts tailor these lists for each flat—adding details like wiping behind radiators in Victorian homes or cleaning balconies in high-rise apartments.
3. Using Turnover Management Tools
Technology plays a huge role in modern co-hosting. Turnover tools like TurnoverBnB, Breezeway, and Properly help London co-hosts:
- Automate cleaning scheduling after each booking
- Share photo-based checklists with cleaners
- Track completed tasks and property readiness
- Communicate directly with cleaning staff
- Receive notifications for delays or problems
These tools eliminate human error, reduce no-shows, and ensure that even if the co-host manages 5 or 10 properties, each one receives the attention it needs to remain spotless.
4. Conducting Post-Cleaning Inspections
Even with great cleaners, smart co-hosts don’t leave things to chance. Many do on-site inspections between turnovers—especially after long-term stays or large group bookings.
Inspections focus on:
- Missed areas like under beds or behind curtains
- Linen presentation (no wrinkles, proper folding)
- Smells or signs of hidden spills
- Forgotten personal items from guests
- Confirmation that the property is staged correctly for photos
If the co-host is unavailable, they might request photo documentation from the cleaning crew. This helps build trust and maintain accountability.
5. Stocking Quality Supplies and Products
Cheap or ineffective cleaning supplies lead to mediocre results. Co-hosts often supply cleaners with:
- Industrial-grade disinfectants
- Eco-friendly or hypoallergenic cleaners
- Color-coded microfiber cloths to avoid cross-contamination
- Limescale removers (essential for London’s hard water)
- HEPA-filter vacuums to reduce allergens
In addition, hosts often buy premium linens, towels, and soaps to create a luxury feel. These items not only need to be cleaned well but also replaced regularly. A stained towel, even if washed, can damage a 5-star rating.
6. Planning for Quick Turnovers
In London, back-to-back bookings are common, especially during summer and major events like Wimbledon or Notting Hill Carnival. Co-hosts develop strategies for quick turnovers:
- Cleaners begin work as soon as guests check out (some even arrive early to wait)
- Laundry is outsourced to professional linen services or rotated with backups
- Essentials are pre-packed in kits (toilet rolls, coffee pods, mini soaps)
- Trash and recycling systems are streamlined for fast disposal
Timing is everything, and co-hosts aim to clean and reset a 1-bedroom flat in under two hours without compromising on quality.
7. Performing Deep Cleans Regularly
While surface cleaning works for day-to-day, deep cleaning is scheduled every few weeks or months depending on guest volume.
A deep clean includes:
- Cleaning behind and under furniture
- Washing curtains and upholstery
- Descaling showerheads and taps
- Cleaning inside vents and under appliances
- Repainting scuffed walls or touching up grout
Co-hosts plan these during low seasons or longer vacancies. Many pair them with property maintenance, like replacing light bulbs, repairing locks, or steam-cleaning carpets.
8. Preventing Cleaning Issues Before They Start
Preventive measures help co-hosts avoid common cleaning disasters. These include:
- Using mattress and pillow protectors to reduce staining
- Installing doormats to minimize dirt indoors
- Offering shoe storage to discourage walking on carpets
- Placing table protectors or coasters to avoid marks
- Choosing easy-to-clean furnishings (e.g., faux leather over fabric sofas)
These small details make cleaning easier and faster, while also preserving the property’s appearance long-term.
9. Managing Guest Cleanliness Expectations
Guests arrive with varying standards and expectations. Co-hosts manage these by:
- Writing clear, realistic cleaning expectations in the house rules
- Asking guests to take out the rubbish before check-out
- Encouraging guests to leave the property tidy (not spotless, but respectful)
- Offering rewards for tidy guests (early check-ins, discount codes)
- Politely addressing any damage or extra mess after check-out
This balances the need for cleanliness with the reality of human behavior—while reducing surprise messes and helping cleaners prepare better.
10. Handling Negative Feedback Quickly and Professionally
Despite best efforts, the occasional complaint may arise. Co-hosts know how to handle it with:
- Prompt, polite responses
- Offering partial refunds if genuinely warranted
- Sending a cleaner immediately to address missed spots (if caught early)
- Thanking guests for feedback and using it to train cleaners
The key is to never get defensive. One bad review handled professionally can turn into a guest appreciating your effort and even editing their review later.
The Importance of Local Knowledge
London is a complex city. A co-host’s knowledge of the local area can impact cleanliness. For example:
- Properties in Zone 1 may need more frequent dusting due to pollution
- Flats near pubs or nightlife areas might require extra odor control
- Buildings without lifts require careful planning for waste disposal
- South London hard water areas need regular descaling
Top co-hosts use this local insight to schedule more targeted cleanings and equip cleaners with the right tools for the environment.
Case Study: A 5-Star Co-Hosting Operation in East London
Consider Tom and Maya, co-hosts managing 8 properties across Shoreditch and Hackney. Their system includes:
- A dedicated team of three cleaners trained specifically for Airbnb turnovers
- Customized checklists with laminated copies at each property
- Turnover scheduling synced with Airbnb and iCal
- Regular deep cleans scheduled every 10 bookings
- Welcome baskets packed and ready to go for each listing
- Feedback loops: guests rate cleanliness separately and cleaners are incentivized based on high guest scores
Result? 6 of their 8 properties are Superhost listings with 4.9+ ratings in cleanliness—and they’ve even launched a small training program for other co-hosts.
Guest Experience Tied to Cleanliness
Guests who enter a clean home immediately feel at ease. It sets the tone for their entire stay. They’re more likely to:
- Take care of the property
- Leave better reviews
- Recommend the listing to others
- Rebook for future visits
Co-hosts who consistently provide clean spaces aren’t just maintaining hygiene—they’re delivering peace of mind.
Conclusion
Maintaining 5-star cleanliness as a co-host in London is both an art and a science. It requires systems, technology, relationships, and an eye for detail. But more than anything, it takes commitment—a genuine dedication to providing every guest with a fresh, spotless, and inviting space.
Whether you manage one listing or ten, remember that cleanliness is your brand. Guests may forget your décor or your check-in instructions—but they will never forget a dusty shelf or stained linen.
As competition grows and guest expectations rise, London co-hosts who prioritize cleanliness will continue to stand out, win more bookings, and build a reputation that drives long-term success.