In the world of Airbnb hosting, nothing secures more 5-star reviews than a sparkling clean home. For London co-hosts navigating fast turnovers, demanding guests, and fierce competition, cleanliness isn’t just a standard—it’s the secret weapon. The city’s top-rated co-hosts have mastered cleaning techniques that transform their spaces into luxury stays, earning glowing reviews and repeat bookings. Want to know how they do it?
This blog reveals the powerful cleaning secrets elite London co-hosts swear by—and how you can apply them to keep your property 5-star worthy, no matter how busy the season gets.
1. Cleaning Starts with the Right Mindset: Guests Expect Hotel-Quality Cleanliness
Successful co-hosts know that Airbnb guests often expect more than they would at a hotel. Surprising? Not at all. Guests believe that if they’re choosing a unique stay over a standard hotel, it should be cleaner, more personal, and exceptionally well-kept.
Elite co-hosts approach cleaning with the same precision and professionalism as hotel housekeeping teams. They train their eyes to spot everything—fingerprints on mirrors, smudges on light switches, limescale on taps, dust on baseboards, and even subtle smells that could trigger a negative review.
Pro Tip:
Use a checklist based on hotel housekeeping standards, including:
- Bathroom ventilation and tile grout checks
- Under-bed sweeps for forgotten items
- Fingerprint removal on all glass, chrome, and handles
- Linen inspection under natural light for stains or tears
2. Invest in Luxury-Grade Linens and Replace Them Often
Cleanliness is not just about appearance—it’s also about perception. Elite co-hosts understand that guests associate fresh, white, high-thread-count linens with cleanliness and comfort. So, they invest in hotel-quality sheets and fluffy towels that are both durable and luxurious.
They also keep an extra set of linens and towels on hand to quickly swap out stained or worn items before the next guest arrives. This prevents last-minute panic and maintains consistent quality.
Pro Tip:
Use professional laundry services or industrial-grade detergents that remove stains without damaging fabric. Avoid heavily fragranced products—go for a fresh but subtle scent.
3. The Nose Knows: Elite Hosts Eliminate Every Trace of Odor
A spotless space that smells musty or stale won’t win 5 stars. Top co-hosts in London go beyond surface cleaning—they deodorize thoroughly. After all, urban environments, rainy weather, and older buildings can all contribute to persistent odors.
Elite hosts:
- Use ozone or activated charcoal air purifiers
- Shampoo carpets and upholstery monthly
- Wipe down bins with antibacterial solutions and odor removers
- Clean drains with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water
- Air out the flat between bookings whenever possible
Pro Tip:
Use a fabric-safe deodorizer spray (unscented or lightly scented) on curtains, upholstery, and mattresses.
4. Don’t Just Clean—Stage the Space for Wow Factor
Elite co-hosts don’t stop at cleaning—they style. They fluff cushions, align furniture symmetrically, fold towels neatly, and top beds with carefully arranged throws and accent pillows.
Staging makes the space feel intentional and elevates the perception of cleanliness. It also makes the room more photogenic for guest selfies—free marketing!
Pro Tip:
Use the “hotel fold” for towels and create a signature guest touch: a tiny welcome gift, a personalized note, or a neatly placed booklet with local recommendations.
5. Use Pro Tools for Pro Results
The best co-hosts use professional-grade tools and cleaning products that actually work—no cheap sprays or worn-out mops allowed. Their kits include:
- HEPA-filter vacuums for allergens and pet hair
- Microfiber cloths for streak-free wiping
- Steam cleaners for upholstery and tile grout
- Extendable dusters for hard-to-reach areas
- Enzyme-based cleaners for organic stains
In London, many elite hosts use cleaning services that specialize in short-let turnovers. But even when outsourcing, they ensure the right tools and methods are being used.
Pro Tip:
Create a mobile cleaning cart or backpack with everything your cleaner or team needs to tackle turnovers efficiently.
6. Master the Art of the Speed Turnover Without Missing Details
Time is tight between bookings, especially in summer or during events like Wimbledon or Notting Hill Carnival. Elite co-hosts have optimized systems to make every second count without compromising on detail.
They:
- Use room-by-room checklists
- Clean top to bottom, left to right, to avoid missing spots
- Load dishwashers and laundry first so they finish mid-clean
- Assign tasks if working with a partner or cleaner
- Use time-saving tools like cordless vacuums and disinfectant sprays with quick drying times
Pro Tip:
Leave a buffer window of 3–4 hours between guests wherever possible. It allows you to clean thoroughly and handle unexpected messes calmly.
7. Conduct a Final Walkthrough Like a Guest Would
The final, crucial step elite co-hosts never skip: the guest-eye walkthrough.
Before locking up, they walk through the space as if they were the next guest, checking:
- Are the floors spotless?
- Do the mirrors gleam?
- Is the showerhead free of limescale?
- Are there any stray hairs (especially in the bathroom)?
- Does it smell fresh?
- Are the lights all working?
This mindset shift helps them spot things a cleaner might miss and ensures a flawless first impression.
Pro Tip:
Leave the lights on, curtains open, and windows slightly cracked (if safe) so guests walk into a bright, airy space.
Why These Secrets Work in London’s Airbnb Market
London is one of the most competitive Airbnb markets in the world. With thousands of listings and high guest expectations, especially from international travelers, standing out requires more than a clean space. It requires a reputation for impeccable, consistent cleanliness—and these secrets are how the elite earn it.
Moreover, London’s variable weather, older housing stock, and multicultural guests bring unique challenges:
- Condensation and mold in older flats
- Soot and air pollution near high-traffic areas
- High expectations from business travelers and global tourists
- Fast-paced bookings, often with international turnaround times
Top co-hosts navigate these issues by maintaining a system, not just reacting with a mop and bucket.
What Guests Say When Cleanliness Is Done Right
Here are a few real-life examples of what 5-star reviewers say after experiencing hotel-level cleanliness:
⭐ “Spotless! Felt like I was the first person to ever stay there.”
⭐ “I’m a clean freak, and this place exceeded my expectations.”
⭐ “Everything smelled so fresh. Towels, sheets, even the drawers!”
⭐ “Better than a hotel—hands down the cleanest Airbnb I’ve stayed in.”
⭐ “Loved the little touches and how everything was in perfect order.”
These reviews don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of strategy, standards, and a co-host who treats cleaning like a science.
Bonus: Tools & Products Top Co-hosts Recommend
If you want to clean like a pro, here’s a list of must-haves:
- Vax ONEPWR Glide (vacuum + mop combo)
- E-Cloth microfiber set (chemical-free, reusable)
- Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils (great for linens)
- Zoflora disinfectant (multi-use + lightly scented)
- Astonish Mold & Mildew Blaster (great for tiles)
- Neutradol or Ozium spray (air freshening + odor neutralizing)
Also consider a linen tracking system—apps like Properly help co-hosts log linen condition, usage, and replacements.
Final Thoughts: Cleanliness Isn’t Optional—It’s Your Superpower
The best Airbnb co-hosts in London have one major thing in common: they treat cleaning like a brand pillar, not a chore. In the era of high guest expectations and ruthless competition, cleanliness is the cornerstone of trust—and trust leads to 5-star reviews, repeat bookings, and superhost status.
By applying these elite cleaning secrets—from linen laundering to final walkthroughs—you’ll not only wow guests but also protect your reputation, avoid complaints, and rise to the top of Airbnb’s search results.