Introduction: The Reality of Hosting in London’s Airbnb Market
The London Airbnb scene is dynamic, fast-paced, and fiercely competitive. With thousands of listings available to guests, the margin for error is razor-thin, especially when it comes to cleanliness. Reviews often make or break a host’s success, and even the slightest oversight during turnover can lead to costly cancellations or poor ratings.
As a co-host in London, where bookings are often back-to-back and time between guest departures and arrivals is minimal, mastering cleaning turnover is a survival skill. But being busy doesn’t mean compromising on quality. You just need expert strategies, proven tools, and a tight system.
In this blog, we reveal 10 expert-level turnover tips every London co-host must know to maintain efficiency, wow guests, and safeguard those coveted 5-star reviews—even on the tightest schedule.
1. Create a Laser-Focused Turnover Cleaning Checklist
A cleaning checklist isn’t just a helpful tool—it’s a co-host’s bible.
Your turnover checklist should be hyper-detailed and adapted to your specific property. The more precise, the faster and more consistent the cleaning becomes. For example:
- Change all linens and towels (never reuse, even if they “look clean”)
- Wipe all light switches, doorknobs, and remotes with disinfectant
- Vacuum behind sofas and under beds
- Check the fridge, microwave, and oven for spills or odors
- Refill consumables (toilet paper, soap, dishwashing liquid)
Pro Tip: Use a digital checklist app like Google Keep, Notion, or a task manager such as TurnoverBnB to standardize and track every step.
2. Invest in Duplicate Inventory for Faster Linen Swaps
Time is always short during turnovers—especially in Central London where check-ins often happen just an hour or two after check-outs.
Having duplicate sets of:
- Sheets and pillowcases
- Towels and bathmats
- Duvet covers and blankets
…allows you to swap out dirty laundry immediately and clean everything later at your own pace. It also reduces stress and potential delays if laundry isn’t finished in time.
Pro Tip: Store clean linens in a designated, sealed container to keep them dust- and odor-free between turnovers.
3. Use Pre-Packaged Guest Kits to Save Time and Impress
A pro-level hack for busy co-hosts is to assemble pre-packed guest kits.
Your kits should include:
- Individually wrapped toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner)
- A welcome note with Wi-Fi info
- Tea bags, coffee sachets, sugar
- Cleaned and sealed cutlery packs (if you’re offering a breakfast tray)
This preparation not only speeds up turnovers but adds a boutique hotel feel to your listing—boosting guest satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Keep at least 3 sets of guest kits ready in storage so you never scramble to prepare one last-minute.
4. Schedule Deep Cleans Between Gaps—Don’t Wait for Disaster
Quick turnovers may keep your Airbnb calendar full, but they don’t allow for thorough scrubbing. To avoid wear-and-tear buildup, schedule a monthly deep clean.
This includes:
- Steam-cleaning carpets or rugs
- Descaling taps and showerheads
- Washing walls and skirting boards
- Polishing furniture and metal fixtures
- Cleaning inside all cabinets, closets, and under furniture
Pro Tip: Use midweek calendar gaps for deep cleaning. Even a 1-day break between bookings gives you space to restore the property to its original standard.
5. Automate Your Cleaning Service Scheduling
Gone are the days of chasing cleaners by phone. As a busy London co-host, automation is your ally.
Use platforms like:
- TurnoverBnB
- Host Tools
- Properly
- Breezeway
These tools sync with your Airbnb or calendar, auto-notify cleaners when bookings are confirmed, and let you assign cleaning checklists, upload photos, and review performance.
Pro Tip: Choose cleaners familiar with Airbnb standards. Traditional cleaners may not understand the guest-first mindset Airbnb demands.
6. Set a Timer for Each Room
Time-blocking is an elite co-host trick for staying efficient and focused.
Example structure:
- Bedroom: 20 minutes (make bed, dust, vacuum)
- Bathroom: 25 minutes (scrub, disinfect, replace towels)
- Kitchen: 30 minutes (wipe appliances, restock supplies, mop)
- Living area: 20 minutes (dust electronics, vacuum, fluff cushions)
Working within time limits forces productivity without sacrificing attention to detail.
Pro Tip: Use a smartwatch or kitchen timer for accountability, especially when you’re juggling multiple properties.
7. Use Scent Strategically for a Clean First Impression
Guests often judge cleanliness by smell. Even if a property is spotless, lingering odors can ruin the first impression.
Essential oils like lemon, lavender, or eucalyptus make a space feel both clean and inviting. Avoid synthetic air fresheners—they can trigger allergies.
Quick scent upgrades:
- Diffuser with essential oils in the living room
- in Scented sachets in wardrobes
- Mild linen spray on bedding and curtains
Pro Tip: Always air the space for 15–30 minutes before applying scents to avoid masking bad odors.
8. Train or Rotate Cleaners to Prevent Burnout and Sloppy Work
Even professional cleaners get tired. And tired cleaners miss details.
If you’re using cleaning staff, rotate your team or offer incentives for excellent performance. Train them not just in how to clean, but how to think like a co-host.
Teach:
- Where to find inventory
- What to report (damage, missing items, stains)
- How to handle forgotten guest items
Pro Tip: Leave a quick feedback form after each turnover to track consistency and communicate improvements.
9. Photograph the Property After Every Turnover
Photos serve as both quality control and insurance.
- Confirm that cleaning is complete and staged properly
- Compare “before” and “after” images to spot wear or damage
- Protect yourself in case guests claim something was dirty or missing
Take wide shots and detailed close-ups of:
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms (with beds made)
- Kitchen counters and appliances
- Entryway and hallway
- Any high-value items (e.g., TV, artwork, mirrors)
Pro Tip: Use the same angles each time for easy reference.
10. Leave a Signature Touch for Personalization
This last tip isn’t about cleaning—it’s about delight.
A signature touch sets you apart from other co-hosts. Examples:
- A handwritten “Welcome back” card for returning guests
- A single fresh flower in a mini vase
- A small box of local chocolates on the counter
It makes guests feel special, increases your chance of a glowing review, and compensates for any minor imperfections.
Pro Tip: Prepare 10–15 of your signature items in advance so they’re ready to go during tight turnovers.
Final Thoughts: Master the Turnover, Master the Market
In a city as demanding as London, Airbnb co-hosts have to do more than clean—they must perform with surgical precision. Guests expect hotel-grade hygiene, flawless presentation, and a warm welcome, even when you’re racing against the clock.
These 10 expert turnover tips are your blueprint for managing back-to-back bookings like a pro while maintaining your sanity—and your Superhost status.
By investing in systems, training, automation, and thoughtful detail, you can confidently run a 5-star Airbnb operation in one of the world’s busiest cities.