Hosting in London is a rewarding venture. The city’s charm, cultural richness, and constant flow of tourists make it one of the most lucrative Airbnb markets in the world. But with opportunity comes fierce competition. Guests are spoilt for choice—there are thousands of listings across the capital, from chic studio apartments in Shoreditch to Victorian townhouses in Notting Hill. And while location and price play a part in securing bookings, there’s one factor that has the power to make or break your hosting reputation: cleanliness.
Airbnb guests expect spotless spaces. In fact, cleanliness consistently ranks as one of the most crucial factors influencing reviews. In London—where guests are often international travelers used to high hospitality standards—the margin for error is even slimmer. Superhost status, with its promise of credibility and higher visibility, is the ultimate badge of honor for hosts. Yet it’s alarmingly easy to lose that badge if your cleaning standards slip.
This blog dives into eight of the most common cleaning mistakes London hosts make—mistakes that don’t just lead to minor guest grumbles but can directly result in negative reviews, complaints, refunds, and the dreaded loss of Superhost status. By the end, you’ll not only recognize these pitfalls but also learn exactly how to avoid them, ensuring your property shines with every turnover.
Mistake 1: Overlooking Hidden Dust Traps
London homes, whether modern apartments or period houses, are notorious for collecting dust. Thanks to traffic pollution, smog, and the city’s high density, fine particles make their way indoors faster than most hosts realize. The problem isn’t just what you see—it’s the places guests often notice but hosts or cleaners miss: skirting boards, light fixtures, window sills, under furniture, and behind appliances.
A guest may forgive a tiny smudge on a mirror, but spotting a thick layer of dust behind the headboard or on a lampshade can immediately signal neglect. In a city where guests are often paying premium rates, this comes across as unacceptable.
How to fix it:
- Schedule deep dusting weekly, even if you have frequent turnovers.
- Use a HEPA filter vacuum that captures fine London dust particles.
- Don’t forget high-touch and high-visibility spots: blinds, shelves, and corners.
- Rotate furniture occasionally to access hidden areas.
Guests remember how “fresh” and “clean” a property feels. Missing dust creates the opposite impression, making even otherwise clean spaces feel grimy.
Mistake 2: Neglecting the Kitchen’s Grease and Grime
The kitchen is the heart of the home—but also one of the fastest places to show signs of poor cleaning. London Airbnb guests, whether they’re families cooking meals or business travelers heating leftovers, expect spotless appliances and surfaces. Nothing triggers a complaint faster than greasy hobs, sticky cupboard handles, or crumbs in a toaster.
London’s hard water adds another layer of complication—leaving limescale marks on sinks, kettles, and dishwashers if not regularly treated. Add to this the lingering odors from cooking, and you can see why kitchens are the downfall of many hosts.
How to fix it:
- Always degrease stovetops and splashbacks with proper cleaning agents.
- Clean inside appliances guests may open: the microwave, fridge, oven.
- Descale kettles and taps regularly using vinegar or commercial limescale remover.
- Empty and wipe out cupboards between guests to eliminate crumbs and odors.
Remember: many guests won’t cook, but almost all will inspect the kitchen. A single streak of grease or sticky handle can ruin their perception of overall cleanliness.
Mistake 3: Bathrooms That Fail the White Towel Test
Bathrooms are where hosts either shine—or spectacularly fail. Guests expect them to be as pristine as a luxury hotel’s. Unfortunately, this is also where many London hosts cut corners, especially when facing back-to-back turnovers. The most common culprits? Soap scum on shower doors, mold in grout, hair in drains, streaked mirrors, and limescale-stained taps.
London’s damp climate combined with hard water makes bathrooms extra tricky. Mold forms quickly if ventilation is poor, and mineral deposits create unsightly build-up in days. Nothing alarms guests more than stepping into a shower that doesn’t look freshly cleaned.
How to fix it:
- Always do a white towel check—wipe surfaces with a fresh towel after cleaning to spot residue.
- Use anti-mold sprays in grout and sealant lines.
- Polish taps and glass until they shine.
- Replace shower curtains or liners regularly—they trap odors and mildew.
A gleaming bathroom signals hygiene, attention to detail, and care. Anything less can drop your rating by stars.
Mistake 4: Forgetting Fabrics and Soft Furnishings
From curtains to cushions, throws, and upholstered chairs, fabrics silently collect dust, odors, and stains. Many London hosts focus on the “hard clean” surfaces but forget these soft touches. Yet guests notice instantly when fabrics smell musty, have pet hair, or look tired.
With many London Airbnbs located in compact spaces, fabrics absorb cooking smells, traffic pollution, and even the occasional hint of damp. Over time, this can create a stale atmosphere that no amount of surface cleaning will mask.
How to fix it:
- Wash cushion covers, throws, and blankets on rotation.
- Use a fabric refresher spray between washes.
- Steam clean curtains and upholstery at least every few months.
- Invest in easily washable items rather than dry-clean-only fabrics.
Fresh fabrics elevate the sense of comfort and luxury, while neglected ones silently sabotage your reviews.
Mistake 5: Poorly Laundered Bedding and Towels
Nothing screams “bad host” louder than stained, wrinkled, or low-quality bedding. In London, where guests expect hotel-like standards, bedding is often the number one reason for complaints. Common mistakes include: not changing duvet covers between guests, providing mismatched sets, or using sheets that are worn, gray, or have faint stains. Towels, too, are often neglected—hosts provide old or frayed ones that make guests question hygiene.
How to fix it:
- Always use crisp, white bedding and towels—they show cleanliness.
- Wash at high temperatures and use whitening agents to keep linens bright.
- Invest in multiple sets to rotate, avoiding rushed laundering on same-day turnovers.
- Iron or professionally press bedding for a hotel-quality feel.
Remember: guests spend hours in bed. If bedding feels unclean, they’ll assume the whole property is unclean.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Windows and Natural Light
London may not be famous for year-round sunshine, but when light does stream in, dirty windows become glaringly obvious. Smudges, streaks, condensation stains, and grime buildup instantly downgrade your property’s appearance. Many hosts forget windows during turnovers, assuming guests won’t notice—but they do, especially in a city where views are part of the attraction.
How to fix it:
- Clean inside windows every turnover.
- Schedule professional exterior cleaning every few months, particularly for street-facing properties where smog builds up fast.
- Don’t forget window sills and frames—they collect dust and mold.
Sparkling windows brighten spaces, make rooms look bigger, and elevate guests’ mood—a small detail with big impact.
Mistake 7: Overlooking Odors
One of the fastest ways to lose a 5-star review is with a bad smell. Guests won’t always mention it in person, but they’ll certainly write about it afterward. Common sources of odors in London Airbnbs include bins not emptied properly, food residue in fridges, damp bathrooms, old carpets, and pet hair. Sometimes even overdoing air fresheners can backfire, as strong artificial scents make guests suspicious of what’s being masked.
How to fix it:
- Always empty and disinfect bins.
- Ventilate the property thoroughly between guests.
- Use subtle, natural scents—diffusers, fresh flowers, or light linen sprays.
- Deep clean carpets and rugs regularly.
A fresh-smelling property is inviting and reassuring, while a musty or artificial smell is a guaranteed mood-killer.
Mistake 8: Rushed or Inconsistent Turnovers
London’s high demand often means same-day turnovers, with cleaners rushing to prepare a property in a tight window. Unfortunately, rushed cleans are where mistakes pile up: missing details, leaving behind hair, forgetting to check cupboards, or not restocking essentials. Even worse is inconsistency—when one stay feels spotless and the next feels sloppy. Guests notice these variations, and nothing hurts reviews faster than unpredictability.
How to fix it:
- Develop a detailed cleaning checklist and use it every single time.
- Allow sufficient turnover time or hire extra help on busy days.
- Train cleaners specifically on Airbnb standards—not just general domestic cleaning.
- Do random quality checks to ensure consistency.
Consistency is the foundation of Superhost status. Guests should feel that your space is reliably perfect, no matter when they book.
Why These Mistakes Matter More in London
London’s Airbnb market is fiercely competitive. Guests here are not only paying premium rates but also comparing your property to hundreds of others nearby. With global travelers expecting international standards, there’s zero tolerance for sloppy cleaning.
Even small missteps can have outsized consequences:
- A dusty shelf leads to a 4-star review instead of 5.
- Greasy hobs leave guests doubting hygiene.
- Stale odors or poor bedding make them feel shortchanged.
Each of these issues chips away at your ratings, and once your average dips, you risk losing your Superhost badge. That badge isn’t just vanity—it directly impacts your visibility, bookings, and income.
The Path to Superhost-Worthy Cleaning
Avoiding these eight mistakes isn’t complicated—it’s about consistency, attention to detail, and understanding what matters most to guests. Create systems, invest in professional-quality cleaning tools, train your cleaners, and never cut corners. In London’s market, it’s the small details—the polished taps, the crisp sheets, the fresh smell—that separate average hosts from exceptional Superhosts.
By making cleanliness your top priority, you don’t just protect your badge—you build guest trust, increase repeat bookings, and ensure your property thrives in one of the world’s toughest hosting arenas.