How to Interview an Airbnb Cleaner

Good morning,

If you want to avoid cleaner chaos (missed turnovers, endless excuses, or worse… angry guests), it all starts here: the interview. Treat it like you’re hiring for the CIA.

Ask the right questions now, and you’ll avoid headaches later. 

Let’s go:

The Basics

• Do you have reliable transportation? No car = no clean.

• Do you have a smartphone? They need to snap pics, check apps, and communicate fast.

• Any Airbnb experience? Airbnb cleans are NOT your grandma’s weekly tidy-up. This is staging. Detail. Precision. Guests expect magazine-cover ready.

• Can I speak to your references? Words from past clients say more than a resume.

• Are you comfortable with a background check?

Trust, but verify.

Comfort with Technology and Systems

If you’re not using tech, you’re doing this the hard way. Software tools can automate your cleaning schedule based on bookings. The cleaner gets notified, cleans happen, and life is good. No confusion, no missed turnovers.

But here’s the catch: your cleaner needs to be on board.

Walk your cleaner through your whole process, end-to-end (tech setup, how you schedule and communicate, cleaning checklists, photos & documentation needs, damage reporting system, etc.) Show, don’t just tell.

Then ask: “Are you 100% comfortable with this system?” If they hesitate, dig deeper.

Next: Discuss Inventory tracking. Toilet paper? Cleaning supplies? You need a system. 

Are you able to notify me when XYZ supply is running low? Clearly define when and how you want updates.

Laundry, Trash, and Small Fixes

Laundry:

Will laundry be done on-site or off-site?

• On-site = More control, but slower.

• Off-site = Faster, but risk of mixed-up linens.

Waste Management: 

Trash: who handles it, when, and how often? Be crystal clear on expectations 

Trash piles up faster than you think. Especially in rural areas.

Minor Maintenance: 

Can you handle minor maintenance like…?

• Batteries (smoke detectors, remotes)

• Wi-Fi resets (this saves lives)

• Grills, fire pits, saunas (basic cleaning, NOT repairs - repairs should be done by a 3rd party handyman)

A cleaner who can swap light bulbs or reset a smart lock is worth their weight in gold.

Runner services:

Do you offer “runner services”? (running to the house for a quick fix for a small fee). 

This is especially important for remote properties. Agree on the price upfront.

Teams vs Solo Cleaners

What is your business structure? Understand if you are hiring a cleaning company, or a solo cleaner.

Both have pros and cons. But generally, a team or cleaning company is better than a solo cleaner. 

Why? Backup coverage. If Jane gets sick, the team handles it. 

If you elect to go with a solo cleaner, recognize that you are relying on one cleaner with potentially no backup. Plan ahead and make sure you have a Plan B. Build it now, not when you’re scrambling before a 3PM check-in.

Ask for Their Input

Top cleaners bring efficiency you didn’t even know you needed.

Ask: What systems have worked really well for you before?

You might hear game-changing tips you can implement instantly.

Finding the right cleaner feels like finding a unicorn. But the truth is, good cleaners exist – you just need to vet them like your rental depends on it.

Because it does.

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