Amazing Results: UK Airbnb Cleaning Fee Revealed

The Airbnb cleaning fee is one of the most discussed and often misunderstood components of an Airbnb reservation. Guests may see it as a significant extra charge, while hosts rely on it to maintain high standards and ensure their vacation rental remains profitable.

This fee is a central component of a host's pricing strategy, directly impacting guest satisfaction and reflecting the actual costs of operating a quality short-term rental. Understanding how to calculate, apply, and maintain communication regarding it is essential. This guide will provide the details you need to set a fair price that covers your costs, meets guest expectations, and helps your UK home listings succeed.

How does Airbnb's cleaning fee work?

The Airbnb cleaning fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge that hosts add to the booking total. The guest pays it to cover the cost of preparing the apartment or house after checkout.

This fee allows a home host to account for the direct costs of turning over a property. Whether the host hires professional help or performs the cleaning themselves, there are tangible expenses and labour involved. The cleaning charge is added to the nightly rate and the guest service fee to create the final booking total.

It is important to note that this is usually a single fee per stay. The cost to clean a property after one night is generally the same as after seven nights, which has important implications for your pricing strategy.

What is the average Airbnb cleaning fee in the UK?

A single 'average' fee is misleading, given the spectrum of UK properties, from a single room to a sprawling 10-bedroom house.

While some international guides cite figures between $50 and $80, this is not a valuable benchmark for the UK market. Instead, hosts should analyse the market standard of comparable listings in their specific neighbourhood. UK-based short-let management guides suggest that a standard cleaning fee for a typical property often falls between £40 and £70.

However, this average varies dramatically by location and size. For example:

• Studio/1-bed flat: £30 - £50 (or £50 - £65 in London)
• 2-bed house/flat: £60 - £85
• 3-bed+ house: £75 - £120+

Costs in London or Edinburgh will be significantly higher than in a rural town. The best approach is to research similar properties to establish a realistic benchmark.

How much should I charge for a cleaning service?

Determining the right fee is a crucial balancing act. Your final charge, combined with your nightly rate, must result in a total price that is attractive to guests planning to travel.

To calculate your fee, start by breaking down your actual costs.

• Labour Costs: This is the most significant expense. If you hire a professional service, use their direct quote. Reliable cleaning services in the UK often charge between £15 and £25 per hour.
• Cleaning Materials: Tally the cost of all products, eco cleaning products, sponges, bin bags, and paper towels used per turnover.
• Laundry Services: Account for the cost of laundering linens and towels. This includes water, electricity, detergent, and the time spent removing stains.
• Restocking Amenities: Factor in the cost of replacing items provided for guests, such as toilet paper, soap, and shampoo.
• High-Touch Areas & Sanitisation: Post-pandemic, sanitising surfaces and high-touch areas (like remotes and light switches) is non-negotiable.

Once you have your total cost, research 10-20 comparable listings in your area. You might also use dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs, Uplisting, or Airbnb’s Smart Pricing to see how your total price compares.

What does an Airbnb cleaning fee cover?

The cleaning fee is intended to cover all costs associated with preparing the property for the next guest. It is distinct from an end-of-tenancy cleaning, which is a deeper, less frequent clean used in long-term letting.

A well-calculated fee typically includes:

• Standard Cleaning: Dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
• Kitchen Prep: Cleaning the refrigerator, emptying the dishwasher, and wiping surfaces.
• Laundering: Washing and replacing all bed linens and towels.
• Restocking: Replenishing essentials.
• Waste Disposal: Emptying trash receptacles and recycling bins.

Deep cleaning tasks, such as carpet shampooing or washing curtains, are typically treated as maintenance and budgeted separately from the per-booking turnover fee.

Do I have to charge a cleaning fee?

No, charging a cleaning fee is optional. Some hosts choose to absorb the cost into their nightly rate. However, without a separate fee, you can end up out of pocket. If you have a one or two-night minimum, the cost of a full turnover can easily exceed the profit from that booking. A separate fee ensures your expenses are covered every time.

Ground Rules, Damages, and AirCover

It is vital to set clear expectations in your house rules and ground rules. While the cleaning fee covers standard turnover, it does not cover gross negligence or damage.

If a guest leaves the place in a state requiring excessive cleaning (e.g., violations of your Smoking, tobacco, or cannabis policies, or due to biological waste), you may need to claim additional funds. Airbnb’s AirCover protects hosts in these instances.

Be clear about your check-in time and checkout time to ensure your professional cleaners or guest turnover schedule runs smoothly. If a guest overstays, it impacts your ability to clean for the next arrival.

Are cleaning fees negotiable on Airbnb?

Guests may contact you to ask for a discount. It is generally best practice not to negotiate your cleaning fee. This fee covers real expenses.

A professional response could be: "Thank you for your interest. We don't discount the cleaning fee as it covers the cost of professional cleaning to ensure the space is perfectly prepared. We appreciate your understanding."

This maintains the integrity of your pricing. If you receive a trip change request that shortens a stay, the cleaning fee usually remains constant, ensuring your turnover costs are still met.

Do service fees and taxes apply?

Yes. The guest service fee is calculated based on the booking subtotal, which includes the nightly rate plus the cleaning fee. Because the cleaning fee is part of the transaction, it is subject to the platform’s service fee.

Furthermore, depending on your business status, you may need to consider taxes (such as VAT) on your cleaning services. Also, be aware of payment processing fees if you are using specific software or a split fee structure (where the host pays the entire service fee).

How to use the cleaning fee to discourage shorter bookings

A flat-rate cleaning fee is a powerful tool. Because the fee is the same for a one-night stay as it is for a seven-night stay, it has a disproportionate impact on the total price of shorter trips.

For example, a £60 cleaning fee on a one-night booking significantly increases the total cost, whereas on a longer stay it has minimal impact. This pricing structure naturally makes longer stays more financially attractive and helps improve your occupancy rate.

Test, and re-test for April 2025

The travel market changes constantly. As we look toward April 2025 and beyond, seasons and demands will shift. Perfecting your cleaning fee is an ongoing process. Set a well-researched fee and then monitor its impact.

If you have a strict cancellation policy or require a security deposit, ensure these are visible during the listing setup so guests aren't surprised. If you encounter issues, the Resolution Center is your hub for managing disputes and refund requests.

Conclusion

The Airbnb cleaning fee is a cornerstone of a successful hosting operation in the UK. By carefully calculating your real costs, utilizing property management groups or a local co-host if necessary, and understanding guest expectations, you can set a fee that is both fair and strategic.

If you are ready to professionalise your business, ensure your website and application settings are up to date. For more help, you can always visit the Help Centre for the latest advice on user experience and platform updates. By taking these actions, you ensure your rental business remains profitable and sustainable.