Airbnb's Enhanced Cleaning Protocol: A Guide

In the world of travel, trust is the ultimate currency. For the short-term rental market, which thrives on the concept of staying in someone else's home, that trust is built on a foundation of safety, communication, and, most critically, cleanliness. The global pandemic irrevocably altered guest expectations, elevating hygiene from a preference to a prerequisite. In response, Airbnb launched a pivotal program that has since become the industry benchmark: the Enhanced Clean protocol.

This guide provides a definitive look at this standard. We will deconstruct the original 5-step process, update it with modern best practices, and show you how to leverage this "Star Ready" framework to boost your ratings, increase bookings, and thrive as a host in an era where cleanliness is non-negotiable.

The Evolution of Cleanliness in Short-Term Rentals

Before 2020, cleanliness standards in the vacation rental industry were largely subjective. While most hosts aimed for a tidy space, there was no universal protocol for disinfection. The need for a standardized, reliable cleaning process became paramount to restore traveler confidence. This shift moved cleaning from a simple chore to a scientific method, essential for the health and safety of every guest. A study highlighted this need, finding that, on average, rental property bathrooms had three times more bacteria than hotel bathrooms, underscoring the gap that a standardized protocol could fill.

While the mandatory requirement to commit to the protocol has since been phased out, its legacy endures. The principles of the Enhanced Clean program have evolved from a crisis response into the unspoken gold standard. For any serious host, understanding and implementing this framework is no longer about displaying a badge on your listing—it's about building a resilient, top-rated business.

Understanding the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative's Foundation

To fully grasp the protocol’s current relevance, it’s essential to understand its purpose, the original commitment it required, and the scientific principles that underpin it.

What Was the Enhanced Cleaning Initiative?

The Enhanced Cleaning Initiative was a comprehensive set of guidelines developed by Airbnb to standardize cleaning and sanitization practices. It provided hosts with a step-by-step process, educational materials, and a detailed handbook. At its peak, it was a mandatory commitment for all hosts, creating the first overarching standardized protocol for cleaning in the home-sharing industry.

The primary goal was to minimize health risks and build a powerful sense of trust between hosts and guests. By creating a transparent and verifiable cleaning program, Airbnb aimed to reassure travelers that properties were not just visually clean but had been systematically sanitized. This focus on guest confidence remains critical for the sustainability and growth of the platform.

The "Why" Behind the Protocol: A Foundation in Science

Airbnb didn't create these standards in a vacuum. The protocol was developed in partnership with leading experts, including former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and experts from Ecolab, a global leader in hygiene technologies. The guidelines are heavily based on recommendations from public health authorities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), translating official guidance into practical, actionable steps for hosts.

The Core Protocol: Airbnb's 5-Step Enhanced Cleaning Process

At the heart of the initiative is a meticulous 5-step process. Following this cleaning checklist ensures that every surface is addressed correctly, providing a safe and welcoming environment for every guest.

Step 1: Prepare

Proper preparation is the foundation of an efficient and safe cleaning turnover. This step is about setting the stage for success before the first wipe-down.

• Ventilate the Space: Before and during cleaning, open windows and turn on fans to circulate fresh air. This helps dissipate airborne particles, remove stale odors, and create a healthier environment.
• Gather the Right Supplies: Your cleaning kit should include EPA-approved disinfectants, quality microfiber cloths, a powerful vacuum with attachments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) like disposable gloves.
• Prioritize Safety: Wash your hands thoroughly before starting. Put on your protective gear. Unplug appliances before cleaning them and remove all trash and recycling from the property to create a clear workspace.

Step 2: Clean

Cleaning is the crucial act of removing dirt, dust, grime, and germs from surfaces. Without this step, sanitization is ineffective, as disinfectants cannot properly work on soiled surfaces.

• Work Top-to-Bottom: Start by dusting high surfaces, including ceiling fan blades, cabinet tops, and light fixtures. This allows dust and debris to fall to the floor, which you will clean last.
• Wash All Linens and Dishes: All used linens—sheets, towels, mattress protectors, kitchen towels—should be washed at the highest recommended heat setting. Similarly, all used dishes and cookware must be thoroughly cleaned.
• Scrub Hard Surfaces: Use soap and water or an appropriate cleaning agent to scrub countertops, sinks, floors, and other hard surfaces before you move on to sanitizing them.

Step 3: Sanitize

This is the step that defined the Enhanced Clean protocol. Sanitizing involves using chemicals to kill bacteria and viruses, drastically reducing the risk of pathogen transmission. The key is to focus on high-touch surfaces.

• Identify High-Touch Zones: Go through each room and think about what a guest touches most frequently: doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, faucets, thermostats, and appliance handles.
• Apply Disinfectant Correctly: After a surface is cleaned, spray it with an approved disinfectant. Crucially, you must let the disinfectant sit on the surface for the amount of time specified on the product label (often 3-5 minutes). This "dwell time" is when the chemical does its work.
• Allow to Air-Dry: Do not wipe the disinfectant away too soon unless the product instructions specify to do so. Allowing it to air-dry ensures the surface remains sanitized.

Step 4: Check

Consistency is what separates amateur hosts from professionals. This step involves quality control, utilizing a detailed checklist for a final walkthrough.

• Use a Room-by-Room Checklist: Methodically go through each item. Did you sanitize the TV remote? Did you check under the bed for forgotten items? Is the welcome book free of fingerprints?
• Note Maintenance Issues: This is the perfect time to address maintenance issues. Look for signs such as burnt-out lightbulbs, slow drains, or scuffs on the walls. Note these issues so they can be addressed before the following guest checks in.
• Replenish Supplies: Check your inventory of guest consumables. Is there enough toilet paper? Are the coffee pods restocked? Is the hand soap full?

Step 5: Reset

The final step is about preparing the room for the next guest and ensuring it remains a sanitized space.

• Prevent Cross-Contamination: After thoroughly cleaning a room, wash your hands and put on a fresh pair of gloves before arranging fresh linens, towels, and guest welcome gifts.
• Stage for Arrival: Make the beds ideally, arrange pillows neatly, and ensure all blinds and curtains are set to a welcoming position.
• Final Touches: Safely dispose of or wash your cleaning supplies and protective gear. The goal is to leave the space fully prepared long before the following guest checks in.

Advanced Strategies for Hosts: Going Above and Beyond

Committing to the 5-step process is the baseline. Truly successful hosts find ways to exceed guest expectations.

Implementing a Booking Buffer

A booking buffer is a period of time blocked between stays (e.g., 24 hours). While no longer mandated, a voluntary buffer is a strategic advantage. It provides ample time for a thorough, unhurried cleaning, allows for deep cleaning tasks, and offers reassurance to safety-conscious guests.

Outsourcing Your Cleaning

For hosts with multiple properties or limited time, partnering with a professional cleaning service is a game-changer. When selecting a company, ensure they are trained on and agree to follow the 5-step enhanced cleaning protocol. A professional service brings consistency, reliability, and expertise to your cleaning program.

Mastering Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

Using the right tools is essential. Invest in high-quality, EPA-approved disinfectants, microfiber cloths to trap dust effectively, and well-maintained equipment like vacuums with HEPA filters. A well-organized and fully stocked kit ensures every turnover can be performed to the highest standard.

Communication is Key: Building Trust Through Transparency

Proactive communication about your cleaning process boosts guest confidence. Mention your commitment to the Enhanced Clean standard in your listing description. Consider sending a brief message to upcoming guests explaining your routine. This transparency makes a powerful impression.

Navigating Local Regulations

Stay informed about any cleaning or safety regulations mandated by your local government. These rules can sometimes be more stringent than Airbnb’s protocol and are essential for compliance and demonstrating community safety.

The Impact of Enhanced Clean: Trust, Reviews, and the Future

Airbnb’s cleaning program has had a lasting effect on the industry, fundamentally reshaping expectations.

How Enhanced Cleaning Drives Positive Guest Reviews 

Cleanliness has always been a top driver of reviews. Guests who feel safe and see evidence of a thorough cleaning are far more likely to leave positive feedback. Data shows that listings with a 5-star cleanliness rating are booked 25% more frequently than those with a lower rating, demonstrating a direct link between diligent cleaning and success.

The Lasting Legacy of the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol 

The Enhanced Cleaning Initiative has set a new, permanent standard for the industry. It has professionalized hosting by codifying best practices, thereby permanently elevating guest expectations. The focus on a detailed, science-backed cleaning process is no longer a temporary measure but a core component of modern hospitality, ensuring that trust and hygiene remain at the forefront of the home-sharing experience.