This section highlights the importance of cleanliness for Airbnb properties and introduces Hood River Cleaners as a top choice for cleaning services in the Gorge. It outlines the reasons to choose their services, including attention to detail, customized cleaning plans, eco-friendly practices, fast turnaround times, reliability, and guest-ready standards. The goal is to elevate the Airbnb experience for guests while allowing property owners to focus on providing a welcoming atmosphere

This part emphasizes the significance of maintaining hot tubs in Airbnb properties, as they can enhance guest enjoyment. It details the comprehensive cleaning process offered by Hood River Cleaners, which includes water testing, draining, cleaning the shell and filters, refilling, balancing chemicals, and conducting a final inspection. The section also recommends regular maintenance every four months to ensure cleanliness and guest safety, along with quick clean options for ongoing upkeep

As professional turnover cleaners in the Gorge, we see what separates 4.8-star listings from consistent Superhosts. Here are our best practical tips you can share with (or post for) your Airbnb clients.

1. Make It Easy for Your Cleaner (or Yourself) – “Clean-Ready” Setup

Use duvet covers instead of comforters (washable in 1 load, no bedspreads to dry-clean).

Keep two–three full sets of sheets/towels per bed so the cleaner never waits on laundry.

Place a laundry basket in every bedroom & bathroom – guests naturally toss used linens there.

Label cupboards: “Clean Linens,” “Extra Toilet Paper,” “Cleaning Supplies” – saves 10–15 min every turnover.

2. Quick Between-Stay Touch-Ups (When You Self-Clean or Do Inspections)

Keep a “Host Quick Kit” in the unit: microfiber cloths, Branch Basics spray (or your favorite eco all-purpose), cordless vacuum, and a Swiffer.

10-Minute Reset Routine:

Strip beds & start washer immediately

Wipe kitchen counters + sink with microfiber (no streaks)

Quick vacuum high-traffic areas

Spot-check bathrooms: wipe sink/mirror, squeegee shower glass, restock TP

Empty all trash (guests forget the bedroom cans!)

3. Prevent Big Messes Before They Happen

Provide plenty of trash/recycling bins (including one on the deck – Hood River wind blows trash everywhere).

Leave coasters and a note: “Please use coasters – protects the wood tables!”

Use mattress & pillow protectors (waterproof but breathable) – saves mattresses from spills and sweat.

Outdoor rug at the entry + a shoe tray – keeps Gorge dirt and pine needles outside.

4. Smart Organization = Faster Cleaning

Declutter surfaces – fewer knick-knacks = less dusting time.

Store extra pillows/blankets in clear bins under the bed or in a labeled closet.

Use drawer organizers in bathrooms so cleaners can wipe drawers in seconds.

5. Handling Cleanliness Feedback Like a Pro

Reply publicly AND privately within 24 hours – guests feel heard.

Public reply example:

“Thank you for the feedback, Sarah! We take cleanliness very seriously. I’ve passed this along to our cleaning team and added an extra quality check before the next guest. We’d love to have you back and make it right – here’s a discount on a future stay.”

Private message: Ask for specifics (photos help) and explain the exact steps you’re taking.

If it’s a recurring small issue (e.g., hair in bathroom), add it to your cleaner’s checklist and take a quick phone photo of the fix – guests love seeing proof.

Never argue – even if you disagree, a gracious response often turns a 3-star cleanliness score into a 5-star overall.

Bonus Hood River-Specific Tips

Spring/summer pollen is brutal – keep a HEPA air filter running and wipe windowsills every turnover.

Winter: provide a boot tray and small broom by the door – wet, muddy boots are the #1 dirt source.

Encourage guests to enjoy the river, but remind them to rinse sandy feet at the outdoor spigot/hose you provide

We follow this exact checklist for every Airbnb turnover to ensure the property is guest-ready, spotless, and exceeds 5-star review standards.

General / Entry

Dust and wipe all surfaces (shelves, windowsills, baseboards, light fixtures)

Vacuum/sweep/mop all floors (including under furniture and rugs)

Clean entry door glass (inside & out) and wipe down door handles

Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners

Empty and reline all trash cans

Check for and remove any left-behind guest items

Kitchen (Deep Clean Every Turnover)

Clean and sanitize countertops, backsplash, and sink

Clean stovetop, oven exterior, and microwave (inside & out)

Wipe down all appliance exteriors (fridge, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, etc.)

Clean inside refrigerator (wipe shelves & drawers) and freezer if needed

Wash, dry, and put away any dishes left in sink or dishwasher

Restock dish soap, sponges, paper towels to agreed levels

Clean cabinet fronts and handles

Take out kitchen trash and reline bin

Bathrooms (All Bathrooms)

Clean and disinfect toilet (bowl, seat, base, tank)

Scrub shower/tub, tiles, grout, and glass doors

Clean and polish sink, faucets, and mirrors

Wipe down vanity, cabinets, and towel racks

Mop floors and clean baseboards

Empty trash and reline bin

Fold or replace towels per host instructions

Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and any amenities

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Strip beds and remake with fresh linens (hospital corners)

Flip mattresses if scheduled

Dust all furniture (nightstands, dressers, lamps, TV)

Clean mirrors and picture frames

Vacuum/sweep/mop under beds

Fluff/arrange pillows and straighten bedding

Wipe down remotes and light switches

Organize furniture and rugs back to original positions

Laundry (If Included in Your Service)

Start or complete host-provided linens in washer/dryer

Fold and put away or leave neatly for host

Wipe down washer/dryer exterior and clean lint trap

Outdoor Areas (Patios, Decks, Balconies – Common in Hood River Airbnbs)

Sweep decks/patios and remove leaves or debris

Wipe down outdoor furniture and tables

Clean grill exterior if applicable

Empty outdoor trash/recycling

Arrange outdoor cushions and furniture neatly

Final Walk-Through & Finishing Touches

Check that all lights are working and turned off (or set to host preference)

Set thermostat to host-specified temperature

Close and lock all windows and doors

Restock consumables (toilet paper, paper towels, coffee pods, etc.) to agreed levels

Leave a welcome note or small treat if provided by host

Take “after” photos for our records (and can share with host upon request)

Secure the property and lock up

Hood River Cleaners – Proudly keeping Gorge Airbnbs 5-star ready

We use only plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for people, pets, and the planet.

Products We Use (All Septic-Safe & Cruelty-Free)

All-Purpose Cleaner: Branch Basics Concentrate or Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds

Glass Cleaner: Diluted white vinegar + water or Force of Nature (electrolyzed water)

Bathroom/Toilet Cleaner: Branch Basics Oxygen Boost or homemade baking soda + vinegar paste

Floor Cleaner: Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds or Bona Free & Simple (for hardwood)

Dish Soap: Seventh Generation Free & Clear or Eco-Me

Laundry Detergent: Molly’s Suds or Dropps pods (scent-free option available)

Disinfectant: Force of Nature (hypochlorous acid – kills 99.9% of germs, EPA-registered, zero toxins) or 70% isopropyl alcohol in spray bottle

Microfiber cloths & reusable mop heads (washed between properties – no paper towels unless requested)

The Same Thorough Checklist – Now 100% Green

(Every task below is performed with the eco products listed above)

General / Entry

Dust & wipe surfaces with plant-based all-purpose spray & microfiber

Vacuum (HEPA filter) / sweep / damp-mop all floors

Clean entry glass with vinegar solution

Remove cobwebs, empty & reline trash with recycled liners

Kitchen

Sanitize counters, sink, and high-touch areas

Clean appliances inside & out (oven cleaned with baking soda + vinegar paste when needed)

Wipe & restock fridge

Wash dishes with plant-based dish soap

Take out trash & compost (we separate if bins are provided)

Bathrooms

Scrub & disinfect toilet, shower, sink with Oxygen Boost or Force of Nature

Polish mirrors & fixtures with vinegar glass spray

Mop floors with diluted Sal Suds

Restock toilet paper (recycled brands when supplied by host) & hand soap

Bedrooms & Living Areas

Strip & remake beds with freshly laundered linens (eco detergent, no fragrance)

Dust with microfiber cloths (dry or lightly misted)

Vacuum under beds & furniture

Laundry (when included)

Wash all linens in cold water with Molly’s Suds or Dropps (extends fabric life & saves energy)

Line-dry when possible or low-heat dryer

Outdoor Areas

Sweep decks & wipe furniture with diluted all-purpose spray

Remove debris (we compost yard waste when bins are available)

Final Eco Touches

Set thermostat to energy-saving temperature

Turn off all lights & unplug small appliances when allowed

Leave a small card: “This home was cleaned with only plant-based, non-toxic products by Hood River Cleaners ♻️”

Hosts love being able to tell their guests the property was cleaned green — it’s a huge selling point in the Gorge! You can even add a little “Eco-Cleaned” badge or sticker on the fridge or welcome book