The quality and care of a vacation rental property are one of the first things guests notice when checking in. When looking for those positive guest experiences and reviews, making sure a property is well-maintained, cleaned, and cared for is step one.
Preserving a top-notch rental experience requires both high-end turnover and regular deep cleaning throughout the year. Understanding the difference between that quick turnover and a thorough deep clean makes all the difference between a memorable escape and a bad vacation. And, with the right level of attention, your property can maintain ROI and avoid maintenance issues through this high-quality care.
3101 Waterway, Isle of Palms
Why Should You Know The Difference?
The most common complaint in the vacation rental industry is cleanliness. A turnover clean guarantees that your next guests walk into a spotless, vacation-ready space with fresh linens. A deep cleaning focuses on tackling those hard-to-spot areas that aren’t typically touched during a regular departure cleaning.
From dust bunnies under beds to sticky surfaces, scuffed walls to stained furniture, there are so many areas of a home that can be overlooked! This high-quality deep cleaning guarantees there’s no grime build-up, and that a property is being cared for carefully at least a few times a year – saving the home from bigger issues down the road.
Standard Turnover: A Quick Reset
What This Includes
A standard turnover is typically time-sensitive and is performed just hours after a guest's departure from their vacation rental. Things become quite a bit more time sensitive when there's another guest check-in just hours after one’s departure. These turnovers require professional cleaners who specialize in consistency and efficiency, always providing great results in a timely manner across all properties. These cleanings typically entail:
- Changing all towels and linens to fresh items. Arranging beds to company standards.
- Restocking essentials (soap, toilet paper, paper towels, coffee, etc).
- Emptying trash and checking for any forgotten items.
- Wiping down and dusting countertops, mirrors, and all high-touch surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, and remotes).
- Sanitizing bathrooms and all kitchen surfaces.
- Checking for damages and any missing items.
- Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming all areas.
Deep Cleaning: A Thorough Refresh
What This Includes
For properties that are regularly booked throughout the year, it may be tricky to find time to schedule a regular deep-cleaning. Despite the challenge, it is important to get a deep cleaning on the calendar quarterly for properties experiencing high occupancy. Seasonal rentals in areas such as the Charleston Coast should also experience deep cleanings at the start and end of peak season. A regular deep-cleaning keeps a property in top-notch condition and avoids permanent damage throughout the property when it comes to fixtures and surfaces. These cleanings typically entail:
- Moving and cleaning behind and under furniture and appliances.
- Wiping down untouched surfaces such as ceiling fans, vents, blinds, and baseboards.
- Cleaning inside ovens, refrigerators, and microwaves.
- Scrubbing down walls, doors, light switches and fixtures.
- Replacing air filters in ducts and wiping down vents to improve airflow and air quality.
- Steam cleaning carpets, upholstery, and any bed frames.
- Polishing windows and light fixtures, counters and stovetops.
- Scale removal from shower heads and faucets, regrouting of showers and tilework.
- Interior cabinet and drawer cleaning throughout the property.
- Powerwashing home and cleaning exterior windows.
Key Differences: Turnover vs. Deep Cleaning
As mentioned previously, turnover cleaning is all about ease and efficiency between bookings. Your guests, ideally, will have no idea that anyone was in the property just hours before them. Deep cleaning focuses entirely on the longevity of the property, preventing wear and tear and keeping homes looking brand new.
Turnover prioritizes preparing a rental for its next guest and occurs after every checkout. This clean typically takes about 1-2 hours and prioritizes speed, turning linens over, wiping down surfaces, and restocking supplies. This process keeps the guest experience consistent and results in five star reviews from all visiting.
Deep cleaning can take anywhere from 4-8 hours and focuses primarily on hidden grime, buildup, and deep sanitation. As mentioned, this cleaning should happen every 3-6 months and prioritizes bringing a property back to “like-new” condition, focusing on longevity and property maintenance. This cleaning should occur whenever there are persistent odors, grime build-up, stained upholstery or carpets, or negative guest feedback regarding “cleanliness.”
Combining Deep Cleaning and Standard Turnover For Maximum Results
Guest Reviews and Property Care
High-quality cleaning defines your guest reviews, and if people arrive to a less than stellar experience, they’re likely to complain. But a quality cleaning service doesn’t just affect reviews, it also defines the property management group supporting your property and brand. After all, guests who have a fabulous experience are more likely to book again!
When you pair regular turnover with quarterly deep cleanings, your home presents as a clean, well-kept space for every visitor. Pairing this level of care also guarantees that furniture is maintained, surfaces aren’t left stained or sticky, and appliances are kept up to be used for years to come. Investing money into turnover and occasional deep cleanings guarantees a home remains competitive in its market and guests leave happy time and again. This is a necessary investment in a property’s reputation and long-term profitability.
The Sweetgrass Difference
Maintaining this level of property care and maintenance is hard, especially if you’re not a local homeowner. Working with a top notch property management company can guarantee that your home is taken care of all year round and your guest experience is a top priority.
If you’re ready to take the next step and want reliable support to make your home a five-star vacation rental, Sweetgrass Properties is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can take care of your Charleston vacation rental and help you get the most out of your investment.