In today’s tourism landscape, where the guest’s experience plays a decisive role in the success of any accommodation, cleanliness stands out as a pillar of reliability. Maria H., a professional cleaner with extensive experience in tourist accommodations and short-term rentals, shares valuable insights and practices from her daily routine. Her observations go beyond simple cleaning, covering aspects such as space design, furniture and material choices, and small details that enhance efficiency and the final result.
Simplicity and functionality: The foundations of every clean space
Simplicity and functionality: The foundations of every clean spaceOne of the first issues identified is the overload of unnecessary furniture and decorations. In small spaces, the presence of too many items leads to clutter and practical difficulties. “When you have to move five chairs and three stools just to sweep, something is poorly designed,” she notes meaningfully.
A more minimal approach, with fewer but functional pieces of furniture, serves not only cleanliness but also the comfort of the guest. At the same time, having practical storage solutions—such as shelves or cupboards—prevents items from being scattered on random surfaces, which complicates the cleaning process.
Bathroom: The detail that matters most
The bathroom often serves as a “cleanliness barometer”. Having stable surfaces for placing personal hygiene items not only offers convenience to guests but also reduces cleaning time. Special emphasis is placed on providing a bath mat for the floor—“It must be changed without exception after every check-out”, Maria stresses.
Regarding bathroom construction, installing a glass panel instead of a shower curtain is recommended. Although it requires more effort to clean limescale, it is more durable and aesthetically superior. If curtains are still used, it is important that they do not touch the floor, to prevent mould growth. It is also advised to disinfect the washing machine with a cycle after every guest and to supply basic consumables such as toilet paper and a toilet brush.
Kitchen: Quality, quantity and consistency
Kitchen: Quality, quantity and consistencyIn the kitchen, the guest’s experience largely depends on functionality and cleanliness. A complete stock of linens and utensils is essential to avoid delays between bookings. “Quality shows in the details—a scratched frying pan or a cloudy glass can ruin the sense of cleanliness, no matter how well the space has been cleaned”, she remarks when discussing the importance of material quality: worn or rusty items give the impression of neglect.
Appliances must be thoroughly cleaned after each use—fridge, oven, coffee machine, dishwasher. Even the smallest details, such as an organised cutlery drawer, add a sense of professionalism.
Floors and coverings: Practicality above all
The choice of flooring materials critically affects cleanliness. Tiles are consistently preferred due to their durability and ease of sweeping and mopping. In contrast, wooden floors are sensitive to moisture and wear more easily. As for vinyl flooring, “They look nice at first, but in practice, they’re a trap—they stain, become sticky, and don’t always look clean”, she aptly notes.
As for carpets, seasonal use appears to be the most practical solution: straw or removable rugs in summer, and lightweight runners in winter, which are easy to clean and don’t trap dust.
Bedroom: Comfort with ergonomics
The bedroom should be designed to facilitate cleaning without sacrificing comfort. Proper bed placement, without storage boxes underneath, allows full access for cleaning. Curtains that don’t drag on the floor, minimal decorations, and quality fabrics create a sense of elegance and cleanliness without unnecessary complications.
The small details make the difference
A few additional points reveal a “smarter” approach to cleanliness: regular cleaning of air conditioner filters, covers on remote controls for easier disinfection, cleaning equipment (broom, mop) available in each room. In pet-friendly accommodations, using protective covers on sofas simplifies cleaning.
Cleanliness as an investment
“The smarter a space is set up, the easier it is to keep clean”—a phrase that sums up the entire philosophy behind effective maintenance of tourist accommodations. Cleanliness is not a chore; it is a strategic choice. Design decisions, material selection, and proper organisation determine the quality of hospitality and the sustainability of the property in the competitive world of tourism.
Are you suppliers and interested in your promotion on BnBNews?
See all the possibilities HERE.
