Airbnb cleaning fee: how to charge and optimize it

For any Airbnb host, the cleaning fee is one of the most important elements to maintain the profitability of the accommodation and ensure that guests enjoy a clean and welcoming space. Charging the fee correctly allows you to cover cleaning expenses, optimize management and maintain visitor satisfaction.

In this article, we will explain what the cleaning fee is, what it covers, how to configure it, how much to charge, and practical tips for adjusting it according to the stay and season.

What is Airbnb's cleaning fee?

The cleaning fee is an additional cost that the guest pays to cover the preparation of the accommodation before their arrival. This amount is added to the nightly rate, but appears as a separate charge on the reservation.

Unlike other expenses, this fee is flexible and configurable, allowing the host to adapt it to the length of stay, accommodation size, and level of service desired.

What does the cleaning fee cover?

The main objective of this fee is to ensure that the accommodation is ready for the next guest. The elements it typically includes are:

• Cleaning of bedrooms, bathrooms, and common areas.
• Changing sheets, pillowcases, and towels.
• Cleaning of kitchen, appliances, and utensils.
• Replenishing basic products: soap, toilet paper, coffee, etc.
• Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors.
• Optional additional services: deep cleaning, professional disinfection, or special bed linen washing.

The fee can be adjusted according to the type of cleaning performed and the level of comfort you want to offer.

The guest also has their share of responsibility

Although the fee covers professional cleaning, guests can contribute by keeping the accommodation tidy. This includes:

• Throw away the trash and recycle correctly.
• Washing used dishes.
• Leaving the facilities in basic condition to facilitate final cleaning.

Clearly indicating these responsibilities in your ad helps avoid conflicts and reduces the time you or your staff spend on cleaning.

How to add or modify the cleaning fee in your listing

Airbnb allows you to configure the cleaning fee in a simple way, both from your computer and from the mobile app. It is also possible to adjust it for already confirmed bookings.

From the computer

1. Access your Airbnb account and go to “Listings”.
2. Select the accommodation you want to edit.
3. Click on “Prices and availability” → “Additional fees”.
4. Enter the desired cleaning fee and save the changes.

From the mobile app

1. Open the Airbnb app and select “Host” → “Listings”.
2. Click on the accommodation and go to “Prices and availability”.
3. Tap “Cleaning fee” and add or modify the amount.
4. Save changes.

How to add the cleaning fee to already confirmed reservations

If you need to add or adjust the cleaning fee for already confirmed bookings, you can do so from the “Bookings” → “Modify” → “Cleaning Costs”, notifying the guest of the change clearly and respecting Airbnb's policies.

How much to charge for cleaning fee?

The appropriate amount depends on several factors:

• Accommodation size: small apartments require less time than large houses.
• Services included: deep cleaning, laundry, replenishment of consumables.
• Location and demand: in cities or tourist areas, the fee can be higher.
• Length of stay: it is advisable to adjust the fee proportionally for long stays.

In general, the fee should cover the actual cleaning costs and allow you to maintain profitability without discouraging bookings.

Customize the fee according to the length of stay

• For short stays, the fee is usually fixed.
• For long stays, you can reduce the fee proportionally.
• Consider offering cleaning services during the stay as optional, which increases flexibility and improves the guest experience.

Tips for adjusting the cleaning fee and not losing money

1. Compare rates of other similar accommodations in your area to set a competitive price.
2. Review your costs frequently: cleaning products, laundry, hired staff.
3. Establish a reasonable cost: neither too low nor excessively high, to avoid losing money or scaring away reservations.
4. Create a cleaning checklist: define tasks, times, and necessary materials. This helps maintain quality and allows delegating tasks if you hire external staff.
5. Adjust the fee according to season or duration: increase prices during peak season or decrease for long stays.
6. Hire professionals if necessary: guarantees a fast and consistent service, especially in tourist apartments.
7. Automate cleaning management: use apps or platforms that alert you when it's necessary to clean, to optimize time and resources.

Cleaning fee refund policy

Airbnb allows guests to receive a refund of the cleaning fee only in specific situations, such as cancellations before check-in according to the cancellation policy you have established. The fee is not refunded if the guest stays partially or causes damage. That's why it's essential to make the rules clear in your listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sets the cleaning fee on Airbnb?
The host determines the amount, based on actual costs and level of service offered.

Why does Airbnb charge a cleaning fee?
To cover the costs of preparing the accommodation between guests and guarantee hygiene standards.

Can I not charge a cleaning fee on Airbnb?
Yes, it's optional. Some hosts prefer to include the cleaning cost in the nightly rate.

Where does the cleaning fee appear when booking?
It is shown as a separate charge on the booking summary page before confirming the stay.

When is the cleaning fee applied?
It is applied whenever there is a check-in, regardless of the length of stay, and is calculated according to what is configured in your listing.

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The cleaning fee on Airbnb is an essential tool for any host who wants to maintain the profitability of their accommodation, offer a quality service, and minimize incidents related to hygiene. Configuring it correctly, adjusting it according to the length of stay, season, and your actual costs, and clearly communicating the guest's responsibilities, will allow you to save time, money, and worries.

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