Host guide # The turnover cleaning checklist for short-term rentals A turnover clean is the reset between one guest checking out and the next checking in. It is not a regular house clean: it is faster, stricter, and every guest judges the result. Below is a room-by-room checklist you can hand to your cleaner — and the photos worth capturing on every turn so you can prove the work was done. ## Why is a checklist alone not enough? A checklist tells your cleaner what to do, but does not show that it was done. When a guest leaves a review saying the bathroom was dirty, a ticked box won't help you — a timestamped photo of the clean bathroom taken an hour before check-in will. That's why each section below ends with the photo to take. ## What should my cleaner check in each room? Check the living areas, kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms, then finish with a walk-through and proof photos. ### What should be cleaned in the entry and living areas? Remove all guest trash and left-behind items (log anything valuable). - Remove all guest trash and left-behind items (log anything valuable) - Dust surfaces, shelves, TV and remotes; wipe light switches and door handles - Vacuum and mop floors, including under sofas and rugs - Fluff and arrange cushions and throws to your standard Proof photo: Wide shot of the living room from the doorway, plus the sofa styled. ### What should be cleaned in the kitchen? Empty, wipe and dry the fridge, microwave and oven interior. - Empty, wipe and dry the fridge, microwave and oven interior - Run, empty and wipe the dishwasher; put away clean dishes - Degrease the hob and backsplash; scrub and shine the sink - Restock coffee, tea, dish soap, sponges and paper towels Proof photo: Counters and hob, inside of the open fridge, and the sink. ### What should be checked in the bedrooms? Strip all beds and replace with fresh linen — never reuse. - Strip all beds and replace with fresh linen — never reuse - Check mattress protector and pillows for stains or hair - Empty drawers, wardrobe and under the bed - Make the bed to your styling standard Proof photo: Each made bed straight-on, and the empty space under the bed. ### What should be cleaned in the bathrooms? Scrub and disinfect toilet, shower, tub and sink. - Scrub and disinfect toilet, shower, tub and sink - Clear hair from drains; polish mirrors and fixtures - Hang fresh towels and bath mat - Restock toilet paper, soap, shampoo and conditioner Proof photo: Toilet with lid up, the shower or tub, and the towel setup. ### What should the final walk-through cover? Check for damage and note anything broken or missing. - Check for damage and note anything broken or missing - Reset thermostat, close windows, lights off - Take out trash and recycling to the bins - Lock up and return keys or reset the lock code Proof photo: Any damage found, plus the locked front door. ## How can I make turnovers faster and more consistent? Use reference photos, spare linen, consistent photo angles and a review before check-in. - Give your cleaner a reference photo of how each room should look — not just words. - Keep a spare linen set per bed on site so laundry never blocks a same-day turn. - Ask for the same photo angles every time so problems are easy to spot. - Review photos before check-in, while there's still time to fix something. ## How do I turn this checklist into photo proof? Turnwell lets you upload your own reference photos and standards. Your cleaner gets a link — no app or login — and captures each shot. You approve in real time or keep them as a dated proof packet for any review dispute. Your first month is free.