Are Gold Coast Airbnb Hosts Cleaning Behind the Scenes?

Yes, smart Gold Coast Airbnb hosts are paying attention to more than just the obvious turnover cleaning, by using frequent deep cleans every 3 months. Behind-the-scenes cleaning is essential for hosts who want to deliver a truly 5-star experience.

While surface-level presentation matters, what sets exceptional properties apart is the attention to the spots most guests don’t see, but notice when missed. These areas are where dust, odours, and germs quietly collect. By tackling them regularly, you protect guest health, reduce negative feedback, and elevate your property’s standard of care. Here’s how to approach the less-visible parts of your Airbnb cleaning routine like a pro.

1. Ventilation Systems and Air Filters

Air quality is an invisible part of your guest’s comfort, and vents, fans, and ducting are often ignored until there’s a smell or visible dust. Dust, pet dander, and even mould spores can build up in filters and ducts, leading to unpleasant odours or allergic reactions. Replace filters every 1–3 months, depending on usage and location, and use a vacuum attachment or compressed air to clean vent covers. If your property uses air conditioning regularly (as most do on the Gold Coast), this is a non-negotiable.

2. Baseboards and Room Corners

These are magnets for dust, cobwebs, and scuff marks. Even when the floors and counters are spotless, dirty baseboards can make a room feel neglected. Use a damp microfibre cloth or a gentle all-purpose cleaner to wipe down baseboards at least once a fortnight. Check corners for buildup and include this as part of your visual checklist before each turnover.

3. Under Furniture and Beds

Just because guests don’t usually look under the bed doesn’t mean they won’t drop something and peek. Dust bunnies, wrappers, and forgotten items often hide here. Move sofas, armchairs, and beds every few weeks, or more often if you’re turning over the property regularly. Use a vacuum with an extended nozzle to easily reach under furniture.

4. Lighting Fixtures and Ceiling Fans

Dust gathers quietly on ceiling fan blades and light fixtures and can start falling onto freshly cleaned surfaces the moment a fan is turned on. Use a long-handled duster or step stool to clean fan blades and fixture tops. While you’re at it, check for dead insects in overhead lights, which is more common than most hosts realise.

5. Door Handles and Light Switches

These are some of the most frequently touched areas in any home, but because they’re small and easily overlooked, they often go uncleaned. Disinfect these high-contact points between every guest stay using a gentle but effective cleaner. Over time, even visible grime can accumulate if left unattended.

6. Mattresses and Upholstered Surfaces

Mattresses, lounge cushions, and headboards trap skin cells, hair, dust mites, and odours. Use a vacuum with a fabric or upholstery attachment to clean mattresses and sofas at least once a month. Spot-clean any stains and rotate mattresses quarterly. For extra guest confidence, use mattress and pillow protectors, and launder them regularly.

7. Inside Cupboards and Drawers

Guests will open kitchen drawers, bathroom vanities, and bedside tables, so they should be clean and organised. Crumbs, dust, and even spilled liquids can build up inside cabinets over time. Wipe them out with a disinfectant cloth, check for expired items, and make sure drawer liners are fresh and unwrinkled.

8. Window Sills and Tracks

Window sills collect dead insects, dust, and leaf debris, while tracks can harbour grime that builds up over time and leads to mould or rust. Clean both sills and tracks using a vacuum, a small brush, and a spray cleaner. Don’t forget sliding doors, guests using balconies will notice.

9. Behind and Under Appliances

Pull out large appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, at least once a month to vacuum and mop the space beneath and behind them. Spilled food, grease, or lint can become odorous and unsanitary if left unattended over time. Check power cords and back panels while you’re there to ensure nothing is overheating or collecting excess dust.

10. Remote Controls and Electronics

TV remotes, Bluetooth speakers, and control panels are used frequently and often neglected in cleaning. Wipe these items down with an alcohol-based disinfectant wipe between each stay. If you provide gaming systems, smart tablets, or shared devices, keep them sanitised and place them in a designated, clutter-free area.

11. Curtains and Blinds

These trap dust and allergens and are often ignored for long stretches. Vacuum fabric curtains monthly using an upholstery attachment. Wipe down blinds with a damp cloth or a specialty dusting tool. Clean window coverings can brighten a space and improve air quality.

12. Wall Art and Decorative Items

Guests may not touch wall art, but they’ll see the dust if it’s there. Picture frames, mirrors, and hanging décor should be dusted weekly. If you use sculptural or freestanding pieces, wipe them as well. It’s these finishing touches that make a room feel spotless and cared for.

13. Behind Toilets and Bathroom Fixtures

This area can get dusty, sticky, or worse, and it’s easily missed unless you bend down to look. Wipe behind and around the base of the toilet, including the pipework and floor. A clean toilet base tells guests you’ve gone the extra mile in your bathroom routine.

Clean the Places Guests Don’t Talk About, But Definitely Notice

Are Gold Coast Airbnb hosts cleaning behind the scenes? The best ones are. By addressing these overlooked spaces, you’re not just deep-cleaning, you’re building trust. Guests may not mention a clean window track in a review, but they’ll notice if it’s full of grime. These small details add up to a property that feels professional, safe, and of high value.

Need help keeping your Airbnb immaculate behind the scenes?

Reach out to Holiday Property Service at hello@holidaypropertyservice.com.au or call 1300 477 937 for premium cleaning, linen, and guest prep services tailored for Gold Coast Airbnb hosts.