Gold Coast Airbnb Cleaning for Guests with Disabilities

Making your Gold Coast Airbnb property accessible and comfortable for guests with disabilities isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes; it’s about being thoughtful and inclusive. Cleanliness plays a critical role in accessibility, safety, and comfort.

A well-prepared property can make a massive difference to someone’s experience, especially when mobility, vision, or sensory issues are involved. Below are practical cleaning and setup strategies to help create a genuinely welcoming environment for every guest.

How to Provide a Clean, Safe, and Comfortable Stay for All Guests

1. Prioritise Thorough, Allergy-Aware Cleaning

Guests with respiratory issues or allergies are more sensitive to dust, mould, and chemical residues. Deep cleaning should go beyond a quick wipe-down. Use vacuums with HEPA filters, regularly dust hard-to-reach areas (such as behind beds or on curtain rods), and refrain from using scented products unless specifically requested. Pay attention to air vents, fans, and air conditioning filters; these often collect dust and can affect air quality.

2. Keep Pathways Clear and Clutter-Free

Mobility-impaired guests need consistent, obstacle-free movement through the property. Ensure hallways, entries, and walkways are kept completely clear, not just of large furniture but also of cleaning supplies, shoes, baskets, and decorative items. Store items like linen bags or mops in closets, not corners. During each clean, check that pathways remain wide enough for wheelchair access and that rugs or mats are securely in place, with no curled edges.

3. Maintain Slip-Resistant Surfaces

Slips and falls are one of the most common injuries in any home, and guests using mobility aids are at even higher risk. Bathrooms, kitchen tiles, and entryways should be dry and residue-free after every cleaning. Avoid leaving wet floors unattended and ensure any mats used are rubber-backed or slip-resistant. Where possible, provide non-slip mats in showers and tubs, and ensure they’re cleaned and dried between guests.

4. Clean Accessible Bathrooms Thoroughly

Accessible bathrooms should be cleaned with extra attention to detail. Disinfect all high-touch areas, including grab bars, shower chairs, taps, toilet flush buttons, and sink handles. These items should be not only hygienic but also free from soap scum, watermarks, or sticky residues that can affect grip or comfort. If you have adjustable shower heads, handrails, or raised toilets, ensure they’re secure and functioning correctly.

5. Communicate Accessibility Features in Listings

Guests with disabilities often look for particular features, and they rely heavily on listing descriptions to decide whether your space will work for them. List any ramps, widened doorways, ground-level access, lift availability, or step-free showers. Back up claims with recent photos and confirm that all features are regularly cleaned and maintained. Being accurate avoids disappointment and builds trust.

6. Place Furniture with Access in Mind

Cleaning routines should include checking that furniture hasn’t drifted into access paths. Couches, chairs, tables, and beds should be arranged with enough clearance for wheelchairs or walkers to move around safely. Avoid placing small stools or decorative items in high-traffic zones. After every clean, do a quick walk-through to ensure space and functionality haven’t been compromised.

7. Use Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Linen

For guests with allergies or skin sensitivities, hypoallergenic linens aren’t just a bonus, they’re a must. Wash bedding in fragrance-free detergent, and avoid softeners or sprays with strong scents. Ensure pillows and mattress protectors are allergen-resistant and washed regularly to prevent the buildup of allergens. Clean and dry linen should be stored in sealed containers or cupboards to avoid dust build-up.

8. Consider High-Contrast Décor and Navigation Aids

For guests with low vision, high-contrast colours help define edges, switches, steps, and doorways. While this isn’t a cleaning task in itself, cleaners should avoid rearranging items in a way that confuses. Keep remote controls in the same spot, avoid clutter on surfaces, and ensure pathways remain consistent. If tactile markers or large-print signage are used, ensure they are clean, legible, and positioned correctly.

9. Offer Adjustable Lighting and Check Bulbs

Guests with sensory sensitivities may prefer soft or dimmable lighting. During cleaning, check that all lights work correctly, switches are reachable, and globes aren’t flickering or burnt out. Keep light switches clean and free from sticky residues, especially near beds and bathrooms where access is most needed. If you have dimmers or bedside lamps, wipe them clean and test them during turnovers.

10. Communicate with Guests About Their Needs

Cleaning staff or hosts should be prepared to adjust their approach based on a guest’s needs. Some guests may request chemical-free products, extra linens, or the removal of rugs or furniture. Open communication, before check-in, is key. A simple message like “Let us know if there’s anything we can do to make your stay more comfortable” goes a long way. Be ready to adapt your cleaning routine accordingly.

11. Inspect Accessibility Features Regularly

Just like you check that a microwave works or the fridge is clean, accessibility features need regular inspections. Ensure ramps are secure, handrails are sturdy, lifts are functioning correctly, and access paths are free from wear and damage. Clean these features just like you would any other surface, especially high-touch areas like railings and buttons.

12. Stock Easy-to-Use Cleaning Supplies for Guests

If your property includes guest-use cleaning products, choose items with simple packaging, large print, and easy-grip handles. Avoid harsh or highly scented chemicals. A basic cleaning spray, cloths, and waste bags are enough. Keep these items stored in a readily accessible location that’s clearly marked and not cluttered.

13. Train Your Cleaning Team for Accessibility Awareness

Whether you do the cleaning yourself or hire a team, everyone involved should understand the importance of accessibility. Train staff to identify hazards such as misplaced furniture, low-hanging cords, slippery floors, or broken grab bars. Ensure they are aware of which products to use and which to avoid for guests with sensitivities. A small amount of training can prevent big problems.

14. Ask for Feedback and Improve

After each stay, follow up with a message to ask if everything was comfortable and if there’s anything that could be improved. Guests with disabilities often have insights that others overlook. Use that feedback to improve your setup and pass it on to your cleaning team. Properties that listen and adapt quickly earn better reviews and guest loyalty.

15. Stay Up to Date with Accessibility Standards

The Australian Building Code and Airbnb’s own guidelines include information about accessibility requirements. Stay informed and ensure your property remains compliant. Accessibility isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing commitment to safety and hospitality.

Creating a clean and accessible environment in your Airbnb isn’t just good practice, it’s smart hosting. Guests with disabilities deserve the same comfort, safety, and ease as anyone else. By incorporating thoughtful cleaning into your accessibility approach, you’ll provide a better experience for all guests and set your property apart in the highly competitive Gold Coast market.

Need help keeping your Airbnb guest-ready?

Contact Holiday Property Service at hello@holidaypropertyservice.com.au or phone us on 1300 477 937. We provide high-standard cleaning and turnover services for Airbnb hosts across the Gold Coast.