If you own an Airbnb or VRBO property, you have the ideal way to make cash without putting in tons of extra work. However, you still have the responsibility to clean between guests and perform maintenance. When it comes to Airbnb cleaning, be sure you’re making a sustainable choice.
Making sustainable switches can pad your bottom line and make for an ideal marketing strategy. Here’s how to maintain a perfectly clean — and green — vacation rental.
1. Change Your Light Bulbs
According to the folks at Energy.gov, LED and compact fluorescent bulbs cost only around a buck a year in electricity — typical incandescent bulbs are more pricey at nearly $5. Plus, the latter blows out more frequently, and you can’t control how many lights your guests use or for how long.
Don’t overlook your garage for two reasons — the first is that your guests might perpetually leave the overhead on and forget about it or keep it on because they’re in a strange place. Furthermore, if you use that room for a different purpose, like a groovy guest gameroom, they’ll need to see to play pool. As an Airbnb cleaner, you’re not necessarily responsible for these choices. However, it doesn’t hurt to recommend these tips to your property manager.
2. Keep Doors and Windows Insulated
Guests don’t care where they set the thermostat — they often delight in getting comfortable while on holiday. Make sure your vacation rental is well-insulated, starting with your garage.
Ensure you seal any cracks and select the right caulk for the job when you do. Keep doors weather-stripped — the smaller any gaps, the less chance of insect pests in the summer months.
3. Go Solar When Possible
Switching to solar power can save you a fortune on utility costs while protecting the planet. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck come tax-time, you better act quickly. Unless Congress renews it, the 22% credit for making such upgrades will expire in 2022.
You can use this nifty trick if you have an RV or Airstream that you rent as a unique glamping getaway. Manufacturers now make portable panels that let you harness electricity from the sun even if your guests go off-grid.
4. Use All-Natural Cleaners
Thanks to COVID-19, cleaning guidelines have become more strict. You have to be a bit savvier with natural cleaners — substances like vinegar don’t cut the germ-busting mustard. However, many hydrogen peroxide concentrations will kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it’s non-toxic.
Whichever options you choose, make sure your Airbnb cleaners use solutions that appear on the EPA’s list of approved disinfectants for killing the novel coronavirus. While you want to protect the planet, the safety of your guests is your number one priority.
5. Allow for “Rest” Days
To protect yourself and guests alike, it’s a wise idea to wait for 24 hours before entering the property once your guests depart to clean it. Therefore, you’ll need to build “rest” days into your availability schedule.
Go online and check the dates on your listing. Update them and use the precaution as a selling point — you take the extra time to protect guests from germs.
6. Encourage Recycling
Finally, if you have recycling bins in the garage, but your guests never enter that room, don’t be surprised to return to trash bins overflowing with beer cans. Please encourage recycling in your vacation rental by providing clearly labeled containers, including signage specifying which items are allowed.
Since you shouldn’t enter the property except in emergencies, you won’t have to worry about laundering linens until after your guests depart. However, it’s still a best practice to include signs asking guests to reuse towels when possible to cut down on the amount of water, electricity, and soap used to wash them between visitors.
The five tips above will help you maintain a perfectly clean and green vacation rental. You’ll enjoy the extra income more when you know you also did your part to protect the planet.
