How to Avoid Bad Airbnb Reviews: Cleaning and Staging That Guests Notice
Most negative Airbnb reviews mentioning cleanliness focus on a small number of recurring issues. They are not about general dirtiness — they are about specific things guests notice within minutes of arrival. This guide identifies the most common triggers and explains how to prevent them.
Hair in the Bathroom
The single most complained-about cleaning issue on Airbnb. Guests notice hair in the shower tray, on the bathroom floor, around the toilet base and on towels. After cleaning, do a final visual sweep of the bathroom with the lights on full brightness. Check the shower drain cover, the floor around the toilet pedestal, and behind the bathroom door.
Stale Smells
Guests form an impression of cleanliness the moment they open the front door. Stale cooking smells, musty bedding or damp bathroom air triggers an immediate negative reaction. Air out the property for at least 10 minutes during cleaning. Use fresh linen rather than linen that has been stored folded for weeks. Check behind sofas and under beds for forgotten food or drink containers left by previous guests.
Sticky Kitchen Surfaces
Kitchen worktops and hob surfaces that feel sticky or gritty to the touch are a common complaint. This typically comes from wiping surfaces with a dirty cloth rather than cleaning them properly. Use a fresh microfibre cloth and a degreasing product on all kitchen surfaces, including the area around the kettle and toaster where spills accumulate.
Dusty Surfaces at Eye Level
Guests sitting on the sofa notice dust on the TV screen, coffee table and shelving unit at eye level. Standing guests notice dust on door frames, light fittings and the top of the bathroom mirror. Dust these surfaces on every turnover, not just on deep cleans.
Presentation Details
Neatly folded towels, symmetrically placed cushions, a clear dining table and tidy kitchen surfaces create the impression of a professionally managed property. Guests photograph their arrival — the first visual impression matters for reviews. Take 60 seconds at the end of every turnover to do a presentation sweep from the guest perspective.
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