Cleaning and turnover between short-term guests

Clean high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs and countertops regularly and after you have visitors. In a short-term rental, that means after every stay.

Surfaces

• Light switches, doorknobs and countersThese high-touch surfaces need cleaning after every stay.
• Hard surfacesClean counters, floors and other hard surfaces with soap and water, or with products suited to the surface.
• The kitchen countersClean countertops with hot, soapy water, then sanitize any surface that touched raw meat, poultry or their juices.
• Everything elseClean other surfaces when they're visibly dirty or as needed.
• Remotes and touch screensFollow the maker's cleaning instructions. A wipeable cover makes them easier to clean.

Linens and soft surfaces

• Sheets and towelsLaunder them with detergent at the recommended water temperature, and dry them completely.
• Rugs and carpetsVacuum them, and dispose of the dirt safely.
• Drapes and other soft surfacesClean them with products made for them, or launder them by the maker's instructions in the warmest suitable water.
• Your handsWash them after handling dirty laundry.

After a sick guest

Cleaning with soap or detergent and scrubbing removes most germs, dirt and impurities. Disinfecting uses stronger chemicals to kill most of the germs that remain, and it works only on a surface that has been cleaned first. Disinfect when a guest was sick, or before a guest who is at higher risk of getting sick, such as someone with a weakened immune system.

• Clean, then disinfectDisinfecting at home is likely not needed unless someone is sick. When it is, clean with soap and water first, then use an EPA-registered disinfectant or a stronger bleach solution.
• The label and the contact timeFollow the label, and keep the surface wet for the whole contact time the directions give.
• Gloves, air and no mixingWear the recommended protective gear, keep the room ventilated and never mix products. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, and store the products out of reach of children and pets.

Before the next guest

• Alarms workingCheck for working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level, and working carbon monoxide alarms on every level.
• Doors and windows that openEvery door and window that leads outside should open.
• The extinguisher in its placeEveryone staying should know where the fire extinguishers are. See A guest house manual for a short-term rental.
• The address postedEveryone staying should know the rental's address, and the outside meeting place a safe distance from it.