Cleaning is the biggest variable cost of a short-term rental, and one of the most often miscalculated. Many hosts set their cleaning fee by looking at nearby listings, then discover that each turnover costs more than they charge. Others set fees so high that one- and two-night stays disappear. This guide starts from the real cost of a turnover, then helps you set both the fee guests pay and the rate cleaners receive.
The short answer
First calculate the full cost of one turnover: time spent multiplied by the hourly cost, plus linens, supplies, and travel. Then charge guests a cleaning fee close to that cost, or fold part of it into the nightly rate if you want to attract short stays. Pay cleaners a flat rate per property type rather than by the hour: it is easier to track and fairer when actual time varies. Exact rates depend on your city, the size of the property, and the level of service, so compare with cleaners in your area.
Step 1: calculate the real cost of a turnover
A turnover costs much more than cleaning time alone:
| Item | What to include |
|---|---|
| Cleaning time | Surfaces, beds, bathroom, kitchen, trash, final check |
| Linens | Sheets and towels: rental fees, or washing and wear if you own them |
| Supplies | Toilet paper, soap, cleaning products, coffee, trash bags |
| Travel | The cleaner’s trip, parking |
| Inspection | Photos, checklist, reporting damage or missing items |
| Extras | Longer cleans after a messy stay, stained linens |
Add these up for each property. This is your baseline.
Step 2: set the fee guests pay
You have two options:
- Charge the full cost as a cleaning fee. Your nightly rate looks lower in search results, but the total price of a one- or two-night stay rises sharply.
- Fold part of the cost into the nightly rate. Short stays become more competitive, and longer stays subsidize them slightly.
The right choice depends on your minimum stay. If you accept one-night stays, a high cleaning fee can make them unattractive. If your minimum stay is three nights or more, a cleaning fee that covers the full cost is usually fine.
Airbnb and Booking.com both show the total price to guests, including cleaning fees, so a high fee affects how your listing compares even when the nightly rate is low.
Step 3: pay your cleaners
Flat rate or hourly?
A flat rate per property (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, house) is easier to manage. The cleaner knows what they will earn, and you know what each turnover costs. An hourly rate seems fairer but is harder to verify and can encourage longer cleans.
Some hosts combine the two: a flat rate for a standard turnover, plus an agreed extra for an unusually messy stay, documented with photos.
What justifies a higher rate
- larger properties or more beds;
- laundry handled by the cleaner;
- same-day turnovers with a tight window;
- holiday work;
- inspection and restocking included.
Step 4: if you manage properties for owners
Property managers have to decide who pays for cleaning: the guest through the cleaning fee, the owner, or the manager out of their commission. Write the rule in the management agreement and apply it consistently in every owner statement.
Track the real cost over time
Cleaning costs drift: a new cleaner, more expensive linens, longer stays. Review the actual cost per turnover every few months and adjust your fee. If you use key performance indicators, add cleaning cost per stay to your dashboard.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for cleaning on Airbnb?
Start from your real cost per turnover. Then decide whether to charge all of it as a fee or fold part of it into the nightly rate, depending on your minimum stay.
Does Airbnb take a commission on the cleaning fee?
The host service fee usually applies to the total booking amount, including the cleaning fee. Check the fee structure that applies to your account.
Should I pay cleaners hourly or per turnover?
A flat rate per property type is simpler to manage and easier to predict. Add a documented extra for exceptional situations.
Should I charge for linens separately?
Most hosts include linens in the cleaning fee. Charging separately is possible but makes the listing more complicated.
Key takeaways
Know the real cost of a turnover before you set any fee. Charge guests a fee close to that cost, or fold part of it into the nightly rate if you want short stays. Pay cleaners a predictable flat rate, and review the numbers regularly.
