airbnb turnover kit

Airbnb Turnover Kit: Supplies Every Cleaner Should Have

TurnoverPing Team

TurnoverPing Team

Airbnb Turnover Kit: Supplies Every Cleaner Should Have

Your cleaner's toolkit directly impacts how quickly they can turn your property and how spotless it looks when guests arrive. A well-stocked turnover kit eliminates wasted time searching for supplies and ensures consistent cleaning quality across every single turnover.

Whether you're a host assembling supplies for your property or a cleaner building your professional kit, this guide covers every essential you need for fast, efficient Airbnb turnovers.

Key Takeaways

  • ✔️ A complete turnover kit reduces cleaning time by 20-30% and eliminates mid-clean supply runs
  • ✔️ Color-coded microfiber cloths prevent cross-contamination between rooms
  • ✔️ Eco-friendly products appeal to environmentally conscious guests and perform as well as traditional cleaners
  • ✔️ Having backup supplies on-site prevents missed turnovers due to forgotten products

Free Cleaning Checklist Generator

Create a customized cleaning checklist for your property to ensure nothing gets missed during turnovers.

Generate My Checklist

Why Your Turnover Kit Matters

A complete turnover kit isn't just about having cleaning supplies. It's about building a system that delivers consistent results under tight time constraints.

Speed and Efficiency

Professional cleaners with well-organized kits can finish a 2-bedroom turnover in under 2 hours. Cleaners who scramble for supplies or run out mid-clean often take 3+ hours for the same job.

When you're managing same-day turnovers, every minute counts. A missing toilet brush or empty bottle of glass cleaner can create delays that cascade into your next guest's check-in.

Quality and Consistency

Having the right product for each surface means better cleaning outcomes. Using the wrong cleaner on granite countertops or hardwood floors can cause damage. Using the right one leaves surfaces sparkling without residue or streaks.

Standardized supplies also mean standardized results. When your cleaner uses the same products every time, you know exactly what to expect from every turnover.

Cost Control

Buying cleaning supplies in bulk and keeping a stocked kit on-site is significantly cheaper than emergency runs to the store. Many hosts report saving 30-40% on cleaning supply costs by purchasing in bulk and maintaining consistent inventory.

Essential Cleaning Products

These are the non-negotiable cleaning products every turnover kit needs.

All-Purpose Cleaner

Your workhorse product. An all-purpose cleaner handles countertops, tables, appliances, and most surfaces in your property.

Top choices:

  • Method All-Purpose Spray (plant-based, effective on grease)
  • Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface (natural scent options)
  • Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner (proven disinfecting power)

Buy concentrates when possible. A single concentrate bottle can make dozens of spray bottles, dramatically reducing per-clean costs.

Disinfectant Spray and Wipes

Post-pandemic, guests expect visible sanitization of high-touch surfaces. Disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, remotes, and handles is now standard practice.

Recommended products:

  • Lysol Disinfectant Spray (EPA-registered)
  • Microban 24-Hour Sanitizing Spray (long-lasting protection)
  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (convenient for touchpoints)
EPA Registration Matters

For true disinfection, look for products with an EPA registration number. This confirms the product kills specific bacteria and viruses when used as directed. Generic "antibacterial" labels don't carry the same assurance.

Glass Cleaner

Streak-free mirrors and windows are noticed immediately by guests. A dedicated glass cleaner is worth having alongside your all-purpose spray.

Top choice: Sprayway Glass Cleaner (ammonia-free, leaves no streaks)

Bathroom Cleaners

Bathrooms need specialized products that tackle soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew without damaging fixtures.

  • Toilet bowl cleaner: Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach
  • Tub and tile: Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter
  • Grout cleaner: Zep Grout Cleaner (for deep cleaning cycles)

Kitchen Degreasers

Standard all-purpose cleaners struggle with baked-on grease. A dedicated degreaser handles stovetops, oven interiors, and range hoods efficiently.

Recommended: Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser (professional-grade, cuts through grease fast)

Automate Your Cleaner Scheduling

Stop texting cleaners about every booking. TurnoverPing automatically notifies them when turnovers are scheduled.

Start Your 14-Day Free Trial

Must-Have Tools and Equipment

Products need tools. Here's what every professional turnover kit includes.

Microfiber Cloths (Color-Coded)

Microfiber is the industry standard for vacation rental cleaning. These cloths are more effective than paper towels, reusable, and prevent lint on surfaces.

Color-coding system:

  • Blue: Glass and mirrors
  • Yellow: Bathroom surfaces
  • Green: Kitchen surfaces
  • Red: Toilets and floors

This system prevents cross-contamination. Your cleaner never accidentally uses a toilet cloth on the kitchen counter.

Buy in bulk. A pack of 50 microfiber cloths costs around $25 and lasts months. Replace them when they stop absorbing effectively.

Vacuum Cleaner

A quality vacuum is the most important piece of cleaning equipment. For vacation rentals, prioritize:

  • HEPA filtration: Captures allergens that matter to sensitive guests
  • Lightweight design: Easier to transport between properties
  • Upholstery attachment: For couches, mattresses, and chairs

Professional recommendation: Dyson V11 or V15 (cordless, powerful, versatile attachments)

For budget-conscious hosts, the Shark Navigator provides excellent performance at a lower price point.

Mop and Bucket

Hard floors require proper mopping, not just a quick sweep. A quality mop system cleans faster and leaves no residue.

Top choice: O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop (hands-free wringing, washable heads)

For hardwood floors, use a slightly damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner like Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner.

Scrub Brushes

Different brushes for different tasks:

  • Grout brush: Small, stiff bristles for tile lines
  • Toilet brush: Curved for thorough bowl cleaning
  • General scrub brush: For tubs and tough spots

The OXO Deep Clean Brush Set covers all these needs in one package.

Duster with Extension Pole

Ceiling fans, high shelves, and light fixtures collect dust that guests notice. An extendable duster reaches these areas without climbing on furniture.

Recommended: Swiffer Duster with Extendable Handle (disposable heads trap dust)

Squeegee

Glass showers stay streak-free with a squeegee. Leave one in each shower for guest use, and have another in your turnover kit.

Pro Tip

A squeegee is also perfect for cleaning large mirrors and glass sliding doors. It's faster than microfiber and leaves zero streaks when used with glass cleaner.

Room-Specific Supplies

Beyond general cleaning, certain rooms need specialized supplies.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Dish soap: Refill the guest bottle after every stay
  • Sponges: Replace with a fresh sponge each turnover (guests notice old sponges)
  • Stainless steel cleaner: For appliances with stainless finishes
  • Oven cleaner: For monthly deep cleaning cycles

Bathroom Essentials

  • Toilet paper: Restock 2+ extra rolls per bathroom
  • Hand soap: Refill dispensers or replace bar soap
  • Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash (check levels every turnover)
  • Magic Eraser: For scuffs on walls and stubborn stains

Laundry Supplies

  • Laundry detergent: High-efficiency (HE) for modern washers
  • Fabric softener or dryer sheets: For guest use
  • Stain remover: For treating spots before washing

For hosts managing laundry on-site, keeping these supplies stocked prevents delays when linens need immediate washing.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Sustainability matters to many guests. Eco-friendly cleaning products also reduce exposure to harsh chemicals for your cleaners.

Plant-Based Cleaners

Modern plant-based formulas perform as well as traditional cleaners without synthetic chemicals.

Top eco-friendly brands:

  • Seventh Generation: Complete product line, widely available
  • Method: Effective cleaners with attractive packaging
  • Ecos: Concentrated formulas, excellent value
  • Blueland: Refillable tablets, minimal plastic waste
Guest Appeal

Many guests appreciate eco-friendly products. Consider leaving a small card noting your use of sustainable cleaning supplies. It signals thoughtfulness and can positively influence reviews.

DIY Cleaning Solutions

For specific tasks, simple homemade solutions work well:

  • Glass cleaner: 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water
  • All-purpose spray: Castile soap diluted with water
  • Deodorizer: Baking soda with essential oils

Caution: Avoid vinegar on granite, marble, or natural stone. The acidity can damage these surfaces over time.

Reusable Products

Reduce waste and long-term costs with reusables:

  • Microfiber cloths instead of paper towels
  • Washable mop pads instead of disposable ones
  • Refillable spray bottles with concentrates

Organizing Your Kit for Speed

A complete kit means nothing if it's disorganized. Professional cleaners use systems that minimize time spent searching for supplies.

The Cleaning Caddy

A portable caddy keeps your most-used products within arm's reach. Stock it with:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • 4 microfiber cloths (color-coded)
  • Scrub brush
  • Rubber gloves

Carry this caddy room to room. Everything you need for 90% of cleaning tasks is in one place.

On-Site Storage

Keep a complete backup supply kit at each property. When your caddy runs low, restock from on-site supplies rather than making a store run.

Essential on-site backups:

  • Extra toilet paper (12+ rolls)
  • Paper towels
  • Trash bags (multiple sizes)
  • Spare cleaning products
  • Replacement sponges
  • Light bulbs
  • Batteries for remotes

Track All Your Bookings in One Place

Get daily summaries of all your bookings from Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com so you always know when turnovers are coming.

Get Free Report

Pre-Positioning Strategy

Before starting a turnover, professional cleaners pre-position supplies:

  1. Drop bathroom supplies outside each bathroom
  2. Place kitchen supplies on the counter
  3. Set bedroom supplies (fresh linens) near each bed

This eliminates backtracking. Each room gets cleaned in one continuous session without walking back to the main kit.

Stocking Levels and Replenishment

Running out of supplies mid-turnover is amateur hour. Here's how professionals maintain inventory.

Minimum Stock Levels

Set reorder points for every essential product:

ProductMinimum StockReorder Amount
All-purpose cleaner2 bottles6-pack
Disinfectant wipes3 containers12-pack
Toilet paper12 rolls48-roll pack
Microfiber cloths8 cleanBuy 24-pack quarterly
Trash bags20 bags100-count box

Inventory Tracking

Check supply levels after every turnover. Many hosts integrate a quick inventory check into their cleaning checklist process.

For hosts with multiple properties, consider using a shared note or spreadsheet that cleaners update after each clean. This prevents surprise shortages.

Conclusion

A well-stocked Airbnb turnover kit is the foundation of efficient, consistent cleaning. The right products and tools let your cleaners work faster without sacrificing quality.

Start with the essential products covered here, organize them for speed, and maintain backup supplies on-site. Your turnovers will be faster, your guests will be happier, and your reviews will reflect the difference.

Invest in your turnover kit once, and it pays dividends on every single guest stay.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Should hosts provide cleaning supplies or should cleaners bring their own?

Most professional turnover cleaners bring their own core supplies. However, hosts should keep backup supplies on-site for emergencies and provide property-specific items like specialty floor cleaners. Clear communication about who provides what prevents gaps.

How much should I budget for cleaning supplies per turnover?

For a typical 2-bedroom vacation rental, cleaning supply costs average $3-8 per turnover when buying in bulk. Hosts who purchase supplies at retail prices without bulk buying often spend 2-3x more per clean.

Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective as traditional ones?

Modern plant-based cleaners from brands like Seventh Generation, Method, and Ecos perform comparably to traditional products for most tasks. For heavy-duty disinfection, check that eco products carry EPA registration if true disinfection is required.

How often should I replace cleaning tools like mops and brushes?

Replace toilet brushes every 6 months, mop heads monthly if used heavily, and microfiber cloths when they stop absorbing effectively. Vacuum filters should be cleaned monthly and replaced every 6-12 months depending on use.

What's the best way to prevent my cleaner from running out of supplies mid-turnover?

Keep a full backup kit on-site at each property. After every turnover, cleaners should check supply levels against a minimum stock list and notify you when reordering is needed. Automation tools like TurnoverPing can help coordinate schedules so you're never caught off guard.

Never Miss a Turnover Again

TurnoverPing syncs with your booking calendars and automatically notifies your cleaners when it's time to clean. No more manual scheduling.

Try TurnoverPing Free for 14 Days
Airbnb Turnover Kit: Supplies Every Cleaner Should Have | TurnoverPing Blog | TurnoverPing