Booking.com Apartment Cleaning Checklist for Perfect Reviews

Booking.com doesn't leave cleanliness to chance. Unlike other platforms that rely solely on reviews, Booking.com enforces a Minimum Cleanliness Score Commitment that can make or break your listing's visibility. Properties scoring below 6 out of 10 risk warnings, reduced search rankings, and even removal from the platform.

For apartment hosts, this means having a systematic Booking.com cleaning checklist isn't just about good reviews. It's about survival. Whether you're managing a studio in the city center or a multi-room apartment complex, this guide will help you exceed Booking.com's partner cleanliness standards and build the kind of cleanliness reputation that fills your calendar.

Key Takeaways

• ✅ Booking.com requires a minimum 6/10 cleanliness score to stay visible
• ✅ Apartments have unique cleaning challenges that differ from houses
• ✅ High-touch surface sanitization drives guest satisfaction scores
• ✅ Consistent cleaning protocols prevent negative reviews
• ✅ Automation eliminates missed turnovers and scheduling chaos

Understanding Booking.com's Cleanliness Requirements

Booking.com takes cleanliness more seriously than most platforms. They've implemented a structured system to ensure guest satisfaction and maintain their reputation as a trusted booking site.

The Minimum Cleanliness Score Rule

Booking.com requires alternative accommodation partners (including apartment hosts) to maintain an average cleanliness score of at least 6 out of 10 from guest reviews. This isn't a suggestion.

Here's what happens if you fall below:

Booking.com partnered with quality assurance firm Properly to provide hosts with resources and guidance for meeting these standards. They're serious about enforcement. If you also host on other platforms, compare these requirements with our Airbnb cleaning checklist and VRBO cleaning checklist to understand the differences.

What Guests Review

When Booking.com guests rate cleanliness, they're evaluating:

• Overall apartment hygiene and presentation
• Bathroom condition and sanitization
• Kitchen cleanliness and appliance condition
• Bed linen freshness
• Floor and surface cleanliness
• Absence of dust, hair, and debris

Apartment-Specific Cleaning Challenges

Apartments present unique cleaning situations that houses don't face. Understanding these challenges helps you build a more effective checklist.

Shared Building Areas

While you can't control hallways and elevators, guests associate their experience with your listing. A dirty lobby creates negative impressions before they even enter your unit.

Space Constraints

Apartments often have compact layouts where every surface is visible and accessible. There's nowhere to hide dust or mess.

Ventilation Limitations

Without opening multiple windows, odors linger longer in apartments. Previous guest smells (cooking, perfume, smoking) need active removal.

Multi-Unit Considerations

If you manage multiple units in the same building, standardization becomes critical. Each apartment needs identical treatment to maintain consistent reviews.

The Complete Room-by-Room Apartment Cleaning Checklist

This comprehensive apartment cleaning guide covers every area guests inspect and rate. Customize for your specific property, but treat these as minimum standards.

Entry and Hallway

First impressions form instantly. In apartments where the entry often flows directly into living spaces, this area carries extra weight.

• Sweep or vacuum entry floor thoroughly
• Wipe door handle and lock (interior and exterior)
• Clean any door glass or peephole
• Check walls for scuff marks and fingerprints
• Ensure shoe mat or rack is clean and positioned
• Test all locks and key card systems
• Place property information guide visibly
• Verify a fresh, subtle scent (avoid overpowering air fresheners)

Living Room

• Vacuum carpet in multiple directions for thorough cleaning
• Mop hard floors, including edges, corners, and behind furniture
• Dust all surfaces: shelves, tables, entertainment center, decor
• Clean TV screen with appropriate electronics cleaner
• Sanitize all remote controls
• Fluff and arrange pillows and throws
• Check under cushions for debris and previous guest items
• Clean windows inside and out (if accessible)
• Dust window sills and blinds
• Empty and line all trash bins
• Test all electronics, streaming devices, and speakers
• Verify WiFi is working and password is clearly displayed

Kitchen

Kitchens receive the most scrutiny from Booking.com guests. They open every cabinet, inspect every appliance, and run fingers along every surface.

• Clean and sanitize all countertops thoroughly
• Wipe down cabinet fronts, handles, and edges
• Deep clean stovetop, knobs, and backsplash
• Clean oven interior, exterior, door, and racks
• Scrub microwave inside, outside, and turntable
• Empty refrigerator completely, clean all shelves and drawers
• Check freezer for ice buildup and cleanliness
• Clean and dry sink until it shines
• Sanitize faucet, handles, and spray nozzle
• Run dishwasher empty or hand wash all dishes
• Clean all small appliances (coffee maker, toaster, kettle inside)
• Replace dish towels, sponges, and scrub brushes
• Verify pantry basics are stocked (coffee, tea, basic condiments)
• Take out trash and replace liner
• Sweep and mop floor, especially corners and under cabinets

Bedroom(s)

Clean bedrooms with fresh linens directly impact sleep quality reviews, which guests often mention alongside cleanliness.

• Strip all bedding including mattress protector
• Inspect mattress for stains (replace protector if needed)
• Make bed with fresh, pressed linens
• Arrange pillows attractively
• Dust nightstands, dresser, lamps, and headboard
• Clean mirrors until completely streak-free
• Vacuum under the bed (not just around it)
• Empty all dresser drawers, check for forgotten items
• Clean closet floors and organize hangers evenly
• Wipe down closet shelves and rod
• Vacuum or mop floors including closet area
• Test all lights, switches, and bedside outlets
• Check that curtains/blinds operate properly for light blocking

Bathroom(s)

Bathrooms generate more cleanliness complaints than any other room. This is where you win or lose your score.

• Scrub and sanitize toilet bowl, exterior, and base completely
• Clean toilet seat top, bottom, and hinges
• Sanitize flush handle or buttons
• Clean and polish sink and faucet
• Wipe down counter and backsplash
• Scrub shower walls, floor, door track, and fixtures
• Clean glass doors or wash/replace shower curtain
• Inspect for and remove any mold or mildew
• Wipe mirror until completely streak-free
• Clean exhaust fan cover (remove dust buildup)
• Replace all towels with fresh, neatly folded sets
• Restock toilet paper (minimum 2 extra rolls visible)
• Replenish toiletries (soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
• Empty trash and replace liner
• Mop floor including behind and around toilet base
• Check drain for hair and debris

High-Touch Surface Sanitization Protocol

Booking.com guests expect sanitization, not just cleaning. Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting for high-touch surface treatment.

Interior Priority Surfaces:

• Door handles and knobs (every single one)
• Light switches and dimmer controls
• Cabinet handles throughout
• Appliance buttons and handles
• Faucet handles
• Toilet flush handles
• Remote controls
• Thermostat controls
• Window locks and handles
• Chair and sofa armrests

Electronics Requiring Special Attention:

• TV remotes
• Streaming device remotes
• Smart home controls
• Phone charging stations
• Laptop/tablet stands (if provided)

Apartment-Specific Cleaning Areas

These areas are unique to apartments and often overlooked in generic checklists.

Intercom and Security Systems

• Wipe down intercom panel and buttons
• Clean access card reader or keypad
• Test intercom functionality
• Verify video doorbell camera is clean (if applicable)

Utility Closet (If in Unit)

• Wipe down water heater exterior
• Check for leaks around connections
• Ensure area is tidy and accessible for maintenance

Balcony or Terrace (If Applicable)

Outdoor spaces in apartments are premium features that guests expect to use.

• Sweep or mop balcony floor
• Wipe down railing (inside and out)
• Clean outdoor furniture
• Empty and clean any planters
• Clear drain of debris
• Verify outdoor lights work
• Clean glass door tracks and handles

HVAC and Air Quality

Apartment HVAC systems affect air quality throughout the stay.

• Check and replace air filter if dirty
• Clean visible vents and grilles
• Wipe down thermostat
• Ensure system is operational
• Remove any odors (avoid masking with heavy fragrances)

Pre-Guest Final Walkthrough

Complete this verification before every guest arrival:

• All lights functioning (test every switch)
• HVAC set to comfortable arrival temperature
• WiFi working and password visible
• All electronics functional
• No lingering odors
• Welcome materials in place
• No trace of previous guests anywhere
• Smoke and CO detectors operational
• All doors and windows lock properly
• Photo documentation complete

Automating Your Booking.com Cleaning Schedule

A comprehensive checklist means nothing if your cleaner doesn't show up. Manual coordination through texts and calendar checking creates dangerous gaps. Booking changes happen constantly on Booking.com, and missed turnovers destroy cleanliness scores.

Automation eliminates these risks. Instead of manually notifying cleaners for every booking, letting automation handle communication ensures nothing falls through.

TurnoverPing connects directly to your Booking.com calendar and automatically notifies your cleaners when turnovers are scheduled. When bookings change or cancel, your cleaner gets instant updates. No more chasing confirmations. No more missed cleans.

If you're managing properties across multiple platforms including Booking.com, automating your cleaning schedule saves hours of coordination time while preventing the missed turnovers that tank your cleanliness score.

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Booking.com Score

Avoid these frequent errors that lead to low cleanliness ratings:

Building a Cleaner Performance System

Consistency requires systems. Here's how to ensure every turnover meets Booking.com's standards:

Standardize Your Checklist

Use the same checklist for every turnover. Whether you clean yourself or hire help, the process should be identical every time.

Document Every Turnover

Take photos after each cleaning. This protects you from false claims and helps identify patterns when scores dip.

Track Scores Actively

Monitor your Booking.com cleanliness score weekly. A sudden drop indicates a problem that needs immediate attention.

Schedule Deep Cleans

Beyond turnover cleaning, schedule deep cleans every 4-6 weeks depending on occupancy. Address walls, ceilings, behind appliances, and carpet deep cleaning.

Conclusion

Meeting Booking.com's cleanliness standards isn't optional. The platform's 6/10 minimum score requirement and enforcement mechanism mean hosts must systematically deliver consistent results or risk losing visibility and bookings.

Start with the room-by-room checklist above. Customize it for your apartment's specific features. Train anyone who cleans your property on the exact protocol. Document every turnover. And automate your scheduling so no clean ever gets missed.

Your Booking.com reviews will reflect the effort. More importantly, your search ranking will reward you with the bookings that keep your apartment filled.