Airbnb Turnover SOP: Linen Rotation & Steam-Sanitizing Guide

Grand Rapids hosts rely on fast, consistent turnovers to protect ratings and stay compliant with city short-term rental rules. This standard operating procedure lays out a repeatable checklist your team can use to reset any property in under four hours, even during peak travel season.

Turnover Timeline At A Glance

Stay inside the 11 a.m. checkout and 3 p.m. check-in window with the following milestones:

• 11:00 a.m. Guest departure confirmed, exterior inspection begins
• 11:15 a.m. Sorting laundry, waste removal, and supply restock check
• 12:00 p.m. Kitchen and bath sanitizing complete
• 1:00 p.m. Bedrooms reset with fresh linens
• 2:00 p.m. Steam sanitizing and final dusting finished
• 2:30 p.m. Quality assurance walkthrough, thermostat reset, staging

Arrival Inspection

• Photo document any damage or missing inventory before cleaning begins
• Open windows briefly to cycle fresh air, especially in humid summer months
• Collect leftover food and beverages to prevent pests
• Start dishwasher if full to keep the timeline moving

Linen Rotation System

Keep three complete linen sets per bed: one in use, one on deck, and one in laundry. Follow this rotation:

• Bag used linens in breathable laundry sacks labeled by room
• Wash sheets and towels with unscented detergent and peroxide booster for sanitation
• Dry on medium heat to protect fibers, then transfer to a folding zone
• Inspect for stains, repair or retire items during weekly inventory
• Store folded sets in sealed bins to prevent moisture from Michigan humidity

Room-By-Room SOP

Kitchen

• Run steam mop over floors after sweeping crumbs and grit
• Sanitize high-touch areas: appliance handles, cabinet pulls, light switches
• Restock coffee bar, dish pods, and welcome snacks
• Reset inventory: cookware, utensils, glassware, and cleaning tools

Bathrooms

• Apply peroxide-based cleaner to showers and toilets, allow dwell time, then rinse
• Steam sanitize glass doors and tile grout to remove soap film
• Roll fresh towels, refill toiletries, swap bath mats
• Install a fresh shower liner every third turnover or when visibly worn

Bedrooms

• Strip beds last to avoid tracking soil onto mattresses
• Vacuum mattresses and upholstery using HEPA filtration
• Make beds with hotel corners and decorative pillows according to staging photos
• Check under beds and inside drawers for forgotten belongings

Living Areas

• Dust from high to low, including ceiling fans and window sills
• Spot clean walls and baseboards, paying attention to luggage scuffs
• Steam sanitize sofas and throw blankets to remove allergens
• Arrange board games, guides, and remote controls as shown in the host manual

Sanitizing Checklist

• Use commercial steamers on soft goods and high-touch hard surfaces
• Spray electrostatic disinfectant on door hardware, thermostats, and railings
• Swap HVAC filters quarterly or more often during peak pollen months
• Log sanitizer dwell times to satisfy Airbnb Enhanced Clean expectations

Stocking and Amenities

• Maintain a labeled supply tote with replacement batteries, bulbs, and filters
• Restock consumables: paper goods, coffee, toiletries, laundry pods, trash bags
• Update the welcome binder with seasonal recommendations and Wi-Fi info
• Verify smart lock codes or key boxes match the upcoming guest entry instructions

Grand Rapids Specific Considerations

• Winter: Mop salt residue from floors, place boot trays, and set heat to 68 F
• Summer: Check window screens for tears and set AC to 72 F before guests arrive
• Festival Season: Increase inventory checks when hosting back-to-back stays
• City Compliance: Keep proof of sanitation logs and occupancy limits on file

Quality Assurance

• Conduct a final room-by-room walkthrough using a printed checklist
• Test smart TV, Wi-Fi, and keyless entry
• Take timestamped photos of staged rooms for host approval
• Send turnover summary to the host with any maintenance notes