Summer in St. Pete and Tampa brings an influx of tourists looking for the perfect getaway. If you’re a vacation rental owner, this is your time to shine—but also your busiest cleaning season! A sparkling, fresh space not only delights guests but also earns rave reviews and repeat bookings. To help you stay ahead, we’ve created the ultimate summer cleaning checklist for vacation rental owners so your property stays spotless and welcoming all season long.
1. Refresh the Entryway and Outdoor Spaces
First impressions count—especially in Florida, where many guests love to spend time outdoors.
Sweep porches, patios, and walkways to remove sand, leaves, and debris.
Wipe down outdoor furniture and clean cushions—use mildew-resistant sprays to combat Florida humidity.
Clean exterior windows and light fixtures.
Remove cobwebs from ceilings, corners, and railings.
Place a fresh welcome mat at the front door.
A clean, inviting entryway starts your guests’ experience on the right foot.
2. Deep Clean the Living Room
The living room is a gathering hub—keep it looking and smelling fresh.
Vacuum upholstered furniture, including under cushions.
Dust all surfaces, electronics, lamps, and baseboards.
Steam-clean rugs or carpets if needed after heavy use.
Wipe ceiling fans and air vents to improve air circulation.
Restock any entertainment options (books, games) neatly.
Comfort and cleanliness go hand-in-hand for guest satisfaction.
3. Thoroughly Clean Bedrooms
Guests expect a hotel-like experience in your vacation rental’s bedrooms.
Wash all bedding, including mattress protectors and pillow covers.
Deep clean the mattress and vacuum under beds.
Dust furniture, headboards, and lamps.
Wipe down closet shelves and check for forgotten items.
Ensure extra blankets and pillows are clean, neatly folded, and accessible.
Fresh, clean bedrooms lead to glowing guest reviews.
4. Sanitize Kitchens and Dining Areas
The kitchen is a high-use space in vacation rentals—guests notice every detail.
Clean all countertops, backsplash, and cabinet fronts.
Deep clean appliances—oven, refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher.
Sanitize sinks and faucets.
Check and replace dish towels, sponges, and cleaning supplies between guest stays.
Stock essentials like dish soap, paper towels, and trash bags.
A spotless kitchen ensures guests feel confident preparing meals in your rental.
5. Refresh Bathrooms and Focus on Hygiene
Nothing sours a guest experience faster than a grimy bathroom.
Scrub showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets thoroughly.
Clean mirrors and polish all fixtures.
Replace used towels with fresh, fluffy ones.
Restock toiletries (soap, shampoo, toilet paper) and make them easily visible.
Use a light, fresh scent to create a spa-like experience.
Clean, well-stocked bathrooms are a must for positive guest feedback.
6. Final Touches Before Guest Arrival
Small details matter—don’t overlook these finishing touches.
Air out the property before check-in to remove any stale air.
Adjust AC to a comfortable temperature before guests arrive.
Double-check for visible dust or fingerprints on glass surfaces.
Empty all trash cans and clean bins.
Leave a personal welcome note or local guide for added charm.
These small efforts elevate the guest experience and encourage 5-star reviews.
Conclusion
With this summer cleaning checklist for vacation rental owners, you’ll keep your St. Pete and Tampa property in tip-top shape—ready to impress every guest. Consistency is key; after all, happy guests lead to great reviews, more bookings, and greater success.
Need help managing deep cleans between turnovers? Joy of Cleaning partners with vacation rental owners to keep properties sparkling all season long. 📞 Call 727-687-2710 or request a quote online today! 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more expert tips tailored for local vacation rental success.
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Reschedule Policy
If you are here to reschedule a cleaning that is NOT currently scheduled within the next 72 hours you’re good to go, no fee .Simply let us know your preferences for rebooking. For all reschedule requests, we ask that you allow a 7-day window to lock in a new slot on the schedule (although if we have an earlier opening we’ll let you know)! If you are rescheduling an appointment that’s appraoching within the next 48 hours, you will be charged for 25% of the quoted cost of your service. If you are rescheduling an appointment that’s appraoching within the next 24 hours, you will be charged for 50% of the quoted cost of your service. Same-day requests to reschedule will be charged 100% of the cost of the booked service. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, as a small business last-minute gaps in our schedule are very costly. All invoices to be billed in accordance with our reschedule/cancellation policy will be automatically charged to the card on file. We thank you for choosing Joy of Cleaning!
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment date, you will be responsible for 25% of the quoted cost of your service. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will be responsible for 50% of the service. Same-day cancellations will be charged 100% of the cost of the booked service. Cancellation within a day puts us in jeopardy of having a gap in our schedule that could have been filled by someone else, and we often have a waiting list. We thank you greatly in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Cancellation fees will be charged automatically to the card on file. Cancellation timing will be determined in accordance with our business hours (week days 8am – 5pm). A text message after 5pm the day before service for example would be considered same-day cancellation – please plan accordingly. If you still would like to cancel please fill out below:
Skip Service Policy
If you are a routine customer and want to skip for any reason, your next cleaning will reflect the appropriate frequency quoted. For example, if you are bi-weekly but skip cleaning the next time we clean, your monthly rate will apply. This is fair due to the extra dust and dirt build-up in the house. Also being a bi-weekly customer means we have reserved your spot in our schedule to be cleaned by the same team at a consistent time. If customers skip it will affect that team’s entire day’s schedule. Lastly, it is not fair to the monthly customer who pays a higher rate for monthly cleanings, and a bi-weekly customer who is actually only cleaned once that month, but remains at the cheaper rate.
