DIY vs. Professional Airbnb Turnover: An Honest Look at Your Bottom Line

Savannah Revis
Aug 14
6 min read

Updated: Aug 17

As an Airbnb host, you’re an entrepreneur. You juggle marketing, guest communication, and dynamic pricing to maximize your revenue. But there’s one task that consistently demands the most hands-on effort: the turnover. That critical window between check-out and check-in determines your next review, your booking calendar, and your sanity.

You’re likely standing at a crossroads, asking a fundamental business question: should I continue to manage turnovers myself, or is it time to hire a professional service?

This isn’t just a question of clean floors. It’s a strategic decision about where to invest your most valuable assets—your time and your money. Let’s break down the real trade-offs to help you make a confident, profitable choice for your short-term rental business.

The DIY Reality: The 10-Hour Workweek You Didn’t Sign Up For

Managing your own turnovers might seem like the most cost-effective route on the surface. You avoid a service fee and maintain total control. But what’s the real cost?

For many hosts, self-managing turnovers evolves into an unexpected part-time job, consuming between 5 to 10 hours per week. This isn't just about the cleaning itself; it's the invisible labor that drains your energy and focus:

Laundry Logistics: Stripping beds, treating stains, and running multiple loads of linens and towels. If you don’t have on-site laundry, this means time-consuming trips to the laundromat.
Constant Restocking: Did the last guest use all the coffee pods? Is there enough toilet paper? Are the travel-sized shampoos full? This requires a mental checklist and frequent shopping trips.
The Deep Clean Scramble: You notice scuffs on the baseboards or fingerprints on the windows. Suddenly your one-hour clean becomes a three-hour deep scrub, throwing your entire schedule off.
Quality Control Anxiety: You’re the only one responsible. Did you forget to wipe down the microwave? Did you check for hair in the shower drain? This mental load follows you long after you’ve left the property.

Handling these tasks yourself means you aren’t working on revenue-generating activities like optimizing your listing, adjusting your pricing strategy, or marketing to fill calendar gaps. If you’re looking for better time management strategies for short-term rental hosts, outsourcing the most time-intensive task is the logical first step.

Data-Driven Decision: The Financials of Pro Cleaning

The conversation around professional services often gets stuck on the direct cost. In the US, the average cleaning fee for a two-bedroom property is around $75 - $125. But framing this as just an expense is a critical mistake. A reliable, professional turnover service is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make in your rental business.

Here’s why:

Increased Bookings & Higher Rates: "Cleanliness" is the single most influential factor in guest reviews. Properties with consistently high cleanliness ratings from a professional service see an average 15-20% increase in bookings. This pristine reputation also allows you to confidently command higher nightly rates.
The High Cost of a Bad Review: The inverse is also true. A single review mentioning cleanliness issues can tank your momentum. Studies show that a negative cleanliness review can decrease a property’s booking rate by up to 25% for the following month. The cost of one professional cleaning is far less than the revenue lost from a month of bad bookings.
The Opportunity Cost of Your Time: Calculate what an hour of your time is worth. Now multiply that by the 5-10 hours you spend on turnovers each week. That’s the true financial drain of DIY. That’s time you could spend acquiring a second property or simply enjoying the fruits of your investment. Considering the true cost of DIY Airbnb cleaning and turnover reveals it's often more expensive than hiring an expert.

What "Professional" Really Means: The Pro-Level Turnover Standard

There’s a significant difference between “tidy” and “professionally staged.” A DIY clean often focuses on the obvious. A professional turnover service operates from a system designed for perfection and efficiency.

At Earth Love Cleaning, we don’t just clean; we reset your property to its peak potential for every single guest. Our process, refined since 2016 and backed by a BBB A+ rating, includes:

Inspection: We first assess the property for any damage or issues left by the previous guest, documenting and reporting them to you immediately through our client portal.
Cleaning & Sanitizing: Using our specialized checklists, we clean every surface. This goes beyond the basics to include often-missed spots like inside appliances, light fixtures, and air filter vents.
Staging: This is what creates a “wow” moment for arriving guests. We expertly make beds, fluff and arrange pillows, fold towels precisely, and ensure everything is perfectly in its place. We turn your rental into a hotel-quality experience.
Restocking & Final Touches: We manage your inventory of consumables, restocking essentials like soap, paper towels, and coffee. A final walkthrough ensures the property smells fresh, is set to a comfortable temperature, and is 100% ready for check-in.

This systematic approach eliminates errors and guarantees a consistent, 5-star experience that DIY efforts can rarely match, especially during a stressful back-to-back booking.

The Earth Love Difference: A Healthier Stay for Guests, A Better Review for You

In a crowded rental market, you need a competitive edge. Our commitment to non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning provides a powerful one.

This isn’t just about being good to the planet; it’s a direct benefit to your guests and your business. By choosing Earth Love Cleaning, you can confidently market your property as:

Allergy-Friendly: Perfect for families with young children or guests with respiratory sensitivities.
Non-Toxic: Appealing to the growing market of health-conscious travelers.
Sustainably-Operated: A key differentiator that resonates with eco-aware guests.

This unique value proposition justifies a premium service and translates into standout reviews. Guests frequently notice and appreciate the lack of harsh chemical smells, mentioning the "fresh and natural" scent of the home. It’s an invisible touch of luxury that makes your property memorable and helps you build a brand, not just a rental.

Your Path to a 5-Star, Stress-Free Host Life

The choice between DIY and professional turnovers comes down to your goals. If you want to run a hobby, DIY might suffice. If you want to run a thriving business, you need to delegate.

Investing in a professional service like Earth Love Cleaning isn't about giving up control; it's about gaining it. You gain back your time, control over your reviews, and the ability to scale your business without burning out. Deciding when to outsource your Airbnb cleaning and property management needs is a pivotal moment for any serious host.

You get a reliable partner dedicated to protecting your asset and enhancing your guest experience, which directly translates to a healthier bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Isn't hiring a professional service too expensive?

While there is an upfront cost, it's more accurate to view it as an investment with a clear return. The time you save, combined with the proven increase in bookings and 5-star reviews, means the service often pays for itself and then some.

2. How can I trust a service to meet my high standards?

Trust is built on systems and communication. We use detailed, property-specific checklists and provide rigorous training for our team. Our use of Jobber software ensures you have a clear line of communication and receive reports after every turnover, so you’re always in the loop without having to be on-site.

3. What happens if I have a last-minute or back-to-back booking?

This is where a professional service is most valuable. We have the staff and scheduling systems to handle tight turnarounds efficiently, ensuring your property is perfectly ready without causing you stress. We offer flexible scheduling and even have options for last-minute needs.

4. Do you operate in my city?

Earth Love Cleaning proudly serves the Front Range area of Colorado (including Denver and Boulder), as well as Seattle, WA, and Atlanta, GA. We are continuously expanding, so we encourage you to reach out for a quote even if you're nearby.

5. Why should eco-friendly cleaning matter for my short-term rental?

It's a powerful market differentiator. In a sea of listings, offering a "non-toxic" or "allergy-friendly" stay helps you stand out. It shows a level of care and quality that attracts discerning guests, justifies higher rates, and leads to the kind of glowing reviews that fuel long-term success.

Ready to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Your Ratings?

Stop letting turnovers manage you. Take the first step toward a more profitable, less stressful hosting journey. Let our team provide the reliable, 5-star cleanings your property deserves.