What to Look for in a Professional Airbnb Cleaning Service in Colorado: A Host’s Guide

Savannah Revis
Aug 15
6 min read

Updated: Aug 17

Choosing a cleaning service for your Colorado Airbnb isn't just another item on your to-do list—it's one of the most critical business decisions you'll make. A sparkling clean property can lead to a flood of 5-star reviews, but a single oversight can damage your reputation and your revenue. The challenge is that not all cleaning services understand the unique demands of a short-term rental turnover. You're not just hiring someone to clean; you're entrusting a partner with your guest experience.

So, how do you find a service that truly understands what's at stake? It starts by looking beyond the price tag and evaluating companies based on the criteria that actually drive success.

Introduction: The Unspoken Driver of 5-Star Reviews

Let's be direct: cleanliness is non-negotiable. Research consistently shows that it's the single most important factor for guests. One study found that a staggering 81% of travelers consider cleanliness the top priority when choosing a rental. It's more important than the location, the amenities, or the price.

When done right, the impact is huge. Properties with high cleanliness ratings can see their income increase by as much as 17.5% and occupancy jump by 16.5%. This isn't just about avoiding bad reviews; it's about actively building a business that thrives. To achieve that, you need a professional partner who sees a turnover not as a chore, but as a critical part of your hospitality strategy.

How rigorous cleaning standards translate to happier guests and higher rental income—essential knowledge for Colorado Airbnb hosts.

The Professional Standard: What "Guest-Ready" Really Means in Colorado

A professional Airbnb turnover is far more than a standard house cleaning. It’s a meticulous, repeatable process designed for hospitality. While a residential clean focuses on general tidiness, a turnover clean resets the entire property to a "brand new" state for every single guest.

This means adhering to a higher standard that includes:

Disinfecting All High-Touch Surfaces: From doorknobs and light switches to remote controls and cabinet handles, every surface a guest might touch must be sanitized.
High-Temperature Laundry: All linens, including towels, sheets, and even duvet covers, should be washed at high temperatures to ensure they are fully sanitized.
Meticulous Staging: Pillows are fluffed, towels are folded perfectly, and welcome materials are laid out exactly the same way every time. Consistency builds trust.
Focus on Sustainability: Modern travelers, especially in a place as environmentally conscious as Colorado, notice and appreciate the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products. It shows you care about their health and the planet, and it prevents the harsh chemical smells that often lead to complaints.

Understanding the importance of a deep clean for short-term rentals is the first step in setting your expectations for what a professional service should deliver.

The Ultimate Colorado Airbnb Cleaning Checklist

A reliable service doesn't just promise quality—they prove it with a transparent, comprehensive system. The best partners operate from a detailed checklist to ensure nothing is ever missed, whether it's a routine clean or a frantic same-day turnover. They should be able to provide you with their checklist, which should cover everything from the mudroom where guests drop their ski gear to checking for high-altitude dust on ceiling fans.

This checklist is your tool for accountability. Before you hire anyone, make sure their process meets or exceeds these professional standards.

A great partner will have their own version, but feel free to use our Airbnb Cleaning Checklist: Essential Steps for a Spotless Rental as a guide to benchmark potential services.

7 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Service

To separate the true professionals from the rest, you need to ask the right questions. Your goal is to understand their process, reliability, and how they handle the unique pressures of the short-term rental market.

Do you specialize in short-term rental turnovers? A company focused on STRs understands the urgency and attention to detail required. Residential cleaners often treat it as an afterthought.
What is your communication protocol for same-day flips and problem reporting? You need a partner with a rock-solid communication system, like the Jobber software we use at Earth Love Cleaning, to handle scheduling, report damage, or notify you of low inventory.
Are your cleaners employees who are trained and insured? This is a crucial distinction. Services that use vetted, trained employees offer far more accountability and consistency than platforms that connect you with independent contractors.
What kind of cleaning products do you use? Ask if they use non-toxic, eco-friendly products. This protects your property, appeals to guests, and ensures a safe environment without harsh chemical odors.
What is your backup plan if a scheduled cleaner is unavailable? A professional service has a team and a system to ensure your clean never gets missed, even in an emergency.
How do you handle restocking guest consumables? Top-tier services go beyond cleaning and can manage inventory for things like coffee, toilet paper, and soap, creating a seamless experience for you and your guests.
Can you provide references from other Colorado hosts? A confident, established local company will be happy to connect you with other hosts who trust their service.

Red Flags: How to Spot an Unreliable Service Before It Costs You a Review

While you're looking for positive signs, be equally aware of the red flags. These are warnings that a service may not be equipped to handle the demands of your rental:

Vague or Inconsistent Pricing: Pricing that seems too good to be true, or a refusal to provide a clear quote, often leads to hidden fees and subpar work.
Poor Communication: If they are slow to respond to your initial inquiry, imagine trying to reach them during a tight turnover window.
Lack of Insurance: Never work with a service that isn't fully insured and bonded. It’s a basic requirement that protects you and your property.
No Specialized Process: If they can't articulate their specific process for turnovers, they likely don't have one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average cost of Airbnb cleaning in Colorado?

Costs can vary based on the size of your property, its location (Denver vs. a mountain town), and the scope of services. Instead of focusing on the cheapest option, consider the value. A reliable, professional service that prevents bad reviews and helps you earn more is an investment, not an expense. The best way to know is to get a custom quote.

What should be included in a standard turnover clean?

A standard turnover should include a complete cleaning and sanitization of all rooms, laundry services for all linens, trash removal, and staging the property for the next guest. Many professional services, including Earth Love Cleaning, also offer co-host management services like restocking consumables and coordinating maintenance.

Do I need to provide the cleaning supplies?

A professional cleaning company will always bring their own high-quality, approved supplies. A service that asks you to provide them is often a red flag. At Earth Love Cleaning, we exclusively use our own non-toxic, eco-friendly products to guarantee safety and consistency.

What happens if I get a last-minute booking?

This is where a specialized partner shines. We understand the dynamic nature of rentals and offer flexible scheduling, including last-minute booking options, to ensure your property is always ready.

Conclusion: The Earth Love Cleaning Guarantee for Colorado Hosts

Your property is a significant investment. The partner you choose to maintain it should be just as invested in your success. Instead of rolling the dice with a generic cleaner or an impersonal national platform, you deserve a local partner who understands the Colorado market and is committed to an exceptional standard of care.

At Earth Love Cleaning, we built our company on the principles of trust, reliability, and a deep respect for our clients' homes and the environment. As a woman-owned company with an A+ BBB rating, we combine meticulous, specialized turnover services with the peace of mind that comes from using non-toxic products. We don't just clean your property; we help you build a 5-star reputation.

If you're ready to learn how to ensure your Colorado short-term rental is guest-ready, we’re here to help.

Partner with a cleaning service that protects your investment and delights your guests. Request your free estimate from Earth Love Cleaning today.