Airbnb Cleaning Fee: How to Charge and Optimize It

For any Airbnb host, the cleaning fee is one of the most important elements to maintain the profitability of the accommodation and ensure guests enjoy a clean and welcoming space. Charging the fee correctly allows you to cover cleaning costs, optimize management, and maintain visitor satisfaction.

In this article, we will explain what the cleaning fee is, what it covers, how to set it up, how much to charge, and practical tips for adjusting it according to the stay and season.

What is the Airbnb cleaning fee?

The cleaning fee is an additional cost that the guest pays to cover the preparation of the accommodation before their arrival. This amount is added to the nightly rate but appears as a separate charge in the reservation.

Unlike other expenses, this fee is flexible and configurable, allowing the host to adapt it to the length of stay, the size of the accommodation, and the level of service they wish to offer.

What does the cleaning fee cover?

The primary goal of this fee is to ensure the accommodation is ready for the next guest. The items it normally includes are:

• Cleaning of rooms, bathrooms, and common areas.
• Changing of sheets, covers, and towels.
• Cleaning of the kitchen, appliances, and utensils.
• Replenishment of basic products: soap, toilet paper, coffee, etc.
• Vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping of floors.
• Optional additional services: deep cleaning, professional disinfection, or special linen washing.

The fee can be adjusted according to the type of cleaning performed and the level of comfort you want to offer.

The guest also has their share of responsibility

Although the fee covers professional cleaning, guests can contribute by keeping the accommodation tidy. This includes:

• Disposing of trash and recycling correctly.
• Washing used dishes.
• Leaving the facilities in basic conditions to facilitate the final cleaning.

Clearly stating these responsibilities in your listing helps avoid conflicts and reduces the time you or your staff spend on cleaning.

How to add or modify the cleaning fee in your listing

Airbnb allows you to easily configure the cleaning fee, both from a computer and from the mobile app. It is also possible to adjust it for already confirmed reservations.

From a computer

1. Access your Airbnb account and go to “Listings”.
2. Select the accommodation you want to edit.
3. Click on “Pricing and availability” → “Additional fees”.
4. Enter the desired cleaning fee and save the changes.

From the mobile app

1. Open the Airbnb app and select “Host” → “Listings”.
2. Tap on the accommodation and go to “Pricing and availability”.
3. Tap “Cleaning fee” and add or modify the amount.
4. Save the changes.

How to add the cleaning fee to already confirmed reservations

If you need to add or adjust the cleaning fee for already confirmed reservations, you can do so from the “Reservations” → “Modify” → “Cleaning costs” section, notifying the guest of the change clearly and respecting Airbnb's policies.

How much to charge for the cleaning fee?

The appropriate amount depends on several factors:

• Size of the accommodation: small apartments require less time than large houses.
• Services included: deep cleaning, laundry, replenishment of consumables.
• Location and demand: in cities or tourist areas, the fee may be higher.
• Length of stay: it is advisable to adjust the fee proportionally for long stays.

In general, the fee should cover the actual cleaning costs and allow you to maintain profitability without discouraging bookings.

Customize the fee according to the length of stay

• For short stays, the fee is usually fixed.
• For long stays, you can reduce the fee proportionally.
• Consider offering cleaning services during the stay as optional, which increases flexibility and improves the guest experience.

Tips for adjusting the cleaning fee and not losing money

1. Compare rates from similar accommodations in your area to set a competitive price.
2. Review your costs frequently: cleaning products, laundry, hired staff.
3. Establish a reasonable cost: neither too low nor excessively high, so as not to lose money or scare away bookings.
4. Create a cleaning checklist: define tasks, times, and necessary materials. This helps maintain quality and allows you to delegate tasks if you hire external staff.
5. Adjust the fee according to the season or duration: increase prices in high season or decrease for long stays.
6. Hire professionals if necessary: ensures quick and consistent service, especially in tourist apartments.
7. Automate cleaning management: use apps or platforms that alert you when cleaning is needed, to optimize time and resources.

Cleaning fee refund policy

Airbnb allows guests to receive a refund of the cleaning fee only in specific situations, such as cancellations before check-in according to the cancellation policy you have established. The fee is not refunded if the guest stays partially or causes damage. That's why it's important to clearly state the rules in your listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who sets the cleaning fee on Airbnb?
The host determines the amount, based on actual costs and the level of service offered.

Why does Airbnb charge a cleaning fee?
To cover the costs of preparing the accommodation between guests and ensure hygiene standards.

Can I choose not to charge a cleaning fee on Airbnb?
Yes, it is optional. Some hosts prefer to include the cleaning cost in the nightly rate.

Where does the cleaning fee appear when booking?
It is shown as a separate charge on the reservation summary page before confirming the stay.

When is the cleaning fee applied?
It is applied whenever there is a check-in, regardless of the length of stay, and is calculated according to what is configured in your listing.

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The Airbnb cleaning fee is an essential tool for any host who wants to maintain the profitability of their accommodation, offer a quality service, and minimize hygiene-related incidents. Setting it up correctly, adjusting it according to the length of stay, season, and your actual costs, and clearly communicating guest responsibilities, will allow you to save time, money, and worries.

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