If you’ve ever booked an Airbnb and found yourself raising an eyebrow at a cleaning fee that seems higher than your last hotel stay, you’re not alone. How much are Airbnb cleaning fees really, and why do they vary so much? For hosts, setting the right fee is like walking a tightrope—too low and they’re scrubbing floors for free, too high and they scare off potential guests.
So, let’s break it all down: what cleaning fees cover, what’s considered reasonable, and how to strike the perfect balance between keeping things clean and keeping bookings rolling in.
How Airbnb Cleaning Fees Work
Unlike a hotel stay, where cleaning is quietly factored into your nightly rate, Airbnb hosts typically charge a one-time cleaning fee. This is an additional charge that guests pay on top of the room rate, meant to cover the costs of turning over the property for the next stay.
What the Cleaning Fee Includes
Cleaning fees are not a security deposit (sorry, no refunds!). Instead, they help hosts cover expenses such as:
- Hiring a cleaning service (unless the host enjoys scrubbing toilets for fun)
- Laundry (sheets, towels, and maybe those “decorative” pillows no one knows the purpose of)
- Restocking essentials like toilet paper, soap, and sometimes a welcome snack
- Vacuuming up the suspicious amount of sand from guests who “totally didn’t go to the beach”
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees on Average?
On Airbnb, cleaning fees can range anywhere from $50 to $300, depending on:
- The size of the property (a one-bedroom studio vs. a five-bedroom mansion)
- The level of service provided (basic cleaning vs. luxury hotel-level sanitization)
- The local market (big city prices vs. small-town charm)
According to Airbnb management experts, the best way to determine a reasonable cleaning fee is to check comparable listings in your area. If your competition is charging $100 and you’re charging $250, guests might wonder if you’re including a full spa treatment with their stay.
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Setting the Right Cleaning Fee: A Host’s Dilemma
Some hosts prefer to roll their cleaning costs into the nightly rate, while others keep the fee separate. Here’s a quick rundown of both strategies:
Option 1: Separate Cleaning Fee
- Transparency: Guests see exactly what they’re paying for
- Good for long stays: The fee is a one-time charge
- Potential sticker shock: Some guests don’t love seeing an extra fee tacked on
Option 2: Include Cleaning in Nightly Rate
- No surprises: Guests won’t feel like they’re getting hit with a hidden fee
- Competitive pricing: Listings appear cheaper at first glance
- Short stays become expensive: If someone books for one night, they’re paying for the whole cleaning cost in their stay
Cleaning Fees & Guest Expectations
Guests have strong opinions about cleaning fees. Some expect a pristine hotel-level experience, while others believe paying a fee means they can leave the place looking like a college dorm after finals week.
A few key things to remember:
- Higher fees can scare off short-term guests – A $100 fee for a one-night stay? Yikes.
- Some guests will still expect daily housekeeping – Make it clear if that’s not the case.
- Extreme fees can lead to complaints and refund requests – A guest might feel entitled to a refund if they think the cleaning doesn’t match the price.
Adjusting Your Cleaning Fee for Maximum Bookings
If your Airbnb isn’t getting booked as often as you’d like, it might be time to tweak your cleaning fee. A few ways to experiment:
- Test different pricing structures – Try lowering your cleaning fee and slightly raising your nightly rate.
- Offer discounts for longer stays – Many hosts use higher cleaning fees to discourage short stays, but discounts for week-long bookings can help.
- Stay competitive with your market – If all similar listings in your area charge $75, guests might balk at paying $200 for your place.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Balance
So, how much are Airbnb cleaning fees supposed to be? The short answer: it depends. The long answer: you need to factor in cleaning costs, guest expectations, and market trends to find a fee that makes sense for both you and your guests.
If you’re a host looking for a cost-effective way to keep your rental spotless, professional housekeeping services can be a game-changer. For expert cleaning services tailored to Airbnb rentals, check out Housekeeping Denver and keep your property guest-ready without the hassle!
