Franklin, TN is one of Middle Tennessee's most popular short-term rental destinations — and with that comes increasingly high guest expectations. Visitors coming to Westhaven, downtown Franklin, Berry Farms, and the surrounding Williamson County area expect hotel-level cleanliness. One mention of "dusty" or "not clean" in a review can tank your ranking faster than anything else.
This checklist covers everything a professional Airbnb turnover clean should include — room by room — so you know exactly what to expect whether you're doing it yourself or working with a cleaning partner.
"Cleanliness is the single most mentioned factor in 5-star Airbnb reviews — and the single most mentioned factor in 1-star reviews. It's the whole game."
Before You Start: The Turnover Mindset
A successful Airbnb turnover isn't just cleaning — it's resetting. Every room should look, smell, and feel as if no one has ever stayed there. Guests aren't comparing your property to their own home; they're comparing it to the best hotel they've stayed in.
Time is also a factor. Most Franklin hosts have tight windows between checkout and check-in. Work room to room systematically rather than task by task — it's faster and ensures nothing gets missed.
🛏️ Bedrooms
- Strip all bed linens and pillowcases — even if they look unused
- Inspect mattress for stains and odors
- Make beds hotel-style — tight, crisp, symmetrical
- Fluff and stage decorative pillows
- Dust all surfaces, nightstands, headboards, ceiling fans
- Check under bed for forgotten items
- Vacuum floors and any rugs thoroughly
- Wipe baseboards and window sills
- Empty all trash cans and reline
- Check closets for guest belongings left behind
- Confirm adequate hangers and closet space
Fold the top sheet down over the duvet at a 45-degree angle on the entry side. It signals to guests that the bedding is fresh and gives a premium hotel feel without any extra effort.
🚿 Bathrooms
- Scrub toilet bowl, seat, lid, base, and behind — all of it
- Deep clean tub and shower including grout lines
- Wipe down all surfaces — sink, vanity, counter
- Clean and polish all mirrors streak-free
- Mop floors thoroughly
- Replace all towels with fresh ones — folded neatly
- Restock toiletries: soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Restock toilet paper — at least 2 rolls visible
- Clean hair dryer and check it works
- Wipe light switches and door handles
- Remove all hair from drains and floors
- Empty trash and reline
🍳 Kitchen
- Wash all dishes, pots, and utensils — check dishwasher for stragglers
- Wipe all countertops and backsplash
- Clean stovetop, burners, and control knobs
- Wipe microwave inside and out
- Clean refrigerator inside — remove any food guests left
- Check expiration dates on condiments and pantry staples
- Clean coffee maker and restock filters and coffee
- Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
- Scrub sink and polish faucet
- Sweep and mop floors
- Empty trash and replace liner
- Restock paper towels and dish soap
Leave a small welcome basket on the counter — coffee, a local snack, a handwritten note. Guests mention these touches in reviews constantly, and they cost almost nothing.
🛋️ Living Areas & Common Spaces
- Dust all surfaces — shelves, tables, TV stand, decor
- Wipe TV screen and remote controls
- Fluff and arrange couch cushions and throw pillows
- Fold throws neatly
- Vacuum sofas and chairs
- Vacuum all rugs and carpets
- Mop hard floors
- Clean all light switches and door handles
- Check all light bulbs work
- Wipe baseboards
- Empty all trash
- Check window treatments are straight
🚪 Entryway, Hallways & Final Walkthrough
- Sweep or vacuum entryway
- Wipe down entry door and handle (inside and out)
- Check that smart lock or key box is working properly
- Scan every room from the doorway — what does a guest see first?
- Smell test — open windows briefly if needed, use mild air freshener
- Confirm all windows are closed and locked
- Verify all amenities are stocked and accessible
- Check WiFi password is visible
- Take a walkthrough photo for your records
- Send "property ready" notification to host
Things Franklin Airbnb Hosts Often Miss
Even experienced hosts and cleaning services miss these regularly — and guests always notice:
- Ceiling fans: Dust accumulates on the blades and falls when guests turn them on. Check every time.
- Behind and under furniture: Guests move furniture. What's underneath matters.
- Window tracks: Rarely cleaned, always noticed when dirty.
- Inside kitchen appliances: The microwave interior and toaster crumb tray get reviewed more than you'd think.
- The smell: A visually clean property that smells stale or musty still gets low cleanliness scores. Ventilate between guests.
When to Hire a Professional Airbnb Cleaner in Franklin
Doing your own turnovers works when you have time and a light booking schedule. But as your occupancy grows — especially in a market like Franklin where weekends book out fast — self-cleaning becomes unsustainable. A single missed turnover, or a rushed clean that results in a bad review, can cost more than a season of professional cleaning fees.
A professional Airbnb cleaner in Franklin isn't just doing the cleaning — they're protecting your reviews, your Superhost status, and your booking momentum. Look for someone who knows your property, communicates proactively, and treats your listing with the same care you do.
Need a Reliable Airbnb Cleaner in Franklin?
Daughter & Dust handles Airbnb and VRBO turnovers across Franklin and Williamson County. We learn your property, work with your calendar, and send you a "ready" notification after every clean.