4 min read · 2 Jul 2025

Domestic Cleaning vs Airbnb Turnover: What's the Difference?

Ah, cleaning. It’s one of those things we all want done but not always the same way. If you’ve ever wondered why Airbnb turnover services cost a touch more than your weekly domestic clean (and whether it’s worth it), let’s pull back the curtain. As someone who appreciates good order and perhaps even better bedding, there’s more to it than just wiping down worktops and fluffing a cushion or two.

What is Domestic Cleaning, Really?

Let’s start with the basics. Domestic cleaning is your regular, routine home cleaning. Think of it as the steady hum that keeps your space tidy. It’s familiar, personal, and tailored to how you live.

Vacuuming, mopping, wiping down surfaces
Bathrooms cleaned, bins emptied, the usual suspects
Maybe a little help with the washing-up or a quick whizz around the fridge

It’s flexible, usually weekly or fortnightly, and often you’ll have the same cleaner for continuity.

Airbnb Turnover Cleaning: A Whole Different Beast

Now let’s talk short-let turnovers. This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about staging, prepping, resetting, and communicating.

It’s the difference between tidying your own room and setting up a hotel suite for guests. And that’s exactly what a good Airbnb turnover cleaner knows how to do.

Linen swap and bed-making to a hotel standard
Stocking bathroom essentials and guest welcome items
Detailed reset of space to match host’s specific layout
Photos sent to management or hosts post-clean, ensuring visual confirmation before check-in

And timing? It’s tight. Check-out at 11 a.m., check-in at 3 p.m.? Every minute counts.

Why Airbnb Cleaning Requires More Than Elbow Grease

Airbnb cleaners often come from a hotel or hospitality background. Why? Because short-let turnovers require:

A sharp eye for detail
A fixed, guest-ready result every single time
The ability to work to a tight turnaround without compromising quality

And behind the cleaner, there’s usually a support system in place:

Office or management team coordinating in real time
Picture exchanges between cleaner, client, and back office for peace of mind
Linen logistics: collecting, washing, delivering on time, and setting up beautifully
Flexible rebooking and rapid response if a guest spills red wine or checks out early

It’s not just about clean. It’s about guest experience, reputation, and that five-star review.

Why It Costs More and Why That’s Fair

You might look at the quote and think, "But I only pay £20 per hour for domestic cleaning. Why is Airbnb £25 or even £30?"

Here’s why:

It’s not just one cleaner. There’s a team involved: scheduling, linen handling, client communication, and issue resolution.
It’s time-sensitive. Missing a slot could delay a guest check-in. That’s pressure.
It includes extras. Transporting linen, photographing setups, replacing toilet rolls, all of it adds time, materials, and care.
It’s consistent and standardised. Every stay must feel like the first, even if your sofa’s seen better days.

So Which One Do You Need?

If you live there: Domestic cleaning gives you long-term, consistent care. It’s routine, reliable, and personal.
If guests stay there: Airbnb turnover cleaning is precise, professional, and deadline-driven. It’s service with standards.

Why Get Set Clean Knows the Difference

At Get Set Clean, we don’t just clean; we match the right cleaner to the right job. That’s because we specialise in three core areas:

Domestic cleaning – where consistency and trust are key
Airbnb and holiday-let turnovers – where guest-readiness and timing matter most
Commercial cleaning – where scale, scheduling, and compliance come into play

Each of these services demands a different mindset, pace, and expertise. That’s why we assign cleaners with the right experience, whether it’s hotel-trained professionals for Airbnb or detail-focused regulars for weekly home care.

You’ll also get:

A reliable office support team on hand seven days a week
Real-time updates and photo proof after each turnover
Custom cleaning checklists to match your property’s needs

It’s a little more per hour than domestic, but it’s a lot more in value, consistency, and confidence.

Because when it’s your reputation on the line, good enough just isn’t good enough.

Ready to book your next turnover or talk about a tailored plan? Get in touch with us here.