With the summer season in full swing, vacation rental properties experience a surge in bookings. The summer season is the busiest time of year for many vacation rental hosts and managers creating quick turn days causing quick turnaround times between bookings. While you can’t deep clean between every turnover, there are a few specific items that should be checked regularly that will help deliver a clean home and have a big impact on the guest experience, especially in the summer.

“You have only 5 hours to clean and reset the house for the next arrival (given a standard 10 am checkout and 4 pm check-in time), and if the previous guests left the house in an excessively dirty condition, which tends to happen more in the summer, then you definitely have your work cut out for you. This is why quality control is important.” - Craig Eubanks, Housekeeping Manager at Five Star Beach Properties

To help you stay ahead of the game this summer, we asked Breezeway clients to share their experiences with what items are most commonly missed during summer cleans. From their responses, we've compiled a list of five commonly overlooked items that should be added to your summer cleaning checklist.

1. Outdoor space

With so much cleaning to do inside the home, the exterior of the property generally tends to get neglected. However, spring cleaning is the perfect time to prepare these areas for the summer season, as patios, decks, and gardens are major selling points for summer rentals.

The warm weather encourages guests to get outside and take advantage of the outdoor amenities at their rental. With more use, these areas tend to get worn down and can quickly accumulate dirt, debris, grime, and mildew.

Why it matters:

• First Impressions: The outdoor area is often the first thing guests see. A well-maintained outdoor space sets a positive tone for their stay.
  
• Usability: Clean and well-kept outdoor furniture, grills, and recreational areas ensure that guests can fully enjoy these amenities.
  

Cleaning tasks to add to your summer cleaning checklist:

• Thorough cleaning of patio furniture
  
• Trim hedges
  
• Mow the lawn
  
• Stowe trash cans away
  
• Ensure outdoor lights are functional
  
• Inspect the grill and fire pit
  
• Disinfect beach/ pool toys, floats, and chairs
  
• Inspect golf carts and bikes
  
• Arrange lawn games and toys
  
• Regularly inspect and clean pools or hot tubs
  
• Declutter garage/ storage areas
  

2. Air Conditioner and Ceiling fans

Summer heat can be relentless, and guests will rely heavily on air conditioning and fans to stay comfortable. However, air conditioners, fans, and filters often get overlooked in regular cleaning routines.

Why it matters:

• Efficiency and Performance: Dirty filters and units can reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning systems, leading to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns.
  
• Air Quality: Clean filters ensure the air circulating in your property is free of dust, allergens, and pollutants, which is especially important for guests with allergies or respiratory issues.
  

Cleaning tasks to add to your summer cleaning checklist:

• Wipe ceiling fans
  
• Inspect the air conditioning unit
  
• Replace filters
  

3. Windows

Windows are a critical aspect of any property, providing natural light and views that can enhance the guest experience. However, cleaning them can be a big undertaking. Especially in the summer, when more pollen, bugs, dust, and debris tends to build up in the window frame, it’s especially important to give them the attention they deserve during routine cleanings. Ensure cleaning service providers are equipped with supplies and cleaning products, like glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, all-purpose cleaner, and sponges to address these household chores effectively.

Why it matters:

• Aesthetics and Ambiance: Clean windows and window treatments contribute to a bright and welcoming environment.
  
• Allergen Control: Dust and allergens can accumulate on blinds, curtains, upholstery, and window sills, affecting indoor air quality.
  

Cleaning tasks to add to your summer cleaning checklist:

• Wipe window glass
  
• Dust window sills
  
• Clean out buildup in window tracks
• Clean blinds or shades
  
• Wash curtains or drapes

4. Door tracks

Sliding glass doors and patio doors are frequently used during summer stays, and their tracks can often collect dirt, causing big messes in the living spaces that can get overlooked.

Why it matters:

• Access and security: Dirt and debris build up in sliding door tracks can hinder the smooth operation of sliding doors, which is not only frustrating to guests, but can also impact the access and security of the home.
  
• Aesthetics and Cleanliness: Clean door tracks contribute to the overall cleanliness and appearance of your property.
  

Cleaning tasks to add to your summer cleaning checklist:

• Vacuum and wipe down door tracks to remove dirt, dust, and debris
  
• Lubricate the tracks with a silicone-based spray to ensure smooth operation
  
• Clean the glass panels
• Polish door handles
  

5. Emergency and Safety Equipment

Safety equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are crucial, yet they are often a forgotten step in house cleaning and maintenance routines.

Why it matters:

• Guest Safety: Ensuring that all safety equipment is functional is not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical component of guest safety.
  
• Peace of Mind: Demonstrating that safety is a priority can enhance guests' trust and comfort during their stay.
  

Cleaning tasks to add to your summer cleaning checklist:

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working correctly.
  
• Check the expiration dates on fire extinguishers and replace them as necessary.
  
• Ensure the fire extinguisher is visible and easily accessible.

How to implement summer cleaning tips

Summer is the busiest time for vacation rentals, and maintaining high standards is crucial for guest satisfaction and repeat business. By addressing these commonly missed items and leveraging Breezeway's powerful software, you can ensure your properties are always in top condition. Remember, a clean and well-maintained property not only enhances the guest experience but also protects your investment.