Why Is Airbnb Cleaning So Expensive?
Airbnb cleaning fees got you down? Let's look at the costs (and how you can curb them).
If you are one of many Airbnb hosts or guests whose wallet is feeling the pinch of expensive cleaning fees, you've likely felt it sour your experience on the platform. Recent surveys suggest customers are more likely to leave negative reviews when they feel their cleaning fee is too high. In recent months, guests have been particularly vocal about their discontent with these fees, resulting in the platform's decision to include the once-hidden fees in the total cost of the stay.
But why exactly is Airbnb cleaning so expensive? And how can you reduce Airbnb cleaning fees without skimping on quality service and care for your property?
Let's dive deep into what drives those costs and how Airbnb hosts and guests alike can save money while still guaranteeing excellent service (that's still more attractive than the average hotel stay).
The Challenge of Expensive Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Are you an Airbnb host who cringes whenever you must tack on a hefty cleaning fee to your guests' already expensive stay? You're not alone.
Many hosts need help finding the right balance between covering cleaning costs and making their listings affordable for guests. It's a common challenge that requires careful consideration and a bit of creativity. Fortunately, there are a few strategies both hosts and guests can employ to minimize cleaning costs without sacrificing the cleanliness and comfort of their space.
Understanding why Airbnb cleaning services are so costly
It's no secret - finding a good cleaning service can be tricky, especially in the bustling city of Seattle. And when it comes to Airbnb cleaning services, the cost can often leave hosts and guests feeling a little sticker shocked.
How much do Airbnb cleaning fees cost in Seattle?
Based on a randomized survey of 10 listings in downtown Seattle, we found that the average Airbnb cleaning fee in Seattle ranges anywhere from a humble 3% to a whopping 35% of the total cost of a 3-night stay (including tax & service fees). Looking at listings ranging from $75/night to those nearing the $300 mark, we found that the average Airbnb cleaning fee in Seattle was around $80, ranging from $38 to $189.
We found that lower-range listings (<$100/night) had the lowest average cleaning fee, averaging around 6.5% of the total stay. In contrast, mid-range listings proved to have the highest average cleaning fee, averaging at about 16.8% of the entire stay, followed by an average of 14% for higher-range listings.
Why is there such an extensive range in Seattle's Airbnb cleaning fees?
Airbnb cleaning services are typically held to a higher standard than your average hotel or cleaning company. Not only do they need to excel at basic tasks like dusting and vacuuming, but they also need to be capable of turning over entire homes in just a few hours—after all, your host profile depends on it.
Why are Airbnb cleaning fees so much higher than hotel services?
Several factors contribute to an overall higher cleaning rate for Airbnbs, such as:
Hotel rooms are often smaller in comparison to most Airbnb listings.
Cleaning tasks such as laundry and trash collection are done en masse rather than individually.
Airbnb cleaners travel from site to site and typically integrate travel time and expenses into their fee.
Hotel rooms have a tiny kitchenette compared to the large kitchens with many Airbnb rentals.
Hotel in-house cleaners are generally held to a different standard of detail than Airbnb cleaners.
Factors That May Determine Your Airbnb Cleaning Fee
Size matters
One of the most significant factors determining an Airbnb cleaning fee is the square footage of the space you rent. For example, renting a 200-square-foot private room will cost considerably less than a 900-square-foot private loft or an entire home.
Timing
Another factor to consider is the days you're booking. Booking on holiday may occasionally result in a higher fee, as the cleaning company may charge extra for holiday services. Many cleaners also consider the additional festivities and resulting cleanup that holiday celebrations imply.
DIY Cleaning
Many hosts may take a DIY approach to clean their in-between rental bookings to maximize their rental income. However, they are often not professionals with the appropriate skills and expertise. In that case, this may take longer than a dedicated team of cleaning experts would. As a result, the hosts may price the cleaning fee accordingly to adequately reimburse them for their time.
How to Reduce Airbnb Cleaning Fees (For Guests & Hosts)
If you rely on Airbnb rentals for your holiday getaways, you may have noticed that the cleaning fees can often feel disproportionate to the total of your stay. With some bookings charging as much as 35-50% of the total for cleaning fees, you might wonder if you're better off staying in a hotel. The good news is that there's a simple way to cut down on those pesky fees—by extending your stay!
For Guests: Opt for longer stays vs. location hopping
While we are all trying to get the most out of our limited vacation days each year, opting for one or two longer-term stays can help you save on unnecessary cleaning fees, all while getting the authentic Airbnb experience.
Not only will this give you more time to explore the area and settle in, but it can also lower your overall costs. By staying longer, you'll only have to pay the cleaning fee once rather than for multiple shorter stays. Plus, many hosts offer discounts for longer bookings, so you can save even more.
One way to take advantage of this is to book a stay in central locations surrounded by different activities and adventures you are interested in. That way, you can venture off and experience new places each day without the burden of checking in, checking out, and paying unnecessary cleaning fees.
For Hosts: 3 Reasons to Hire a Seattle Airbnb cleaning service with affordable rates
For many hosts, cleaning in-between bookings doesn't fit their busy schedules. Luckily, hiring a local Seattle Airbnb cleaning service with affordable rates is the solution you need.
1.) Enjoy your rental income stress-free
Imagine enjoying your free time without worrying about rushing to clean your rental property during the short window between check-in and check-out. For the average person, Airbnb renting is a side hustle or supplementary income, which means the host typically works during the hours when a rental would be cleaned before the next guests arrive. Outsourcing this tedious task can help you enjoy your side hustle stress-free while giving you the peace of mind that industry professionals are taking care of your rental.
2.) Ensure the safety of your guests
With the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb hosts have to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their guests. Hiring a professional cleaning company ensures your rental is properly disinfected and sanitized according to Airbnb's cleaning protocols while giving your guests an additional layer of reassurance.
3.) Secure those 5-star reviews
According to Airbnb, one of the main elements influencing a listing's popularity in search engines is the rating guests leave after their stay. One prominent factor contributing to the overall rating is the rental's cleanliness and amenities. Hiring a professional house cleaner is one of the easiest ways to secure that 5-star rating. Many Seattle Airbnb cleaning services will help you replenish basic amenities such as toilet paper, paper towels, etc., or notify you if supplies run low.
Seeing as social proof (i.e., reviews, testimonials) is one of the six fundamental principles of persuading people to take a desired action, start securing those raving reviews with a professional Seattle cleaner today!
What to look for when choosing an Airbnb cleaning service
Choosing an Airbnb cleaning service is crucial to ensure your guests have a pristine and comfortable stay. When searching for a cleaning company, consider a few key factors.
Availability: Check their availability and flexibility to match your guests' schedules.
Process Breakdown: Request an extensive cleaning checklist to ensure every nook and cranny is cleaned.
Transparency & Good Reviews: Look for a service that offers transparency with pricing and reviews from other hosts.
Experience: Lastly, inquire about their experience and whether they have dealt with situations that might occur in an Airbnb setting.
Considering these factors, you can rest assured that your guests' satisfaction is a top priority, leaving you with glowing reviews and repeat guests.
Get the Most Out of Your Airbnb Listing With Us!
Essential Move Out Cleaning is an experienced Airbnb cleaning service that offers excellent value and quality service at an affordable rate. Our team of highly trained professionals has plenty of experience working with Airbnb Superhosts and knows precisely how to help you keep your guests safe and secure a 5-star rating every time. Contact us for a consultation today and start renting confidently tomorrow!