The Ultimate Guide to Vacation Home Cleaning and Setup
Owning or managing a vacation home is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its share of challenges. Whether you rent out an apartment on Airbnb, manage a vacation home, or host family and friends, keeping the space consistently clean and guest ready is essential.
At Dolphin Home Cleaning, we provide professional cleaning services tailored to vacation homes, short term rentals, and seasonal apartments across Miami. This guide combines our expert knowledge with actionable tips to help you maintain a spotless, welcoming property year round.
Preparing Your Vacation Home for Guests
First impressions matter, especially for vacation rentals. A clean, organized space doesn’t just make your guests feel welcome, it increases your chances of 5 star reviews and repeat bookings.
Here’s a checklist to ensure your property shines before each guest stay:
Living Room
Dust all surfaces, furniture, and electronics
Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
Declutter shelves, side tables, and shared spaces
Bedrooms
Replace and launder all linens
Vacuum floors, including under beds
Tidy up closets and drawers
Bathrooms
Scrub sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets
Sanitize high touch surfaces and fixtures
Restock soap, toiletries, and fresh towels
Kitchen
Clean and disinfect countertops and appliances
Empty trash and sanitize bins
Ensure dishes are put away and fridge is wiped down
Seasonal Cleaning Tips for Vacation Properties
Every season presents unique cleaning needs. Here’s how to stay ahead:
Rainy Season: Keep doormats clean and dry. Encourage guests to remove wet shoes at the door.
Summer: Clean ceiling fans, filters, and AC vents. Consider using an air purifier.
Winter: Vacuum more frequently to remove tracked in sand or salt. Clean blankets and heavy curtains.
Spring: Deep clean carpets, windows, and outdoor areas for a fresh reset.
Custom Cleaning Packages for Vacation Homes
We offer flexible service options designed to meet the needs of seasonal properties, vacation homes, and short term apartment rentals across Miami:
Basic Turnover Cleaning
Ideal for in between guest stays. Includes general surface cleaning, linen changes, and bathroom/kitchen sanitation.Deep Cleaning Service
Recommended after long stays or extended vacancy. Covers appliance interiors, furniture, baseboards, and stain removal.Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning
Full reset for new guests or owners, perfect before peak season or after long term guests leave.Seasonal Maintenance Package
Designed for properties closed during part of the year. Focus on airing out, mold prevention, and restoring freshness.
Quick Cleanup Tips for Last Minute Guest Arrivals
Short on time? Here’s how to quickly refresh your rental:
Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and living room
Open windows and use diffusers or sprays to freshen the air
Remove visible clutter and wipe high touch surfaces
Take out trash and ensure clean towels and sheets are available
Do a quick walkthrough to check for stains or odors
Spot Cleaning Hacks for Common Messes
Wine or Drink Spills
Blot with paper towels, apply a baking soda paste or vinegar solution, and rinse.
Use a commercial stain remover if needed.
Makeup Stains
Dab with rubbing alcohol or mild dish soap. Use cornstarch for oil based stains before rinsing.
Mud or Dirt
Let it dry, brush it off, then scrub gently with warm water and detergent. Rinse and repeat as needed.
Keeping Your Vacation Property Fresh Between Guests
If your apartment or vacation rental sits vacant for days or weeks, it’s important to keep it odor free and fresh:
Open windows or use a dehumidifier to circulate air
Leave bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb smells
Clean all soft surfaces before locking up (curtains, rugs, furniture)
Add natural fragrance with essential oil diffusers or herbal sachets
Place low maintenance plants for a clean, living feel
Schedule regular check ins or cleanings to avoid surprises
Why Hire Professional Vacation Home Cleaning Services?
Managing a vacation property is time consuming. Professional cleaners bring peace of mind and save time by:
Working quickly and efficiently with pro tools
Reaching areas you might miss (baseboards, fixtures, deep corners)
Delivering consistent results that match your brand standard
Helping you protect your ratings and property value
At Dolphin Home Cleaning, our Miami based team specializes in short term rental cleaning, deep cleans, and seasonal property maintenance.
❓ FAQs: Vacation Property Cleaning in Miami
How often should I clean my vacation rental?
At minimum, before and after each guest stay, plus a deep clean every 3 – 4 months.
Do cleaners bring their own products?
Yes, we can provide eco friendly supplies, or use the products you prefer.
Can I customize the cleaning checklist?
Absolutely. We build cleaning plans based on your property and your guests’ needs.
Do I need to be there during cleaning?
Not at all. We offer contactless service and can work with lockboxes or digital access.
Ready to Simplify Your Vacation Property Setup?
Whether you’re hosting this weekend or preparing for peak season, Dolphin Home Cleaning is here to help you deliver a 5 star guest experience.
👉 Request your free quote and discover how easy it is to keep your vacation home spotless, stress free, and always guest ready.
Looking for cleaning services for your personal apartment instead of a vacation property?
Explore our Apartment Cleaning Services in Miami for flexible one time and recurring cleaning options tailored to your lifestyle.
