FREE DOWNLOAD: The ultimate Self Catering spring cleaning checklist

With only two weeks to go until spring gets in full swing, what better time to get involved with the National Spring Clean Week and get your holiday homes looking spick and span? We’re talking dusting off the cobwebs, touching up the paint and deep cleaning those pesky ovens to get things fresh and clean.  With so much to do in such a short amount of time, it’s easy to forget things and let your to-do list grow at a faster pace than you can tackle it.  That’s why we’ve created a handy to-do list for any self-catering property, to print off and tick off as you go, so you can ensure you’ve covered all bases ready for your guests. And, if you’re looking for some top cleaning tips, take a look at our other blog, 8 Kitchen Cleaning Tips for Self Catering Properties.  Firstly, some things to consider When it comes to speedy changeovers with tight turnaround times, ensuring you make life easier for yourself during the clean-up is essential.

Cleaning essentials for your guests

Your guests will begrudge having to purchase cleaning products for the purpose of a short stay, so leaving out a few of the necessities for your guests to use is an ideal way to keep things clean while keeping guests happy. Items such as washing up liquid, bin bags and dishwasher tablets are just a few of the items your guests might need during their stay.  Our self catering cleaning welcome packs contain all of the essential items your guests might need, all combined in a smart, compact box to please your guests.

Check in and check out times

Are you giving yourself enough time to get your property ready for your guests, or do you find yourself, your cleaner or maintenance team struggling to keep up. Don’t be afraid to instil strict check in and out times, even when guests push back and require an earlier check in or later check out.  The typical check out time is around 10:00-11:00am, with check in at 3:00pm, giving you at least a four-hour window to get things ready. Then, within this time frame, you can allocate a set amount of time for each room or task at hand, to ensure everything gets covered in a timely fashion.

Think about time savers

More often than not, towels, beds and even entire bedrooms go unused during stays and therefore, technically, don’t require a clean-up. If guests are unlikely to use the rooms during their stay, you could leave a handwritten note requesting that any unused linen, on the beds or in the bathroom, be left in situ and any dirty laundry be placed on the floor.  Keep your cleaning products close at hand with a convenient cleaning cart is yet another key way to speed up the clean-up. In addition, handy products such as luggage stands and boot trays will keep dirty luggage and belongings from scuffing your floors and beds, while saving you from mopping up muddy floors and scrubbing the bedlinen.  Little time savers like the ones above might seem simple and obvious, but they can be game changers for changeovers where time is so crucial.

Go green when you clean

Achieving a sparkling showers, fresh floors and smear-free surfaces doesn’t mean you have to use harsh, industrial strength cleaning products. In fact, you can get those very same results with environmentally friendly, affordable and natural green cleaning ranges that use only the finest ethically sourced, plant powerful ingredients.  Our bestselling refillable Bio D and Ecover ranges brilliantly blast through dirt, grime and stains without the need for synthetic additives and chemicals, delivering great results every time.  Thinking of making the switch? Here’s Five Reasons to Go Green when You Clean with Bio D.  

Now, on to the checklist...

There’s just something about ticking off your checklist that can serve as great motivation for getting the job done. That’s why we’ve created a handy, double-sided spring clean checklist for you to print off and tick as you go. You can find it below or download it here. Now all that’s left to do is pop your favourite music on, make a cup of tea and get cleaning! Here's what it includes:

Bedroom

• Strip the beds and replace with fresh bedlinen including duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets and valances when appropriate
• Check bedding, beds and soft furnishings for any wear and tear
• Dust and empty drawers and wardrobes of any personal belongings
• Ensure ample hangers are available in wardrobesVacuum the floor, including under the beds
• Shine mirrors
• Dust the skirting boards, blinds and lampshades
• Ensure no belongings have fallen behind or under the beds

Bathroom 

• Collect, wash and replace towels
• Clean the shower and sinks, removing any mould build-up or plughole debris
• Shine taps, mirrors and any chrome fixtures
• Clean toilet and replenish toilet paper
• Collect and replace or refill any used toiletriesEmpty bathroom bins and disinfect if necessary
• Wipe down bathmats
• Mop the floors
• Wipe all bathroom surfaces down
• Spritz with air freshener or add a reed diffuser
• Dust skirting board, windowsills and blinds

Kitchen 

• De-clutter and wipe down worktops
• Clean the oven, microwave and other electrical appliances
• Polish reflective and chrome surfaces
• Ensure the kettle is free from limescale
• Check that all crockery, cutlery, utensils, pots and pans are spotless
• Empty the fridge/freezer and clean
• Wipe down chairs, highchairs and placemats
• Put out clean tea towels, washing up liquid, bin bags, etc.
• Empty cupboards and wipe them down
• Sweep, vacuum and mop the floor
• Take out the bins and disinfect
• Dust surfaces, windowsills, lampshades, blinds, skirting board and room corners
• Add a welcome pack containing refreshments, local produce and some breakfast supplies if appropriate

Living Room Area 

• Vacuum or mop the floors
• Dust ornaments, surfaces, TV, skirting board, blinds and furniture
• Fluff up sofa and scatter cushions
• Check TV and the remotes are in working order (and logged out of Netflix!)
• Move and clean behind all furniture
• Double check for lost property

Other Things To Remember 

• General safety checks, fire exit access, no exposed wires, alarms are in working order
• Are appliances, facilities and electricals in working order? TV signal, Wi-Fi, heating, bulbs, shower, oven, washing machine, dishwasher
• Check the guest information folders are updated with correct information and upcoming local event dates and seasonal attractions

Less Regular Cleaning Checklist 

• Deep clean the oven
• Wash bedspreads, curtains and other soft furnishings monthly
• Replace general wear and tearEnsure the outside is presentable, i.e. sweep up leaves, weed plants, pressure wash patio, steps and decking areas
• Remove any mould and mildew
• Replace any broken items
• Empty septic tanks if applicable
• Touch up paint internally and externally
• General gardening
• Check roof tiles, gutters/drain, and if holiday home is weatherproof
• Ensure windows are clean and smear-free