Choosing the right BNB can make or break your holiday. While location and price matter, cleanliness should be at the top of your checklist. A spotless property isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about your health, comfort, and peace of mind. Here’s how to assess cleanliness standards before you book and what to look for when you arrive.
Reading Between the Lines in Reviews
Reviews are your first line of defence when selecting a clean BNB. Don’t just glance at the star rating—dig deeper into what guests actually say. Look for specific mentions of cleanliness rather than vague compliments like “nice place.”
Red flags include repeated comments about dust, stained linens, or unpleasant odours. Even one or two mentions of cleanliness issues in recent reviews should give you pause. Pay attention to how hosts respond to negative feedback. A professional response with concrete solutions demonstrates they take hygiene seriously.
Search for keywords like “spotless,” “immaculate,” or “sparkling clean” in reviews. Guests who take time to mention these details have usually been genuinely impressed. Conversely, phrases like “could use a deep clean” or “mostly clean” suggest mediocre standards.
Scrutinising Property Photos
Photos tell stories if you know what to look for. Zoom in on images and examine the details. Are there visible dust particles on surfaces? Do curtains look crisp or dingy? Check skirting boards, corners, and hard-to-reach areas that often reveal a property’s true cleanliness level.
Kitchen and bathroom photos are particularly telling. Grout should be white or consistently coloured, not grey or mouldy. Taps should shine without water stains or limescale buildup. In kitchens, look at appliance exteriors—grease splatters on hobs or fingerprints on refrigerators suggest superficial cleaning.
Be wary of properties with only wide-angle shots or heavily filtered images. These can hide a multitude of sins. Quality BNBs showcase their cleanliness with clear, well-lit photos that don’t shy away from close-ups.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
Don’t hesitate to contact hosts directly about their cleaning protocols. Professional hosts expect these questions and should answer them confidently.
Ask about their cleaning schedule between guests. A thorough turnover clean should include washing all linens, sanitising high-touch surfaces, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms completely. Inquire whether they use professional cleaning services or handle it themselves.
Questions about cleaning products can be revealing. Hosts who use hospital-grade disinfectants or eco-friendly alternatives show they’ve thought seriously about hygiene. Ask if they follow any specific cleaning checklists or standards.
It’s also worth asking about deep cleaning frequency. Carpets should be professionally cleaned every few months, mattresses should be regularly sanitised, and curtains should be laundered periodically. Hosts who can’t answer these questions likely don’t have robust cleaning systems in place.
First Impressions Upon Arrival
The moment you step inside, your senses will tell you what you need to know. A clean BNB should smell fresh and neutral—not musty, perfumed, or like cleaning chemicals. Strong fragrances often mask rather than eliminate odours.
Run your finger along surfaces when you arrive. Windowsills, picture frames, and lampshades collect dust and reveal whether the property has been properly cleaned or just tidied. Check behind doors, under beds, and inside cupboards. These areas don’t show in photos but demonstrate attention to detail.
Bathroom Red Flags
Bathrooms are the ultimate cleanliness test. Examine the toilet bowl, including under the rim. Check shower curtains or screens for soap scum and mould. Look at grout lines in tiles—they should be free from dark discolouration.
Test the shower drain. Standing water or slow drainage suggests accumulated hair and grime. Open the bathroom cabinet and check for expired products or grime buildup. Fresh, clean towels should have no stains or frayed edges.
The smell test is crucial in bathrooms. Any hint of mildew or sewage indicates poor ventilation or inadequate cleaning. Quality BNBs ensure bathrooms are bone-dry between guests to prevent bacterial growth.
Kitchen Cleanliness Indicators
Open the refrigerator immediately upon arrival. It should be empty, clean, and odour-free. Check drawers for crumbs and the oven for baked-on food residue. Run your hand along the top of cabinets if you can reach them—these areas often get neglected.
Inspect utensils and crockery. Hold glasses up to the light to check for lipstick marks or water spots. Open a few drawers randomly. Cutlery should be clean and organised, not jumbled together with food debris.
Look under the sink. This area should be tidy and free from leaks, mould, or unpleasant smells. A well-maintained undersink area reflects overall property standards.
Bedroom and Living Areas
Strip back the duvet corner and examine the mattress. Quality BNBs use mattress protectors that should be fresh and unstained. Check for dust on bedside tables, lampshades, and headboards.
Test the vacuum cleaner if there’s one provided. A clean, well-maintained vacuum suggests the property is regularly cleaned properly. A full or broken vacuum tells you maintenance isn’t a priority.
Upholstery should be clean. Cushions and throws should be fresh and free from stains. Run your hand over upholstered furniture to check for dust or crumbs. Clean properties don’t accumulate debris.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Your comfort matters, and you’re entitled to a clean space for your money. Don’t ignore your gut feeling because everything else about the property seems perfect.
Take photos of any cleanliness issues immediately upon arrival and contact your host. Professional hosts will address problems quickly. Their response tells you everything about their commitment to standards.
The Extra Clean Difference
Choosing a BNB with exceptional cleaning standards transforms your stay from acceptable to exceptional. You’ll sleep better, feel more relaxed, and actually enjoy your accommodation rather than just tolerating it.
Remember, cleanliness isn’t a luxury—it’s a basic expectation. By knowing what to look for, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you’ll consistently choose BNBs where hygiene is a priority, not an afterthought. Your health and happiness are worth the extra effort in selection.
Achieve Extra Clean Standards in Your BNB
Whether you’re a guest seeking spotless accommodation or a host committed to exceptional cleanliness, Extra Clean sets the benchmark for short-term rental hygiene. Our professional cleaning services ensure every corner, surface, and detail meets the exacting standards discerning guests expect. Contact Extra Clean to discover how we can elevate your property’s cleanliness reputation.
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