Whether you're listing your guesthouse for the first time or switching cleaning services, knowing exactly what "cleaning and maintenance" covers can save you thousands in unexpected costs and guest complaints. Most guesthouse owners discover too late that their cleaner's definition of "thorough" doesn't match their guests' expectations. This guide breaks down what's typically included, what costs extra, and how to avoid the gaps that tank your reviews.
The Standard Cleaning Package
Most guesthouse cleaning services include the basics: vacuuming, mopping hard floors, wiping surfaces, and sanitizing bathrooms. Between guests, expect cleaners to spend 2–4 hours on a typical 1–2 bedroom unit, depending on condition and occupancy. Bed linen changes, towel replacements, and trash removal are almost always included in the standard rate, which typically runs $80–$150 per turnover in mid-sized markets.
The catch? "Standard" varies wildly. Some services dust only visible surfaces; others skip inside appliances entirely. Get a written checklist before you hire.
What Usually Costs Extra
Here's where surprises happen. Deep cleaning—oven interiors, baseboards, light fixtures, and wall scuffs—typically adds 30–50% to your turnover cost. If your guesthouse allows pets, pet hair removal and odor treatment can add $40–$80 per visit. Window cleaning, carpet shampooing, and pressure washing exterior areas often come as separate line items at $100–$300 each.
Laundry services beyond basic sheet changes, pool maintenance, and garden upkeep are rarely bundled. If your guesthouse has a hot tub, jacuzzi, or sauna, budget an extra $50–$150 monthly for specialized maintenance.
Maintenance Beyond Cleaning
Maintenance is different from cleaning, and most turnover services don't include it. Minor repairs—tightening loose handles, replacing burnt-out bulbs, fixing running toilets—fall into a gray zone. Some cleaners handle quick fixes; most charge extra or won't touch them. Plan on allocating 5–10% of your booking revenue toward ongoing maintenance.
Seasonal tasks like HVAC filter changes, gutter cleaning, and caulk inspection need a separate schedule and budget. Many guesthouse owners hire maintenance contractors quarterly at $200–$500 per visit.
Red Flags in Cleaning Contracts
Watch for these issues when evaluating cleaning services:
- No itemized checklist. If they can't give you a detailed list of what they do, their standard is too vague.
- Flat rate regardless of occupancy. Some cleaners charge the same whether your guesthouse was occupied or sat empty—that's a bad deal for you.
- No cancellation policy for no-shows. Require 24-hour notice and define what happens if a guest checks out early or late.
- All-inclusive claims without specifics. "We do everything" usually means they'll argue every extra cost.
- No damage documentation. Request before-and-after photos so you're not charged for pre-existing wear.
Choosing Between In-House vs. Outsourced
Many guesthouse owners try hiring staff directly, which offers control but creates payroll headaches. Outsourced services ($900–$2,000 monthly for a 2-unit property) are more predictable and eliminate employment taxes, but you lose day-to-day oversight. Hybrid models—outsourcing turnover cleaning while keeping one in-house person for spot checks—work well at mid-size operations.
Services like Mercoly help you compare and vet guesthouse cleaning providers in your area, so you can see what's actually included before committing to a contract.
Creating Your Own Standards
Don't rely on industry defaults. Document your expectations in writing: guest comment triggers for re-cleaning (stains, odors), acceptable timeline between checkout and next check-in, acceptable wear vs. damage requiring repair, and what happens if cleaning is substandard. Share this with your cleaner and revisit quarterly.
A simple spreadsheet tracking cleaning costs, guest complaints, and repair needs reveals patterns within 2–3 months. If you're spending more than 8–10% of monthly revenue on cleaning and maintenance combined, your pricing or service level needs adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I require cleaners to provide their own supplies, or should I buy them? Cleaners typically prefer providing their own supplies (they know what works), which means you pay slightly higher rates ($10–$20 more per turnover). Buying bulk supplies yourself costs less per unit but requires storage and training staff on what to use where. Most guesthouse owners find paying the premium for cleaner-supplied materials worth the hassle saved.
Q: How often should turnovers happen for a guesthouse with multiple bookings per week? Expect full turnovers between every guest checkout and the next check-in, which for high-occupancy properties means daily or near-daily cleaning. If your turnover window is under 3 hours, budget extra or hire additional staff—rushing leads to missed spots and guest complaints.
Q: What's the difference between "turnover" and "periodic" cleaning? Turnover cleaning happens between guests and covers high-touch areas. Periodic (weekly or monthly) cleaning addresses deeper tasks like baseboards, inside cabinets, and oven interiors. Most guesthouses need both on a staggered schedule.
Ready to find reliable cleaning services for your guesthouse? Compare vetted providers and their specific service packages today.