A full explanation for guests and hosts - and why cleaning costs more for vacation rentals than regular homes.

If you've stayed in or hosted an Airbnb, you've probably wondered the same thing:

Why are Airbnb cleaning fees so high?

Some guests feel frustrated seeing a $100-$300+ cleaning fee.
Many hosts feel guilty charging it.

And cleaners are often caught in the middle - doing hotel-level work for residential pay.

The reality is that Airbnb turnovers require far more work, time, and detail than most people think - especially in a high-demand vacation market like Orlando.

Let's break down exactly why Airbnb cleaning fees are higher than traditional house-cleaning prices.

1. Airbnb Cleaning Is NOT the Same as Regular Residential Cleaning

Most people compare Airbnb cleaning to cleaning their own homes.
But the tasks are completely different.

Regular Home Cleaning Includes:

• Vacuuming

• Dusting

• Basic bathroom cleaning

• Light kitchen cleaning

Airbnb Cleaning Includes:

✔ Full sanitizing

✔ Hotel-style staging

✔ Laundry for all linens

✔ Stain removal

✔ Restocking supplies

✔ Damage checks

✔ Full kitchen reset

✔ Guest turnover preparation

✔ Fast check-in deadlines

Airbnb cleaning is part cleaning, part housekeeping, part hospitality, part inspection - all in one.

2. Laundry Takes Much Longer Than People Realize

Laundry is the single biggest reason for higher Airbnb cleaning fees.

Cleaners must handle:

• Sheets

• Pillowcases

• Towels

• Hand towels

• Bath mats

• Pool towels

• Kitchen towels

• Blankets

• Throws

• Sometimes comforters

For 4-6 guests, this can be 3-6 full loads of laundry per turnover.

Laundry alone can take 1.5-3 hours, even with fast machines.

Hotels solve this with industrial machines.

Airbnb cleaners do it with regular home appliances.

3. Airbnb Turnovers Require Fast, Time-Sensitive Cleanup

Unlike residential cleaning:

• Airbnb cleaning cannot be delayed.

• There is a strict window between check-out and check-in.

• Cleaners must work fast, efficiently, and precisely.

• Same-day turnovers are common.

If the cleaner runs late, the host gets:

❌ Late check-in complaints

❌ Bad reviews

❌ Refund requests

❌ Reduced listing visibility

You're not paying for just cleaning - you're paying for dependability under pressure.

4. Guests Leave the Property Dirtier Than Homeowners Do

People treat rentals differently than their own homes.

Common post-guest issues include:

• Trash overflowing

• Dishes left in the sink

• Food spills

• Makeup on towels

• Sand everywhere

• Drink stains

• Sticky floors

• Toys, crumbs, or trash

• Wet pool towels

• Personal items left behind

Many guests assume “the cleaning fee covers it,” so they don't clean at all.

This drastically increases the time and effort needed per turnover.

5. Airbnb Cleaners Must Reset the Home Like a Hotel

Presentation is critical.
Cleaners must stage every room to look perfect.

This includes:

✔ Making beds hotel-style

✔ Folding towels neatly

✔ Organizing pillows

✔ Resetting décor

✔ Restocking items

✔ Arranging furniture

✔ Checking remote controls

✔ Setting AC temperature

It takes time to ensure the home looks flawlessly ready for the next guest.

6. Restocking Supplies Adds to Cleaning Time

Depending on the host's setup, cleaners may need to restock:

• Toilet paper

• Paper towels

• Soap

• Shampoo

• Coffee pods

• Dish soap

• Sponges

• Laundry detergent

• Trash bags

• Snacks

• Water bottles

• Amenities

Each of these tasks adds time - and more responsibility.

7. Cleaners Are Responsible for Damage Reporting

Airbnb cleaning includes property inspection, not just cleaning.

Cleaners must check for:

• Broken items

• Missing items

• Stains or spills

• Damaged bedding

• Damaged furniture

• Trash left behind

• Rule violations

• Unauthorized pets

• Smoking evidence

Cleaners often take photos for:

✔ Insurance claims

✔ Host verification

✔ Airbnb dispute resolution

✔ Security deposit claims

This is extra work compared to regular house cleaning.

8. Airbnb Cleaning Requires More Supplies and Higher Costs

Airbnb cleaners use more:

• Cleaning solutions

• Disinfectants

• Microfiber cloths

• Laundry detergent

• Fabric softener

• Dryer sheets

• Trash bags

• Sponges

• Gloves

• Mops & pads

These supplies add up quickly - especially with daily turnovers.

And to maintain high reviews, cleaners must use hospital-grade sanitizers and commercial tools.

9. Property Size and Guest Capacity Increase the Price

Orlando is full of:

• Large vacation homes

• 4-7 bedroom villas

• Pool homes

• Multi-bathroom properties

Bigger homes = more rooms, more linens, more surfaces, more bathrooms, more work.

A 5-bedroom Airbnb with a pool can take 3-5 hours per turnover - even for a trained team.

10. Airbnb Fees Cover Reliability, Not Just Cleaning

You're paying for a professional who:

✔ Shows up on time

✔ Handles urgent turnovers

✔ Manages laundry

✔ Communicates clearly

✔ Prevents bad reviews

✔ Delivers hotel-level results

Reliability is the service.

If the cleaner fails, the host loses hundreds - sometimes thousands - in bookings.

11. Hosts Often Don't Realize How Much Work Their Cleaner Saves Them

Without a cleaner, hosts would need to:

❌ Drive to the property

❌ Deep clean

❌ Wash and fold all linens

❌ Reset every room

❌ Dispose of trash

❌ Handle supplies

❌ Inspect the property

❌ Take photos

For hosts with full-time jobs or multiple properties, this is nearly impossible.

Airbnb cleaning fees reflect the true scale of work involved.

Typical Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Orlando (By Size)

Studio / 1 Bedroom:

$70-$120

2 Bedrooms:

$120-$170

3 Bedrooms:

$150-$250

4-5 Bedroom Homes:

$200-$400

Large Villas (Reunion, Champions Gate):

$250-$600+

Even at these prices, most cleaners are not overcharging - they're covering the real workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Airbnb cleaners set their own rates?

Yes - based on time, laundry, supplies, and home condition.

Does the entire cleaning fee go to the cleaner?

Usually yes, unless the host uses a management company.

Why is laundry so expensive?

Because it's time-consuming and often requires multiple loads.

Can hosts lower their cleaning fee?

Yes - but this usually leads to rushed, poor-quality cleanings.

Do guests have to clean before leaving?

Some hosts ask guests to take out trash or start a load of laundry.

Professional Airbnb Cleaning Is Worth the Investment

Cleaners aren't charging high fees unfairly - they're charging based on the real, intense workload required to keep your Airbnb earning 5-star reviews.

AGA CLEANS helps hosts reduce stress and increase bookings with:

✔ Fast, reliable turnovers
✔ Laundry and staging
✔ Tech-friendly scheduling
✔ Detailed inspections
✔ Photo proof
✔ Guest-ready presentation

Book your Airbnb cleaning in Orlando, Davenport, or Kissimmee today.

Perfect turnovers. Every time.

Request a Quote | Call (407) 305-4451