Complete Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Lugano
The definitive checklist for perfect Airbnb turnovers in Lugano. Every step for guaranteed 5-star reviews.
Why a Checklist Is Essential
In the competitive short-term rental market in Lugano and Canton Ticino, cleanliness is the number one factor behind 5-star reviews. Airbnb guests have very high expectations: industry studies show that 95% of guests consider cleanliness "extremely important" to their rating.
A structured checklist not only guarantees consistent standards, it also cuts average turnover time by 30%. In Lugano, where average rates are CHF 120-200 a night, every hour saved means higher profitability. The recommended average time for a full turnover is 2-3 hours for studios, 3-4 hours for two-room apartments, and 4-5 hours for larger apartments.
1. Pre-Arrival Preparation
Before you start the actual cleaning, make sure you have everything you need and that the previous guest has completed check-out.
Pre-Cleaning Checklist
- ✓ Confirm check-out was completed (on time)
- ✓ Gather all the cleaning products you need
- ✓ Prepare 2-3 bin bags for rubbish
- ✓ Bring a full set of clean linen (sheets, pillowcases, towels)
- ✓ Check availability of guest supplies (shampoo, soap, toilet paper)
- ✓ Charge vacuum cleaner and cordless tool batteries
- ✓ Open windows to air the apartment (at least 15 minutes)
- ✓ Do a quick inspection for damage or anything unusual
2. Deep Kitchen Cleaning
The kitchen is the most critical area: lingering odours, grease and visible dirt lead to immediate negative reviews. Allow 30-35% of your total time for the kitchen.
Fridge and Freezer
- ✓ Empty completely, remove any expired or forgotten food
- ✓ Remove all shelves and drawers
- ✓ Wash shelves with warm water and soap
- ✓ Clean the interior with an antibacterial cleaner
- ✓ Disinfect the door seals (often forgotten)
- ✓ Clean the exterior, handles and front panel
- ✓ Place an open box of baking soda to absorb odours
Oven and Hob
- ✓ Remove the oven racks and soak them
- ✓ Apply a specific oven degreaser (leave to work for 10-15 min)
- ✓ Clean the oven interior with an abrasive sponge
- ✓ Clean the inside of the oven door glass
- ✓ Remove the hob burners/grates
- ✓ Degrease the hob (be careful with ceramic/induction surfaces)
- ✓ Clean the knobs (they accumulate grease)
- ✓ Dry everything before reassembling
Sink and Surfaces
- ✓ Remove residue from the sink
- ✓ Apply baking soda + vinegar for shine
- ✓ Disinfect taps and the mixer lever
- ✓ Clean the worktop (mind the material: marble, laminate, wood)
- ✓ Disinfect all surfaces that touch food
- ✓ Clean the splashback/tiles (remove grease spatter)
- ✓ Clean and disinfect light switches
Kitchen Pro Tips
- • Use hot white vinegar to degrease quickly
- • Lemon + salt to remove stubborn odours
- • For stubborn stains on ceramic: baking soda + hydrogen peroxide
- • Leave windows open while cleaning the oven (strong fumes)
3. Deep Bathroom Cleaning
The bathroom must be spotless and 100% disinfected. In Lugano the water is very hard, so removing limescale is essential for a professional impression.
Sanitary Ware
- ✓ Toilet: apply disinfectant under the rim, leave to work for 10 minutes
- ✓ Scrub the toilet bowl in a circular motion
- ✓ Clean the outside of the toilet, base, back and seat (top and underneath)
- ✓ Disinfect the flush handle/button
- ✓ Bidet: disinfect the inside and the tap fittings
- ✓ Sink: degrease and remove limescale
- ✓ Polish the taps (use a dry microfibre cloth)
Shower/Bathtub
- ✓ Remove hair from the drain (wear gloves)
- ✓ Apply a limescale remover to all surfaces
- ✓ Leave to work for 5-10 minutes
- ✓ Scrub with an abrasive sponge (don't scratch the chrome)
- ✓ Clean the shower enclosure/curtain (including the upper rails)
- ✓ Disinfect the showerhead (soak in vinegar if heavily scaled)
- ✓ Rinse thoroughly with hot water
- ✓ Dry with a squeegee to avoid streaks
Mirrors and Surfaces
- ✓ Clean mirrors with glass cleaner (no streaks)
- ✓ Clean the outside of the bathroom cabinet
- ✓ Disinfect shelves
- ✓ Clean light switches and electrical outlets
- ✓ Wash the floor with disinfectant
- ✓ Clean corners and skirting boards
Canton Ticino Tips - Humid Climate
- • In Lugano, humidity promotes mould: check the shower corners
- • Use a preventive anti-mould spray after cleaning
- • Leave the window/extractor fan on until it's completely dry
- • For stubborn limescale: pure white vinegar + kitchen paper, left overnight
4. Deep Bedroom Cleaning
The bedroom is the heart of the Airbnb experience. Fresh linen and a perfectly made bed convey professionalism and attention to detail.
Linen and Bed
- ✓ Remove all used linen (including the mattress protector if needed)
- ✓ Check the mattress: stains, wear, odours
- ✓ Vacuum the mattress with the fabric attachment
- ✓ Fit a clean mattress protector
- ✓ Fitted sheet: tuck the corners neatly (no wrinkles)
- ✓ Top sheet: fold hotel-style at the foot corner
- ✓ Blanket/duvet: spread evenly
- ✓ Pillowcases: make sure they're ironed, or at least wrinkle-free
- ✓ Arrange the pillows symmetrically and neatly
- ✓ Add a decorative cushion if there is one
Wardrobes and Surfaces
- ✓ Check the wardrobe: no forgotten items
- ✓ Vacuum inside the wardrobe
- ✓ Check there are enough hangers (at least 6-8)
- ✓ Clean the nightstands (top and inside the drawers)
- ✓ Clean the bedside lamps
- ✓ Clean and disinfect light switches
- ✓ Vacuum under the bed
Hotel-Style Bed-Making Technique
A perfect fold at the foot corners makes all the difference:
- Spread the top sheet with a 20-30cm overhang at the foot of the bed
- At the corner: lift the mattress to a 45° angle
- Fold the fabric underneath to create a perfect triangle
- Tuck it under the mattress
5. Living Areas and Lounge
The living room is the first impression a guest gets when they walk in. It must be welcoming, tidy and fresh-smelling.
Furniture and Surfaces
- ✓ Vacuum the sofa (use the upholstery attachment)
- ✓ Remove pet hair with a lint roller (if pet-friendly)
- ✓ Arrange the sofa cushions: plump them up and set symmetrically
- ✓ Fold blankets/throws neatly
- ✓ Clean the coffee table: remove glass rings and stains
- ✓ Clean shelves and bookcases
- ✓ Clean the TV: screen (microfibre cloth) and back (dust)
- ✓ Check remote controls work (replace batteries if needed)
- ✓ Clean radiators/air conditioners (filters if needed)
Floors
- ✓ Vacuum the whole surface (corners, under accessible furniture)
- ✓ Wash the floor with a cleaner suited to the material
- ✓ Clean the skirting boards
- ✓ Check rugs: vacuum or wash if needed
6. Entrance, Hallway and Common Areas
The entrance is the very first impression. It must be clean and welcoming, with particular attention to handles and switches (contact points).
- ✓ Clean the front door (inside and outside if possible)
- ✓ Polish the door handle
- ✓ Sweep/wash the entrance floor
- ✓ Shake out the entrance rug (or wash it)
- ✓ Clean the entrance mirror if there is one
- ✓ Clean the coat rack/wardrobe
- ✓ Check the doorbell/intercom works
- ✓ Clean the mailbox if it's a dedicated one
7. Outdoor Spaces (if any)
Balconies, terraces and gardens are a major asset in Lugano. Many apartments in the historic centre have beautiful lake views that deserve to be showcased.
Balcony/Terrace
- ✓ Sweep the balcony (remove leaves, cobwebs)
- ✓ Wash the balcony floor if needed
- ✓ Clean the outdoor table and chairs
- ✓ Check outdoor cushions: dry and clean
- ✓ Clean the railing
- ✓ Empty and clean the ashtray if there is one
- ✓ Water the plants (if requested)
- ✓ Set up the parasol/awning if present
8. Quality Control and Final Inspection
The last 20-30 minutes are crucial. A methodical room-by-room walkthrough makes sure nothing has been forgotten.
Functional Tests
- ✓ Turn all lights on/off (replace blown bulbs)
- ✓ Test hot water (bathroom and kitchen taps)
- ✓ Check the toilet works (flush is fine)
- ✓ Test the shower: water pressure, temperature, drain
- ✓ Turn the oven on for 2 minutes (check it works)
- ✓ Test the hob (all burners/zones)
- ✓ Check Wi-Fi is working (restart the router if needed)
- ✓ Test the TV and remote controls
- ✓ Check heating/air conditioning works
Smell Test
- ✓ Step outside the apartment for 5 minutes, then come back in
- ✓ Smell for unpleasant odours (damp, smoke, cooking, stuffy air)
- ✓ If needed: open the windows for another 10 minutes
- ✓ Use a neutral spray/light fragrance if needed
- ✓ Do NOT overdo fragrances (some guests are allergic)
Pay Special Attention
- • Check no personal items have been forgotten
- • Check all drawers and wardrobes
- • Close all windows before leaving
- • Turn off all lights
9. Inventory and Guest Supplies Check
Airbnb guests expect fully stocked supplies. Running out of toilet paper or soap generates immediate negative reviews.
Bathroom Supplies
- ✓ Toilet paper: at least 2 rolls per toilet
- ✓ Towels: a full set per guest (face, body, hand)
- ✓ Clean bath mat
- ✓ Liquid soap/bar soap
- ✓ Shampoo and shower gel (mini bottles or dispenser)
- ✓ Kitchen paper in the bathroom
- ✓ Rubbish bags (at least 2-3 spare)
Kitchen Supplies
- ✓ Dish soap
- ✓ Clean sponges (2 new ones)
- ✓ Clean kitchen towels (2-3)
- ✓ Kitchen paper (at least 1 roll)
- ✓ Salt, pepper, oil (basics)
- ✓ Coffee and/or tea (welcome pack)
- ✓ Check pots, pans and dishes are complete
Other Supplies
- ✓ Bin bags (note Canton Ticino's waste-sorting rules)
- ✓ Printed, visible Wi-Fi instructions
- ✓ House guide (appliances, heating, check-out)
- ✓ Lugano waste-sorting information
- ✓ Local map / restaurant recommendations (optional but appreciated)
10. Documentary Photography
Photographing before and after cleaning protects you from disputes and demonstrates the quality of your work. It's standard practice for professional property managers.
What to Photograph
- ✓ General view of every room (before and after)
- ✓ Made bed (proves the linen was changed)
- ✓ Clean bathroom (close-up of toilet and shower)
- ✓ Kitchen: hob, inside the fridge, oven
- ✓ Any damage found (report to the owner immediately)
- ✓ Automatic timestamp on photos (use a dedicated app)
- ✓ Keep photos for at least 3 months
11. Time Management
Optimising cleaning time is essential for profitability, especially if you manage multiple properties in Lugano.
Average Time by Property Type
- Studio (30-40 m²):2-2.5 hours
- One-bedroom (50-65 m²):2.5-3.5 hours
- Two-bedroom (70-90 m²):3.5-4.5 hours
- Penthouse/Villa:5-7 hours
Tips to Speed Things Up
- • Always start with tasks that "work by themselves" (oven, limescale remover)
- • Collect rubbish as you move between rooms
- • Use a mobile cleaning trolley (so you don't backtrack for products)
- • Washing machine: start the linen wash early if you wash on-site
- • Work from top to bottom (dust falls)
- • Work from the back of the room towards the exit (so you don't walk on clean areas)
12. Common Mistakes to Avoid
After analysing hundreds of negative Airbnb reviews in Lugano, these are the 7 most frequent mistakes that lead to ratings below 5 stars.
The 7 Fatal Mistakes
1. Hair in the bathroom
The #1 cause of negative reviews. ALWAYS check drains, shower corners, behind the toilet.
2. Lingering odours
Smoke, damp, cooking smells. Air the apartment well and do a smell test before closing up.
3. Sheets with hair/stains
Always use fresh linen. Check for stains before making the bed.
4. Dust on high surfaces
On top of wardrobes, light fixtures, high shelves. Guests notice them.
5. Fridge with odours/food residue
ALWAYS clean inside the fridge, even if it looks clean.
6. Missing supplies
Toilet paper, soap, towels. Check the inventory every time.
7. Visible limescale
On taps and in the shower. The water in Lugano is hard: use a specific limescale remover.
13. Essential Products and Tools
Having the right professional products makes the difference between a 2-hour and a 4-hour job. Invest in quality tools.
Basic Cleaning Kit
- ✓ Powerful vacuum cleaner (preferably cordless)
- ✓ Mop with wringer/floor washer
- ✓ Microfibre cloths (at least 10: different colours for different areas)
- ✓ Abrasive sponges (various grades)
- ✓ Brushes (toilet, grout, corners)
- ✓ Buckets (ideally 2: one for soap, one for rinsing)
- ✓ Various reusable empty spray bottles
- ✓ Gloves (disposable or reusable)
Chemical Products (Switzerland)
- ✓ Multi-purpose cleaner (Migros/Coop)
- ✓ Powerful kitchen degreaser
- ✓ Specific limescale remover (important in Lugano!)
- ✓ Bathroom/toilet disinfectant
- ✓ Glass cleaner (streak-free)
- ✓ Floor cleaner (specific to the floor type)
- ✓ White vinegar (multi-purpose, cheap)
- ✓ Baking soda (degreasing, deodorising)
Swiss Eco-Friendly Options
More and more guests appreciate eco-friendly products:
- • Frosch - full range available at Migros/Coop
- • Attitude - EcoLogo certified
- • L'Arbre Vert - effective and biodegradable
- • Mention it in your listing: "We clean with eco-friendly products"
14. Seasonal Considerations
Lugano has pronounced seasonality: humid winters and hot summers. Adapt your cleaning to the weather conditions.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
- ✓ Check humidity: mould risk in the bathroom/around windows
- ✓ Check heating works
- ✓ Dry all surfaces thoroughly (they dry slowly)
- ✓ Check window seals (draughts)
- ✓ Provide an extra blanket
- ✓ If it snows: clean the entrance/stairs
Summer (Jun-Sep)
- ✓ Check air conditioning/fans work
- ✓ Clean the fly screens
- ✓ Check for insects (more common)
- ✓ Pay attention to odours (heat amplifies them)
- ✓ Check/water the balcony plants
- ✓ Provide mosquito repellent
Lugano High Season
April-October: intense tourism. Expect:
- ✓ More frequent turnovers (even same-day)
- ✓ Less time between check-out and check-in
- ✓ The need for a team or a backup cleaner
- ✓ Higher product prices: stock up during the low season
15. Emergency Contacts
Always keep these contacts close at hand to deal with the unexpected during a turnover.
Owner/Property Manager
For damage, forgotten items, unusual situations
Trusted Plumber
For leaks, a blocked toilet, urgent problems
Electrician
For electrical problems, lights not working
Linen Supplier (if using an external service)
For delivery delays or missing sheets
Backup Cleaner
For personal emergencies or overbooking
Conclusion
Following this complete checklist guarantees flawless Airbnb turnovers in Lugano, consistent 5-star reviews and satisfied guests who come back. Professional cleaning isn't just "doing the cleaning": it's attention to detail, time management, the use of the right products and systematic quality control.
If you manage multiple properties, or you simply want to hand things over to reliable professionals, consider a specialised Airbnb cleaning service. The time saved and the guarantee of consistent quality pay off the investment many times over.
Need a professional service?
Angolli specialises in Airbnb turnover cleaning in Lugano and Canton Ticino. We follow this checklist for every job, with photo reports and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
✓ Turnovers completed in 2-4 hours
✓ Before/after photo report
✓ Professional products included
✓ Trained and insured team