How to tell your guests about your cleaning process

We created Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process to help hosts clean more effectively during COVID-19 and beyond. Cleanliness has always been top of mind for our hosts and guests, but it has become more important than ever—which is why we put together higher standards for cleaning.

Airbnb developed the five-step enhanced cleaning process based on Airbnb’s cleaning handbook, which was developed in partnership with experts. We’re requiring that hosts follow the five-step enhanced cleaning process for all their listings between each guest stay. Hosts will receive a special highlight on their listing page once they commit to the cleaning process, so guests searching for a place to stay will know they’ve agreed to follow Airbnb’s standard of cleaning.

Here are some ways you can tell your guests about the extra steps you’re taking: 

Update your listing description to highlight your cleaning process. Mentioning how you follow Airbnb’s standard of cleaning can help guests wanting to prioritize cleanliness choose between listings.

• We recommend revising your listing description to add some detail about how you've cleaned and sanitized your space according to Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process. Here’s some language you could include:

I follow Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process, which is based on Airbnb’s cleaning handbook that was developed in partnership with experts. 

Here are a few highlights:

• I sanitize high-touch surfaces, down to the doorknob
• I use cleaners and disinfectants approved by global health agencies, and I wear protective gear to help prevent cross-contamination
• I refer to cleaning checklists to thoroughly clean each room
• I provide extra cleaning supplies, so you can clean as you stay
• I comply with local laws, including any additional safety or cleaning guidelines

• Add photos to showcase your sparkling-clean space

Message your guests to provide more details about your cleaning routine. Sharing this extra information can help guests feel more comfortable before they check in.

• Include info about who cleaned your space, and what they did while cleaning
• Let your guests know that you’re as concerned as they are about keeping your space clean
• The main thing to communicate is that your space has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized
• To save time, consider using Airbnb's saved messages feature

Leave cleaning supplies for your guests, and mention that in your listing description. We’ve heard from guests that they want the ability to clean during their stay. Empower your guests by setting out cleaning supplies they can use, including:

• Disposable paper towels
• Disposable gloves
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Disinfectant wipes or spray
• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Extra hand soap

Keep in mind that we don’t allow you to claim that your listing is coronavirus-free. Though you can share details about your cleaning methods, please remember that there’s no way to guarantee that your listing is free of the virus.

• Avoid promoting your space as “COVID-free” or “quarantine-friendly.” In fact, we’re requiring that hosts remove any mention of “COVID-19,” “the coronavirus,” or “quarantine” in their listing title.
• We also ask that you don’t use shortages of hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and other essentials as a way to entice guests. Learn more

By following Airbnb’s five-step enhanced cleaning process, you can help guests feel more comfortable staying in your space—and you can ensure that you’re doing your part all you can for our community’s health and well-being. As always, thank you for hosting and for being part of the Airbnb community.

NEXT: Answering top questions about the five-step cleaning process

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication. For cleaning guidelines specific to your region, please bookmark this Help Center article.