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STR turnover cleaning checklist with a video walkthrough step

By TurnAudit · Last updated October 10, 2026

A useful turnover checklist covers safety, cleaning, supplies, and the guest-ready reset in every room. Record a short pre-clean walkthrough before changing the scene, complete the room-by-room work, then record a post-clean view and report exceptions. The checklist should work even if no software is used.

Before cleaning

  1. Confirm checkout and safe access. Do not enter while a guest is still entitled to occupy the property.
  2. Note urgent damage, hazards, leaks, smoke odor, pests, or missing keys. Notify the host promptly.
  3. Film a short pre-clean walkthrough of each room when the host's process calls for it. Do not handle or arrange items merely to improve the recording.

Entry and shared rooms

  1. Remove trash and guest-left items according to the host's lost-property procedure.
  2. Dust reachable surfaces, switches, rails, and tables; clean visible marks on doors and glass.
  3. Vacuum and mop appropriate floors; reset furniture, cushions, remotes, lamps, and décor to the property standard.
  4. Check locks, keys, entry lighting, and any posted instructions. Report a malfunction rather than assuming it is fixed.

Kitchen

  1. Wash and put away dishes; clean sink, faucet, counters, backsplash, stovetop, and appliance exteriors.
  2. Check inside the refrigerator, microwave, and oven for food and spills. Follow the host's policy on unopened supplies and perishables.
  3. Empty trash and recycling, replace liners, and restock paper towels, soap, and other listed supplies.
  4. Check that cookware, utensils, and coffee equipment are present and placed as expected.

Bathrooms

  1. Clean and disinfect toilet, sink, shower, tub, fixtures, mirror, and touch surfaces, following product directions.
  2. Check for hair, residue, leaks, slow drains, and used items. Replace towels and bath mats.
  3. Restock toilet paper, hand soap, and property-specific amenities. Confirm ventilation and lighting work.

Bedrooms and laundry

  1. Strip used linens and inspect mattress protector and pillows for stains or damage; report exceptions before laundering.
  2. Make each bed with clean, dry linens. Check under beds, in drawers, and on nightstands for guest items.
  3. Dust and vacuum; reset hangers, lamps, curtains, and listed accessories.
  4. Count linen and towel sets, and start any off-site laundry handoff with a named owner and return time.

Exterior and final handoff

  1. Check accessible patio, yard, bins, and entry path for trash, damage, and safety hazards within the service scope.
  2. Set the thermostat and lights to the host's standard, close windows, lock doors, and verify access instructions.
  3. Film a short post-clean walkthrough of each room if required. Send the host specific exceptions and any corrected follow-up view before marking the turnover complete.

Common questions

Should the cleaner photograph every task?

No. Use a consistent room view plus close-ups for exceptions. Excessive photo volume can make review harder.

What should happen when something is broken?

Report the item, room, and visible condition promptly; do not silently reset or discard it unless safety requires action.

Sources

Where TurnAudit fits

TurnAudit can add a guided before-and-after video record to this checklist. The actual cleaning, safety checks, supply reset, and final approval remain human tasks.

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