How to Get Airbnb Cleaning Jobs: Real Steps to Start Working Fast
If you've been wondering how to break into the short-term rental cleaning space, you're not alone. Airbnb hosts across the country are looking for reliable cleaners who know how to turn over a property quickly and flawlessly. And here at Sparkly Maid, we’ve built strong relationships with hosts because we know exactly what it takes to meet their high expectations.
This blog breaks down how to land Airbnb cleaning jobs, what to expect, and how to turn this into a steady income stream.
What Airbnb Hosts Expect from Their Cleaning Professionals
Before you apply for Airbnb cleaning jobs, it's important to understand what hosts actually need. Regular house cleaning isn’t the same as Airbnb turnover. The margin for error is much smaller because new guests are arriving immediately after the clean.
Here’s what Airbnb hosts typically expect:
A spotless space that feels hotel-ready
Timely cleanings (often within a few hours of checkout)
Linen changes and bed making
Restocking essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, soap, etc.)
Reporting damage or missing items
Locking up securely and communicating when the job is done
At Sparkly Maid, we treat Airbnb units with the same precision we apply to our residential cleaning, but with added emphasis on speed, checklists, and communication. This level of care is what gets cleaners rebooked again and again.
Where to Find Airbnb Cleaning Jobs Near You
The first step in getting Airbnb cleaning work is knowing where to look. Here are a few common options:
Facebook groups for Airbnb hosts in your city: These are often full of hosts asking for recommendations.
Job platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack: These sites allow you to post your services and respond to cleaning job listings.
Cleaning companies like Sparkly Maid: We work with a growing number of Airbnb hosts and are always looking for punctual, hard-working team members to handle turnovers.
Craigslist gigs or local classifieds: Old-school, but still effective in some markets.
Networking directly with property managers: They often manage multiple units and need consistent help.
Pro tip: Focus on one or two platforms and respond quickly. Airbnb hosts often need same-day service, and responsiveness will set you apart.
How to Market Yourself as a Reliable Airbnb Cleaner
It’s not enough to just say you clean—you have to prove you're trustworthy, fast, and thorough.
Here’s what you can do:
Create a short resume listing your cleaning experience, especially any short-term rental jobs.
Take before-and-after photos of your work (with permission) to show results.
Ask former clients for reviews or testimonials you can use.
Explain your process when applying. Detail how you clean, what you check, and how you confirm completion.
Be available on weekends and holidays—this is when hosts need the most help.
At Sparkly Maid, we coach our team on how to talk to hosts professionally and show up ready to work. This is one of the reasons hosts stay with us year after year.
What Airbnb Cleaning Jobs Pay and What Affects the Rate
Most Airbnb cleaning jobs pay between $70 to $150 per clean, depending on the size of the property, location, and how fast the turnover needs to happen. Studios and one-bedroom apartments are on the lower end, while large homes or last-minute bookings command higher pay.
Other factors that affect pay:
Same-day or rush cleans
Early morning or late-night jobs
Whether linens and laundry are included
Restocking supplies (you may get reimbursed or compensated for this)
Some hosts pay per clean, while others offer monthly contracts if they have high guest turnover. When you work through Sparkly Maid, we handle rate negotiation, payment tracking, and scheduling for you—so all you need to focus on is the clean.
What Tools and Supplies You’ll Need for Airbnb Cleaning Jobs
To do the job right, you’ll need a basic but professional cleaning kit. Here's what we recommend:
All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
Glass and stainless steel cleaner
Microfiber cloths
A good vacuum (especially for pet-friendly listings)
Mop and bucket
Gloves
Garbage bags
Optional: lint roller, duster, portable steamer
If you’re restocking for the host, you may also be handling toiletries, dish soap, paper towels, and coffee supplies. Sparkly Maid provides supplies for our team members and ensures you're always equipped to do the job right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Airbnb Cleaning Jobs
Every industry has rookie mistakes. Here are a few to avoid:
Not checking for guest items left behind: Hosts appreciate when cleaners find and report items like chargers, wallets, or clothing.
Forgetting to restock or reload basics: Always double-check that toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap are full.
Rushing and missing details: Fast doesn’t mean sloppy. Speed with accuracy is the goal.
Failing to communicate: Hosts want to know the job is done. Always send a quick message with a completion note.
We train all our new team members at Sparkly Maid on these exact points so they hit the ground running.
How Sparkly Maid Helps Cleaners Get More Airbnb Cleaning Jobs
When you partner with an established cleaning company, you don’t have to hustle for every single booking. At Sparkly Maid, we already work with Airbnb hosts across Chicago and surrounding areas, which means we have a steady stream of cleaning jobs waiting to be filled.
Here’s how we support our cleaners:
We match you with recurring Airbnb clients based on your schedule
We provide detailed turnover checklists and training
We handle all client communication and feedback
We track hours and process payments weekly
We provide all necessary supplies if needed
You focus on delivering a great clean. We handle the rest.
How to Apply for Airbnb Cleaning Jobs Through Sparkly Maid
Getting started is simple. Visit the Sparkly Maid website and fill out our application form. You don’t need a resume, but we’ll ask about your experience, your availability, and if you have your own transportation.
Once you’re onboarded, we’ll train you on our Airbnb protocol and connect you with local hosts right away. Some of our team members start working within 3–5 days of applying.
Even if you’ve never cleaned an Airbnb before, we can train you on our system. What matters most is that you’re reliable, responsive, and take pride in doing excellent work.
Final Thoughts: Airbnb Cleaning Jobs Offer Flexibility and Opportunity
Whether you're looking to make extra cash or build a long-term income stream, Airbnb cleaning jobs are a solid opportunity—especially if you align with a company that takes care of its people. At Sparkly Maid, we believe that when cleaners are respected and supported, they do better work and stay longer.
If you want to start cleaning short-term rentals and you’re serious about consistency, professionalism, and being part of a team, check out our professional cleaning opportunities today. We’d love to work with you.
