How to Refresh Your Airbnb: Keeping Your Space Guest-Ready

Owning and managing an Airbnb when you don’t live nearby has its challenges—but with the right system in place, it’s absolutely doable. My husband and I manage a short-term rental in another state, and while we rely on a trusted cleaning company for regular turnovers, we’ve learned the importance of doing our own refresh trips every few months.

Think of these refresh visits as a way to “reset” your space, catch any wear-and-tear before it becomes a problem, and make sure your guests are consistently enjoying a five-star experience. Here’s exactly how we approach refreshing our Airbnb.

Schedule Regular Refresh Visits

Since we don’t live in the same city (or even the same state!) as our rental, we plan visits every 2–3 months. During these trips, we do more than just a walk-through—we deep clean, take inventory, and replace anything that’s worn out. Think of it as your Airbnb’s seasonal check-up.

Deep Cleaning Beyond the Standard Turnover

Even with a reliable cleaning crew, certain things need extra attention that don’t always make it into a standard turnover cleaning. When we visit, we:

• Wash or spot-clean walls and baseboards
• Mop & vacuum the floors (our rental is pet-friendly, so even though the cleaners sweep & do a light vacuum, I like to make sure there’s no dog hair hiding in the corners of the house!)
• Wipe-down and clean inside appliances (microwave, fridge, oven, stovetop)
• Dust ceiling fans, vents, blinds, and high shelves
• Touch up scuffed doors or trim with paint
• Shampoo rugs (if needed)

These small touches make the property feel fresh and cared for—something guests notice right away.

Restock and Replenish Guest Supplies

Guests expect a fully stocked Airbnb, and nothing tanks a review faster than running out of basics. On our refresh trips, we bring or order bulk supplies to restock:

• Toilet paper & paper towels
• Hand soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Dishwasher pods & laundry tabs
• Cleaning supplies (multi-surface spray, sponges, trash bags, etc.)
• Coffee, tea, and other little extras we offer

Tip: Keep a simple inventory checklist so you don’t forget anything. This makes it easy to reorder between visits, too.

Rotate Linens and Towels

Linens are one of the fastest things to wear out in a rental. To keep everything feeling fresh and hotel-quality, we:

• Remove and toss any stained, ripped, or tired-looking sheets and towels
• Replace pillows that have lost their fluff
• Rotate quilts, duvets, and blankets for seasonal comfort
• Add in fresh pillow covers or throws for a quick style update

Even if your décor stays the same, fresh bedding instantly upgrades the guest experience.

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Here’s the bedding we use:

• Master Bedroom Quilt
• Master Bedroom Waffle Weave Blanket
• Guest Bedroom Quilt
• Queen Sheet Set
• Euro Sham Throw Pillow Inserts
• Throw Pillow Covers

Handle Larger Projects Annually

Some tasks don’t need to be done every visit, but keeping up with them annually ensures your property doesn’t start to feel dated or neglected. We make a list of bigger refresh projects, such as:

• Replacing outdoor siding or repainting trim
• Removing trees, updating landscaping, or improving curb appeal
• Swapping out worn or outdated furniture pieces
• Refreshing décor (artwork, rugs, or lighting) to keep the space stylish and modern

These projects keep your Airbnb competitive with new listings and help justify higher nightly rates.

Final Thoughts: Keep it Consistent

Refreshing your Airbnb doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a systematic approach, you’ll stay on top of wear and tear, keep your guests happy, and save yourself the stress of last-minute fixes.

For us, visiting every 2–3 months is the sweet spot. It gives us peace of mind that our rental is in great shape—and it keeps our guests coming back for more five-star stays.

If you’re a host, remember: a little consistency goes a long way. Build refresh visits into your hosting routine, and your Airbnb will always feel welcoming, polished, and ready for its next guest.