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- The 6 best cleaning supplies for Airbnbs in 2026: multi-surface disinfectant spray, EPA-approved disinfectant, color-coded microfiber cloths, steam mop, HEPA vacuum, and odor neutralizer.
- Color-coded microfiber cloths are essential — one set for bathrooms, another for kitchens — to prevent cross-contamination that can trigger health complaints and bad reviews.
- Steam mops eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on hard floors without chemicals — ideal for Airbnbs where you want both cleanliness and guest safety.
- Odor is the #1 reason guests leave negative cleanliness reviews — a quality odor neutralizer is as important as surface cleaners.
- Professional cleaning services consistently earn better ratings than self-cleaned listings; consider outsourcing with Awning's cleaning service.
Cleanliness is the single most-reviewed aspect of an Airbnb stay — and the one thing that can earn you 5 stars or completely tank your listing overnight. Guests expect hotel-level cleanliness, and they notice every detail: a stray hair, a streak on the mirror, a faint musty smell. The right cleaning supplies make achieving that standard faster, more consistent, and more thorough.
Here are the 6 best cleaning supplies every Airbnb host needs in 2026, based on what professional STR cleaners actually use.
1. Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray: Method All-Purpose Spray
A versatile all-purpose cleaner is the workhorse of any Airbnb cleaning kit. Method All-Purpose Spray ($5–$8 per bottle) is the top choice among STR cleaning professionals for its broad surface compatibility, biodegradable formula, and light botanical fragrance that doesn't leave harsh chemical smells in the unit.
For high-touch surfaces that need heavier disinfection — toilet seats, faucet handles, remote controls — pair it with an EPA-registered disinfectant (see #2). Multi-surface spray handles general cleaning; disinfectant handles pathogen elimination.
What to look for: Streak-free formula, safe on multiple surfaces, pleasant but not overpowering scent, available in bulk for multi-property hosts.
2. EPA-Approved Disinfectant: Lysol Professional or Zogics Disinfecting Wipes
Airbnb's enhanced cleaning protocol requires EPA-registered disinfectants on high-touch surfaces between every stay. Zogics Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and come in bulk (900-count containers) — economical for multi-property operators. Both Lysol Professional and Zogics are EPA List N compliant.
What to look for: EPA List N registered, kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, fast contact time (1–2 minutes), available in bulk.
3. Color-Coded Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are the professional cleaner's tool of choice over paper towels — more effective, streak-free, machine washable, and dramatically cheaper per use. The critical detail: color-code your cloths by area. Use one color exclusively for bathrooms and another for kitchens. Using the same cloth in both areas risks cross-contamination that can trigger health complaints.
A quality set of color-coded microfiber cloths costs $15–$30 for a 24-pack. Wash after every use in hot water without fabric softener. Buy enough that you always have clean cloths available.
What to look for: High GSM (300+ for general cleaning, 400+ for glass), available in multiple distinct colors, machine washable at high temperatures.
4. Steam Mop: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop
For Airbnbs with hard floors, a steam mop is one of the highest-ROI cleaning investments a host can make. The Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop ($80–$120) uses only water to sanitize floors at temperatures that kill 99.9% of bacteria and germs. No chemicals means no residue or fragrance that guests might find irritating. Steam cleaning also reaches into grout lines that regular mopping skims over.
What to look for: Quick heat-up time (under 30 seconds), swivel head, variable steam settings, compatible with your floor types.
5. HEPA Vacuum Cleaner
A HEPA filter vacuum traps 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including allergens, pet dander, and fine dust — reducing the risk of triggering allergic reactions in guests and eliminating the "dusty" smell regular vacuums recirculate.
Leading options in 2026: Shark Navigator Lift-Away ($120–$180) for carpet-heavy properties, or a cordless stick vacuum like the Dyson V12 or Shark Vertex ($250–$400) for primarily hard-surface properties. Either choice reduces turnover time significantly over traditional vacuums.
What to look for: True HEPA filter, strong suction on both carpet and hard floors, versatile attachments, easy-empty dustbin, reasonable weight.
6. Odor Neutralizer: Zero Odor or MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bags
Smell is often the first thing guests notice when they walk into an Airbnb. The best approach is elimination, not masking. Zero Odor Multi-Purpose Spray ($12–$18) uses molecular odor elimination technology to neutralize odor molecules rather than covering them. MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bags ($8–$15 per bag) use activated bamboo charcoal to passively absorb odors from the air continuously.
Avoid heavy plug-in air fresheners in Airbnbs — many guests are fragrance-sensitive, and an overwhelming scent generates as many complaints as a musty smell. A "clean but neutral" scent is the target.
What to look for: Molecular elimination (not masking), safe on fabrics, fragrance-free or very lightly scented.
Building Your Complete Airbnb Cleaning Kit
A complete starter cleaning kit for an Airbnb costs $200–$400 and includes: multi-surface spray (3–4 bottles), EPA disinfectant wipes (1 bulk container), color-coded microfiber cloths (2 sets), steam mop, HEPA vacuum, odor neutralizer, toilet brush, garbage bags, and rubber gloves.
Beyond supplies, consider whether to self-clean or outsource. Professional STR cleaning services consistently produce better outcomes than host self-cleaning. Awning's Airbnb cleaning service handles professional turnovers with trained cleaners who follow a consistent checklist every time.
For more tips, see our guides to Airbnb cleaning hacks for hosts and what to charge for STR cleaning fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cleaning products does Airbnb require hosts to use?
Airbnb's enhanced cleaning protocol requires EPA-registered disinfectants on high-touch surfaces between stays. The disinfectant must be EPA List N compliant. Multi-surface cleaners and floor cleaners are at the host's discretion as long as disinfectant protocols are followed.
How long should an Airbnb turnover cleaning take?
A standard turnover for a 1-bedroom Airbnb takes 60–90 minutes for a professional cleaner. A 2-bedroom takes 90–120 minutes; a 3-bedroom typically takes 2–3 hours. Self-cleaning often takes 2–3x longer than professional cleaning.
Should I use scented or unscented cleaners in my Airbnb?
Unscented or very lightly scented cleaners are generally safer for Airbnbs. Fragrance sensitivity is increasingly common, and a unit that smells heavily of cleaning products can trigger negative reviews. A "clean but neutral" scent — achieved through genuine cleanliness and targeted odor neutralization — is the target.
What's the best vacuum for an Airbnb?
The best vacuum for most Airbnbs in 2026 is a HEPA-filter cordless stick vacuum (Dyson V12, Shark Vertex) for properties with primarily hard floors, or the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for significant wall-to-wall carpet. A robot vacuum (iRobot Roomba j7+) for daily maintenance between professional turnovers is worth it for luxury or large-footprint properties.
Let the Pros Handle Your Airbnb Cleaning
Awning's professional cleaning service handles every turnover with trained cleaners, a consistent checklist, and quality assurance.
Learn About Awning Cleaning
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