Category: Uncategorized

  • What is a deep clean and when do you need one?

    A deep clean is not a more thorough version of your regular clean. It’s a different type of clean entirely — covering areas that a standard visit doesn’t touch, using different products, and taking significantly longer. Here’s what to expect.

    What a deep clean covers

    • Kitchen: inside oven, extractor fan and filter, inside all cupboards, behind appliances, descaling around taps and sinks
    • Bathrooms: descaling shower screens and taps, cleaning grout, sanitising all surfaces including behind the toilet
    • Bedrooms: under beds, inside wardrobes, window tracks, skirting boards
    • Living areas: inside and behind furniture, light fittings, blinds and shutters, plug sockets
    • Floors: edges and corners, under furniture, grout on tiled floors

    When do you need one?

    • After a tenancy ends — before a new tenant or guests arrive
    • When a property has been empty for an extended period
    • Before you put the property on the rental market
    • Once or twice a year as a reset, on top of regular cleaning
    • After building work or renovation

    How long does it take and what does it cost?

    A two-bedroom apartment typically takes 4–6 hours for a deep clean. A larger villa can take a full day or require two cleaners. Expect to pay €150–€350 for an apartment and €300–€600 for a larger property. Always get a quote based on your specific property — condition and size both affect the price significantly.

  • Office cleaning in Marbella: pricing and what’s included

    Whether you run a small office in Marbella centro, a coworking space, or a larger commercial premises in a business park, regular professional cleaning keeps the space presentable, hygienic, and — importantly — the kind of environment your team actually wants to work in.

    What office cleaning in Marbella typically includes

    • Vacuuming or mopping all floors
    • Dusting desks, shelves, and equipment
    • Cleaning and sanitising the kitchen or break room
    • Cleaning bathrooms and restocking supplies
    • Emptying bins and replacing liners
    • Wiping glass doors and partition screens

    Pricing

    Office cleaning in Marbella is usually priced per visit, based on the size of the space and the scope of the clean. A small office of 50–80m² typically costs €60–€120 per visit. Larger spaces are priced by quote. Frequency matters: a daily clean costs less per visit than a one-off — cleaners price regular contracts differently to ad hoc jobs.

    Scheduling and access

    Most offices prefer cleaning outside of working hours — early morning before staff arrive, or in the evening after close. Confirm this when you post a job, and make sure access arrangements are clear for the cleaner.

    Getting a quote

    Post your job on SAM with the size of your office, frequency, and any specific requirements. Cleaners experienced in commercial premises will respond with quotes. It’s free and there’s no commitment until you confirm someone.

  • How much does cleaning cost in Marbella?

    Finding a reliable cleaner is one thing. Working out what you should actually be paying is another. Prices in Marbella vary depending on property size, the type of clean, and how often it’s booked — but the ranges below give you a solid starting point.

    Typical cleaning prices in Marbella

    • Regular home cleaning: €15–€22 per hour. A standard two-bedroom apartment takes 2–3 hours.
    • Deep clean: €180–€350 depending on property size. Priced per job, not per hour.
    • Airbnb turnaround: €60–€120 for a two-bedroom, including linen change.
    • End-of-tenancy clean: €200–€500. Usually priced after a site visit or photo review.
    • Post-construction clean: priced by quote only — varies significantly.

    What affects the price?

    Several things push the price up or down. A property that’s been empty for months will take longer than one cleaned last week. A villa with marble floors and a pool terrace takes more time than a one-bedroom apartment. If you need linen washed, ironed, and put back on beds, that’s extra. Same for oven cleans or inside-the-fridge jobs.

    Location within Marbella also plays a small role — cleaners covering Puerto Banús, the Golden Mile, or Nueva Andalucía may charge a travel supplement for properties further from the centre.

    How to get accurate quotes

    The best way to know what your property will cost is to post a job on SAM with your property details — size, type of clean, frequency, and any specific requirements. Local cleaners in Marbella will respond with quotes you can compare before confirming anyone. No obligation, no hidden fees.

    If your property has been empty for a while, mention it. Cleaners will factor in the extra time and price accordingly — which is more honest than being quoted an hourly rate and finding out it took six hours.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do prices include cleaning products? Most cleaners in Marbella bring their own products. Confirm this when booking — some charge a small supplement for eco-friendly or allergy-safe products.

    Is tipping expected? It’s not expected but it’s appreciated, especially for regular cleaners who do a consistently good job. €5–€10 per visit is common.

    Can I pay by bank transfer? Most professional cleaners accept transfer. Cash is also common. Ask before the first clean to avoid any awkwardness.

  • Villa cleaning checklist: what a professional service covers

    A villa clean is not the same as an apartment clean. More rooms, larger surfaces, outdoor spaces, pool areas, multiple bathrooms — the scope is significantly broader. Here’s what a professional villa cleaning service on the Costa del Sol should cover.

    Interior

    • All bedrooms: dust, vacuum, fresh linen if required
    • All bathrooms: disinfect, descale, clean mirrors and taps
    • Kitchen: worktops, hob, oven exterior, sink, appliance fronts
    • Living and dining areas: dust, vacuum/mop, wipe all surfaces
    • Hallways and stairs: vacuum/mop, wipe handrails

    Exterior and outdoor areas

    • Terrace swept and mopped
    • Outdoor furniture wiped down
    • Pool surround swept (pool maintenance is separate)
    • Garden paths and entrance swept
    • BBQ area wiped if used

    What’s usually not included

    Pool maintenance, gardening, window cleaning (external), and laundry beyond linen change are typically separate services or add-ons. Clarify when getting quotes what’s included and what’s charged additionally.

    How long does it take?

    A 3–4 bedroom villa with outdoor space typically takes 4–6 hours for a thorough clean. Larger properties or those that have been empty for a while will take longer. Getting a quote based on your specific villa is the most accurate way to budget.

  • Short-term rental cleaning checklist: what Airbnb hosts in Spain need to know

    A poorly cleaned property gets a three-star review. A well-cleaned one gets five stars and a rebooking. If you’re managing a short-term rental in Spain — whether in Marbella, Málaga, or anywhere on the Costa del Sol — this is the checklist your cleaner should be working to.

    The full turnaround checklist

    Bedrooms

    • Strip and replace all bed linen
    • Dust all surfaces including behind headboards
    • Vacuum mattress if no protector is used
    • Check under beds and in wardrobes for left items
    • Wipe light switches and door handles

    Bathrooms

    • Disinfect toilet, seat, and flush handle
    • Clean and descale shower screen or bath
    • Wipe sink, taps, and mirror
    • Replace or restock toiletries and toilet paper
    • Empty bins and replace liners

    Kitchen

    • Clean hob, oven, and extractor
    • Wipe all worktops and cupboard fronts
    • Check fridge for left food — discard and wipe
    • Run dishwasher or hand-wash and dry all crockery
    • Restock washing-up liquid, sponge, and bin bags

    Living areas and terrace

    • Vacuum sofas and rugs
    • Wipe all hard surfaces, TV, and remotes
    • Check for left belongings
    • Sweep or mop the terrace
    • Wipe outdoor furniture

    Photo reports: why they matter

    If you’re managing your rental remotely, a photo report from your cleaner after each turnaround is one of the most valuable things you can ask for. It shows the property is guest-ready, flags any damage before the next guests arrive, and creates a record you can use if there’s ever a dispute.

    SAM cleaners can provide photo reports as part of their service. Ask for it when you post the job.

    How long does a turnaround take?

    A standard two-bedroom apartment with a same-day turnaround (checkout at 11:00, check-in at 15:00) takes around 2.5–3 hours for an experienced cleaner. Factor in extra time for linen changes if you don’t have a laundry on-site — or use a linen hire service and have fresh sets delivered.

  • Apartment cleaning in Málaga: regular vs one-off service explained

    Whether you own an apartment in Málaga as a primary home, a holiday rental, or an investment property, the type of cleaning service you need depends on how the property is used. Here’s how regular and one-off cleans compare.

    Regular cleaning

    A regular cleaning contract — weekly, fortnightly, or monthly — is suitable if the property is occupied or actively rented. The cleaner learns the property, builds a routine, and the work stays manageable with each visit. Regular clients almost always get better rates than one-off bookings, and you don’t need to brief someone new each time.

    For Airbnb apartments in Málaga, a regular arrangement with a dedicated cleaner who handles turnarounds automatically is the most efficient setup.

    One-off cleans

    A one-off clean makes sense when: you need a deep clean before putting the property on the market, a tenant has just moved out, you’re arriving after a long absence, or the property needs a reset before the summer season. One-off cleans are priced per job rather than per hour, and cleaners will quote based on current condition.

    What does each cost in Málaga?

    • Regular fortnightly clean, 2-bed apartment: €50–€80 per visit
    • One-off standard clean, 2-bed apartment: €80–€120
    • One-off deep clean, 2-bed apartment: €150–€280

    Post a job on SAM with the details of your Málaga apartment and the type of clean you need — cleaners in the area will quote directly.

  • How to hire a cleaner in Spain as an expat

    If you’ve spent time in expat Facebook groups for the Costa del Sol, you’ll have seen the same post dozens of times: “Can anyone recommend a reliable cleaner in Marbella?” The responses range from genuinely useful recommendations to phone numbers that go unanswered. Finding someone good takes time. This guide cuts through it.

    What to look for in a cleaner

    • Reviews from people like you. A cleaner who works well for local families isn’t necessarily the right fit for an absentee property owner who needs photo reports and reliable keyholder access.
    • English communication. If you need to brief someone remotely, explain a specific task, or deal with a problem at the property, being able to communicate clearly in English matters.
    • A clear process for access. How do they get into the property? Key safe, keyholder, lockbox? Make sure this is agreed upfront.
    • Proof of insurance. A professional cleaner should have liability coverage. It’s worth asking, especially for higher-value properties.

    The paperwork question

    Spain has specific rules around domestic employment. If you hire someone informally and they work for you regularly, there are obligations around social security contributions. Most expat property owners use a professional cleaning company or platform — which handles its own employment and tax obligations — rather than hiring an individual directly. This is the simpler route if you just need your property cleaned and don’t want an employer relationship.

    Managing from abroad

    The key to a good remote cleaning arrangement is clarity upfront. Agree on: frequency, what’s included in each visit, how access works, how you’ll communicate, and what happens if something is wrong. Photo reports after each clean are a simple way to stay in the loop without chasing anyone.

    Set it up once, properly, and you shouldn’t need to think about it again.

    How SAM helps

    SAM connects you with vetted, English-speaking cleaners across the Costa del Sol. Post a job, receive quotes, compare and confirm — all without making a single phone call in Spanish. Cleaners on SAM are reviewed by other property owners, so you can see who others in the same situation have used and trusted.

  • Check-in / check-out cleaning for holiday rentals in Spain

    For holiday rental owners in Spain, check-in and check-out cleaning is the operational heartbeat of the business. Get it wrong — late, rushed, or incomplete — and you’ll see it in your reviews. Get it right, consistently, and guests notice.

    What check-out cleaning involves

    After a guest leaves, the property needs to be returned to guest-ready condition. This means: stripping and replacing all linen, cleaning all bathrooms and the kitchen, vacuuming and mopping, emptying bins, restocking supplies, and a final check for damage or left items. The cleaner should also note anything that needs reporting before the next guests arrive.

    What check-in preparation involves

    Check-in prep usually happens at the tail end of the turnaround clean, or as a brief second visit: confirm the property is guest-ready, put out fresh welcome items (if you provide them), leave keys in the agreed location, and send a confirmation to the owner or property manager.

    Timing

    The most common pressure point is same-day turnarounds. If guests check out at 10:00 and new guests arrive at 14:00, you have four hours. A two-bedroom apartment takes 2.5–3 hours to clean properly with a linen change. That’s workable but tight — make sure your cleaner knows the window upfront.

    Photo reports

    Ask your cleaner for a photo report after each turnaround. A set of photos showing the cleaned rooms, made beds, and stocked bathrooms gives you confirmation without being there — and a record if any damage is disputed.

  • Airbnb cleaning between guests: the complete turnaround guide

    The gap between one guest checking out and the next checking in is often just a few hours. In that window, your property needs to go from lived-in to hotel-ready. Get it right consistently and guests notice. Get it wrong once and they’ll mention it in the review.

    What a turnaround clean should cover

    A proper Airbnb turnaround is more than a quick hoover. At minimum it should include: all bed linen stripped and replaced, all bathrooms disinfected, the kitchen cleaned including hob and oven, floors vacuumed and mopped, bins emptied, and the property restocked with essentials (toilet paper, washing-up liquid, bin bags). Any damage or missing items should be noted and reported before the next guests arrive.

    Timing and logistics

    A standard two-bedroom Airbnb takes 2.5–3 hours to turn around properly. If you have same-day checkout and check-in, confirm the turnaround time is realistic before accepting the booking. A 10:00 checkout and 12:00 check-in with a linen change is tight. Give your cleaner enough time to do the job properly.

    Linen: if you don’t have a washing machine on-site, use a linen hire service. Fresh sets delivered before each clean remove a major bottleneck from the turnaround process.

    Handing it off completely

    The cleanest setup for a remote Airbnb owner is a dedicated cleaner who has keyholder access, knows the property, and handles the turnaround automatically after each checkout. They message you when it’s done, send photos, and flag anything that needs attention. You don’t need to coordinate each clean individually.

    SAM cleaners in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol can work to this arrangement. Post a job and explain what you need — many cleaners are experienced with Airbnb properties and understand the requirements.

  • How to find a trustworthy cleaner in Spain: 7 things to check

    If you’ve had a bad experience with a cleaner in Spain — and many expat property owners have — it usually comes down to one of a few things: no-shows, poor communication, a job that wasn’t done properly, or someone who was fine for the first few visits and then started cutting corners. Here’s what to check before you commit to anyone.

    1. Verified reviews

    Not testimonials on their own website — verified reviews from actual clients on a platform where fake reviews are harder to generate. Look for consistency over time, not just one or two glowing write-ups.

    2. Clear pricing

    Can they tell you clearly what the job will cost before they start? A professional cleaner should be able to give you a fixed quote or a reliable estimate based on your property. Vague hourly rates with no estimate of time are a warning sign.

    3. Response time

    How quickly do they respond to your initial message? Someone who takes three days to reply to a quote request will probably take three days to reply when there’s a problem. Speed of communication is a reliable early signal.

    4. References or platform history

    If they’re relatively new, ask for references from existing clients. If they’re on a platform like SAM, check how many jobs they’ve completed and how long they’ve been active.

    5. Coverage during holidays and sick days

    What happens if they’re ill the day before your guests arrive? Do they have cover, or do you need to arrange it yourself? For Airbnb hosts, this is a critical question — not having a backup plan is a significant operational risk.

    6. English communication

    If you’re managing the property remotely and need to brief someone, flag a problem, or change a booking, being able to do that in English matters. It’s not about expecting Spain to speak English — it’s about being able to manage a working relationship clearly.

    7. Insurance

    Ask whether they have liability insurance. A professional cleaner or cleaning company should be insured for accidental damage. It’s a simple question and the answer tells you something about how professionally they operate.