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.
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