Airbnb Turnover Cleaning in Portland: Our 15-Minute System for 5-Star Reviews

The 15-Minute Portland Airbnb Turnover Playbook (For Consistent 5-Star Stays)

A spotless, well-staged listing is your shortest path to 5-star reviews—and more bookings. This streamlined 15-minute turnover playbook is how Golden Broom preps tidy studios and 1-bed units in Portland fast (with smart add-time rules when needed). Use it to hit check-in windows, cut labor, and keep quality consistent across every stay.

Where This Playbook Fits (and When to Add Minutes)

• Best fit: Studio/1-bed, 1-bath, minimal clutter, clean linens already on site.
• Add time if: On-site laundry, heavy trash/food, pet hair, glitter/confetti, balcony debris, extra beds/sofa sleepers, or sticky spills.

Pack Once: Your Turnover Caddy

Microfibers (3 colors), glass cloth, non-scratch pad, detail brush; all-purpose, bathroom descaler, glass cleaner, surface-safe disinfectant; magic-eraser (test first), stainless polish; compact vacuum + crevice tool, flat mop + pad; gloves, liners, lint roller; amenity restock (TP, paper towels, soaps/shampoo, dish tabs, coffee/tea); mini staging kit (welcome card, spare bulbs/batteries, zip ties, command hooks).

Step-by-Step: 15 Minutes to Guest-Ready

Work left-to-right, high-to-low. Keep your caddy with you—no backtracking.

Minute 0–2: Entry Reset & Triage

Lights on, crack windows (weather allowing), quick scan for dishes/overflowing trash/damages. Bag trash & recycling (separate glass if your building requires). Set thermostat, confirm Wi-Fi info is visible. Start towels only if your SOP calls for it.

Minute 2–5: Kitchen Reset

Load/start a short wash (or hand-wash essentials). Wipe counters/backsplash and pulls; degrease stove top; polish appliance fronts; scrub sink + faucet; run disposal with a touch of vinegar. Restock coffee/tea, dish tabs, paper towels, and stage a clean dish towel.

Minute 5–7: Bathroom Detail

Spray/rinse hard-water spots (PNW mineral remover helps), squeegee glass. Sanitize vanity, faucet, and mirror; deep clean toilet (hinges/base too). Swap to pre-staged clean linens; place two spare TP rolls in view; empty trash; wipe switches/handles.

Minute 7–10: Bed Made Like a Pro

Strip and bag used linens (if still on bed). Make with hotel tuck; smooth duvet; 2–4 pillows fluffed and centered. Dust high-to-low (headboard, lamps, sills). Lint-roll lamp shades; check under bed/closet; log any left-behind items.

Minute 10–12: Living Area & Staging

Tidy decor, fold throws, fluff cushions. Spot-clean walls/doors (gentle with magic-eraser). Wipe glass surfaces; dry microfiber only on TV. Place welcome card/house manual/local guide neatly.

Minute 12–14: Floors Without Streaks

Vacuum edges first, then center; crevice pass around sofa/bed. Mop hard floors (LVP/wood/tile-safe) with light, even coverage—no puddles.

Minute 14–15: QA + Proof

Do a lights-on scan for streaks, crumbs, or stray hairs. Align blinds, even curtains, square chairs. Snap timestamped photos of kitchen, bath, bed, living, and entry; upload to your host log.

Laundry That Won’t Blow the Clock

Adopt a 3-par system per bed/bath (one in use, one clean on site, one in laundry). At turnover, deploy the clean par and bag dirties for off-site or later. If you must wash on site, start towels at minute 0 and budget extra time—laundry isn’t in the 15-minute count.

Restock Essentials (Never Run Out)

Kitchen: coffee/tea, sugar/creamer, dish soap, 2–3 dish tabs, paper towels, trash liners
Bath: 2 TP rolls + 1 in holder, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, hand soap, towel set + bathmat
Closet: AP cleaner, glass, bathroom cleaner, disinfectant, spare microfibers and liners

Portland Touches Guests Notice

• Entry soils (rain/mud/pine needles): extra attention to thresholds + first 6–10 feet inside.
• Pollen/wildfire season: quick wipe of sills/tracks; run an air purifier 20–30 min if available.
• Recycling rules: many buildings require separate glass—avoid contamination fees.
• Quiet hours: vacuum within posted building times to keep neighbors happy.

Add-Time Triggers (Plan Your Buffer)

Add 5–20 minutes for: on-site laundry; balcony/patio sweep or grill wipe; pet shedding on upholstery/rugs; inside fridge/oven spills; extra beds/sofa sleepers; late checkout messes.

Hit These High-Touch Points Every Time

Door handles, faucet handles, toilet handle, appliance pulls, remotes (alcohol wipe), and light switches. Use a surface-safe disinfectant with proper dwell time.

30-Second Guest-Ready Audit

Bed tight and centered; towels folded uniformly; counters clear; coffee station stocked; floors streak-free; Wi-Fi visible; thermostat set; lights off.

FAQs

Can a real turnover happen in 15 minutes?
Yes—for tidy studios/1-beds with a clean linen par on site and no unusual messes. The playbook keeps speed without sacrificing standards. Use the Add-Time Triggers when conditions change.

How many linen sets should I keep?
At least three par levels per bed/bath: one on the bed, one clean on site, one in laundry. It decouples turnovers from dryer timing and protects back-to-backs.

What do I stock to avoid last-minute runs?
Keep a locked owner bin with: 12+ microfibers, AP/bath/glass cleaners, disinfectant, TP/paper towels, coffee/tea, dish tabs, trash liners, spare bulbs/batteries, a magic-eraser, and a small tool kit. Refill weekly or every third turnover.

When you want the system done for you, book Golden Broom’s STR/Airbnb turnover cleaning in Portland. We’ll stage, restock, photo-document, and hit your check-in window—so you can focus on bookings, not brooms.