Airbnb Tips & Advice
With comprehensive Airbnb experience, Michelle has created a guide containing some of the important details Airbnb owners should take note of and implement into their own rental properties!
Kemp Co.’s Comprehensive Guide to Airbnb Hosting: Best Practices for Owners
Running a successful Airbnb requires more than just a beautiful property and a good location. To consistently earn five-star reviews and maximize profitability, hosts must master the operational side of short-term rentals in the Possum Kingdom Lake area. This comprehensive guide covers essential tips and best practices across five critical areas: housekeeping, maintenance, lawn care, property setup, and the selection of materials and appliances.
*All the products listed in this guide are clickable links! Simply slick on the name to see prices and availability.
Housekeeping Strategies for Efficient Turnovers
Housekeeping is arguably the most critical aspect of the guest experience. A spotless property is the baseline expectation for any short-term rental. To achieve consistent cleanliness while minimizing turnover time, hosts should implement standardized systems and communicate effectively with their cleaning teams.
Bedding
To ensure smooth turnovers, hosts should maintain a robust inventory of essentials. It is advisable to keep a minimum of two complete sets of bedding for every bed, but three to four is advised: one set in use, one in the laundry, and one ready for the next guest. Furthermore, utilizing duvet covers instead of thick, bulky comforters significantly reduces laundering time and effort.
The Airbnb standard linen color seems to be white. This can get frustrating when things get stained, which happens easily and often. We suggest getting a medium or light neutral color for all linens. This makes stain removal and laundry easier while also creating a cozy environment for your guests.
Odors
When it comes to odors, hosts should avoid strong-scented plug-ins or air fresheners, as many guests are sensitive or allergic to artificial fragrances. Instead, focus on true cleanliness and pleasant-smelling cleaning solutions. Here’s a list of products we love that smell lovely and clean impeccably:
7th Generation All Purpose Cleaner (Michelle’s favorite scent: Lemon Chamomile)
The Pink Stuff Foaming Bathroom Cleaner
Young Living Thieves Household Cleaner (Dilute for mop solution and all-purpose cleaner)
Cleaning Products
Keep a toilet brush under every bathroom sink or next to every toilet bowl in the house. It’s chemical free, so there are no worries with pets or children. This simply makes cleaning a bit easier. Tip: A brush with a non-removable head isn’t necessary, but it is a lot nicer to use.
Get a great stainless-steel cleaner. The wipes aren’t great and most stainless-steel products don’t clean very efficiently, and you usually do a lot of buffing after. We recommend a cleaner that creates a protective, invisible barrier that repels fingerprints, adds a lasting shine, and prevents future smudges, without leaving a greasy residue. Look for cleaners with these ingredients: natural wax esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids.
Get a real mop. Many Airbnb owners stock their house with a simple push mop. This requires your house cleaner to either put solution and water in the kitchen sink or use a spray bottle to get the solution onto the floors before wiping it away. This also does not ensure a thoroughly clean floor. Spray mops are alright for quick messes, but not a whole-home clean. A good ol’ mop bucket and long-handled mop creates efficiency and prevents your house cleaner from back pain. Our recommendation: O-Cedar Rinse Clean Spin Mop & Two Bucket System. This mop separates your clean water from your dirty water, which means less dumping/refilling, which in turn means less cleaning solution needed.
Have a door mat at each entrance. It may seem small, but this makes a big impact on the amount of sand, dirt, grass, and mud that gets tracked into the home. The less brought in, the less to clean, the less time spent on a turnover.
Keep a reliable stain remover on hand. If your Airbnb has lighter linens, white wash cloths, carpet of any color or kind, kitchen towels, pillows, or beach towels… you’re going to occasionally remove stains. I know, I just described at least two things that every Airbnb has. Here’s Michelle’s favorite stain remover: Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover. This product is safe to use on carpets, clothes, towels and linens.
Proactive Property Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is essential for avoiding costly emergency repairs and ensuring guest safety. A systematic approach to maintenance keeps the property in top condition and prevents minor issues from escalating into major disruptions that may interfere with your booking schedule.
Hosts should implement a tiered checklist system to manage maintenance tasks effectively:
In addition to regular inspections, building a reliable network of local contractors—including plumbers, electricians, and handymen—is crucial. Having trusted professionals on call ensures that unexpected issues can be resolved swiftly, minimizing the impact on the guest experience. A company like Kemp Co. Home Services provides many of these services without subcontracting the work. They also have trusted contacts for all services they do not provide (e.g. electrical).
Low-Maintenance Lawn Care and Landscaping
Curb appeal is vital for attracting bookings, but extensive landscaping can become a significant drain on time and resources. The goal for an Airbnb property is to create an inviting outdoor space that requires minimal ongoing upkeep.
When selecting plants, prioritize drought-tolerant and native species. Succulents, ornamental grasses, lavender, and salvia are excellent choices that thrive with minimal watering and care. Utilizing mulch in garden beds is also recommended, as it suppresses weed growth and helps retain soil moisture.
Keep tree limbs regularly trimmed and away from driveways. Implement post-storm checks to ensure there have been no fallen branches or structural house issues. Kemp Co. Offers this service in their Airbnb package options.
To enhance the outdoor experience without adding maintenance burdens, consider installing simple amenities. Propane firepits serve as excellent focal points. Corn hole boards, outdoor sitting areas, and sturdy low hanging hammock areas provide interactive and relaxing spaces for guests while requiring very little upkeep.
Optimizing the Airbnb Setup
Guiding Principles
When setting up an Airbnb, the guiding principle should be simplicity. A cluttered or overly complex environment can lead to guest frustration and increased cleaning times. Focusing on executing the basics flawlessly is far more effective than providing an overwhelming number of extras.
Bedrooms
In the bedroom, prioritize comfort and durability. Utilize simple, non-detailed bed frames, provide nightstands equipped with accessible charging hubs, and install blackout curtains to ensure a good night's sleep. If the space allows, a luggage rack is a small addition that guests highly appreciate.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms should feature high-quality fixtures (this doesn’t always mean expensive) and ample hooks for hanging towels and clothes. Soft, flattering lighting is preferred over harsh, warm bulbs. In the kitchen, provide essential, high-quality cookware, including a non-stick pan, a stainless-steel skillet, and a saucepot. Only provide essential utensils, including a can opener, whisk, spatula, tongues, and a few vestal spoons. Refrain from providing electronic tools such as hand mixers, stand mixers, or can openers. A simple, intuitive coffee setup is mandatory.
Kitchens
Kitchens should be simple and easy to navigate. Keep cupboards to a minimum and refrain from having stainless-steel appliances. They’re extremely prone to fingerprints and can damage easily.
Technology
Technology should enhance the stay, not complicate it. Utilize simple, clearly labeled remotes. Roku Smart TVs are widely recommended by hosts due to their user-friendly interface and universal remotes.
Tips
If you’re going to have a collection of board games for guest use, we recommend finding simple games and having as few as possible. Pieces get lost, puzzles are messy, and not many guests utilize them. Here’s a list of simple games that also bring a sense of nostalgia:
Giant Checkers (you know, the one with the carpeted board?! Pieces are large, so they’re harder to lose)
Go Fish
Refrain from having motorized or “smart” lights, fans, and curtains. Having too many remotes to operate and keep track of can be a pain for the renter as well as the house cleaner.
Materials and Appliances: What to Use and What to Avoid
Selecting the right materials and appliances is crucial for the longevity and safety of the rental property.
Recommended Materials and Appliances:
• Durable Flooring: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is highly recommended for its durability, water resistance, and ease of cleaning.
• Standardized Dishware: Purchase dishes from accessible retailers (like Target or IKEA) so that broken items can be easily and identically replaced. Always get the longest warranty option.
• Three-Layer Mattress Protection: Utilize a mattress encasement, a waterproof protector, and a comfortable mattress pad to fully protect the investment. At a minimum, add mattress protectors for easy washing.
• User-Friendly Electronics: Stick to straightforward appliances and smart TVs that do not require a manual to operate.
Items to Strictly Avoid:
• Candles and Lighters: These pose a significant fire hazard and should never be provided to guests.
• Large or Powerful Speakers: High-volume audio equipment encourages parties and can lead to noise complaints from neighbors.
• Complicated Smart Home Tech: Overly complex thermostats or multi-function remotes often result in late-night support calls from confused guests.
• Fragile Knick-Knacks: Delicate decor items are dust magnets and are easily broken, especially by families traveling with children.
• Personal Belongings: Leaving personal items in the rental makes guests feel like intruders. The space should feel dedicated entirely to the guest.
By adhering to these best practices across housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, setup, and material selection, Airbnb owners can create a safe, comfortable, and highly desirable property that consistently delights guests and maximizes returns!
Need Help with Your Airbnb?
If you’re searching for a reliable and trustworthy company to manage your Airbnb on Possum Kingdom Lake, Call Kemp Co. Home Services for a free in-home consultation. You can read about our Airbnb Services at kempco.online/Airbnb-services.
