When You Pay a Cleaning Fee on Airbnb, Does It Cover Cleaning Before or After Your Stay?

Many travelers wonder if the cleaning fee they pay on Airbnb covers the cleaning before or after their stay. Let's break down when this fee is applied and what it typically includes.

Both Before and After Your Stay

Typically, the cleaning fee on Airbnb covers both the cleaning that occurs before your stay and after you check out. This fee is designed to cover the costs of supplies, such as kitchen and bathroom items, as well as the thorough cleaning of the property after you leave.

Costs Included in the Cleaning Fee

The cleaning fee includes standard cleaning costs. It is based on the average cost of cleaning the property, taking into account both the preparation and the post-stay cleanup. If a guest causes an extraordinary mess, the host may charge extra for the additional cleaning.

Practical Considerations

From a practical standpoint, Airbnb does not make a distinction regarding whether the cleaning fee covers before or after your stay. Generally, the fee is intended to cover the cleaning that takes place after your departure. However, it is important to note that there may also be a security deposit put in place to cover any excessive cleaning costs.

Dealing with Specific Issues

The cleaning fee is meant to address whatever conditions the property may be in when left by the guests. For example, if there are dishes in the sink, grease on the walls, or other issues that were not present when you arrived, the cleaning fee will cover these. This includes any items left behind, such as used condoms or greasy residue from cooking, which were introduced during your stay.

Adding a Cleaning Fee

Some hosts charge a cleaning fee as an add-on to keep their listing prices lower. In my experience, the cleaning fee is something that is added to the total cost for guests, with no direct benefit to the guest and no transparency about the service provided.

Extra Fees and Security Deposits

When a host includes a cleaning fee, it is usually associated with covering cleaning costs after guests have checked out. However, some hosts may also add a security deposit to ensure that the costs are covered in case of excessive damage.

Understanding the cleaning fee and what it covers can help you make informed decisions when booking a stay on Airbnb. Always read the terms and conditions provided by the host to ensure you are clear on what is included in the cleaning fee and any other additional costs you may encounter.