How to Set the Right Airbnb Cleaning Fee (Without Scaring Off Guests)

Setting your Airbnb cleaning fee feels tricky. Too high, and guests feel ripped off. Too low, and you’re eating costs—and risking bad reviews if you can’t afford a good cleaner. The cleaning fee isn’t just a random number. It’s part of your guest’s first impression. And setting it right can mean the difference between getting booked or being skipped over. Here’s exactly how to price your Airbnb cleaning fee smartly—and avoid the most common mistakes.

1. Understand What the Cleaning Fee Covers
The cleaning fee isn’t just about mopping floors. It covers:

• Deep cleaning between guests (not just tidying)
• Restocking supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries)
• Laundry for sheets, towels, blankets
• Time and labor—yours or your cleaner’s
  Guests aren’t paying for you to profit off cleaning. They’re paying for a spotless experience when they arrive.

2. What’s a Normal Range for Cleaning Fees?

• Small studio or private room: $40–$70
• 1-bedroom apartment: $50–$90
• 2-bedroom condo: $80–$130
• Larger house or multi-bedroom property: $120–$250+
  Tip: Look at 5–10 similar listings in your area and see what they charge. Stay within range unless you offer something truly above average (luxury linens, deep disinfecting, etc.).

3. Common Cleaning Fee Mistakes That Kill Bookings

• Charging more for cleaning than one night’s stay: If you charge $150 cleaning for a $90/night unit, you’ll scare off short-term guests.
• Hiding poor cleaning behind a high fee: Guests expect the space to match the fee. High cleaning fee but dusty floors? 3-star reviews incoming.
• Making the cleaning fee unpredictable: Keep your nightly rates and cleaning fees balanced so the final checkout price feels fair.

4. Should You Offer Discounts for Longer Stays?
Absolutely.
Guests booking 7+ nights shouldn’t pay the same cleaning fee as a 1-night guest.
Options:

• Lower the cleaning fee for long-term stays manually
• Offer automatic weekly or monthly discounts to offset it
  Happy long-term guests = fewer turnovers, less cleaning, and more money.

5. How to Explain Your Cleaning Fee (If Guests Ask)
If a guest questions your fee, reply professionally:
“Our cleaning fee covers full sanitization, fresh linens, and restocking all essentials so every guest arrives to a spotless, welcoming space.”
Most guests aren’t trying to argue—they just want to know it’s worth it.

6. How to Adjust Over Time
If cleaning costs rise (inflation, new cleaner, more services), adjust your cleaning fee accordingly. But raise it gradually, not drastically.
Small $10–$20 adjustments are easier for guests to digest than sudden big jumps.

7. Bonus Tip: Bake Some of It Into Your Nightly Rate
Instead of a huge separate cleaning fee, slightly increase your nightly rate and offer a lower, more reasonable cleaning fee.
Example: $10 more per night × 5 nights = $50 you recover—plus a $50 cleaning fee feels much softer than $100.

Cleaning Fees Aren’t Just Math—They’re Psychology
Guests don’t mind paying for a clean, fresh place. But they notice when fees feel padded or unfair. Be transparent, stay competitive, and deliver cleaning that matches the price—and you’ll book more nights, not fewer.

Need help setting your Airbnb pricing, automating turnovers, or managing your listing stress-free? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting so you can maximize income without maximizing your workload. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.

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