What questions to ask cleaners before hiring for your STR?

[Chris K.]

What questions should you ask your cleaning company before hiring them to clean your STR?

[Mackenzie Grate]

I'm in the process of interviewing some right now. Here's my process, feel free to add anything I left off.

First I am starting with referrals to narrow down the pool.

Then they are coming out to the house and I'm having them walk the property and tell me their process. I'm having them tell me what they would clean, give a general sense of the order, how long it will take, what products they require, anything I should change logistically to make their lives easier, etc. I'm seeing if they pay for the supplies or expect me to provide them, where they prefer them to be located. I have a check list of items I want them to check to make sure is still present after guest leave in order to prevent loss (hairdryer, number of towels, number of pillows, etc.).

After that, if I think they are detailed oriented and knowledgable enough about the AirBnb process and the expectations, I'll probe further. I ask them how they manage all the cleanings they need to do, what is their back up system if they are sick or cannot make it. Then I ask them what is their preferred system for me to book the cleanings, pay them, etc. I also ask them if their business is insured.

If all that checks out, I lastly ask them about themselves. What do they do for fun? When is their birthday? The idea here is to get as much information as possible that I can use to spoil them with if they are a great fit. I want to be able to take care of my cleaners and keep them happy because they are worth their weight in gold. It's a two way street. If they feel I take care of my part, and I treat them well, they will take care of my Airbnb well in return.

Hope this helps! :)