Spring is almost here, and with it comes an influx of springtime bookings for half-term breaks and Easter getaways. As the busy season approaches, it’s the perfect time for a thorough holiday cottage cleaning.
With the UK’s staycation industry booming, making a lasting impression on guests is key to receiving positive reviews and repeat bookings While your housekeeper likely keeps things tidy, a deep clean is essential to ensure your property stays is in good nick, and stands out to guests.
In this post, we’ll share our top tips for deep cleaning your holiday home and highlight the areas guests are most likely to notice…
Why does spring cleaning matter?
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s an essential part of maintaining your holiday let and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
As spring bookings start to roll in and the weather improves, dedicating time to a thorough deep clean of your holiday cottage can make all the difference.
A well-maintained property not only enhances guest satisfaction but also leads to positive reviews—key factors in your success in ensuring repeat bookings as a holiday home owner.
Regularly staying on top of property maintenance helps you avoid costly replacements and keeps everything in excellent condition.
9 Steps To Spring Cleaning
Deep cleaning your holiday let can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. That’s why we’ve created a straightforward checklist with extra cleaning tips, to help you tackle your spring cleaning with ease and get your property perfectly guest-ready for the busy season ahead.
1. Tidy Up the Garden and Exterior
The exterior of your property is the first thing guests see, so it’s essential to make a great impression. Winter weather can leave your garden and building looking a little worse for wear, but with some effort, you can restore it to its full glory.
Top Tips for the Exterior:
- Windows: Clean both inside and out for a crystal-clear shine. Use a squeegee and vinegar-based solution for streak-free results.
- Driveway: Power-wash your driveway to remove grime, weeds, and moss. Add some potted plants or hanging baskets at the entrance for a welcoming touch.
- Exterior Walls: A pressure washer works wonders, but don’t forget to check for cracks or peeling paint that might need repair.
- Garden: Trim overgrown hedges, re-seed patchy areas of grass, and add a pop of colour with seasonal flowers. Consider solar-powered garden lights to create a welcoming ambiance for evening arrivals.
- Garden Furniture: Scrub away dirt and grime with a mild detergent. For wooden furniture, a fresh coat of protective oil or varnish can make it look like new.
Extra Tip: Invest in a weatherproof storage box for garden tools and cushions to keep your outdoor space looking tidy and ready for guests.
2. Deep Clean the Interior
Spring is the perfect time to go beyond surface cleaning and tackle those hidden nooks and crannies.
Holiday Let Deep Cleaning Tips:
- Kitchen: Pull out appliances like the fridge and cooker to clean underneath. Descale the kettle and coffee machine, and make sure the toaster tray is emptied.
- Bathroom: Scrub the grout and tiles with mould remover. Replace tired shower curtains or give glass screens a polish with white vinegar for a streak-free finish.
- Floors: Steam clean carpets and mop tiles or wooden floors. Add a rug or two for a cosy touch.
- Corners and Skirting Boards: Dust can gather in corners and along skirting boards, so use a duster or vacuum attachment to get them spotless.
Extra Tip: Once you’ve completed your holiday home’s deep clean, introduce subtle air fresheners or reed diffusers in scents like lavender or citrus for a welcoming vibe.
3. Clean Fireplaces
A fireplace adds character and warmth to a holiday let, but it needs to be clean and ready for use.
Fireplace Cleaning Tips:
- DIY Cleaning: Sweep out ashes and clean the hearth. A paste of baking soda and water is excellent for removing soot stains.
- Professional Help: For a thorough clean and servicing, hire a certified chimney sweep.
- Accessories: Dust and polish fireplace tools, and replace decorative logs or ornaments if necessary.
Extra Tip: If your fireplace is purely decorative, consider adding LED candles or fairy lights for a cosy yet low-maintenance effect.
4. Inventory Checks
While you’re cleaning your holiday let, it’s important to double check that you have a well-stocked and organised property, as this prevents complaints and enhances your guests’ stay.
Inventory Tips:
- Essentials: Ensure there’s enough crockery, cutlery, and glassware for your property’s maximum guest capacity.
- Small Appliances: Check items like the kettle, toaster, and hairdryer are in working order.
- Entertainment: Refresh your collection of books, board games, and DVDs to keep guests entertained during their stay.
- Storage Solutions: Use clear bins or labelled baskets to organise spare linens, towels, and other essentials.
Extra Tip: Keep a detailed inventory list and conduct checks after each stay to ensure everything is in its place.
5. Touch up paint
A fresh coat of paint is a simple yet effective way to keep your property looking pristine.
Painting Tips:
- High-Traffic Areas: Focus on hallways, doors, and skirting boards, which are prone to wear and tear.
- Feature Walls: A bold accent wall can add a modern, stylish touch to living spaces or bedrooms.
- Quality Paint: Opt for durable, washable paint to keep your property looking fresh for longer.
Extra Tip: Use a tester pot to ensure the paint matches existing colours before starting touch-ups.
6. Inspect and Refresh Linen
When it comes to holiday cottage cleaning tips, ensuring crisp, clean linens are an essential way for guaranteeing great guest experience, so don’t overlook their upkeep.
Linen Tips:
- Replace Tired Items: Check for signs of wear, such as thinning fabric or faded colours, and replace them as needed.
- Rotation: Rotate your linens regularly to ensure even wear and maximise their lifespan.
- Iron or Steam: Crisp, neatly pressed bedding gives a luxurious hotel feel.
Extra Tip: Provide spare throws or blankets in a neutral colour for added comfort on cooler evenings.
7. Update Your Welcome Pack
A well-thought-out welcome pack can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Welcome Pack Tips:
- Local Touches: Add some locally sourced goodies, like biscuits, jams, or a bottle of wine, to showcase the area.
- Personalised Note: Include a handwritten welcome message to make guests feel special.
- Digital Options: Provide QR codes linking to appliance manuals, local attractions, and emergency contacts for added convenience.
Extra Tip: Include a small map with recommendations for restaurants, walks, and attractions nearby. We’ve also got a handy guide that’ll help you create the perfect welcome pack.
8. Ensure Compliance
Maintaining up-to-date compliance ensures your property is safe and gives you peace of mind.
Compliance Tips:
- Annual Checks: Schedule inspections for gas, electricity, and fire safety equipment.
- Fire Safety: Check smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
- Legal Documents: Ensure your public liability insurance and other certifications are current and accessible.
Extra Tip: Keep copies of compliance certificates in a folder for easy reference in case of inspections or emergencies. Our helpful blog will take you through all the Holiday Let Regulations in Wales.
9. Refresh Your Photography
Great photos are one of your most powerful marketing tools, so it’s essential to keep them up to date. The perfect time to refresh your photography is right after completing your holiday cottage deep clean when your property is looking its absolute best. Don’t miss the chance to capture your holiday let at its most inviting—those images could be the key to attracting future guests!
Photography Tips:
- Natural Light: Take photos during the day when rooms are filled with natural light for a warm and inviting look.
- Seasonal Styling: Add fresh flowers or spring-themed decor to make your property feel more vibrant and appealing.
- Angles and Details: Include wide-angle shots of the rooms and close-ups of unique features to showcase your property’s charm.
Extra Tip: Consider letting your property with Coast and Country Holidays, who can arrange for a professional photographer to capture stunning, high-quality images that will make your listing stand out online.
Spring cleaning your holiday let isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating an exceptional experience for your guests and ensuring your property stands out in a competitive market.
By tackling everything from deep cleaning and exterior upkeep to fresh photography and compliance checks, you’ll be setting your property up for success in the busy season ahead.
A well-maintained holiday home leads to happy guests, glowing reviews, and a thriving holiday letting business.
Take the hassle out of holiday letting with our Managed Service…
For those who prefer to take the hassle out of holiday letting, Coast and Country Holidays offers a comprehensive managed service designed to make your experience seamless.
Our expert team takes care of everything, including housekeeping, maintenance, and routine inspections, to ensure your property is always in top condition.
We also handle invoicing, guest feedback, and provide clear guidance when it comes to compiling with holiday let rules and regulations, as well as Health and Safety standards.
With Coast and Country Holidays, you can relax knowing that every detail is covered, giving you more time to enjoy the rewards of your investment.
Get in touch with us today and let us help you make holiday letting effortless!
As a holiday letting owner you are responsible for compliance with health & safety laws, regulations and guidance, and for having suitable insurances in place (not Sykes Holiday Cottages or its brands). From time to time, Sykes shares information with you on the topic of health and safety and insurance. When it does so, it is not providing you with advice (legal, financial, tax or otherwise); please seek your own as you see fit. In addition, it is not making any representations or warranties about the information being complete or free from errors or inaccuracies. Sykes shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising under or in connection with your reliance on it.
