Understanding the Real Costs Behind Every Turnover
“It’s just cleaning, right?”
Not quite. While it may seem simple—guests check out, cleaners tidy up, and the next guests arrive—the reality of short-term rental cleaning is much more complex. At Lakeshores Accommodation, we often get asked why cleaning costs are higher than a regular house clean. The answer? It’s not just cleaning—it’s a professional, high-pressure service that goes far beyond wiping down surfaces.
Here’s why short-term rental cleaning is more expensive than it appears—and why it’s one of the most crucial elements in delivering a 5-star guest experience.
1. Turnover Cleans Are Not Like Domestic Cleans
Short-term rental properties need to be cleaned, reset, and presented to hotel-like standards between each booking—often within a few hours. This isn’t a light tidy; it’s a deep clean, linen change, amenities restock, rubbish removal, and a full reset for new guests who expect perfection.
Each clean is essentially a fresh start, and it must be right the first time. There are no shortcuts or “we’ll get it next week.”
2. Labour Shortages in Regional Areas
Lake Macquarie, like many popular coastal destinations, is facing a significant shortage of cleaning and hospitality staff. COVID-19 drove away the backpackers and international students who traditionally filled these roles, and many haven’t returned. Meanwhile, limited housing in holiday towns makes it difficult to attract permanent workers.
This shortage means cleaners are in high demand, and to retain skilled staff, we must offer competitive rates—comparable to trades. Cleaning is physically demanding, requires travel, and comes with inconsistent hours. It’s not an easy job to fill.
3. Tight Turnaround Times & Travel
Unlike residential cleaning, where timing is flexible, short-term rental cleaning must happen within a 10am–2pm window. Our cleaners often have just one opportunity to complete a clean before the next guest checks in. Add travel time between properties—each with its own layout and expectations—and it becomes a complex, time-sensitive task.
4. Housekeeping, Not Just Cleaning
Each clean includes:
- Full linen change and bed-making
- Restocking toiletries and consumables
- Detailed kitchen and bathroom sanitisation
- Outdoor checks (like BBQs or bins)
- Reporting any damage or maintenance issues
This level of service is what today’s guests expect. Post-COVID, cleanliness is not just about visual appeal—it’s about hygiene, safety, and peace of mind.
5. Linen Logistics & Supply Chain Challenges
We use hotel-grade linen, the same quality you’d find in a Hilton. But unlike a hotel, our properties are scattered across a large region. Linen must be packed, delivered, picked up, laundered, and redistributed. Rising fuel prices, supplier costs, and logistical complexity all contribute to the cleaning bill.
6. Inspections & Quality Assurance
At Lakeshores, every clean is reviewed. Our team uses inspection software to record and verify cleans before guests arrive. We also complete random on-site checks to maintain standards and ensure nothing is missed. This investment protects guest satisfaction, prevents negative reviews, and reduces the need for costly re-cleans.
7. Cleaners Are the First Line of Property Care
Our cleaners are trained to flag issues like:
- Missing or damaged items
- Maintenance problems (e.g. broken blinds or lights)
- Unauthorised guest use or smoking
- Signs of misuse or excessive mess
They are our eyes and ears between stays—essential for keeping your property in great shape and identifying issues early.
8. Professional, Insured, and Compliant
We run a professional, legitimate operation. Cleaners are properly invoiced, insured, and tax-compliant—protecting you, the guest, and our business. We don’t do cash jobs or cut corners. We also invest in ongoing training, recruitment, insurance, and compliance processes to ensure the highest standards.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just Cleaning—It’s a Guest Experience
Every cleaner we hire plays a direct role in your property’s success. Their work influences guest reviews, repeat bookings, and your overall income. A good clean can earn a 5-star review. A poor clean? Refunds, complaints, and damage to your reputation.
At Lakeshores Accommodation, we’ve spent years refining our cleaning program because we know it’s one of the most important aspects of short-term rental management. While it may cost more than a domestic clean, it’s an investment in your property’s performance—and in peace of mind for you and your guests.
Have questions or want to know more about our cleaning standards?
Feel free to get in touch with our team—transparency and quality are what we’re all about.
Lakeshores Accommodation
Your property, professionally managed.